Shadow and Bone By Leigh Bardugo

Christina Chaghlasian

Shadow and Bone
By Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by female author Leigh Bardugo is best aimed for those interested young adult novels. Considering half of young adult readers are adults, this book can be enjoyed by anyone. Especially if you’re in for a ride into a dark sci-fi, fantasy world with enticing characters. Kitchener, Caroline. “Why So Many Adults Read Young-Adult Literature.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 1 Dec. 2017,

There are quite a few memorable characters the reader will be drawn to. This includes, but is not limited to Alina Starkov. The story is told from her point of view. She is powerful yet vulnerable, and deep down, insecure. Throughout the novel, she’s described as having mouse-like features and ratty hair. She’s shocked when she finds out about her magic ability to summon light, especially since those who have magic, known as Grisha, are known to be incredibly beautiful. The Darkling is a mysterious, handsome male with pale features, dark hair, and a black cloak. He’s known and worshipped by mostly everyone in the world. He can summon darkness, and is able to surround a mass vicinity in a sort of black mist. Mal Oretsev, Alina’s best friend from the orphanage, is a steady and determined male character who cares deeply for Alina. The reader will come to admire his strength and skill throughout the few times he’s mentioned.

When put into inconceivable circumstances, Alina Starkov feels compelled to fit in with the other Grisha, while everyone is simultaneously relying on her to end the dark fate of the world. “I didn’t belong in this beautiful world, and if I didn’t find a way to use my power, I never would” (165). Although every Grisha use their powers instinctively, Alina continues to struggle to reach within herself and access the magic on her own.

For centuries, people have passed down stories of the Black Heretic; a madman who created mass darkness infamously known as the Shadow Fold. He’s responsible for the horrible darkness of the Fold, and the monsters that live within it known as volcra. “They were more frightening than anything I had ever seen in any book, than any monster I could have imagined. Shots rang out. The archers let fly, and the shrieks of volcra split the air, high and horrible” (31). The only solution for defeating the fold is waiting for someone with the ability to produce light to present themselves, and counter the Black Heretic's doing.

Unluckily chosen to cross through the Shadow Fold with a crew of selected others, Alina Starkov discovers dormant yet incredibly powerful magic within herself when put in imminent danger by swarming volcra. “That thing, the volcra, was coming at them. I saw it on top of her and then… she lit up” (45). The Darkling, mysterious love interest to Alina, is struck with the hope of destroying his evil ancestor’s creation; the Shadow Fold.

Now treated with high respect, Alina, along with The Darkling, stand a chance in defeating the Black Heretic’s terrorizing creation. Except, just when things seem to be going in the right direction, the story takes a curve, and will leave readers sitting on the edge of their seats. I guarantee that you will not be able to put this book down.

I definitely recommend reading this novel. I was drawn to the author’s writing due to her ability to compel the reader to the plot. What stood out to me most was the character development. One of the best things about this story is witnessing the growth and change that occurs in Alina, a character that was once seen as fragile and helpless. Wright, David W. “Is Plot or Character More Important.” Sterling & Stone, 14 Dec. 2016.

Shadow and Bone is entertaining and compelling with a touch of humor. The sarcasm within some of the characters is both amusing and relatable. There are many plot twists that no one would see coming, so if you’re in for a surprise, this is the book for you. “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.” The Grishaverse.


Sources:

* The book: Shadow And Bone

* Kitchener, Caroline. “Why So Many Adults Read Young-Adult Literature.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 1 Dec. 2017, www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/12/why-so-many-adults-are-love-young-adult-literature/547334/.


* Wright, David W. “Is Plot or Character More Important.” Sterling & Stone, 14 Dec. 2016, sterlingandstone.net/plot-character-more-important/.

* “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.” The Grishaverse, www.grishaverse.com/books/shadow-and-bone-trilogy/.