Same Book, Second Look - Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Published: June 2012

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Pages: 358

Copy Provided by: Library

Summary: by Goodreads

Summary:

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Review:
A couple years ago I tried reading this book and I just wasn't in the right frame of mind.  Seeing that Book #3 was coming out this summer, I thought I would give it another chance.  SO GLAD I DID!! This is like no other story that I've read.  It takes place in an area that is comparable to Russia or Eastern Europe.  It is the story of a young girl who comes into her own when (quite by chance), she discovers she is one of a kind with magical powers.  She can control light.

Alina is the main character and seems to feeble and weak at the beginning.  As she begins to understand her gift, she gains strength and a better awareness.  Mal, her childhood friend and first love has always had the attention of others.  He is handsome and witty and everyone seems to love him, including Alina.  Unfortunately, once Alina's gift is discovered, she is whisked away to the capital and absorbed by the Grisha, magic yielders.  Seduced by the Darkling, the most powerful of them all, she struggles to come to grips with the part she plays in changing the world.  Who should she believe?  The Darkling is older and so charismatic.  He understands her and the power she can harness.  When Mal seems to have forgotten her, has she found her rightful place beside someone who truly understands her powers?  Is this where she belongs?

Shadow and Bone was such a fascinating story full of mystery and intrigue with monsters and romance and longing and an urgency to fit in.  The characters were rich and deep and I just wanted to get to know them better and better.  I became so absorbed by the story that after I finished, I went out and bought book #2!  If you haven't read Shadow and Bone, I would highly recommend you hop to it!

You can read our original Shadow and Bone review here.