A review by jomarie
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous lighthearted mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

 I was hooked on the Grishaverse from the very first scene. I ADORE when science and magic are partners instead of foes. then, we layer in tension between nations and more between the rich and poor within just one nation. It felt like the sort of high fantasy you expect out of a Game of Thrones-type book, but without feeling too bogged down with the complexities - I had a blast with it! 

With the rich world, it was a little hard for me to get behind Alina as our hero because she, in contrast, felt sort of flat. I did eventually warm up to her. I also found most of the supporting cast to be balanced and I especially love Genya. She reminded me a lot of Iko from The Lunar Chronicles. There’s just something so healing about a girly, fierce friend. Meanwhile, the Darkling I felt started off great, but kind tarnished over time. I think I only liked him because I know Ben Barnes portrays the character in the Netflix show. 

Between the war, the secret experiments, the shady religious advisor, the mythos of the saints, and Alina’s journey being a literal embodiment of hope, there are SO many ways Bardugo could take this story and it keyed me up ready for the next one!