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A review by chaptersonapage
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Shadow and Bone is the first book in the Shadow and Bone Trilogy and the first in the Grishaverse as a whole.
We are introduced to the world through the eyes of a girl named Alina. She grew up as an orphan and now works as a mapmaker. Her best friend, Mal, grew up with her at the orphanage, and he’s a tracker. They’re traveling with the armies and about to make their way across the Shadow Fold.
The Shadow Fold is a blemish on the world that splits the country. It’s where darkness flourishes and light dies. It’s filled with creatures called the volcra, which are only to eager to snatch up anyone they come across in their midst.
As they cross the Fold, a massive attack comes from the volcra. All seems to be lost with everyone getting slaughtered, but as the last rays of hope start to fade away, Alina unleashes a blinding power she didn’t know she had and revealing her long dormant Grisha abilities.
The world of the Grisha is very interesting. Each one has a different kind of power, and they’re categorized based on what they do. Only the Darkling stands alone, ruling over the rest. They learn at the Little Palace, where Alina starts her training. Alina is thrown into this life, and things come hard to her. Her power doesn’t seem to want to come forth, but she toils day after day, working to feel worthy of her new place with the Grisha.
I liked Alina. She made the best she could out of the situation she was given. Being taken away from the only life you ever knew can be hard, but she did all she could and grew into herself. She faced challenges she never knew she’d have, and she persevered.
Mal was also a great character. I loved the beginning, showing their closeness and how they care for one another. They grew up together and have such a special bond.
The Darkling was a mysterious character. So much about him is unknown to everyone around him. Alina has heard about him through stories, but meeting him is different than anything she’s ever imagined. He’s charming, but she seems to have trouble getting a proper read on him. I found him interesting to read about. I always want to know the ins and outs of things, so mysteries always draw me in. I wanted to know his true story, not just the rumors and fairytales whispered throughout the lands.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Some things and parts felt like they could have been fleshed out a little more, especially closer to the end, but it’s still a great book. I’m interested to see the direction the next book takes!
We are introduced to the world through the eyes of a girl named Alina. She grew up as an orphan and now works as a mapmaker. Her best friend, Mal, grew up with her at the orphanage, and he’s a tracker. They’re traveling with the armies and about to make their way across the Shadow Fold.
The Shadow Fold is a blemish on the world that splits the country. It’s where darkness flourishes and light dies. It’s filled with creatures called the volcra, which are only to eager to snatch up anyone they come across in their midst.
As they cross the Fold, a massive attack comes from the volcra. All seems to be lost with everyone getting slaughtered, but as the last rays of hope start to fade away, Alina unleashes a blinding power she didn’t know she had and revealing her long dormant Grisha abilities.
The world of the Grisha is very interesting. Each one has a different kind of power, and they’re categorized based on what they do. Only the Darkling stands alone, ruling over the rest. They learn at the Little Palace, where Alina starts her training. Alina is thrown into this life, and things come hard to her. Her power doesn’t seem to want to come forth, but she toils day after day, working to feel worthy of her new place with the Grisha.
I liked Alina. She made the best she could out of the situation she was given. Being taken away from the only life you ever knew can be hard, but she did all she could and grew into herself. She faced challenges she never knew she’d have, and she persevered.
Mal was also a great character. I loved the beginning, showing their closeness and how they care for one another. They grew up together and have such a special bond.
The Darkling was a mysterious character. So much about him is unknown to everyone around him. Alina has heard about him through stories, but meeting him is different than anything she’s ever imagined. He’s charming, but she seems to have trouble getting a proper read on him. I found him interesting to read about. I always want to know the ins and outs of things, so mysteries always draw me in. I wanted to know his true story, not just the rumors and fairytales whispered throughout the lands.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Some things and parts felt like they could have been fleshed out a little more, especially closer to the end, but it’s still a great book. I’m interested to see the direction the next book takes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Genocide, Kidnapping, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Violence