Rains Reviews: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

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?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

~~~

Review

Shadow and Bone has left its mark on my soul. I opened this book and I started reading in hopes of nothing more than good story and interesting characters. But then I met the boy and the girl. Then I met the Darkling, and then I did again. I learned of this magical place and then of its army. And after that of a palace, and then of a little one. I was lied to, and loved, I was heart broken, and given hope. And then I had that hope taken away. 

I do want to inform you that no matter how hard I try the review will pale in comparison to how good it really is. 

The book was magnificent. 

Alina Starkov is by far the bravest, loyalest, strongest, and most human girl you will ever have the unadulterated pleasure to meet.  I have come to be overly critical about the main character and Alina has taught me a great lesson. She seems like such a loud mouthed stupid little girl that me in my “better than thou” state started to over look her in a way that she didn’t allow for long. I won’t say too much because part of what I loved about the unfolding of this story was learning bit by bit more about her. Alina is marvelous that if I could ever take after a character even a little bit I would want to take after her. 

Mal and the Darkling are both very important characters in this book. The Darkling is such a master of disguise that you can’t really tell where he is. Its like as soon as you think you see him, he isn’t there anymore. And I’m not speaking physically. I refuse to say anything more than this, I really did fall for him. Mal, oh Mal. Why couldn't I have had just a little more faith in you? You really were fantastic and I am so sorry I overlooked you so quickly. You are so strong, and persistent, loyal, and protective, and loving. And just Good, down to the very foundation of all you are. 

Shadow and Bone has many entities that mustn't be overlooked. So much mystery and so many lies. Yet so much hope, always hope and no matter how hard anyone tried it couldn’t be taken away. Humans are such hopeful creatures. And that impending sense of doom never quite leaves either, like the gloomy sky in Seattle. But that's just what keeps you going. Because there is always that little chance that it will get better.

“And I will always be the optimist, the hoper of far flung hopes, the dreamer of improbable dreams” -Doctor Who

~Rain

~~~

Dear Mal, I'd written, I haven't heard from you, so I assume you've met and married a volcra and that you're living comfortably in the shadow fold, where you have neither light nor paper with which to write. Or, possibly, your new bride ate both your hands.
~~~
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