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yasidiaz's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.75
When Alina Starkov unleashes a dormant power she is taken to train among the Grisha, the powerful elite army of Ravka. Longing for a place to belong and overwhelmed with the feeling of being Ravka’s last flick of hope, she gives it her all. However, she soon finds out the court is not what it seems and she must be careful who she trusts.
It has been a long time since I have read a YA fantasy like this. I’m surprised it took me so long to read this because this genre was my thing back when I was 15 and 16. Now my tastes have shifted significantly. I focus now more on romance, specifically queer romance, so being fully honest, I worried if I still enjoyed this genre. And as it turns out, I still very much do.
The amount of effort put into worldbuilding made me realize how much I missed a good fantasy book. I loved all the little details, the differences between different areas of Ravka, and the political complexities of the court and the Grisha (although I hope to get more of that in the next book).
The Darkling was also a very interesting character and I liked how the book kept you on your toes with his character. In contrast, I found it so easy to trust Mal. From the moment he first appeared he became my boy and wanted to give him everything.
Alina was a great protagonist as well. I love when characters are flawed and you see them grow as the story progresses. However, I do hope in the next and other books her powers and strength go beyond her love for Mal.
This was a good book to get back into the high fantasy genre and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Sexual violence and Sexual harassment
s1x0fh03s's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Body horror, Violence, and War
giulianalb99's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
⚠️THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS⚠️
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is a YA fantasy that takes place in the kingdom of Ravka. It is a world at war inhabited by Grisha, people who have the ability to manipulate elements such as fire and wind. This book follows Alina Starkov as she discovers she is a rare Sun Summoner, destined to bring down the Shadow Fold, a band of living darkness dividing Ravka. Treachery and danger wait at every turn, and Alina must use all of her wits and power to stop those who would use the Fold as a weapon.
➵What is infinite? The universe and the greed of men.
I have a lot to say about this book, so buckle up because THIS IS MY RANT OF THE DAY!
First of all, let's talk about the characters, shall we?
I don't like Alina too much, to be honest. Throughout the whole book, I just couldn't connect with her. I felt like she was just a pick me girl and I hate when women are written like stupid and naive characters who need men to save them. Even though she knew some of her actions were wrong, she kept on making mistakes to later on realizing she fucked up, like please girl grow tf up. Also, instead of worrying about what might happen to the world, she only cared about Mal (someone who I felt didn't care about her at all) and about the fucked up Darkling, because after she found out his secret intentions, she let him kiss her... sorry, what???? I hope in the next books she develops a huge character development, cause if not, I will go mad.
Am I mentally ill and in need of a therapist if a say I liked The Darkling? probably yes, but I
don't care because I just kept imagining Ben Barnes and that man has my entire permission to run me over, period. I would've liked to know more about his past (and I know there's a graphic novel about him, but I was told I couldn't read it until I read the second book of the series) and how he became who he is, but I guess I'll just have to wait. His dark aura and how mysterious he is I think is what I liked the most about him, but I didn't like how he treated Alina (the gaslighting was huge). Also, I'm 100% sure he's not dead.
Now... Mal is horrible, I'm sorry. Why does he blame Alina for HIS actions?? Shut up, dude! And I have these weird vibes because I think he's hiding something from Alina. This man being the love interest is just a fucking crime.
I liked Baghra, but I don’t understand why she kept on bullying Alina. I know se was preparing her to something huge, but the bullying was unnecessary.
I think the only character that I loved since the very first second she appears is Genya. Again, I think it would've been so much better if I knew a little bit of her, but I think Bardugo just doesn’t like you to know more about the characters she writes.
➵The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak.
Okay so my sincere opinion on this one I would say it’s kind of neutral. I didn’t have any kind of expectations before diving into it so that was much better considering my disappointment. Don’t get me wrong, the book is good, but it felt bland to me.
1. The worldbuilding is not the best, and I know it’s a YA but believe me when I say I’ve read other YA books that the worldbuilding was a freaking masterpiece, so I’m sorry but that’s not an excuse. I don’t know if this was the author’s first ever written book, but it’s just meh.
2. The amount of times I’ve read the word kefta it’s insane. Has anyone ever told Bardugo that a dictionary of synonyms EXIST???? And yes, I know it’s the Grisha’s outfits, but she could’ve said COAT of ANY OTHER WORD, but not kefta a billion times!!!
3. I was really excited of knowing that it was inspired by Russian culture, but it was like any other fantasy book, the only thing that changed was that there were a few words in Russian and that’s it. I was expecting to read at least a glint of their culture but nope, zero.
