Book Shelf: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to 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?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Leigh Bardugo’s debut novel Shadow and Bone is a highly addictive fantasy novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page!

Honestly, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect when I first began this novel. I’d heard mixed reviews—both good and bad, but after being given a bound copy of the first two books by Hachette Australia I was still really excited to read it for myself. And I’m thrilled to say that from beginning to end, this book had my complete and utter attention.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy tale like this. There are so few truly good fantasy stories within the YA genre lately, that made Shadow and Bone a real breath of fresh air with its intricate, and incredibly well written, story. Author Leigh Bardugo has created an incredibly unique fantasy world within this book. I can easily draw comparisons to the works of Maria V. Snyder, and that says a lot of Bardugo’s ability.

Leigh Bardugo told this story perfectly. Her writing was effortless, and beautiful and descriptive and just so many other things I love to see when reading this kind of book. Her world of Ravka and the Grisha and the Darkling was well thought out and interesting. Admittedly, in the beginning I was a tad confused and put off by the many exotic names for cities and people, as well as the names for the various groups of individuals with different abilities, but as the story progressed and I saw how they all interacted, I began to find my place in it more.

The characters within Shadow and Bone were great to read about. They all had their place within the story as we follow our heroine Alina, and I enjoyed trying to piece together the natures and motivations of them at times. Our protagonist Alina was a fantastic lead in this story. Flawed and vulnerable at times, she was easy to emphasize with and easy to follow. She grew throughout the novel as she learnt who she was as a Grisha and who her purpose was, but it was that inner fire that there in her from the beginning that made you cheer for her as she stood up for herself and the people of Ravka.

There was just the right amount of friendship and romance in this novel to entertain and entice with Alina making friends during the story and her relationship with her childhood Mal explored. Considering Alina’s connection to the Darkling, I would have liked to see more of Mal in this book. There’s no doubt he and Alina have something. They’re sweet and endearing, but the romantic in me wants to see more from then in the next book.

Featuring plenty of unexpected twists and a quick fire ending, Shadow and Bone is a tantalizing read. Alina’s journey is far from over and I’m eager to find out what Leigh Bardugo has in store for her in the next installment of this trilogy....


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Hachette Australia (Thank you Alice!)
Format: Paperback ARC bind-up
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository // Amazon
Recommendation: Fans of Maria V. Snyder and anyone who loves a fantastic fantasy tale will adore this!
Cover: Honestly, I'm not a fan. It doesn't do the book justice at all.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!