Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Review

Title: Shadow and Bone

Series: The Shadow and Bone Trilogy #1 / Grishaverses #1

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis: ‘I’ve been waiting for you along time, Alina,’ he said. 
‘You and I are going to change the world’

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the world of the kingdom’s magical elite – the Grisha. Could she be the key setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a man of seductive charm and terrifying power. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Format: Paperback

Pages/Hours: 308 pages

Ownership: Own

My Rating: ★★★★★

Tags: Magic Users, Mythology, Royalty, War

Themes: Love Triangle (mild)

Review: Oh my god, I wish I had read this the day I bought it instead of waiting months and months! I was really surprised by this book. By how much I liked it and by how unpredictable the plot was (for me at least).

I absolutely LOVE the complex and alluring nature of the main villain. He’s as well rounded as Loki in the MCU. Someone I just love to hate (and maybe just love a little bit in general…).

It was just fantastic! I loved it and really want to keep reading the series but I have a feeling this is the kind of story I could get obsessed with so I’m going to try to pace myself….. try.

My edition included bonus material in the form of a letter Mal wrote to Alina while he was searching for the stag and an interview with Leigh.

Get the book: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis and book cover from Goodreads. Photos from my Instagram @elainehowlin_

Siege and Storm Review

Ruin and Rising Review