4. Regarding n3, it would’ve been SO much better if at the end of the book there was a glossary with the meaning of the words because girl, I👏🏼DON’T👏🏼KNOW👏🏼SHIT👏🏼ABOUT👏🏼RUSSIAN👏🏼.
5. There wasn’t any huge character development, and I hope we get a GOOD one out of Alina, because so far I can’t stand her. PLEASE GIRL STOP GOING WITH MEN THAT DON’T CARE ABOUT YOU (that’s why you need to listen to You’re on your own, kid by Taylor Swift, please girl).
6. I couldn’t wait to finish it, istg the last chapters were longer than my fucking existence.
7. Why is there a king in the fucking palace if you’re not going to say ANYTHING about him??? Like, why is he there? What does he exactly do? Why is there a monarchy to start with?
8. Why didn’t the author explain just A LITTLE of the world they all live in, the magic, the traditions, etc.? This book had such a wasted potential, and I’m 100% sure it would’ve been so much better if it was LONGER.
9. I probably have more stuff to say but I tend to forget everything so yeah, bare with me and just be content with all I said👍🏼.
➵Fine. Make me your villain.
Now, the good things, YAAAAY!!!
1. I think this is a great book to start with fantasy, so if you’re new to the genre, give this book a try!
2. I read it really fast actually, it is short so that’s a good point.
3. Ben Barnes.
4. The 3rd point.
5. It is entertaining.
6. The 0.25 extra was because of the ending, btw. It was kinda good(?).
7. Did I read this so I can read Six of Crows after finishing the trilogy? Yes.
8. I will read the other books! My kindle is ✨prepared✨ (I don’t thing I will buy them though, sorry not sorry).
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is a YA fantasy that takes place in the kingdom of Ravka. It is a world at war inhabited by Grisha, people who have the ability to manipulate elements such as fire and wind. This book follows Alina Starkov as she discovers she is a rare Sun Summoner, destined to bring down the Shadow Fold, a band of living darkness dividing Ravka. Treachery and danger wait at every turn, and Alina must use all of her wits and power to stop those who would use the Fold as a weapon.
➵What is infinite? The universe and the greed of men.
I have a lot to say about this book, so buckle up because THIS IS MY RANT OF THE DAY!
First of all, let's talk about the characters, shall we?
I don't like Alina too much, to be honest. Throughout the whole book, I just couldn't connect with her. I felt like she was just a pick me girl and I hate when women are written like stupid and naive characters who need men to save them. Even though she knew some of her actions were wrong, she kept on making mistakes to later on realizing she fucked up, like please girl grow tf up. Also, instead of worrying about what might happen to the world, she only cared about Mal (someone who I felt didn't care about her at all) and about the fucked up Darkling, because after she found out his secret intentions, she let him kiss her... sorry, what???? I hope in the next books she develops a huge character development, cause if not, I will go mad.
Am I mentally ill and in need of a therapist if a say I liked The Darkling? probably yes, but I
don't care because I just kept imagining Ben Barnes and that man has my entire permission to run me over, period. I would've liked to know more about his past (and I know there's a graphic novel about him, but I was told I couldn't read it until I read the second book of the series) and how he became who he is, but I guess I'll just have to wait. His dark aura and how mysterious he is I think is what I liked the most about him, but I didn't like how he treated Alina (the gaslighting was huge). Also, I'm 100% sure he's not dead.
Now... Mal is horrible, I'm sorry. Why does he blame Alina for HIS actions?? Shut up, dude! And I have these weird vibes because I think he's hiding something from Alina. This man being the love interest is just a fucking crime.
I liked Baghra, but I don’t understand why she kept on bullying Alina. I know se was preparing her to something huge, but the bullying was unnecessary.
I think the only character that I loved since the very first second she appears is Genya. Again, I think it would've been so much better if I knew a little bit of her, but I think Bardugo just doesn’t like you to know more about the characters she writes.
➵The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak.
Okay so my sincere opinion on this one I would say it’s kind of neutral. I didn’t have any kind of expectations before diving into it so that was much better considering my disappointment. Don’t get me wrong, the book is good, but it felt bland to me.
1. The worldbuilding is not the best, and I know it’s a YA but believe me when I say I’ve read other YA books that the worldbuilding was a freaking masterpiece, so I’m sorry but that’s not an excuse. I don’t know if this was the author’s first ever written book, but it’s just meh.
2. The amount of times I’ve read the word kefta it’s insane. Has anyone ever told Bardugo that a dictionary of synonyms EXIST???? And yes, I know it’s the Grisha’s outfits, but she could’ve said COAT of ANY OTHER WORD, but not kefta a billion times!!!
3. I was really excited of knowing that it was inspired by Russian culture, but it was like any other fantasy book, the only thing that changed was that there were a few words in Russian and that’s it. I was expecting to read at least a glint of their culture but nope, zero.
