Scan barcode
A review by cluckieduck
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
The start of this series is a quick, easy read with an interesting premise, but it flounders a bit under some common YA tropes and, overall, I found it a tad on the dull side.
The setting (the Grishaverse, I guess) has some interesting Russian-esque influences which would have benefit from a bit more fleshing-out. Much of the ‘scene-setting’ is all about cliques, classism, and low-level racial stereotypes.
Alina, as our heroine and 1st-person narrator, could also use some work. So much of her time is spent discussing her looks, and how she’s not beautiful, and doesn’t belong with the Grishas. It’s practically her whole identity, the other being her lack of confidence and disbelief in her own powers.
All in all, I’m not completely put off, and will continue with the series because I think there’s something here. But it seems like it may just be a popcorn fluff, kinda series.
The setting (the Grishaverse, I guess) has some interesting Russian-esque influences which would have benefit from a bit more fleshing-out. Much of the ‘scene-setting’ is all about cliques, classism, and low-level racial stereotypes.
Alina, as our heroine and 1st-person narrator, could also use some work. So much of her time is spent discussing her looks, and how she’s not beautiful, and doesn’t belong with the Grishas. It’s practically her whole identity, the other being her lack of confidence and disbelief in her own powers.
All in all, I’m not completely put off, and will continue with the series because I think there’s something here. But it seems like it may just be a popcorn fluff, kinda series.
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship and Violence