4.5 out of 5: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

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 fulfil 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:

I was hesitant to pick up this book at first because it looked like it would be about some sort of foreign country myth -not that I have anything against that, but I just wasn't sure if I wanted to start reading another book taking place in a foreign country. First, I was wrong, this book takes place in a whole different realm. Secondly, I wish I had picked up this book a while ago.

Let's talk about the romance first; it starts out so predictable and then the Darkling enters and it's hard to decide which character is the great love interest. Suddenly BAM, plot twist, the path for which guy holds the key to Alina's heart is decided. This is when things get even more exciting (aka the part of a book when you just cannot put it down).

As I mentioned before, this book takes place in a different world entirely, the setting is very unusual and there is a lot of information to absorb. There isn't a dull moment; the book jumps right into the story starting with a interesting and mysterious prequel. The only thing that stopped me from giving this book a '5' is that when Alina settles down at the palace, there isn't very much going on.

However, I warn you: Do not read this book when it is late because you won't be able to finish it and you'll end up doing what I did which is reading until 12 in the morning hoping to finish it. I enjoyed the writing and I think Leigh did a very good job with the descriptions and layout of the story.

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