Book Review: Shadow and Bone

Title: Shadow and Bone
Series: Grisha #1
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Pages: 358
Release Date: June 5, 2012
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Summary: The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance. 

Rating: 5

Review: This book was perfect and easily a new favourite fantasy! It's at the top f the favourites list right next to Throne of Glass.

There are so many wonderful things to say about this book! I loved the characters, the setting and the plot they were all flawless. The main character Alina never knew there was anything special about herself when she was younger. She was orphaned by the war that had been raging in Ravka for years. She grew up trying to be as normal as anyone could. When young children in Ravka are tested every year to see if they posses any Grisha powers, Alina did not or so she thought.  In wake of trouble and fear she discovered she was a light summoner.

Alina was so realistic. Throughout the entire book she was confused and wanted to find her way. She used to know she belonged with Mal, in the first army but once she became a Grisha she no longer knew where she belonged. Alina is a teenager and though we might not all be able to summon sun we all go through a process of discovering where we belong.

I loved all the characters including the darkling. They were all flawless and mysterious. At first you do love the darkling and then you discover his true intentions and you're supposed to love him less but I still loved him.

The story was fantastic and the world was beautiful. Ravka sounds gorgeous and the society was set up so it could actually function. The Grisha and nobles were upper class and they lived in a castle in the capital city of Os Alta. The names were all beautiful and unique which made the book even more interesting while trying to figure out how to say each name.

I thought everything was splendid and perfect. I recommend this book to everyone who wants a good fantasy.


DFTBA
-Janussa