Shadow and Bone

Title: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Grisha Series (#1)
Pages: 358
Publication: June 2012

Summary: 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?

My Thoughts: Okay so this book is officially going on my list of favorite books I've read this year, it was amazing. There were so many things that made me love this book, too. A likeable villain, good pacing, twists, and an overall satisfying storyline. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

Nothing felt formulaic. I love trying to solve puzzles and figuring out mysteries, so this twisty read helped in fueling that obsession of mine. Not only did I love that aspect of this novel, but I absolutely adored the world building.  I want to be in this world that Leigh Bardugo has created so badly. It was so cool and unique and the richness in detail wasn't overdone, either. A lot of fantasy books can overdo it with the details by, for example, devoting an entire page to the minute details of a washrag, which can get quite dull.

And with an Imperial Russian flare throughout this novel, it is easily the most original and fantastical book I've read in a long time. You rarely see anything inspired by Imperial Russia in literature, especially in YA, and let me tell you, I'm so glad to see that change by reading this series, especially if it means I get to discover a colorful and richly detailed world through it's pages.

Another aspect that I loved about this book was that yes there was a love story but it was definitely not the main focus. If you took that part of the story out, you would still have a well-paced, understandable, and adventure-filled plot line.
 
I felt like Bardugo was writing for an intelligent audience. This was not exactly a highbrow book, but it was like she felt secure enough in her own suggestions and her audience's comprehension skills as well as their own ability to read between the lines. I love it when an author doesn't speak down to you as a reader just because it's a book in the young adult genre.

This book was a breath of fresh air and such a fun, satisfying read. I absolutely flew through this book and didn't want to put it down. I found myself getting antsy at work when I couldn't read just because I wanted so badly to know what happened next. I was hooked to say the least. I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel to this novel, Siege and Storm.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars