Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The Grisha #1

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Published June 5, 2012

Hardcover, 356 pages

Overview:

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.

Review:

Shadow and Bone is set in the Russian-inspired fictional world of Ravka, where people with magic have political power and deadly monsters run amok in the Shadow Fold. The entire world Leigh Bardugo has created is so unique--I can definitely say that I've never read anything like this before. I sat in awe through the whole book, constantly amazed with each new event that happened.

It's impossible for me to be able to put into words just how much I love Shadow and Bone. In addition to the fantastic world-building, the characters are incredibly complex--just like Alina, the audience is never sure just who we should trust. I adore the protagonist, Alina, who remains clever despite the terrible situations she has to face; and Mal, Alina's best friend from childhood. I'm particularly intrigued by the Darkling, the mysterious leader of the Grisha who appears to have Alina's best interests in mind--at first.

I was amazed by how much I enjoyed this book, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel to find out what happens next. Overall, Shadow and Bone is an enchanting read, and one of the best books that I've read so far this year. I would recommend this one to fantasy lovers or anyone looking to escape into a completely new, magical world.

Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars.