Scan barcode
tothelibraryandbeyond's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Animal death, Blood, Bullying, Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Murder, Genocide, and Violence
nadiana's review against another edition
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...
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...
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
earthtonesreads's review against another edition
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Body horror, Body shaming, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Suicidal thoughts
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.
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
lilifane's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
This was a super quick, super fun read. I enjoyed it a lot. I think it's good that I waited so long after finishing the Six of Crows duology before I started this one, though.
I love Leigh Bardugo's writing style. It was really smooth and engaging, the story didn't drag at any point. I love the Grisha world although I think a little bit more world building and magic training would have made it even better. I hope there will be some more of this in the next books.
What surprised me the most was Alina. I usually don't like chosen ones in YA fantasy books. They tend to whine a lot but Alina is just really funny. I loved her humour, her straight forwardness in most situations. I could relate to her a lot.
I was also surprised that I wasn't annoyed by the romance plot/ "love triangle". I guess it's because Alina ist such a cool character to be in the head of. Everything she did and felt was believable to me.
Also, the Darkling? .... let's call him my guilty pleasure character, my problematic fav. I have so many thoughts on him and I really like him as a character.
When it comes to the story, it was solid. I actually quite enjoyed how straight forward it was. The plot twist ... threw me off a little at first but the more I thought about it the more I was on board with it, because it added a layer to the main themes of the book. And I absolutely loved these. It seems like a 0815 fantasy plot with a chosen one and his (or in this case her) mission to save the world. But it also explores deeper themes like the wish to belong somewhere, to feel wanted. It shows how supressing a major part of you can weaken you. These topics still resonated with me although I'm not really the target audience, because they are important for every age range.
So yeah, I was positively surprised by this book and I can't wait to continue the series.
I love Leigh Bardugo's writing style. It was really smooth and engaging, the story didn't drag at any point. I love the Grisha world although I think a little bit more world building and magic training would have made it even better. I hope there will be some more of this in the next books.
What surprised me the most was Alina. I usually don't like chosen ones in YA fantasy books. They tend to whine a lot but Alina is just really funny. I loved her humour, her straight forwardness in most situations. I could relate to her a lot.
I was also surprised that I wasn't annoyed by the romance plot/ "love triangle". I guess it's because Alina ist such a cool character to be in the head of. Everything she did and felt was believable to me.
Also, the Darkling? .... let's call him my guilty pleasure character, my problematic fav. I have so many thoughts on him and I really like him as a character.
When it comes to the story, it was solid. I actually quite enjoyed how straight forward it was. The plot twist ... threw me off a little at first but the more I thought about it the more I was on board with it, because it added a layer to the main themes of the book. And I absolutely loved these. It seems like a 0815 fantasy plot with a chosen one and his (or in this case her) mission to save the world. But it also explores deeper themes like the wish to belong somewhere, to feel wanted. It shows how supressing a major part of you can weaken you. These topics still resonated with me although I'm not really the target audience, because they are important for every age range.
So yeah, I was positively surprised by this book and I can't wait to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Gore, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Body shaming
libraryluna's review against another edition
1.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder and Body shaming
beccasbookcase's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, and Body shaming
oliviadeltufo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
3.0
It was an enjoyable read and I was left surprised at the fast pace in the beginning of it. However,the timing in this book turns out to be a bit odd. In reality this book moves quickly but there is awhile where you feel as if the character is stuck in the same routine forever. Only to find out it wasn't very long at all in the scheme of things. It had all of the fantasy world building you could want but I personally found it wasn't very attention grabbing. Overall it was a mediocre read but I will be finishing the series. I found the Darling to be really disgusting and some of the things he did to Alina and their world unforgiveable. I don't see how anyone could wish them to be together. I highly doubt anything that will come up in the next books will redeem him for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Violence, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gore, Mental illness, and Sexual content
a_novaturient_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Toxic relationship
Minor: Body shaming, Murder, Grief, and Emotional abuse
More...