Shadow and Bone (Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1) (Grishaverse, #1)

by Leigh Bardugo

[Angie]

Shadow and Bone had me nervous in the beginning, but by the end, I was super into it! It's all about Alina, an orphan who doesn't fit in anywhere. She grew up with her best friend Mal, they joined the army together, but then during a dangerous trip across the Unsea, it's revealed that she's much more than just a mapmaker. She's a very powerful and very rare Grisha. She's taken to the palace in order to train, and she's told she's very important in saving her country from the Fold. But, as she learns, there's much more to the story, and she actually is a very important piece in a play for power.

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.