4.5

Shadow and Bone

Leigh Bardugo
Book
June
2021

Review:

This book kept me engaged and interested. It was a lot of fun to read, and I think the story is very interesting. I will definitely read the second book because I want to see how she moves the story along. I originally read this because I wanted to watch the TV show, but it is better to read the book first. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants a light fantasy. I loved how she had that moment of great power because I hate it when the women are helpless in books. I think the storyline is interesting and so cool. I liked that not only was she a strong female character, but she also was kind to everyone around her and tried her best to be understanding. I really like how she is humble, which does not change through the book. I also like how she is “the chosen one,” but it is not overly drilled into the story so that we end up liking the characters even more.

Trigger Warnings:
Classism, Ableist language, Fatmisia, Slavery (mentioned), Kiss without consent, Blood and gore depiction, dead bodies and physical injuries, Death of a friend and parents (recounted), Murder and attempted murder, Kidnapping; hostage situation and blackmail, War themes, Graphic animal death

Synopsis From Book:

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.
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