Last year, Netflix introduced me to Shadow and Bone in the fascinating Grishaverse of Leigh Bardugo. The magical world of Grishas immediately gripped me and left me craving for more. While waiting for the next season, I thought of going through the original Grishaverse trilogy, starting with Shadow and Bone. It’s my personal belief that, generally, books offer a more vivid representation of the story that the author intended, and personally, a new fantasy buys me any time.
The prologue introduces Alina Starkov and Malyen Oretsev or Mal, two central characters of the story arc, and the unique bond between them since their early days in the Duke’s House (orphanage). Furthermore, ‘the women in red’ introduces Grisha: “We are not witches. We are practitioners of the small science. We keep this country and this kingdom safe.”
Shadow and Bone introduces, early in the story, another important character who inspires love and hate in almost equal amounts from the readers—The Darkling. The author slowly introduces other concepts of the Grishaverse over the coming chapters, including different types of Grisha, their capabilities, and their overall purpose. The author does an excellent job of catching the reader’s attention and explaining the world around one step at a time.
Fantasies are generally known for the overwhelming details that the readers are drenched in early introductions to the new world. As the readers start to appreciate the new rules and the world around the story, it makes sense. However, Leigh Bardugo does a great job of not overwhelming the readers and simply explaining her vision of Grishaverse to them.
The fold serves as a vital element of the present story arc in the Grishaverse. Its mysterious nature, origin, and sinisterness are explained, and the primary story revolves around it. It is central to giving purpose to Alina’s powers.
Shadow and Bone is a coming-of-age story about Alina, how she realises her powers and various internal conflicts within her. But it seems her character development left a lot more to be desired. I didn’t find her a solid female protagonist compared to other leading female protagonists from other fantasies like Katniss from The Hunger Games or Bryce from The House of Earth and Blood (which I read recently, and its review can be read here). Other characters were also not that extensively developed, and much was left on that front. However, considering this story expands into a trilogy, I believe the author has more space to develop these characters fully.
Overall, Shadow and Bone is an enjoyable read; the world-building is solid, and the author well explains most of the concepts. There are some differences between the TV version and the book, but I find those differences to be for the good. Overall, the TV version does justice to the book and adds elements that add value to the storyline.
The ending leaves readers hanging and wanting more. I will return to check the remaining books of the trilogy and plan to continue with other books of the Grishaverse. Leigh Bardugo deserves total points for developing this gripping fantasy world that will keep readers occupied for a long time to come.
My Rating:- ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewed on:
- Paperback
- Total pages: 323
- Genre: Fantasy
- Shadow And Bone: Leigh Bardugo
Overall, this review serves as an excellent introduction to ‘Shadow and Bone,’ setting the stage for an immersive and thrilling journey through the Grishaverse….
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The exploration of relationships, both romantic and platonic, offers valuable insights into the dynamics between characters and adds depth..
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The reviewer’s attention to detail, from the intricacies of Grisha powers to the dynamics of Ravkan society, enhances the reading experience.
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While the world-building showed promise, I found it to be confusing and poorly explained, leaving me struggling to understand the rules of the Grishaverse.
The character development was quite underwhelming, especially of the leading lady.
As a newcomer to the series, I found this review to be an enticing invitation into the world of Grisha magic and political intrigue…
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well-realized world, compelling characters, and fast-paced plot lay the foundation for an enthralling fantasy saga.
Yeah!!
[…] Shadow And Bone: A Gripping Welcome To Grishaverse. Check out the book review of the previous book in the series. Vishal (Author) […]