Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone is an engaging start to a magical trilogy, blending intrigue and growth.
Read on Kindle (e-book)
If I’m being completely honest, I didn’t know about this book series until the Netflix show dropped. I loved the show and I immediately put the books on my reading list. Now, finally, I got time to read the series' first book, and it was such fun! Diving into Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo was like opening a window into a fascinating, magic-filled world with its own rules and dangers. The setting, inspired by Tsarist Russia, immediately pulled me in with its moody atmosphere and unique magical system, where Grisha wield their abilities in different orders. The Shadow Fold, with its eerie darkness and terrifying volcra, felt like a looming character itself. While I loved the imaginative world-building, I sometimes wished it went a little deeper. It felt more like a beautifully painted backdrop than a fully fleshed-out world. Still, Bardugo’s descriptions made it easy to visualize Ravka and its magic and that was enough to keep me hooked.
Alina’s journey from ordinary mapmaker to Sun Summoner had its ups and downs. I enjoyed seeing her grow more confident in her powers and herself but she often leaned too heavily on others, whether it was Mal or the Darkling, to define her choices. Speaking of them, Mal and the Darkling added a lot of tension but they also felt a bit like characters I’ve met before: the childhood friend with hidden feelings and the brooding, morally questionable mentor. The love triangle was entertaining but I couldn’t help rolling my eyes at times. Despite that, Alina’s evolution was satisfying enough to make me cheer her on, even when her choices frustrated me.
Smash Hit Score: 3.75/5
Shadow and Bone was an enjoyable read, even if it played it a little safe with familiar YA fantasy tropes. The magic system, the Grisha orders and the stakes surrounding the Shadow Fold kept things interesting and Bardugo’s accessible writing made it easy to breeze through. While it’s not the most groundbreaking fantasy out there, it’s a solid start to the trilogy and left me curious about what’s next.
