~ Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo ~

Author:   Leigh Bardugo

Publisher:  Henry Hold and Co.

Published:  June 5, 2012

Pages:  356
Format:  Hardcover

Age Group:   YA
Genre:  Fantasy/Paranormal 

Available:  AMAZON / B&N

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?

I know I am behind, but OMG how could I have taken so long to read this book!  Leigh Bardugo was coming to my favorite Indie book store and I just HAD to read Shadow and Bone before she came.  Well, I did and I AM HOOKED!  As soon as I started reading it, it immediately consumed me and I couldn’t put it down.  

Leigh created a whole new world for me.  A world full of adventure, darkness and suspense, but with all of that chaos, she managed to create an amazing loveable and true romance.  Alina, the main female character, is a bad***!  This girl can kick some serious butt!  Even though she doesn’t think there is anything special about her and doubts herself most of the time, she has an amazing power that could save her country and its people.  It’s a unique gift which earns her many enemies.  Now let's talk about the boys.  Where do I begin?  Mal, oh Mal.  I really liked him, but we really don’t get much of him for a while, which might be why I fell for the bad boy, The Darkling (sighs).  Leigh has managed to make us all fall head over heels and even swoon over someone so hated.  The Darkling is very mysterious but something about him entices me.  I want to hate him, love him and hurt him.  I know it makes no sense, but something keeps telling me to back off.  I just have so many mixed feelings about him.  Let's see how I feel about him in Siege and Storm.          

If you are looking for a book that takes you to another world where you feel all these emotions and characters that will capture your hearts and some who you just want to hurt, Shadow and Bone is the book for you.  I promise that you will not be able to put it down. Yes, it's that good.