Shadow and Bone Review – Buddy Read with Klara @ Ribbon Reviews

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