tellemonstar
Written on Jul 29, 2014
Enter the Grishaverse with book one of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, coming April 23 to Netflix as an original series. This edition features exclusive cover art from the show!
Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Orphaned and expendable, Alina Starkov is a soldier who knows she may not survive her first trek across the Shadow Fold—a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic not even she knew she possessed.
Now Alina will enter a lavish world of royalty and intrigue as she trains with the Grisha, her country’s magical military elite—and falls under the spell of their notorious leader, the Darkling. He believes Alina can summon a force capable of destroying the Shadow Fold and reuniting their war-ravaged country, but only if she can master her untamed gift.
As the threat to the kingdom mounts and Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten all she loves and the very future of a nation.
Welcome to Ravka . . . a world of science and superstition where nothing is what it seems.
- ISBN10 1250777887
- ISBN13 9781250777881
- Publish Date 20 April 2021 (first published 3 May 2012)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint Imprint
- Edition TV Show Tie-In
- Format Paperback (US Trade)
- Pages 416
- Language English
Reviews
Nessa Luna
Written on Jul 2, 2014
I had heard about this book series a lot the past couple of years, but the moment it made me really curious was when Lauren Destefano, author of Wither and Perfect Ruin, among others, started praising the series and the author on Twitter. I read a lot of tweets about her talking about how amazing this series was, and how you were definitely missing out on something if you hadn’t read it. So, I decided to finally buy it at the beginning of this month, and read it almost immediately after it arrived. And I just have to thank Lauren for making me read this book because I fell in love.
The first thing I noticed about this book was the map at the front. I FREAKING LOVE MAPS IN BOOKS, I cannot tell this often enough, but if you write a book and you include a map I will probably love your book a lot more than I would have without the map. With maps, you can imagine the world they’re in a lot better than without a map. So I found myself flipping back to the first page to see where they were at that time in the story. And the map is just incredibly gorgeous, I spend a good five minutes just staring at the map, looking at all the places, all the incredible art and wow, MAPS. Also, the little graphics where the chapter number was in were amazing as well, wow, I just love the graphics in this book! (Also, omg, I’ve only just realised that those white swirls on the cover are antlers…)
I loved Alina and Mal right from the start, their friendship was just so beautiful, and it pained me to see them separated. But then there was Genya who was just an amazing person. She actually reminded me a bit of Nehemia from Throne of Glass, she was a friend like that to Alina, and I just loved their friendship as well. As for the other Grisha, I just felt like they were trying to be friends with Alina because she was special (but I don’t blame them, I probably would have done the same if I were in their shoes). And the Darkling. Wow. Whenever I read about him, I just imagined Guy of Gisborne as played by Richard Armitage. Yes yes yes, good. (I do realise that I imagined Chaol from ToG the same way, but u g h I just love Richard’s Guy (and I haven’t even watched the show yet, shame on me)).
Possible spoiler coming up? This book kind of has a bit of a love triangle thingy going on, but I was totally okay with it because I just loved the rest of the story so much. And I must say I kind of shipped both at several points in the story. But near the end of the book, I only shipped one thing, and I will probably keep it that way for the rest of the series.
There was only one thing that made me confused at some points, and that was the mention of all those different kind of Grisha’s. I’m sure most of them were explained at the beginning of the story, what their powers were, and so forth, but after a while, I just had no idea what a ‘Durast’ or an ‘Alkemi’ did. The others I figured out quite quickly, but those two slipped my mind every time. I would love some sort of list, like a small Lexicon, where these things were explained. There was a small part at the end of the book, where some words were used that felt a lot like Dutch to me. Like a/the (?) ‘Verloren’ (lost), and ‘Goed Morgen’ (good morning). Yes, a little Dutch pride moment there.
The story was just very well written, and I felt myself falling further and further into this amazing world called Revka. I can honestly say I fell in love with this story. I will definitely be checking out Siege & Storm, and all the novella’s written next to the series. And I definitely recommend this book to everyone who wants to read a good story. Read it!
shannonmiz
Written on Jun 25, 2014
I resisted reading this book for quite a long time. I haven't done so well with high fantasy in the past, and frankly, was certain I wouldn't like it. But, when it was the Kindle Daily Deal awhile ago, I figured I should buy it "just in case", since I'd heard so many great reviews.
