A review by milkylilia
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous challenging dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

Stuff happens but it sure doesn't feel like it. Every character ultimately falls flat and no one stands out. Anyone remotely interesting is a brief side character whose existence feels like it's only serving Alina in the story (Genya, Baghra etc.) I get that they aren't the focus, the book would surely be better if they were, but no one feels real. I kinda just ended up hating everyone.

The worldbuilding and lore are starting off great, but the way its presented just isn't it. The story just doesn't have the cast to back it up. It feels hollow.

Also it was personally horribly triggering to me because (TW)
I see so much of my abuser and rapist in the Darkling.
. I don't understand how his behaviour isn't talked about more.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings