Review: Shadow and Bone

Title: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Source: Purchased
Release Date: June 5, 2012
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

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:

Well this book was well worth the hype!

It follows the typical YA fantasy storyline of a girl from poor circumstances who suddenly discovers she has powers. But this story was much more special than most.

I loved Leigh Bardugo’s writing style. It sounded so natural and was paced really well. It was so easy to read!

Alina was a powerful character, not only with her summoning powers, but also mentally. She stood up for herself when she needed to. She was also clever in wanting to blend in with the other summoners when she first arrived, rather than being put on a pedestal above them.

I was really surprised at the ending. I didn’t want it to end but I was satisfied with what happened. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I recommend this book for YA readers! You may think it’s like the other popular fantasy series, but it’s amazing in its own way!

Author: jilljemmett

Jill lives in Toronto, Canada. She has studied English, Creative Writing, and Publishing. Jill is the creator and content producer of Jill’s Book Blog, where she has published a blog post every day for the last four years, including 5-7 book reviews a week. She can usually be found with her nose in a book. View all posts by jilljemmett