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yoursbia's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I don't usually rate books 5 stars. I'm not an extreme person, usually keeping myself in the middle. However, I don't think I could give this book a rating lower than 5.
This book was everything I needed and more. As someone coming from a long book slump and just now getting into the fantasy "populars", I feel like Shadow and Bone was the perfect book for me.
This story was SO good. So much so that I can say there wasn't a single moment while reading it that I didn't enjoy. Every page of this book kept me even more captivated by the story than the last. I read it at record speed for me.
I think the way the author writes descriptions is what drew me in the most—it's just so beautiful. Every sentence that I read made it feel as if I were really living this story myself, inside the book.
I was instantly consumed by its world and characters the moment I first laid eyes on the page. It's such a creative but simple concept, too. What if darkness was a place? The Shadow Fold is by far my favorite part of this world. The magic is great too, and I loved memorizing the different colors of kefta and associating them with the right powers. I have to say I loved the Darklingat first, hated him at the end of the book, and I definitely did not see the plot twist coming. But I loved it either way.
I do think Alina and some other characters could do with a bit more personality, sometimes feeling too flat. But overall, this was an amazing read, so it didn't really bother me too much. And honestly, it might be something that we get to see in the next two books, so I'm keeping an open mind. I had so much fun, and I can't wait to read the next books!
This book was everything I needed and more. As someone coming from a long book slump and just now getting into the fantasy "populars", I feel like Shadow and Bone was the perfect book for me.
This story was SO good. So much so that I can say there wasn't a single moment while reading it that I didn't enjoy. Every page of this book kept me even more captivated by the story than the last. I read it at record speed for me.
I think the way the author writes descriptions is what drew me in the most—it's just so beautiful. Every sentence that I read made it feel as if I were really living this story myself, inside the book.
I was instantly consumed by its world and characters the moment I first laid eyes on the page. It's such a creative but simple concept, too. What if darkness was a place? The Shadow Fold is by far my favorite part of this world. The magic is great too, and I loved memorizing the different colors of kefta and associating them with the right powers. I have to say I loved the Darkling
I do think Alina and some other characters could do with a bit more personality, sometimes feeling too flat. But overall, this was an amazing read, so it didn't really bother me too much. And honestly, it might be something that we get to see in the next two books, so I'm keeping an open mind. I had so much fun, and I can't wait to read the next books!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Gaslighting
Minor: Murder and Death
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
tays_books's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Animal death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, War, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Adult/minor relationship, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent and Sexual assault
brooketreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was interested in watching the show, but wanted to read the books first. I have now checked out Shadow and Bone five times from my library and have finally read it! Lol anyway onto the review.
I wanted to love Shadow and Bone. I think I hyped it up so much with the constant checking it out and never actually getting to it. It just ended up feeling OK. It was kind of slow in the beginning. Then, it picked up when Alina went to the Little Palace. I loved the time at the Little Palace and I wish we would have gotten more of getting to know the different magic groups first hand. I felt we only got told or saw very little of the other groups. I felt there were some moments of immaturity that broke Alina’s character, like trying on the queen’s dress and when Alina “practically squealed” when Genya was going to do her makeup. It just didn’t fit for me. There were a couple other things that made me irritated. The start of the fete when people were riding zebras… and then the “After” when Bardugo decided to say the girl and the boy… like why are you trying to be illusive in the last small chapter of the book? We know who they are. My biggest issue was the fact that I liked The Darkling. So the whole last - I don’t know - 60 pages or so after Baghra came to Alina, I just didn’t like. I found her and Mal walking to the north entirely boring. Going to Butter week made me so annoyed, because apparently she learned nothing from just two days prior. All this being said, I’m not quite sure if I will read the rest of the Shadow and Bone trilogy. I may just skip to Six of Crows.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, and War
amongthestars's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
I didn't enjoy the romance sub plot, but the writing style is really good and the world building isn't very confusing which is nice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
onalark's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Sexual harassment, War, and Gore
Minor: Torture and Death
rach22's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Really enjoyed this! There were a few potholes that I found and sometimes it was very dramatic. How ever it was nice to read and full of adventure.
Had this on my shelf for ages and couldn’t bring myself to get to it but I’m glad I finally did.
Slightly confusing at times but very enjoyable read. Read it in the park one time. A good ease into the fantasy genre.
Had this on my shelf for ages and couldn’t bring myself to get to it but I’m glad I finally did.
Slightly confusing at times but very enjoyable read. Read it in the park one time. A good ease into the fantasy genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Murder, and Death
nataliebootlah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-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? No
4.0
Normally being trapped on the tarmac of an airport is a big no for me, dawg. But when it leads to an extra hour of uninterrupted reading, it’s not the worst thing in the world.
This is my first dive into Bardugo’s GrishaVerse. It was what I expected it to be: a fantasy book complete with the bad boy, the good guy, and the ordinary girl who’s really the heroine. Luckily there were some plot twists that I didn’t see coming, thus holding my attention despite the typical fantasy tropes. And despite the somewhat predictable plot twists, love triangle, and character growth, it seems like the promising start of a good series.
This is my first dive into Bardugo’s GrishaVerse. It was what I expected it to be: a fantasy book complete with the bad boy, the good guy, and the ordinary girl who’s really the heroine. Luckily there were some plot twists that I didn’t see coming, thus holding my attention despite the typical fantasy tropes. And despite the somewhat predictable plot twists, love triangle, and character growth, it seems like the promising start of a good series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Blood, Death, Animal death, and Violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship
bubbly_lara's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
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? No
4.75
Can confirm, the hype is real. This was sooo good!! I loved the world building and the story; Alina is such a relatable character, I felt so much for her. My absolute favourite scene of the book has to be right before Mal and Alina find Morozova's stag. Ugh, all the feels!
"I'm sorry it took me so long to see you, Alina. But I see you now."
My little heart just cannot... . I really liked how Alina realised what exactly she's capable of doing and I'm excited to see how her story continues.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to see you, Alina. But I see you now."
My little heart just cannot...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Classism
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and War
Minor: Death of parent