Fast forward a few months, it still sat unread. But then Ruin and Rising was set to be released, and no matter where I turned, I could not shake this series. So, I caved and started reading it. By the first couple chapters, I'd ordered Siege and Storm. I was simply that captivated by the world that Leigh Bardugo created.
My problem with high fantasy generally is that often, I know that what I am reading is fantasy, and my logical mind can't let me just enjoy it. But with The Grisha series, Bardugo made me feel such a connection to Alina that I didn't need logic, I didn't care that the world didn't actually exist, I just knew that I needed to read more about her story and the world she lived in.
First, Alina is such an incredible main character. Not only is she likable and relatable, her growth throughout the story is stunning to read. It is so believable, even in a completely unbelievable world. And can we please talk about Mal for a minute? I need more Mal in my life. He is not your "typical" love interest (though their circumstances certainly make a romantic collaboration seem plausible). He isn't spending his time pining away, he is his own person, and it is really quite refreshing. The Darkling.. well, I have no idea if I'll end up loving or hating him, and I did some of both during this book. But the characters were written so amazingly well, even the secondary characters, that it made me unable to put this book down.
The story moves so nicely and is so captivating that I simply had to know what was happening next to these beloved (or in some cases, loathed) characters. The fantasy concept quickly became a moot point as I was completely propelled into the world that Bardugo had created. It all just felt like it belonged. The Grisha, the strange world, these characters, as much as they were fantasy-driven, when they came together, it all just worked. I would like to know a bit more about Ravka and the world around it, but since there are two more books, it wasn't really a problem for me.
Bottom Line: As if my gushing weren't enough, if you'd had any reservations about this series, simply stop having them, and read it. I am so, so glad I did. Thank you, book community, for peer pressuring me into this series!
Mackenzie
Written on Jun 11, 2014
Original read date: June 6, 2012.
Review originally on my blog: Oh, For the Love of Books!
This, this, is high fantasy. Words cannot describe my love for this book!! I feel like how the cookie monster would if he just found out he won a GIGANTIC COOKIE!
Yes, my eyes were probably cross-eyed with giddiness after finishing this book XD
Shadow and Bone is high fantasy at its best. The world is beautiful and breathtaking. The characters are fantastically written and engaging and you can't help but love them. The plot is unique and intriguing and simply fantastic.
Alaina:
*hug* You, are a what strong character should be. Alaina's growth throughout this book is just phenomenal! She's not a strong character instantly. In fact, she's very lonely and quiet and an outcast. She's very reserved, but attentive. She's never been the prettiest girl or the toughest girl or the funniest girl. She was an orphan and never really felt loved. The only friend she had was Mal *refrains from fainting*. But you know what? She's brave and selfless and I couldn't help but respect her for that. In order to save the life of a friend, she is willing to risk her own, in the process learning about a dormant power. And here's where I really come to love her. She's not like other YA heroines who start to think they are "all that" because they have special powers, nor does she deny them vehemently from start to finish. Nope. She accepts it and wants to be the best she can be.
Yes, I wanted to give her lots of hugs throughout the book. Don't judge. She knew she wasn't going to be perfect the first try and she knew she had to work hard at it, but at least she did. Did she sometimes get frustrated? Sure did. Who wouldn't? But even then she kept trying and working hard. Throughout this book she has to learn to accept who she is. She has to overcome some barriers in her past to do it but she does and I rooted for her because of it.
Darkling:
Yes, there is a love triangle. Sort of. Alaina knows which one she wants but OMG! I couldn't not talk about the Darkling. Okay, he's not really the guy you want to end up with, but more along the bad boy you know you shouldn't want but goodness is he delicious ; )
He's mister tall, dark and handsome. Mysterious, powerful, dark, secretive, dangerous, enigmatic and most of all alluring. Oh, he makes me feel special *faints*
You thinks I'm special *giggles* XD
You just can't help but be drawn to him. Sure he's kind of psycho and most definitely evil, but goodness, you can't help but be addicted to his mysterious and dangerous personality. And the scene with him and Alaina?! *faints*
But I'm most intrigued with his backstory (and I sure as heck didn't see that coming). Yes, I know he probably is most likely evil in every sense of the word, but I can't wait to see what made him like that. It's part of his allure. What can I say, I like swooning over the bad boy. Sue me.
