Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Rating – 4.7 out of 5
Alina Starkov is an orphan in the Kingdom of Ravka who has always blended in. One fateful day when she is brought into the Unsea, a dark no-man’s-land filled with monsters she shows that she is a Grisha, with special powers. Upon this discovery, Alina is swept up into the Ravkan court and begins to live among the other Grisha. As Alina is tested and learns how to use her powers it becomes obvious that there’s more to court life than meets the eye.
Favorite Quote
“I’ve been waiting for you a long time, Alina” He said. “You and I are going to change the world.” ― Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone
Why I liked Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
I was blown away by this book. I always knew that when I got around to this series that I would most likely like it. After all, it is a fantasy that has a small basis in science and a strong female lead! Everything that draws me in! Honestly, I plowed through this book in a few days and immediately ordered the next one, and then the next one and honestly? I just finished the last book in this series this morning. I’m reeling and in love with Leigh Bardugo’s work. I even ordered the Six of Crows duology for vacation and will be writing about those soon.
The first book in this series is focused on the court of the Ravkan empire and the many players within. I love a court intrigue so this was right up my alley. The background characters in this series are perhaps some of my favorite. They are fleshed out and had good motivations for their actions in ways that some background characters in these types of novels don’t always have.
The power that the Grisha posses is also fascinating. Because they are working with basic elements, many of the more interesting things they can do are within the bounds of the natural world, physics, natural presence of earth, wind, fire, etc… The research Bardugo did to make those elements realistic shows and I appreciate her interest in making things believable.
I cannot wait to read more of the Grishaverse! Shadow and Bone as a great introduction to a fascinating fantasy world. Also, look at this news!
I know I’m late to the game, but LOOK at this!! #grishaverse https://t.co/I2FZKEgzBv via @Deadline
— Kate Schiffman (@KTBoundary1) August 17, 2019
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