Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo

Published by: Henry Holt and Co.
Released on: June 5th, 2012
Hardcover
368 Pages
Rating: 4/5




*Please note, this review was based from an ARC*


  Leigh Bardugo was written a novel that is elegantly divine and captures your attention immediately. In reading, I did have to pay close attention, due to the very different nature that Shadow and Bone has to offer, but that also led to the unique nature it withholds.
  Alina grew up knowing that she couldn't depend on anyone but herself. The only other person that she had, was her longtime childhood friend, Mal. They live in Ravka and train thoroughly to be ready for anything that may come their way. Enemies are everywhere and life isn't easy but it could be much worse. And when Alina gets put into a position like never before, things come to surface and suddenly, her whole world is about to change. I loved the roughness of it all, the thrill and mystery. The unknowing.
  With no choice, Alina is forced to leave Mal behind and enter the world where mystic and magic lives. the Darkling is in control and Alina is in high states of denial. To be a Grisha is a high ranking that many want and hope for. It means that you get the best of things and Alina is now told that she is a member of the Grisha. I wanted her to welcome it with open arms, but she struggled hard in doing just that. Alina is far more powerful than anyone can imagine and this could be her biggest downfall. Once there, she finds out far more than she had ever hoped for and longed deeply for Mal. She can't stand it there and when she finally finds out that people aren't who they seem to be, and plans aren't good to their word, the only thing to do is to try and stop the wickedness that is coming. It is time for hidden truths to come out and it's far from anything ever imaginable. I never expected the events that led up to the end. Wonderfully creative all around.