Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Shadow and Bone
Author(s): Leigh Bardugo
Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: Henry Holt & Co. / June 5, 2012
Series: The Grisha (Book #1)

"I remembered the surety that had flooded through me with the Darkling's touch, and that strangely familiar sensation of a call echoing through me, a call that demanded an answer. It had been frightening, but exhilarating, too. In that moment, all my doubt and fear had been replaced by a kind of absolute certainty." -Alina

Case Study

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? (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot 

Guys. You guys. I'm totally going to kirk out on you for just a second. Please forgive me, but...

OMG! Shadow and Bone. Have you read it? Of course you have. I mean, how could you not? SO AMAZING! It's hard for me to express my feelings for this book in a coherent manner but I'll go ahead and give it a try anyway.

Leigh Bardugo is brilliant. The Russian-inspired world she's created is not only unique, but so authentic and well written. While the mechanics are somewhat daunting at first, I found it easy to acclimate and lose myself in this world. My prior studies in Russian language may or may not have played a hand in this, though. And while the world may have been what drew me in, it was the characters that kept me there.

I like Alina. She's a seemingly ordinary girl with hidden, extraordinary powers. And while she may be the most powerful Grisha (behind The Darkling), she's relatable because she's imperfect. Alina is childish, especially when it comes to boys, but given her age, it's to be expected. She has a keen sense of self-depreciating humour and she's got snark, but she's easily jealous and all too often, sells herself short. But these flaws are what make her so memorable, they make her character's arc so much more impactful. 

Another thing that really makes Alina stand out is her crush on childhood BFF, Mal. Like many of us IRL, Alina pushes her feelings aside because of the dread. She dreads losing her best friend and fears rejection. It's easy to see why she's so drawn to Mal. He's cocky, headstrong and the hunkiest tracker about town. I completely loved the ease of their friendship and their playful banter, especially towards the latter half of the book. Mal, too, is a flawed character and he often takes Alina for granted. It even gets a little frustrating because he's kind of a jackass and she's so hopelessly enamoured with him. Mal's got flaws but those imperfections are what make him stand out in a sea of the other "too perfect" YA male leads. 

The problem with Alina being rejected so much by Mal is that it makes her easily wooed by someone else, namely, The Darkling. Ah, where do I even start? He's a mystery, an enigma. Some say the villain, I say, antagonist. Either way, being bad never looked so good! He's unreadable, dark, mysterious but seemingly has good intentions despite his tough and calculating exterior. Even when Alina finds out how ruthless and dangerous The Darkling is, a part of her still wants him. Though we learn that most things about him are merely a façade, I think he genuinely does have some real emotion for Alina. 

Basically, he's the best bad guy there is! And don't even get me started on his swoon factor...

'The problem with wanting", he whispered, his mouth trailing along my jaw until it hovered over my lips, "Is that it makes us weak.' -The Darkling

Game over. I'm done. 

In Shadow and Bone, Bardugo has crafted some seriously amazing  secondary characters. They don't take a back seat to anybody! Like Genya, for example. Please tell me I'm not the only one rooting for a GENLING coupling. I mean, think about it. Such a power couple! And The Apparat, even in book #2, I still can't figure him out. Then there's Baghra. Baghra drops a bombshell on Alina (and us) with The Fold's real purpose and The Darkling's real agenda. Though her purpose may be to provide momentum to move the storyline forward, she still draws you in and makes you want to know more of her secrets and hidden mysteries.

The age of Grisha power is coming to an end. Because of this, they rely less on magic and more on man-made tools of war. I liked the blend of fantastical and more real-world elements. It was totally believable and gave the book a very historical feel. In addition, everyone seems to be playing a game of deception and I loved the challenge of trying to figure out who was the real deal and who was not. Let me just tell you---on more than one occasion, I was left reeling. THIS is the wow factor I've been craving for quite some time. I haven't fallen this hard for a series since I read Veronica Rossi's Under The Never Sky books and it was long overdue. I'm happily devouring the sequel now and the release of Ruin and Rising couldn't come soon enough! 

Summary Prognosis

Shadow and Bone is definitely in the running to be one of my favourite reads of the year. Leigh Bardugo's unique, Russian-based fantasy is alluring and engaging and wholly satisfying. Her characters are wonderfully flawed and snarky and dangerously captivating. This book will enrapture you with its seriously addictive story and entwine you in it's magically dangerous snare. And promise you, it won't hurt one bit!
 

Rating: ★★★★★


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