Scan barcode
A review by gabiirayner
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
4.0
I think this was some of the most fun I've had with a book for a while. The hard world building is gorgeously done, dropping you straight in the midst of it all without spelling out the history or explaining fictional terms to the reader. There is an assumed intelligence by Alina on the part of the reader and it is so refreshing. A narrator who understands that people will figure things out from context!!!!!! HOORAY!!!!!
The entire concept of the Grisha and the Shadow Fold as the main issue is creative in my eyes and it didn't feel at all like a chore to keep reading because it was so fresh and unique (despite reminding me of other classic YAs like The Hunger Games stylistically).
There was just a slight stumble towards the end as Alina had The Big Reveal; the pacing felt a teeny bit rushed during the explanation and I did lose track a little of what was being said within so much expository dialogue but nevertheless! I kept on going and things pieced back together for some more DRAMA and some more LOVELY stuff from Leigh Bardugo. I'm very excited to read the rest and fully immerse myself in this fun little world.
The entire concept of the Grisha and the Shadow Fold as the main issue is creative in my eyes and it didn't feel at all like a chore to keep reading because it was so fresh and unique (despite reminding me of other classic YAs like The Hunger Games stylistically).
There was just a slight stumble towards the end as Alina had The Big Reveal; the pacing felt a teeny bit rushed during the explanation and I did lose track a little of what was being said within so much expository dialogue but nevertheless! I kept on going and things pieced back together for some more DRAMA and some more LOVELY stuff from Leigh Bardugo. I'm very excited to read the rest and fully immerse myself in this fun little world.