SHADOW AND BONE (B PB) : THE GRISHA BOOK 1

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Dazzling, Dark, and Unforgettable Start to the Grishaverse! Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is a spectacular debut that completely hooked me from the very first page. If you are looking for a high-fantasy YA novel with impeccable world-building, thrilling twists, and characters that get under your skin, this is it. The World & Atmosphere Bardugo transports you to Ravka, a nation inspired by tsarist Russia, split in two by the "Shadow Fold"—a terrifying, pitch-black swath of land crawling with monsters. The atmosphere is thick with suspense and magic, and the imagery of a sandskiff sailing across a sea of sand instead of water is absolutely vivid. It’s a unique, refreshing take on fantasy. Characters and Development We follow Alina Starkov, a relatable, underestimated mapmaker who discovers she has a rare, world-altering power. Seeing her transition from a scared orphan to a strong, powerful Grisha (a magical elite) is incredibly rewarding. The star, however, is the complex, morally grey Darkling. He is arguably one of the most charismatic and intriguing villains in recent YA literature. The chemistry between him and Alina is electrifying, rooted in power, desire, and secrets that keep you questioning their motivations until the very end. The Plot The pacing is fast, filled with betrayal, political intrigue, and breathtaking twists. It perfectly balances the "chosen one" trope with genuine, high-stakes emotion. Even if you think you know where a YA story is going, Shadow and Bone delivers shocks that I truly did not see coming. Final Thoughts This book is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling and a fantastic introduction to the Grishaverse. It is dark, romantic, and beautifully written. I was so captivated, I finished it in one sitting! A must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

Super happy that I finally picked it up in January. I buddy-read Shadow and Bone along with Faguni from @fannatality . I am happy to say that although we decided to read it at the rate of 3 chapters per day, we ultimately rushed through and finished the book way before the estimated end date. I really loved reading this book and Faguni and I are back with the schedule for buddy-reading Siege and Storm (the sequel to Shadow and Bone) this February. The plot was amazing firstly, and kept me hooked on until the very end. The Darkling who although does not really appear in the first few chapters, is mentioned, enough times in these, for us readers to create a mental image on him and oh my! I’m not sure if I should expound upon that here. Alina also displayed an innate goodness of character, with her innocence and determination to stay strong. Her relationships with all the people around her, especially Zoya is quite interesting to note. Speaking of Zoya, she is another figure, intriguing and with great depth. All of the characters, with their various back stories are truly amazing to read about. However, having read the Six of Crows duology before this book, I do know roughly how this might turn up but nonetheless I am excited for the sequel. Moreover, I also noted that Leigh Bardugo’s writing has greatly improved in the duology, without saying that it is not good in this trilogy. The magic system is also well-explained in this one, considering that this one revolves around that itself. The themes on magic, fantasy, friendship and kinship, along with love, physicality etc. are also quite well proportioned throughout. This world itself is amazing and I am in utter love! Lastly, I ship Alina and Darkling, don’t you? (please note that I have only read Shadow and Bone, so NO SPOILERS!!!)

Shadow and Bone is an exciting YA fantasy with a rich world and compelling magic system. Alina’s journey from ordinary to powerful Sun Summoner kept me hooked, and the mix of adventure, romance, and political intrigue made it a memorable read. I loved the characters and the twisty plot — a great start to the Grishaverse trilogy!

Received the book in a premium quality , all the pages and cover itself in the best condition and even the pages are in a very premium quality and not even a single page is having any type of damage or a sign that its a pirated book , definitely go for this one without any hesitation

The cover is beautiful. The story was not for me. The world building felt very surface level and the characters did not have depth to them. I felt like we were jumping from one plot point to the next without going into much context or detail. The main character was much to concerned with her hair and appearance. Not sure if I will continue the series.

"Shadow and Bone" is an enthralling fantasy novel that takes readers on a journey through the mystical land of Ravka, a place where darkness rules and magic is both feared and revered. The story centers around Alina Starkov, an orphaned girl who discovers she possesses a rare and powerful magic that could save Ravka from the darkness that threatens to consume it. Bardugo's writing is captivating, and she paints a vivid picture of the world of Ravka, its people, and its politics. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are compelling. Alina's journey from an ordinary orphan to a powerful Grisha (a person with magical abilities) is engrossing and heartwarming. One of the book's strengths is its world-building. The world of Ravka is richly detailed, and Bardugo has created a complex mythology that adds depth to the story. The political intrigue and power struggles within Ravka add another layer of complexity to the story, making it a fascinating read. "Shadow and Bone" is an excellent book that will appeal to fans of the fantasy genre. Bardugo has created a world and characters that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. If you're looking for a thrilling and magical adventure, "Shadow and Bone" is the book for you.

I had been on a reading slump for a while now and something was to be done to get out of it. I am grateful that the release of the Netflix series was something that helped me with it. The Grishaverse was on my TBR for a really very long time and the series just made it easier. Leigh Bardugo’s style of writing keeps the reader interested in the plot. Although at times the terminologies for Grisha got a little confusing (maybe it’s just me), but I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I had a great time reading it. Unpopular opinion - I loved the Darkling🤪 Plot -⭐️⭐️⭐️ Writing style - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fav characters - Darkling and Genya Rating -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bye now! It’s time to watch the show.

Good 😊 loved it Recommended