By Caitlin Hollywood Published: Jul 12, 2021
![Picture](/uploads/1/2/9/9/129906351/published/download-2.jpg?1666394112)
Shadow and Bone, by Leigh Bardugo, is a beautiful fantasy novel about an orphaned soldier who comes to find something powerful growing within. The reader can view the story and events from the orphan’s, Alina, eyes, and witness, struggles, and realizations of our main character. This story is the first of many in the “Grishaverse,” created by Leigh Bardugo. Quoted from Bustle, this story exhibits “The best magic since Harry Potter.” The New York Times states that “This is what Fantasy is for.”
Shadow and Bone starts with the main character, Alina Starkov, and her best friend, Mal Oretsev, in the army. Alina is a mediocre cartographer, while Mal is the best tracker they have. Alina saved Mal’s life during a failed mission by unleashing powerful, dormant magic not even she knew she possessed. Now Alina must leave her regiment and venture to a lavish world with royalty, palaces, and magic. She begins to fall for the notorious leader, the Darkling. He compels Alina to believe her power can rid the kingdom of darkness. Alina, along with some help, now must strengthen her ability, unlock secrets of the past, and follow her heart.
What I love most about this book is the fictional universe I am able to escape in. The whole world of Ravka, created by Leigh Bardugo, is remarkable. I love the development of each and every character and the inclusion of side characters. I love the plot twists and the importance of details. The only thing I have to critique in this book was how the ending felt rushed compared to the rest of the book.
Shadow and Bone starts with the main character, Alina Starkov, and her best friend, Mal Oretsev, in the army. Alina is a mediocre cartographer, while Mal is the best tracker they have. Alina saved Mal’s life during a failed mission by unleashing powerful, dormant magic not even she knew she possessed. Now Alina must leave her regiment and venture to a lavish world with royalty, palaces, and magic. She begins to fall for the notorious leader, the Darkling. He compels Alina to believe her power can rid the kingdom of darkness. Alina, along with some help, now must strengthen her ability, unlock secrets of the past, and follow her heart.
What I love most about this book is the fictional universe I am able to escape in. The whole world of Ravka, created by Leigh Bardugo, is remarkable. I love the development of each and every character and the inclusion of side characters. I love the plot twists and the importance of details. The only thing I have to critique in this book was how the ending felt rushed compared to the rest of the book.