A review by jenhurst
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

3.0

I had actually forgotten most of this book since the first time I read it. I actually found the book itself pretty forgettable. On reread, I hate Mal even more upon a reread. It’s literally in his name, which in French means bad, wrong, evil, sad. It’s basically impossible not to root for Alina and the Darkling. I know he’s evil, but at least he’s got some characterization and personality. The writing reads a little bit like a debut novel and a story fragment. It felt like plot points needed to be hit, and that’s what happened. It has some of the (2009-2014) tropes that I personally hate. Girl on girl hate. Alina is the plain, girl and all the pretty girls are evil. Some random beautification scene. Alina being “not like other girls”. But overall, still an enjoyable story and an enjoyable world. The grisha magic is interesting and I like how it is Russian inspired. It was better than I remember and I understand the hype.