Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo | Book Review

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

( The Grisha #1 )

Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance

Hardback, 356 pages

Summary:

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 fulfill 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?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

summary from: goodreads

4.5 out of 5 stars

I am finding it rather difficult to gather my thoughts and write a review of this book. In my opinion this book was simply amazing. I loved it very much and for that reason I find it hard to put my feelings into words to describe, and do justice, to this book.

This book has a very quick start, it immediately immersing the reader into this world. There was no dull moment, no time to catch your breath. I loved every moment of it. The plot was very interesting and thought out. There were many plot twists that kept me engrossed and urged me to continue reading. After I finished reading it I needed a time to process what had happened.

I loved the characters. Alina, at the start of the story, was very naive and weak. Throughout the book we see her grow as a character and come in terms with who she is and what she wants. It was an amazing character development. She wasn't a perfect character, she had flaws and made mistakes, but she realised them and strived to do better.

I loved the Darkling. I am not going to say much about him because I really don't want to spoil anything. He is a mysterious character, he is powerful and his name itself terrifies many people, nobody knows what he might do. Enough said.

In the beginning Mal was not a character I was interested in. He seemed boring and not someone I would like. I am still not quiet sure what to think about him.

The writing style was amazing. The descriptions were vivid and it was easy imagining everything that was happening. Other than this I can only say that I loved this book and that I am very exited to read the sequel and find out more about this world and the characters.