About: Shadow and Bone is a fiction novel written by Leigh Bardugo. The genres are fantasy, young adult, and paranormal. It was published on 6/5/2012 by Henry Holt and Company, 358 pages. This book is part of the Grisha Trilogy of 3 books: book 1 is called Shadow and Bone, book 2 is called Siege and Storm, and book 3 is called Ruin & Rising. Leigh Bardugo is also the author of Six of Crows Duology where book 1 is really good and I have already read it. Click Here for my review.
My Experience: I started reading Shadow & Bone on 11/27/16 and finished it on 12/2/16. I was fortunate to have read this book with the sweet & lovely blogger, Klara @ Ribbon Reviews! Please click on her link to see her review of this book! We started out reading 2 chapters per day and increase the number of chapters as the story gets exciting. In the end, we read 4 chapters a day! I liked the book a lot more from chapter 14 and on. However, I am disappointed that this book has only one point of view and at times, especially in the beginning, it gets a little monotonous. It makes me questions what Mal was thinking or what is the Darkling thinking. I like books with more than one point of views. Even so, the story does capture my attention and there were happenings that keep the story an interesting read.Buddy Reads Questions & Answers:
1) How addicting is this book?
Klara: I think the book is extremely addicting once the plot really gets going which happens at around page 60.
Jasmine: It gets addicting after chapter 14 for me. I like the story more and more after that. Alina grows smarter and can make her own decisions.
2) Which character do you like most?
Klara: Even though some might disagree, I find the Darkling to be the most intriguing. I liked Botkin a lot even if he didn’t have much “screen time”.
Jasmine: I like Genya. She seems clever. She’s still a mystery and I hope to learn more about her in book 2. I like that she’s self motivated, even though something bad happened to her, she still tries to appear/seems happy.
3) Does it bothers you to read with foreign language in this book?
Klara: It really didn’t bother me because I speak a few slavic languages and so there was really nothing that I didn’t understand. The foreign language was really basic but I imagine a glossary of sorts could help people who don’t understand the words.
Jasmine: It does a little. I like that sometimes there’s translation right away and I dislike when there’s no translation at all.
“Where did you learn to fight like that?” Mal ask
“Ancient secrets of the groin kick.” Alina says
“Whatever works.” Mal says
“Not showy, just to make pain.” Alina imitating Botkin
“Smart guy.” Mal says p.277-278
I wanted to read this book and this series because I liked the author’s new book Six of Crows. I like the whole concept of Grisha and the second army. It seems interesting and it’s unlike other books I have read. The Grisha world with its hierarchy of Corporalki, Etherealki, and Materialki are interesting. I didn’t like Aline as much in the first portion of this book. She seems weak and not so smart. Luckily when she is left on her own she wise up. I like the ending and happy that it doesn’t leave me hanging. I am ready for book 2 though!
Summary: Alina and Mal joins an orphanage starting around 8 years old. They became best buddies. They go to military school together at around age 18 but each have different skills. Alina learns to become a map maker (Cartographer) and Mal is the best Tracker. When trouble comes, Alina discovers she has abilities and her abilities could be the main cause to save the world or destroy it.
Pro: no cliffhanger, friendship, bad boy vs good boy love, fast-paced, actions & adventures
Con: 1 POV, missing a glossary, slow start,
I rate it 4.5 stars!
Grab yourself a copy here: Book Depository
***Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from my local library and my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine
I’m glad you liked this book! I want to read these before I read Six of Crows bc I own them! I really need to start reading some of the books I own, lol!
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I’m glad to read books you haven’t read yet 😂 I feel like I’m always running behind.
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I remember when I read this book that I was happy about foreign language, as I understood what they were saying. But I get why someone who doeasn’t would be bothered by it. Glad to see you both enjoyed it.
I’ll go and read Klara’s review now! 😀
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Yes, I would be excited for the foreign language too if I could understand it. I’m glad for those parts where they translate right away 😊
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Just finished the series a few months ago and really enjoyed it. Glad to hear you’re enjoying it as well. I’m really interested in checking out Six of Crows now.
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I like Six of Crows more than this book. There were a lot going on and I loved the multiple POVs. 😊
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Great! I’ll definitely make it a part of my next book haul then. ☺
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Ah I’m actually reading this book right now! Just about to start chapter 14, so let’s see if I feel the same as you!