Mal:
So Mal isn't in this book very much, but the parts that he is in (especially in the end) are just swoonworthy. There is this one quote that I know has been used in other reviews but it is just so swoonworthy I have to include it! It ecompasses the awesomeness that is Mal:
"I missed you every hour. And you know what the worst part was? It caught me completely by surprise. I'd catch myself just walking around to find you, not for any reason , just out of habit, because I'd seen something that I wanted to tell you about or because I wanted to hear your voice. And then I'd realize that you weren't there anymore, and every time, every single time, it was like having the wind knocked out of me. I've risked my life for you. I've walked half the length of Ravka for you, and I'd do it again and again and again just to be with you, just to starve with you and freeze with you and hear you complain about hard cheese every day. So don't tell me why we don't belong together," he said fiercely.
Really, need I say more? Okay, I will because I can't stop gushing XD He's so incredibly sweet with the perfect amount of protectiveness thrown in. He knows Alaina can be the best she can be and he wants to help her become that. He's always believed in her and would literally walk to the ends of the earth for her!! Just....GAH! He's fantastic. That's all there is to it!
The World:
I was instantly drawn into this complex and beautifully breathtaking world. She did a fantastic job of creating the Fold and giving it the creepy and scary atmosphere it deserved. Seriously. The Fold is freaking terrifying. Sure, I'd put on the facade of being all tough and whatnot, while on the inside I'd be screaming like a little girl. Scratch that, I'd probably actually be screaming like a little girl. But its fantastic! She doesn't just tell you it's scary, she shows it and makes you feel it. Kudos!
Plot:
Yes, the plot is as equally amazing as the characters and world! She just got the whole package right!!! Its incredibly unique and intriguing. Monsters? Grisha? Powers? The freaking FOLD?! Holy, moly. It's some intense stuff. The action starts off from the very beginning. You get to see monsters and the Fold and fighting. Then you get your court setting and court intrigue and never knowing who to trust and whats going on and its AMAZING! I could go on and on but you must read this book to find out all the awesomeness that is the plot for yourself.
Overall:
My review does not do this book justice in the slightest. This is high fantasy at its best. I adored all the characters. I loved Alaina's imperfections and the fact that she grows so much throughout the book. While I may be coveting after the alluring Darkling, I'm simply swooning over the perfection that is Mal. The world is incredibly unique and beautiful in its own terrifying way and the plot is simply addicting. If this review doesn't get to you buy this book, I honestly have no idea what will.
All the best ♥
Mackenzie
Review originally on my blog: Oh, For the Love of Books!
Angie
Written on Apr 4, 2014
Even though it took me awhile to settle into the story of Shadow and Bone, I immediately liked Alina. She's not the typical, kick ass, fantasy heroine. But she's also not that helpless flower who all of a sudden comes into awesome kick ass powers, all while complaining that she's ugly even though two hotties are after her. Alina is a bit sarcastic, cynical, and self-deprecating, but not to the point of being mopey and annoying. She is plain in appearance, but she doesn't mind. Although she's not immune to the pretty things at the palace either. She works hard to hone her powers, and attempts to do the right thing at all times. I just really liked her and want her to succeed.
Of course, Shadow and Bone has romance! It's not a huge part of the plot, but it is there, and it is kind of a love triangle. I liked it. Alina was in love with her best friend, but he never saw her that way. Then she's seduced by the Darkling. He's essentially the head Grisha, and the one who is suppose to help Alina save the world. He's mysterious and intriguing, and I hated him. But I loved to hate him! I had to know what he'd do next! I was just as enamored with him as Alina was, but she and Mal are adorable!
However, I was not impressed with Shadow and Bone's world building. It's a fantasy version of historical Russia, which is quite awesome, but it kind of fell flat for me. It felt too much like historical Russia, while also being clearly not Russia. If that makes sense? There just wasn't enough that set it apart for me. I was annoyed when real world stuff was mentioned, notably Christmas (although called something different) and going to church on Sundays. This type of thing really bothers me in Fantasy. You can make up any holiday or custom that you want, so don't stick with real stuff!
