Shadow and Bone

by Leigh Bardugo
Series: The Grisha #1
Release date: 6th June, 2013
Publisher: Indigo (an Imprint of Orion Children's)
Pages: 320 (ARC in exchange of an honest review)

Summary from Goodreads:

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 fulfil 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?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Review By Alaiel Kreuz:
The first thing that caught my attention was the cover because beside the obvious -as you can see it's absolutely beautiful- it has some sort of Russian palace. And that was intriguing.

Well, as a matter of fact Ms. Bardugo used a quasi Russian background to create a better atmosphere; we can see it in some expressions, in some descriptions of the buildings and places where, with the help of our imagination, a new and exciting world will unfold for our eyes to see.
And I know I sound a little bit romantic but I just can't help it, you know? I finished the book a couple of days ago and it still haunts me -in a marvelous way, not a creepy one, I promise-.
As of today I consider Ms. Bardugo one of the best writers out there. To use the Russian setting was a genius idea! Not only does it gives us a background but it also gives the plot some sort of realness and I often found myself wondering "if I go to Russia, will I find some Grisha people?"

I would hate to sound crazy in front of my friends, but I'm sure you get it, guys. This is a world I would love to live in. I would give anything to meet Alina, the main character and see her develop her personality throughout the book. She began as a normal, skinny, kind of forgettable girl only to discover that she is a very special Grisha. So important in fact that her normal and boring live will be swept away by the intrigues of the Palace and the lies of a place where she is now a stranger.
But she is strong even if she doesn't know it and soon she will learn to trust her instinct and learn from her mistakes. By the end of the book she is ready to stand her ground and take destiny in her own hands knowing that no Grisha will be able to stop her.

And what is Grisha you may wonder. I'm glad you asked, you see, Grisha are a group of people that are divided in smaller groups depending on the power they share -fire, amplifiers, etc- that are commanded by a powerful Grisha, The Darkling. Sounds important, yeah? Well, he is. This character is by far one of the most intriguing and complex characters out there to the point where I'm not sure if I love him -in a very weird way 'cause, you see, he is not someone you want to trust entirely- or hate him for being so... well, for a lack of a better word, so Darkling.
You will see what I mean when you read the book, seriously.

Of course, then we have Mal. Oh Mal... I love you, I really do. He is Alina's love interest and she chose a perfect one. They have being friends for a long time, and although they are separated when Alina's power emerges, Mal does not disappear from her life. He is strong and protective but knows where to stop and let her do her thing. He respects her and that's something I appreciate a lot.

The YA fantasy world has gotten better after Leigh Bardugo was found. Shadow and Bone was an amazing treat for my imagination and my senses because, yes, it felt that real. I can barely wait to read Siege and Storm... days can't pass fast enough.

Alaiel's Rating: