A review by oliviadeltufo
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It was an enjoyable read and I was left surprised at the fast pace in the beginning of it. However,the timing in this book turns out to be a bit odd. In reality this book moves quickly but there is awhile where you feel as if the character is stuck in the same routine forever. Only to find out it wasn't very long at all in the scheme of things. It had all of the fantasy world building you could want but I personally found it wasn't very attention grabbing. Overall it was a mediocre read but I will be finishing the series.

I found the Darling to be really disgusting and some of the things he did to Alina and their world unforgiveable. I don't see how anyone could wish them to be together. I highly doubt anything that will come up in the next books will redeem him for me.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault

Minor: Violence, Toxic relationship, Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Gore, Mental illness, and Sexual content

The Darkling kisses Alina without warning and she seems to remain conflicted about it the rest of the book. It is also later assumed he only did it to distract her from learning his schemes.