4. Regarding n3, it would’ve been SO much better if at the end of the book there was a glossary with the meaning of the words because girl, I👏🏼DON’T👏🏼KNOW👏🏼SHIT👏🏼ABOUT👏🏼RUSSIAN👏🏼.
5. There wasn’t any huge character development, and I hope we get a GOOD one out of Alina, because so far I can’t stand her. PLEASE GIRL STOP GOING WITH MEN THAT DON’T CARE ABOUT YOU (that’s why you need to listen to You’re on your own, kid by Taylor Swift, please girl).
6. I couldn’t wait to finish it, istg the last chapters were longer than my fucking existence.
7. Why is there a king in the fucking palace if you’re not going to say ANYTHING about him??? Like, why is he there? What does he exactly do? Why is there a monarchy to start with?
8. Why didn’t the author explain just A LITTLE of the world they all live in, the magic, the traditions, etc.? This book had such a wasted potential, and I’m 100% sure it would’ve been so much better if it was LONGER.
9. I probably have more stuff to say but I tend to forget everything so yeah, bare with me and just be content with all I said👍🏼.
➵Fine. Make me your villain.
Now, the good things, YAAAAY!!!
1. I think this is a great book to start with fantasy, so if you’re new to the genre, give this book a try!
2. I read it really fast actually, it is short so that’s a good point.
3. Ben Barnes.
4. The 3rd point.
5. It is entertaining.
6. The 0.25 extra was because of the ending, btw. It was kinda good(?).
7. Did I read this so I can read Six of Crows after finishing the trilogy? Yes.
8. I will read the other books! My kindle is ✨prepared✨ (I don’t thing I will buy them though, sorry not sorry).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Death, Gaslighting, Torture, Misogyny, Sexism, Murder, Violence, and War
Moderate: Kidnapping
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, and Cursing
catherinedsharp's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Some interesting aspects (especially the villains!!) but I wouldn’t say this is the greatest fantasy I’ve ever read. Played heavily into the tropes and main character ideas but some cool world building and ideas; just not the greatest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Animal death
cecinamo's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
It was a very good book! I loved the Darkling and Alina banter. xD It was a very easy and fast read. I was done with it in a few hours. :>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Blood, Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
wickedgrumpy's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Decidedly on the okay to meh spectrum..
The world building and magic system is interesting (if not semi-lazy with the quasi-Russian culture) but the characters are flat and one dimensional. I was waffling on whether or not to continue the series but the idea of what comes next from the main character's POV doesn't thrill me so I'll probably look up what happens instead.
It's bizarre that the main character starts out as an orphan from war (roughly 8 years old), and seems mature beyond her 17 years by the time the main story arc starts (she is an apprentice cartographer in the army), and then regresses into angsty teenager drama full of petty, juvenile, and shallow plot points because of a chosen one trope?
Lastly, the romance was bad. Both dudes are controlling and manipulative, want to possess her, don't actually care what she wants. Think of any high school romance drama and you will understand the tropes thrown in this book. There's literally a glow up/makeover scene (multiple times actually because they want to emphasize how much she's changed from the 'skinny-but-not-in-a-hot-way' person she was before).
The world building and magic system is interesting (if not semi-lazy with the quasi-Russian culture) but the characters are flat and one dimensional. I was waffling on whether or not to continue the series but the idea of what comes next from the main character's POV doesn't thrill me so I'll probably look up what happens instead.
It's bizarre that the main character starts out as an orphan from war (roughly 8 years old), and seems mature beyond her 17 years by the time the main story arc starts (she is an apprentice cartographer in the army), and then regresses into angsty teenager drama full of petty, juvenile, and shallow plot points because of a chosen one trope?
Lastly, the romance was bad. Both dudes are controlling and manipulative, want to possess her, don't actually care what she wants. Think of any high school romance drama and you will understand the tropes thrown in this book. There's literally a glow up/makeover scene (multiple times actually because they want to emphasize how much she's changed from the 'skinny-but-not-in-a-hot-way' person she was before).
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Classism, Dysphoria, Blood, Bullying, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Sexual harassment, Gaslighting, Murder, Stalking, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, War, Alcohol, Eating disorder, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Violence
redherring's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Kind of predictable and the main character is annoying as hell but I bought the next two books after I finished it. Interesting plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, War, Violence, Toxic relationship, Murder, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Violence, Torture, Sexual assault, Misogyny, and Kidnapping
Minor: Alcohol and Death of parent
shannonmarie's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I got through this book extremely fast and it kept my attention really well throughout. I love the world but the characters generally fell a little flat to me. I plan to read the rest of the trilogy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Child abuse and Eating disorder
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