Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (The Grisha Trilogy, Book I)

Synopsis: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life_a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart. (from the online description)

Review: Although a bit rough and full of angsty YA tropes, due to Bardugo's world-building, this book rises about the normal YA dribble. The world has a reality to it, with a bit of darkness, a bit of light, chaos and order. It is a world, dominated by war and want. Into this come Alina and Mal, a cartographer and tracker for the Ravka military. Raised together, Alina and Mal are conscripted into the military, like other orphans. But when in danger, Alina shows a power she didn't know she had - a power desperately needed in her world. And desperately wanted by the darkness.

The plot and pace are excellent, the characters, both main and secondary are developed and well-rounded. My only complaint was the lack of depth in the main character – Alina. While watching her discover her power is interesting ,  there is a little to really make you care about her as a person.

However, the overall story is excellent and I enjoyed reading it. I see way it is so popular.

Bookmarks: 4 of 5

Awards: TBD

ISBN: 978-0-8050-9456-6
Year Published: 2012
Date Finished: 11-4-2017
Pages: 356