Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, 1)

I'm on the fence on how to rate this. 3.5? 4?


REVIEW

*May contain a few spoilers. Read at your own risk*

Ya know, when I first opened this book and discovered the map, then a small glossary, I almost didn't even bother. I loathe books with maps. And glossaries. But both? Oh boy, don’t get me started. I get it, it’s an epic fantasy. A whole new world constructed and we need a little guidance to understand. A place to turn back to just in case we forgot something. And you know what? This is why I don’t read epic fantasy. I had a horrible experience once and it has scarred me. But, since most of my friends on Goodreads gave it 4-5 stars and a lot of the people I follow raved about it- I thought “This must be good! I gotta read it!”

I’m always blow away by the creativity behind writing fantasy. Although I don’t read it often because most of the time I am extremely overwhelmed by it’s complexity, it is fun to put yourself in another world and learn about it’s history, political system and beauty. This world is complex and scary but was detailed simply and beautifully. Leigh Bardugo’s world building was fantastic. I was engrossed! It’s beautiful, delectable and scary and I loved it! The different Grisha and their powers were intriguing and wholly original. We learn about everything in a slow leisure pace that’s never boring. I was glad for that, because too much information at one time is seriously overwhelming. But at the same time, I was frustrated because I would forget who someone was (or rather what they were) and the Hierarchy of all the Grisha. So that glossary came in handy. (And no, the irony of that statement is not lost on me)

The plot- Well, I think it goes along with most typical epic fantasies. Countries/Worlds are at War, everyone is power hungry and doing everything possible to basically WIN. But in Shadow and Bone, the story is told from Alina’s POV, we don’t have the multitudes of POV’s and information on what’s going on EVERYWHERE. I don’t recall any explanation WHY they were at War, it just seemed like because. There were a few twists and turns, one of them completely throwing me, so it isn't completely predictable.

Alina. I liked her at first. I thought she was a great protagonist and the character traits she displayed were realistic due to her past (strong, brave) and she was funny. She’d had a hard life and as basically alone, except for her childhood best friend, Mal. I can’t really explain where things started to change for me but I just didn't like her. She was constantly feeling sorry for herself because she didn't fit in with the Grisha. Well, she didn't before either so that isn't anything new. She didn't really try hard to use her powers and she gave up and sat on her butt waiting for her amplifier. Um, you’re told you’re gonna “save the world” girl, show some motivation. I understand she missed Mal and didn't fit in, but wouldn't that push youto be better? To try harder? Only after her little epiphany, did she even really try. And for someone who had the life she did, she was awfully trustworthy and gullible. My heart broke for her a little at the end though.

Her relationship with Mal was meh. I like the childhood-friends-become-lovers thing, but I also like to see their relationship develop. Alina had always had feelings for Mal but he didn’t “see” her until after months of being separated and after seeing her happy with someone else. I’m sure I’m the only one that feels this way: but that my friends, is called Jealously. It’s like seeing your friend with a brand new, shiny toy and you have to have it. Forget the fact that you didn't want it before now, but ohhh now you gotta have it. He even said that he was surprised he missed her! Some friend! Yes, he risked his life for her. Went AWOL to find her. And it was sweet. I just thought everything he did was a little too late.

The Darkling. He’s powerful, complex and scary. I felt as betrayed as Alina because I was shaking my head with her saying, “NO. no no no.” But what would an epic fantasy be without some strong, sexy, power hungry villain wanting/trying to take over the world? I don’t believe he has feelings for Alina, per say, but it’s obvious to me he wants her and she stirs something up in him. I think there’s more to him than what we think we know, and I’m excited to know more.

Overall- I really liked it. It’s unique, captivating and just plain good. I will continue on with the series and I recommend it

Omg the darkling

I feel it’s mediocre YA fantasy novels like this that cause me to avoid the genre entirely. I’d heard nothing but positives about the Shadow and Bone series, and I’d read Leigh Bardugo’s 1st installment in her adult dark academia fantasy series, which while I didn’t love I didn’t hate either, so I was really excited to start this series with friends, expecting to at least enjoy the ride. There was no enjoyment on this ride. I don’t read a ton of fantasy but I feel like the world building in this book completely sucks. I have nothing but questions, what time period does this book take place? There is so much medieval talk of serfs, kings and queens, horses, tents, etc. that I thought ok this is classic high fantasy! But then the Fjerdans have rifles and not only rifles but assault rifles??? Ok so it’s not medieval maybe it’s early 1800s, 1900s? Who knows?! This was just the first time I started questioning just wtf was going on in this world. Alina is a rare sun summoner who summons light, but the sun is just a giant ball of fire so honestly what is the difference between Alina’s light power and Grisha that can summon fire?? If the Grisha are so powerful than how the hell are HUMANS in power? What are volcra? They’re described as having leathery wings and sharp teeth so they’re bat demons?? And while we’re on that, what does anyone literally ANYONE that is not Genya look like?!! Genya is honestly the only character I remember that was actually described in detail. In my opinion, there was so much potential here, but I feel like Bardugo chose to focus on her terrible “love triangle” than spend anytime at all crafting a well built world with engaging characters. I could care less about anyone in this book, Alina is bland and flip flops her personality traits throughout the entire book. Mal is an ignorant dick, The Darkling is an abusive, disgusting, pedophile considering he’s over 150 years old and sexually pursuing a 17 year old, the only mildly interesting character for me was Genya and she’s thrown aside halfway through the novel. I kept waiting for the book to finish setting up for the “good stuff” to happen and instead it took a full tilt into the Alina x Mal x Darkling “love” triangle that I had to force myself to finish this book. I rolled my eyes so often the second half of the book I’m surprised they’re still in my head. Obviously I do not like this book, I will not continue the series, I will not be reading the six of crows, and honestly I don’t even know if I’ll finish Bardugo’s adult series at this point because I’m so underwhelmed by Shadow and Bone nothing else by this author seems worth it to me. ALSO!! The frequency with which Bardugo has random men make sexual comments or unwanted sexual advances towards Alina is concerning and in poor taste. You don’t need rape or sexual assault to be introduced constantly to make things scary. I noticed this was another device Bardugo embraced in Ninth House and I find it distasteful.

I truly do love this book sadly it was spoiled for me but still an amazing roller coaster none the less. I agree with other reviews that mal can be extremely cringy and kind of possessive and it annoys me that he doesn’t ever show his true self in the begging or even hint at it in a way that the reader notices but not alina. none the less good book now on to the 2nd!

Didn’t finish