Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Reviewed by: Joscelyn Lockwood, Youth Services Assistant
Genre: Fantasy
Suggested Age: Teens, Adults
What is the book about?: Alina Sarkova is an orphan, raised in the household of a Duke known for taking on charity cases. Drafted into the army with her childhood best friend Mal, a dormant power reveals itself to save his life… and change Alina’s forever. She’s swept away to the capital, to be trained as a Grisha under the enigmatic Darkling. The Grisha are treated as a Second Army in Ravka, using their magic, often referred to as “small science” to provide support to the First Army. Attacked on all fronts, the nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold. A strange, almost living swatch of darkness filled with monsters and crossed only by the bravest, or most foolhardy, people. But Ravka, its ruling family, and its people, will soon find out that they have more to worry about than just the Fold.
My Review: Admittedly, what hooked me into this book was the description of magic and the Grishas. What kept me reading? Wanting to know how it would end. There were some annoying inconsistencies, and most of the time, I couldn’t stand Alina or the superficial Grisha. But I ended up caring about other characters in the story, especially as I got into the second and third books. Overall, it was enjoyable but a bit unremarkable in the ever-growing field of YA books available.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Decent, Enjoyable, a Bit Predictable
Give This a Try if You Like… Quick reads, happily ever after.
Rating: 3/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!