Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo | Book Review
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Book Review
How on earth have I not picked up Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo before now?! I’ve been meaning to… I just… get allergic to hyped books sometimes and then never read them (or read them super late).
I’ve not lived under a rock, so I’ve heard a lot about the series, so when I was at BKMRK’s blogger event and they had the NEW SHINY COVERS I was super excited. What was even more amazing was that I managed to win SIGNED SPECIAL COPIES OF THE NEW COVERS. Bask in their glory below!
Anyway this is meant to be a review of the books not just the covers (because we all know we’re not meant to judge by a cover… but we all still do it…)
Now, I don’t like to read special versions of books so when I saw Shadow and Bone on Audible’s 2 for 1 deal I snagged it up and Oh my gosh! I’ve devoured this audiobook!
Shadow and Bone is a compelling dark fantasy, making you question your loyalties and drawing you in ever further at the turn of each page.
Shadow and Bone (Shadow and Bone, #1) by Leigh Bardugo Published by Square Fish on January 5th 2012
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 416
Format: Audiobook
Goodreads
Alternative cover edition of ISBN13: 9781250027436.
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.
So when I first started listening to it I was a tiny bit confused, it wasn’t a book that I immediately felt comfortable in. After listening for long enough, probably about half an hour, and I started to get to grips with what a Grisha was I very quickly fell in love.
I found the romance in it a tad predictable, and some of the plot I could see coming a mile off, but I am quite astute at this and it does not put me off. This isn’t a criticism, it means that it was executed well! But the rest… OH BOY there were some real corkers in there that surprised the HECK outta me! I found it relatively fast paced but I’ve heard others didn’t so I guess that’s a bit subjective if you’re enjoying it?
The world building was ON POINT. Except for the Darkling, I am VERY confused how everyone just accepts that he’s different and special and I’m kinda convinced I missed something here? What’s going on people? (EDIT: I’ve actually read the rest now since writing that, and I kind of get it so it’s all good)
The novel starts with ‘Before’ and ends with ‘After’ which I really enjoyed as it brought a different tone of voice to the story.
The end left me wanting MORE and wondering how the story would continue? HOW I ASK?
There were so many twists and turns that I don’t want to give away but it was great! I’m certain there are a LOT more coming.
Alina. I love her so much. I think what was awesome was that she was like, real? Hah let me explain. Often characters are one thing. Like they’re strong or they’re weak and then as the book grows they develop. I felt it was different with Alina. She was very much swayed by her feelings and the circumstances she was in, which was so relatable. Yes we all love the idea of being this perfect person but we’re not. We’re also all not always flawed.
So like (minor spoiler incoming)View Spoiler » Finally something that was realistic!
Also another minor spoiler incoming –View Spoiler »
I really want to write about some of the other characters but a lot of what I loved about them would spoil it for you so I’m going to resist sharing those with you.
Lauren Fortgang was the narrator for Shadow and Bone, and I really enjoyed her performance. I felt the emotion with the characters, and was hooked at every second. Would definitely recommend the Audiobook!
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22 Comments
Yes! I also recently read Shadow and Bone for the first time and I’m so frustrated that I waited so long to read it! I mean, I love Six of Crows, I don’t know what convinced me to put it off! I agree with you, the ending left me wanting so much more and I’m so hyped to read the next book!
It’s not long now until it’s out?! I AM SO EXCITED FOR KING OF SCARS
I have these on my TBR pile, I can’t wait to read them! I love your review.
I’m obsessed with this trilogy 😍
It’s so so brilliant isn’t it
I haven’t read anything by this author and I really need to!
Yes you do omg!
I gave Shadow and Bone 3.5 stars, but it was so hyped up for me that I’ve considered re-reading it now that I know what to expect. I absolutely love the world, too. I never realized that Alina wasn’t like *ALL* powerful. Some other reviews say she’s a “special snowflake” or the “chosen one”. Honestly, I have to disagree. She definitely takes charge of her own destiny several times. I appreciate this review for bringing to my mind some aspects I overlooked. I still need to finish the series! I’m so hyped for King of Scars.
I think later in the series she becomes a bit more ‘all powerful’ but I still enjoy her character. The world is amazing, this series really blew me away! Thank you 😊
this is one of my all time favorite series!!!
It’s so so good!
pssst
i havent read the series yet. i guess i am stil living under a rock
READ IT! X
I am still living under a rock too don’t worry! Haven’t read Leigh Bardugo either! Love the style of your reviews!
Thank you so much! You should definitely pick it up it’s so enjoyable!
I loved the first book so much! I haven’t read any of the others but I need to because I so enjoyed the first one. I am glad you liked it! It is never too late to pick up a good books.
I love the whole series it’s amazing!
Ahhh I’ve heard such good stuff about this series! I’ll have to move it up in my TBR pile and see if I can’t get to it sooner, since so many people seem to enjoy it. 🙂 I’m looking forward to getting to it. Fantastic review!
Thank you! I really loved it and I urge you to read it soon gaga
Leigh Bardugo has been an author I’ve been meaning to check out, but for some reason, I still haven’t gotten around to it yet. This series sounds really, really fascinating. I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Plus, those covers are stunning — how can I resist?
Fantastic review! 💖
Thank you lovely!
I loved this book too! I have yet to continue the series because I am the worst reader but I am glad you enjoyed it!! Such a lovely review Jenn 🙂