Shadow and Bone | Review

Synopsis

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.

Review

I have a lot to say about this book yet not much. It was not at all worth all the hype, in my opinion, but I can see some of the appeal.

The first part of the book starts out with a bang, which was awesome, and we find out the main character has a hidden power. Love it. Then the book slows down. Like…a lot. The whole middle part of this book was slow and kinda boring. I guess it was trying to set up for the ending? Or maybe it was trying to give the reader enough time to learn the world? I’m not sure, but whatever the reason, I didn’t love it.

As well, I really kinda hated all the relationships being formed in this book. The romances and friendships all felt forced or too fast. It was kinda like the main character was desperate for attention or so set on not being alone that she threw herself into any relationship possible. I did not like that. And, sorta along the same lines, (view spoiler)

Anyway, I think the concept of this book and some of the plot is interesting which is why I decided to finish the book. I’ll check out the second one, but if it doesn’t improve, then I’ll have to forgo the series.

Overall, I wasn’t impressed, but I’m intrigued enough to continue onto the second book. Maybe there was just too much hype around this book for me to appreciate it.

Rating

To check out my other reviews, click here. Or to check out more books by Leigh Bardugo, go to her Goodreads profile or visit her website.

Recommendation

If you liked this book, be sure to check out:

• RED QUEEN by Victoria Aveyard