A review by konstantina
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Fine. Make me your villain.

If you're a lifelong fantasy lover, you will thoroughly enjoy the Grishaverse. Shadow and Bone is a typical ya fantasy novel of the 2010s, but the Grisha magic system is so unique that it allows you to look past plot clichés. The villain, Darkling, is interesting, although his abusive "relationship" (if you can even call it that) with the MC is romanticised by the fandom often. 

A good start to the series!
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