Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – Book 1
Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo Book Cover
Shadow and Bone marks the atmospheric beginning of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, pulling readers into a darkly enchanting world of magic, war, and dangerous ambition. Set in the divided land of Ravka, where the monstrous Shadow Fold cuts the nation in two, the novel follows Alina Starkov, a seemingly unremarkable mapmaker who discovers an extraordinary hidden power — one that might be the key to saving her homeland.
When Alina’s latent magic emerges during a deadly attack, she’s swept into the glittering and treacherous world of the Grisha, the kingdom’s magical elite led by the powerful and enigmatic Darkling. Suddenly, Alina goes from a nameless orphan to the most crucial figure in Ravka’s political and military struggles — but power comes with a price, and nothing in the Grisha’s world is as simple as it seems.
Bardugo’s strength lies in her lush world-building. Ravka feels fully realized, shaped by Eastern European influences, layered with political tension, war-torn borders, and a sharp divide between the magical and non-magical classes. The Shadow Fold is a haunting and original creation, a landscape of creeping darkness and nightmare creatures.
Alina is a classic reluctant heroine, grappling with self-doubt, loneliness, and the burden of sudden responsibility. Her journey of self-discovery is compelling, though some readers may find the romantic dynamics, particularly the love triangle involving Alina, her childhood friend Mal, and the magnetic Darkling, underdeveloped in this first installment. The Darkling is one of the book’s standout characters: a charismatic, morally complex villain who adds tension and intrigue to every scene.
Final Verdict:
Shadow and Bone is a strong, engaging start to the Grishaverse series, offering atmospheric fantasy, political intrigue, and a coming-of-age journey centered on power and identity. While the pacing and romance may sometimes feel uneven, Bardugo’s immersive world and memorable characters make it easy to see why this series has become a fan favorite. Readers looking for a fantasy adventure with dark twists and rich magic will find plenty to enjoy here, and the later books only deepen and expand the stakes.
Started: 01 April 2025
Completed: 14 April 2025
Total Pages Read: 358
Total Listening Time: 9 Hours: 21 Minutes
Format: Kobo (own the eBook series)
Rating: 3.5 stars
