Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

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“Shadow and Bone” is the first book The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. You might have seen the hit series on Netflix but did you know it’s a well-loved series to readers for a few years now?

In “Shadow & Bone,” the nation of Ravka has been torn by the Shadow Fold. The story, however, follows Alina Starkov who’s part of the regiment going through the Fold. During an attack, Alina’s powers are awakened for the first time and she saves everyone (including her best friend Mal.)

Due to her magical powers, she’s brought to the royal court to train with the members of the Grisha. They are led by the super-powerful Darkling.

Alina will have to save the entire kingdom, meanwhile, she discovers the secrets of the Grisha.

I quite enjoyed this start to the Shadow and Bone Trilogy! Do I think it’s worth all of its hype from the last few years? Not necessarily. 

I think part of the enjoyment of this story is the main character’s – Alina – inner commentary of the world around her. Combined with the fact that this book is easy to read and fast-paced – it makes readers fly through its pages! 

However, there is some dissonance as to the development of the secondary characters mainly Mal, the Darkling, and Genya. But they were interesting characters to encounter nevertheless. 

I could feel that the lore and the world of Grisha is large and interesting, but has to yet be explored – and hopefully will be – in the upcoming books as well as the follow-up series! 

“And there’s nothing wrong with being a lizard either. Unless you were born to be a hawk.” 

“The problem with wanting,” he whispered, his mouth trailing along my jaw until it hovered over my lips, “is that it makes us weak.” 

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