Hey guys! Today we have another book review! I just finished the Shadow and Bone trilogy and wanted to share my thoughts with you guys. So let’s get into it.
The Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo consist of three books: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. They are set in the fictional country of Ravka, which is loosely based on 19th century Russia. Ravka has been torn apart into two by the Shadow Fold, a large swath of land that is covered in complete darkness. Alina discovers that she can control light and is taken away to be trained at the royal court. Alina becomes a member of the Grisha, a magical elite who is ruled by the Darkling. Alina quickly learns that many secrets are being hidden about the world and herself. This series is YA fantasy.
I found the series started strong. I was hooked because I found the world so interesting. It can be a little confusing at first remembering all the elements to the magic system, but Bardugo does a good job of consistently reminding the reader what everything is so I found I eventually got it. I was a little unsure of where the series was going by the end of the first book, but I was excited to see where the series would go.
I found the first half of Storm and Seige to be quite boring until I got to know the character Sturmhond, who is one of my favourites in the series. I liked the latter half of the second book because it involved quite a bit of political intrigue. I’ve mentioned this in past reviews but I prefer it over war and battles.
The third book was just a series of unfortunate events for the characters. Nothing seemed to be going right and many side characters were killed off. I know there are some mixed opinions on the ending of the series. It’s not a happy ending and there were sacrifices made. I’m pretty indifferent to the ending. I think it wrapped up things nicely but also left the door open for sequel series.
Something that did bug me is Alina’s main love interest, Mal. I thought he was a pretty boring love interest, there was nothing that made me go ‘wow’ about him. I found the emotional connection between the two of them to be lacking. They were childhood friends and it felt like their connection was in the past, there wasn’t much special that happened during the series. I much preferred the antagonist, the Darkling. I found there was more depth to him and wanted more scenes with him in it. Also wanted to note that there was a lack of diversity in the main characters as well.
Overall I give this series 4/5 stars and I felt like every book was on the same level. I liked the world and the overarching storyline. Had some pacing issues, there were some boring bits. Wasn’t a fan of the romantic interest as well. But this series had made me excited to read Six of Crows, which everyone says is better anyway.
So have you guys read this book? If you have please let me know your thoughts in the comments down below. And as always let me know if you have any book recommendations for me. 🙂
xoxo
Lea
Leave it to Lea 