About the Author
Leigh Bardugo is a New York Times bestselling author and the creator of the Grishaverse which starts with the Shadow and Bone Trilogy. She lives and writes in Los Angeles.For information on new releases and appearances, sign up for her newsletter
now for my review
This series is the first in the Grishaverse and so my introduction. Set in the nation of Ravka, the shadow fold which was created by magic is expanding and will eat up the nation if not stopped. The world-building seems to draw on Russian folklore. Overall I enjoyed this, it was an easy fantasy read and a good introduction to fantasy if you’re looking to get into the fantasy genre. It was a quick and easy read and it got me out of my funk.
What I enjoyed
I enjoyed the characters, although I wish Alina wasn’t cast in the usual “I know i’m not pretty and I don’t think I can do this but I’ll try” trope but I enjoyed watching her become a badass. Mal angered my soul in the first two books because he only wanted to love the version on Alina he wanted and not the whole of her. Also Nikolai!!! what can I say, he stole the show.
I loved the darkling and yes i know he was ultimately evil but my gosh i did love him (not sure what that says about me)
What I didn’t fully enjoy
This is a personal thing and not the book’s fault but I dislike any inkling into the love triangle trope, I strongly dislike that trope. I would have loved to see more world building and more depth to the magic system.
I will definitely be reading the next set of books “Six of Crows Duology”.