I was also confused about the Fold. It's some dark place that was created by the Black Heretic, who was supposedly an old, greedy Darkling. It's full of some creepily awesome creatures known as volcra, but what's the point of it? Someone wants to expand it in order to take over the world, but as far as I can tell, no one can survive in it (except Alina). It's a wasteland full of sand and flesh-eaters. What exactly would they be ruling over if everything is in darkness and everyone is dead? This made no sense to me, and didn't make much more sense upon finishing the sequel.
The plot is the typical good versus evil, power struggle type. The Fold is a scary place of darkness and Alina must use her Grisha ability to be rid of it. It was also pretty predictable, but I still enjoyed it a lot in the last third, or so. Shadow and Bone was quite exciting once it got going and I was looking forward to find out what happened next!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Berls
Written on Apr 2, 2014
I've been eyeing this series for months, ever since Jessica @ Rabid Reads listed it as one of her top five young adult novels. Seeing as every other book she's recommended and I've read I've loved, I knew I needed to read this. And though it took me a lot longer than I would have liked, I'm glad I finally got to Shadow and Bone.
In some ways, its predictable - which is why it wasn't quite five stars for me. How many times have you read about the girl who seems plain, unexciting, and always in the background, but finds out that she's special - has some ability that makes her not just special, but EXTRA special? But you've read it a lot because it works. Sure you're not shocked, but it's enjoyable.
And that was really the only unoriginal thing about Shadow and Bone - at least for me. You've got a special, pampered class of magic born people called the grisha. As the story develops, we understand that this designation is way more complex than it initially appears. I loved that it wasn't obviously black and white, and I really liked the different common reactions to the grisha - ranging from worship to disdain.
There's all sorts of power struggles, between the magic and non-magic people, within the grisha themselves and also the ruling entities. The power struggles made Shadow and Bone really sophisticated for a young adult novel, even one in a fantasy world. It also allowed for some twists that I didn't see coming and really enjoyed.
I got so into the magic and conflicts - from personal squabbles to huge, country changing scale - that the characters almost seem unimportant. That's not the case of course, but I guess they didn't register for me in the way they would in a character driven story. I did like Alina, the main character and point of view for the story. But she could have been any orphan with a humble upbringing from my point of view. She's nice, humble, and has a youthful innocence that carries over to her love interests. She wants what right and even makes some pretty brave moves. But she didn't particularly make me FEEL.
You'd think that's a big deal, but it really wasn't. I still got totally invested in the story and I care a lot about some of the secondary characters. Based on the blurb and other reviews, I kind of expected the romance to be more dominant. I love a friend to lover's romance - and since Alina is in love with her childhood friend (from the very beginning) this definitely has a bit of that. But it gets all screwed up because (1) Malyen (childhood friend) doesn't seem to see Alina that way and (2) the Darkling comes in and sweeps Alina off her feet. The thing is, neither relationship ever felt real for me. One felt like a childhood crush that isn't reciprocated, the other felt suspicious. So it wasn't real romance for me. It was GOOD and FUN and definitely held my attention, but I wasn't swept away in the romance. *shrugs*
I'm particularly glad I listened to Shadow and Bone, since there were some names and places I probably would have stumbled over while reading - this has a Russian element - but Lauren Fortgang flowed over those parts so well. Plus she did a good job with all the voices and personalities - even the male voices really worked.
I'm glad I've finally entered the world of Shadow and Bone - and I'm really looking forward to listening to the next book!
girlinthepages
Written on Mar 3, 2014
Ah, and there's the catch. There's a reason for the phrase "Never judge a book by it's cover."
Not to say it was all bad. The concept is truly fascinating- a "secondary" army of soldiers who can manipulate the elements, materials, and even the human body, who are feared and repressed and kept as pets by their foolish king, who crave a higher status for their abilities. This army, the Grisha, had a fascinating premise- from their unique class structure to the idea that one becomes ill and frail from repressing their power, and stronger and more beautiful by using it- I was enchanted by their foundations, but their execution left me disappointed. What could have been a fantasy world steeped in critical political upheaval, class repression, and issues of identity turned into a thinly veiled boarding-school type drama with mediocre plot revelations and lackluster twists.
Yet I was intrigued by Bardugo's use of color. The Grisha are color coded by rank and ability, and outliers are marked by their uniquely colored keftas. Servants (and servant Grisha's, such as Genya) wear white, while black is the color of power and status. Alina, the main character, makes several political choices based upon the colors she wears, and its interesting that the cover of the books use minimal colors while the characters of the books are so dependent upon them.
