Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

43 reviews

maryjames's review

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gaslighting, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Blood and Bullying

Minor: Death of parent and Rape

readwithde's review

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Ravka. A country torn in half by darkness, the Fold -- a thick wall of night full of death and monsters -- with most of its people cut off from the sea, from imports and goods needed to survive, and from weapons to defend from their enemies. To the north, Fjerda, which views the Grishas as witches to be burned; to the south, Shu Han, where Grisha are experiments to study. Across the Fold, west Ravka has become New Ravka, and has begun to pull away from the "old country" in order to fend for themselves. 

In the midst of war, politics, and chaos, Alina rises to power as the first known Sun Summoner, a bringer of light that can allow many to be able to cross the Fold, or perhaps destroy it all-together.

While the book reminded me of many YA series (Hunger Games particularly), it felt fresh and distinct in telling this similar story. The war and politics reminded me of Firefly and Serenity, especially the volcra as surrogate reavers. Despite the fact that the story seemed familiar, I was hooked and delighted all the way through, and genuinely surprised by some of the events that happened. 

My one biggest complaint is the lack of chemistry and romantic tension between Alina and most other characters.

It is easier to understand her love for Mal given their strong bond and history, but the story between Alina and The Darkling came out of nowhere and ended just as abruptly; it is never fully explained or addressed, and while it could have been his attempt to manipulate her, we're given very little knowledge as to why it may work. They don't flirt, they barely talk, and no reason is developed for her to like him at all or even see him as a possible relationship. It just came across as very odd to me.

Despite that blip, the worldbuilding is spectacular, the characters seem very grounded in the world, and I'm excited to jump into Siege and Storm soon.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, and War

Minor: Animal death, Blood, Death of parent, Medical content, and Toxic relationship

stephdux's review

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault

fenna2002's review

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Animal death, Blood, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Violence

tothelibraryandbeyond's review

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Abandonment, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Genocide, and Violence

nadiana's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

2.4/5 Stars.

Many years back, this book made me fall in love with reading as well as the entire genre of fantasy romance. As far as I was concerned, it was a guilty pleasure, and even after this re-read, I must say, it still is. 

Not a lot of strong feelings are connected to this first book but I don't know if that's going to change once I re-read Siege and Storm. However, having watched the Shadow and Bone netflix trailer previous to re-reading this made the whole experience way better, especially concerning the book's main ship which I felt more connected to than ever before. 

Leigh's writing obviously isn't the best this early in her career, but all-in-all it was an easy and quick read, just a tad bit below average considering the story, plot, execution and pace. The ending felt very rushed as well, and honestly, this book could've been longer for more developed plots and character arcs which would've probably made the story a whole lot better. 

However, I'm still searching for that perfect guilty pleasure book, and quite honestly, I'm getting obsessively desperate at this point...

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Abandonment, Blood, Bullying, Death, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Xenophobia

Minor: Animal death, Body horror, and Body shaming

erovelo's review

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Death, Racism, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Sexual violence

sapphic_reader's review

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, and Violence

Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Rape, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Death of parent, Genocide, and Sexual assault

manarnia's review against another edition

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a super fun and exciting read! I was very wrapped up in it, and I can't wait to read the next book. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death

Moderate: Abandonment, Blood, Body horror, Bullying, Kidnapping, and Slavery

Minor: Body shaming, Death of parent, Death, Gore, Violence, and Sexual harassment

erynmcvay's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

My review is probably biased because I watched the show first and really loved it, but I really loved this book. I’m so enthralled by Ravka and the Grisha and can’t wait to see how Alina’s journey will progress over the next two books. Obviously ... a big part of my love for this book is my love for all-powerful, ancient, impossibly handsome, mean men.

The Darkling is a true villain in the way that his actions are objectively evil, and yet I really can see his own justification. I can understand why he does what he does, without feeling sympathy for him.

Also I want him to kiss me.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Slavery, Torture, Medical trauma, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, Death, Bullying, Body horror, and Blood