A review by vexasaurus_rex
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

3.75/5 Rating

"Fight me as long as you're able. You will find I have far more practice with eternity"

I read Shadow and Bone after watching the first season of the Netflix adaptation and thoroughly enjoying the show. In the book, I enjoyed the expanded dialogue, and the way that we get to see into the depths of certain characters more. I enjoyed the Darkling's character in the show, but found I almost like him even more in the book.

He's just such a multi-faceted, complex character.

Really, the only slight issue I had with the book (and the show) is that all of the romance feels very rushed and out of nowhere. I suppose that comes with the territory when the books aren't enormous and neither is the first season of the show. But I found myself wanting more interactions, more dialogue, and more romantic development in order to justify all of the relationship jumps that occurred in the writing. Other than that, I enjoy the concept of this story. It's very unique, and fresh (even for YA), and it was an easy, entertaining read. I'll definitely continue the series from this point.