A review by izzyjunghans
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous funny hopeful mysterious sad fast-paced

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

3.0

I feel like this book was slightly underwhelming, possibly because I went in with such high expectations. It kind of felt like I was reading a wattpad book (I love them, but they’re so simple) and I just kept comparing it to literary masterpieces like the poppy wars or the red rising series, where everything is so intricate, complex (and gruesome I suppose). I don’t know if this was wanted, but it was nearly impossible to feel any connection to the love interests and even though it had the length of a normal novel it passed by so quickly that everything seemed to be rushed (even if I guess it was not). Was this initially supposed to be a standalone? I doubt it, but while reading it, it felt like it. So much plot potential stuffed into 328 pages. I guess I have to continue reading to actually see where this goes. I really liked the royal setting and Alina’s progress, but (…)

I did not like how long it took for them to find the stag, like yes draw it out but not for that long and Alina’s actions were so annoying at some points. They were understandable, yet often times so infuriating. Also tbh even after the “betrayal” of the darkling I still thought he was super hot, I would not mind them having a second chance (maybe because he’s the villain ;))