Shadow and Bone ~ Review

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Actual Rating: 4.5

I’m really happy that I finally got to read this book after so many people have been telling me to read it! I enjoyed it immensely, and cannot wait to continue the series (right after I’m done typing up this review!)

I liked Alina and Mal, especially together because they just build each other up and it almost seems to me like together they are a whole person, but separated they are not. I think the Darkling is a fantastic villain and I love him so much, even though hes not really a good hearted character.

Leigh’s writing style really appeals to me, its something that you don’t really notice while you are reading and nothing sticks out like a sore thumb, which for me is my favorite kind of writing. I don’t like if you have to sit and really think about the words on the page and what they mean, I just want to be able to read the story and really get into it. For me, good writing shouldn’t be noticeable when you are actually reading, if that makes any sense!

The chosen one trope is literally one of my favorite tropes ever, so obviously I really enjoyed that part of the book! The one thing that I didn’t really like was when Alina first met Genya and she wanted to make her pretty. I don’t really get why the main character always has to be pretty? I understand that in this world, having Grisha power gives you a longer lifespan and makes you healthier, which is why they are all pretty. But why can there not be average looking Grishas? Its not a huge issue, but definitely one that stood out to me, especially because they keep mentioning how beautiful the Grisha are.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I think it’ll be really interesting to see what happens in the next two books. Everyone says that they will rip your heart out, so hopefully it doesn’t destroy me too much!