Lovely review Jasmine 🙂
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Oh cool! Enjoy the ride! It’s getting better 😊
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Great review Jasmine, too good and you have explained the book so well in a little gist. Loved the book cover.
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Thanks! Have you read this series yet?
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No will do that
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I hope to read this one soon, right after I finish Crooked Kingdom. I’ve fallen in love with Leigh Bardugo’s writing and her phenomenal world-building! 🙂
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Yes, me too! I like her world building. How do you like Crooked Kingdom so far?
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It’s amazing and even more fast-paced than Six of Crows (didn’t think that was possible, haha). I haven’t had much time for reading lately so it’s taking me a long time to get through it, but I’m dying to find out where this story will end… 🙂
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Sounds exciting. I’m really looking forward to reading it! 😊
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Ohhhh I need to read these book soooo bad!!! I really want to read these before I read Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. Apparently you don’t need to read the Grisha Trilogy first but…I think it’s the completionist in me that needs to read these first. I’m glad you are enjoying the series. Awesome review 🙂
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Thank you! Yes, read soon! The whole concept of Grisha is really interesting 😊 and I did read book 1 in each series haha but because I liked one it makes me wanted to read them all!
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Great review!i like the concept of doing something different while reviewing a book 🙂
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Have you done any buddy reads? It’s fun. It helps motivate you to read or have patience to slow books 😊
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No I havent but.is something I would love to try. It also gives you the chance to talk about the book with someone
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When you plan on reading Passenger, let me know! We could do a buddy read for it in January 🙂
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I loved that! I don’t have it planned yet so any date is fine with me 🙂
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Great! Let’s plan to start 1/5/17. I will write it down on my notebook 🙂
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Great written down 🙂
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do you have Twitter or Goodreads? I like to check up on you to see where your progress are on the book. If you don’t mind to go to my about page and add me on there so we can easily communicate 🙂
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Just added you!
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Just confirmed 😊
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I’m so glad you ended up enjoying this! I completely agree with you on Alina. At first I didn’t like her as much but as the story progressed she became more likable. Whenever you get around to the other books I hope you enjoy them too. Great review as always! 😊
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You have completely read the whole series? What’s your total rating to the whole series?
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Yep I’ve read the full series! I’d say, for me, it was probably a 4 star series overall. There were some problems I had with parts of it but overall I really enjoyed it. 😊
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4 stars is a read for me. 3 and below then I will stay away 😁 Thanks!
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I’m glad you liked it! This is actually one of the few books that I stopped reading midway because I just wasn’t invested in the story. But I have an overwhelming love for the Six of Crows duology so I might give it another try. Especially since you said it gets better after a few chapters.
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Yes. I think the buddy read helps me to have a little patience haha because it does get better! 😊
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Glad you liked Shadow and Bone, Jasmine! I agree that Alina wasn’t all that likable in the beginning, but she definitely grows on you. And I, too, wish there had been one or more POV’s. I think it would have gave the story a bit more of an edge! I really like the Darkling, and so I think it would have been cool to see what he was thinking from time to time. Lovely review! 😀
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Thanks! The other day you choose The Darkling as a villain. At that time I was still at the beginning of the book and didn’t realize he’s a villain but now I do agree with you on him 😊. I’m curious what the Apparat is up to. He seems so weird.
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Oops! Sorry if I spoiled your read 😯 I forgot the Darkling didn’t show his true colors until a little later. And yeah, I always thought the Apparat was weird, too. I forgot why though 😂 I think you’ll enjoy the second book. I thought it was much better than the first!
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No I was not spoiled 😊 Thanks for the heads up. I will not read it until next month probably. I have a few ARCs to get through 😊
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Oh yay, I’m glad 🙂 I hope you enjoy those ARCs!
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Great review Jasmine! Would you like Alina getting back with the Darkling? I have yet to read Six of Crows but I’m sure it was as great as SaB! Hope do buddy read something with you soon 😀
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I don’t think Alina & the Darkling would work out. They have different intentions now.. but based on her love of using her new found power.. I wonder if she might change her mind from saving the world.. do you think so?
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It could be that she changes her mind, though maybe under sonw kind of spell or something really terrible must persuade her to follow that path.. either way I’m extremely curious 😀
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