Alina. Oh dear. There's really not much to say. She doesn't stand apart from the typical first-person-YA-underpriveledged-average-looking-slightly-whiny-easily-influenced-female protagonist. I find her circumstances and her powers interesting, but if it weren't for other peripheral characters who interact with her I don't know if I would have cared about the story. I loved Genya, and her situation is darkly hinted at throughout the book, and could serve as an interesting commentary on the gender mistreatment of female courtiers and servants. The Darkling proved to be my absolute favorite, though I was disappointed in his character arc, and feel as though he went from a complex character to an oversimplified one in a matter of a few chapters for the sake of a plot device. I sincerely hope that in the rest of the series his character's background and motives are fleshed out, and not sacrificed for the sake of antagonism.
As I mentioned before, the world of Ravka (which is supposedly loosely based on Russian culture despite the supposed lack of research many other reviews cite) has a lot of potential to be a rich and multi-layered fantasy world with a fascinating mythology, but Bardugo merely scratches the surface on explanations, and leaves readers with more questions about the world than answers: What role does religion play among the Grisha? Is magic (or the "small science," as what Grisha can do is manipulate matter) a separate entity than religion, yet there is a Grisha saint? How are some Grisha human amplifiers? Why does the Darkling play a special role when there are/have been other Etherealki who can manipulate darkness? Do Genya's powers always fade, or can they be permanent. Can anything be made into an amplifier as long as a Grisha kills it? Why is Ravka at war with the Shu Han and the Fjerden's? Do Grisha exist outside of Ravka?
Though there were flaws throughout the novel, I found it to be an easy and engaging read, and have already picked up the second. If you can overlook a rather shallow main character, plot revelations that don't always make sense, and more telling than showing in the writing style, Shadow and Bone can be appreciated for what it is- another fun, fantasy world amongst YA literature that doesn't necessarily stand out.
KitsuneBae
Written on Sep 30, 2013
This review originally appeared on: Thoughts and Pens.
Among the Fantasy sub-genres, High Fantasy is my most favourite. Ironically, it is also a genre that I fear because it is so rare to find an HF book that would suck you to the point that you interchange reality with fantasy. To date, there are only 3 HF authors who could do that to me: JK Rowling, Melina Marchetta and Marissa Meyer. When I picked up Shadow and Bone, I seriously thought that Leigh Bardugo would join their ranks. Sadly, that wouldn’t be the case.
I swear I really tried my damnedest to enjoy this book. But it was like teaching your heart to love someone when it’s already beating for another one. It’s like offering friendship to a long time suitor. It’s like learning to love milk when your taste buds only yearn for chocolate. I can reference a lot of “it’s like” just to convey my feelings for this book. But I bet you wouldn’t want that so let’s proceed…
Shadow and Bone tells the story of Alina Starkov, a plain and insecure mapmaker for the First Army of the Kingdom of Ravka. Due to a horrifying event, Alina’s life suddenly changed when she was discovered to be a powerful Grisha. And that’s where the real story started.
My initial reaction to Shadow and Bone was that it was interesting but as soon as I understood what Grishas are, I immediately asked myself, “Is this some kind of a Graceling remix?” And that question does not bode well because I am not a fan of Graceling. Gracelings are endowed with skills while Grishas are gifted with magic. But still, they’re almost the same breed. Anyway, I didn’t really quite understand as to why Grishas existed except that they were born that way. And when they start exhibiting powers, they will automatically belong to the powerful Grisha. The term may refer to an individual or to the whole group of Grisha. The Grisha is headed by the Darkling, the second most powerful being in the kingdom of Ravka.
I can count in one hand the number of reasons why I enjoyed this book and gave it a 3.5 star rating. Let me start with the characters. If you think I love Alina then think again. Alina is one of the whiniest female heroines I’ve met. Every time I read her thoughts, I am always reminded of a shrill irritating voice. >, I am so tired of dealing with stereotype heroines… weak, plain, no curves, simple, naïve, low self confidence, and most importantly, has a disorder that can be summarized as “always comparing themselves to the beautiful bitchy girls who are eyeing the love of their lives.” Yes, I understand why she has an inferiority complex. Apparently, her childhood experiences weren’t that great. The elders especially Ana Kuya of the orphanage that took her in hated her looks. But hell, she lives in a world ridden with misery and war and she spends half of her waking moment thinking about how ugly she is. If that’s not self-centered, I don’t know what is. The only likeable thing about Alina is how she developed her powers. It wasn’t rushed which me to see her struggles and how she conquered the challenge.
