A review by candicen423
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

Why on earth did I put off reading this for so long?? This was definitely one of the most unique fantasy books I’ve read in quite awhile. Not only is Ravka is such a richly conceived world, it’s filled with an entire cast of very complex characters, which combined with this elaborately crafted Grisha magic this was honestly incredible. Yes, the Darkling was a little creepy but that’s kind of his job lol. I totally love the whole you’re-my-best-friend-and-I-wont-do-anything-to-mess-that-up-but-I’m-also-secretly-completely-and-totally-in-love-with-you vibe between Alina and Mal. Reading reviews I saw so many people complaining about Alina but I actually really liked her! She’s a rather morally gray complex character so I really appreciated watching her personality develop. I immediately had to pick up Siege and Storm after that ending and I can only hope the rest of the Shadow and Bone series (And all of the Grishaverse to follow) is this enjoyable!

Side note- when will people learn not to fall for immortal guys? It’s never a good idea and yet…