Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Alina Starkov doesn’t expect much from life. Orphaned by the Border Wars, the one thing she could rely on was her best friend and fellow refugee, Mal. And lately not even that seems certain. Drafted into the army of their war-torn homeland, they’re sent on a dangerous mission into the Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh.

When their convoy is attacked, all seems lost until Alina reveals a dormant power that not even she knew existed. Ripped from everything she knows, she is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. He believes she is the answer the people have been waiting for: the one person with the power to destroy the Fold.

Book Trailer:


Book Review:
There are so many things that I want to say about this book. It's difficult to fan girl squee through the whole review. I'll try to behave, but please pardon my squee moments. So, I wasn't quite sure as to what to expect when I started this book. All I really knew is that the setting was loosely based of of a Russian fairy tale. The world building in this story is amazing. The end. I mean, the characters are fantastic for sure, but the setting of the entire story is simply awesome. So back to the characters. I love Alina and Mal. Just realistic, flawed peeps who I want to get to know. The Darkling was the absolute most fantastic villain for this story. I want to know more about him. I was pleasantly surprised that this book was part of a series, and not a stand-alone book. Please excuse me while I squee uncontrollably for a moment. *cough* Ok, so, bottom line? Read this story. It will take you to fictional places you've only ever thought you could dream of. Ok, maybe that's a bit too far, but it is a really good read. I promise you at the very least will have a difficult time setting the book down once you pick it up.

Favorite Quote:

“They are orphans again, with no true home but each other and whatever life they can make together on the other side of the sea.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I just adore this cover. It sets itself apart from other YA covers. The colors are rich and gorgeous. You just KNOW that a good story lies between those covers!

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