If I am given the opportunity to rewrite this story, I would demote Alina to a secondary character and just focus on Mal and the Darkling. Mal may have come late in the game but that doesn’t stop me from liking him. He’s brimming with life and confidence. And he’s so easy unlike Alina who’s dragging me to the world of negativity. With Mal’s personality, I think he deserves someone better, someone happier, and someone more carefree. Anyway, enough of Mal and let’s move on to the Darkling. Did I mention that he’s an enigma? Did I mention that my heart is carrying a billboard that says,
He’s such a layered character that I am always trying to guess what his next move would be. His conviction… his passion makes me want to support his ambition of world domination. Bwahahahaha. When Genya said that all Grishas felt a pull towards the Darkling, I immediately accepted it without an ounce of doubt. I was drawn to the Darkling like a moth to fire. I am excited to see how his character will play out in the next two books.
The rest of the other characters, except for Genya and Baghra, are negligible. I hardly remember them especially if they’re being classified as Corporalki, Etherealki and whatsoever “ki.” If truth be told, the terms really disturb me.
The plot of this book was not what I expected. The twists were mediocre that I wasn’t surprised when they occurred. With Shadow and Bone, I anticipated that I would get lost in a network of carefully woven sub plots. But I wasn’t. I don’t know if my standards are high but with High Fantasy stories, I usually expect a lot more. Thankfully, the gripping action scenes compensated for that in a way. I was also glad that Shadow and Bone didn’t rely on the romance spiced up by a love triangle for the plot to move forward.
Another saving grace of this book is the world building. Leigh constructed it in a way that is not just beautiful but realistic. Ravka is certainly a place I wouldn’t hesitate to step into and be lost.
As a debut author, Leigh Bardugo did an excellent job with Shadow and Bone. I think writing high fantasy is a hit or a miss because it’s not just about creating an awesome story but it’s about bringing a new community to life complete with culture, politics and a whole plethora of sub plots. And while at it, the author must ensure that everything is rightfully mixed without confusing the readers. And Leigh managed to do all of these things despite the weak spots I’ve mentioned in the early paragraphs.
I am truly hoping that book 2 would get better and that it would explain some of the things that weren’t clear to me as enumerated below:
Why do Grishas exist? Is it genetic? Or it is just a random blessing from whoever god or goddess the Ravkan Kingdom is worshipping?
Except for the Cut and being an Amplifier, what is the name of the Darkling’s power to summon darkness?
How come Alina also managed to execute The Cut? Is Alina a possible Darkling???
How did Alina become a Sun Summoner? Are her parents some sort of a Jedi Master?
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SilverThistle
Written on Sep 30, 2013
It's got the four kingdoms at war with each other and the hard to pronounce place names, it has a medieval overall feel to it and a bit of 'magical abilities' (or small science as it's known here) and at it's center it has the 'special one' who is actually quite plain at the start and who must save the world. Yep, that'll be a fantasy then.
It's quite a good story and it kept me interested throughout but I wasn't as sucked into the story as the hype surrounding the book led me to expect. It's maybe just that it's age appropriate for a YA audience and I'm no longer YA...not by any stretch of the imagination.
It's set in what can only be described as a boarding school, complete with mean girls, crushes on an older authority figure, bad tempered teaching staff and teenage angst regarding body image. There's a love story in there somewhere too with a touch of 'love triangle' going on but all is not what it seems so don't be put off by that, if those kind of things bother you. The story itself is quite good and the pace is just right.
I liked the story well enough and will probably read the next one, I'm just not in a mad rush to get to it.
Note: I received a free copy of this title from the publisher.
remuslynch
Written on Sep 1, 2013
alina is anything but naive but its nice to see her arc develop. the darkling still is the death of me though i can see the appeal for mal much better now
The Darkling, he's the death of me, tho. ♥