VeganYANerds: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Thursday, 21 February 2013

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

7:00 am | Posted by Mandee | | Edit Post

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Published November 2012 by Audible

Source: purchased

Rating: 3 or 4 paws. Maybe 3.5. Or even 5! No, no, no. Back to 3.... hmm, I don’t know!

From the blurb: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves her life - a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha... and the secrets of her heart.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo surprised me completely. After reading a couple of not-so-positive reviews last year, I’d decided not to read it and forgot all about it. But, recently I joined Audible while they had a deal on, and I had credits to use but couldn't find any books to buy. Then I found myself downloading Shadow and Bone, I don’t even remember how I found it or why I chose or it or even clicking the buy button – must have been that sneaky Darkling, working his Grisha magic on me.

So I started listening to this, not expecting very much, and not long into it I found myself hooked on the story. Again, I blame The Darkling. He makes my lady parts beep.

Despite being hooked and feeling really excited and intrigued, there were things I didn't like about the book. The story is set in the fictional country of Ravka. Seventeen year old Alina Starkov is an orphan and grew up in the home of a kind and wealthy Duke, alongside fellow orphan, Mal. Alina is in love with Mal but has never told him, and doesn't say anything when Mal goes off with other girls. Alina has always felt lonely and a bit sad because she’s never had a real home or felt like she belonged anywhere, except with Mal. She’s pretty down on herself and her looks. But, low and behold, she has a super secret power! She is the Sun Summoner! Just what Ravka needs to rid them of the Shadow Fold, a dark area where awful creatures live. It’s very common in YA for the plain, boring girl to suddenly discover she is unique and special, so it felt a bit repetitive to me and I also found Alina’s snarky comments and whiny attitude a bit hard to wear.

Then there’s the setting. Ravka seems to be loosely based on Russia, I know this because there are reviews that say the book got it wrong when it comes to names and other random words. Would I have known this if I’d read the book without reading any reviews? Nope. But, the setting definitely felt European to me, but not overly so. There were foreign words scattered throughout the story but because I was listening to an American narrator, this book didn't feel very Russian or European to me, even though the narrator, Lauren Fortgang, was good at putting on accents and I really enjoyed listening to her.

The world building was interesting and unique, although a little hard to follow when listening to the audio book, as there were lots of names for the different types of Grisha and some of the names were hard to remember or keep track of. But I liked the concept of these witches and the fact that they’re not only accepted, but revered, and help to protect the country.

An aspect I did enjoy was the slow build up of romance, and sexual tension, between Alina and The Darkling (beep beep beep). I remember reading reviews that said he was a really good Bad Guy, but I dismissed those memories because from the first time he clapped his hands together in a show of his power, he had me under his spell. I really appreciated that Alina didn't fall for him in an instant. I like that he wasn't always the focus of Alina’s thoughts, she had plenty of training to do and he was often away from the palace. I really thought he was awesome until about three quarters of the way through and then... well then I felt a bit like Sandy from Grease, swirling paper around a blow up pool, feeling hopelessly devoted, and like I’d been tricked.

The twist came as a bit of a surprise to me, I really should have seen it coming, and after that, the book sort of fizzled for me. I definitely wasn't spellbound any more and didn't feel the same intrigue or need to continue to find out would happen next.

I feel like I need to mention Mal again, but he really was absent for most of the book. Alina writes to him often and when she doesn't receive a reply she assumes he’s done with her. It annoyed me that it didn't occur to her that perhaps there was a reason he wasn't getting her letters. And when they are reunited and Mal seems into her, it felt a bit insta-lovey to me. In the beginning he showed no interest in her in that way and it felt like he’d changed his mind because he wanted to compete with The Darkling and was annoyed that she’d abandoned him in favour of the hot dude in black.

Vegan note: Normally I make a note of when a character is vegan or vegetarian or a vegan reference is made. But this won’t be the case with this book. Instead, I wanted to make a note of the animal killing because I know there are readers who don’t even like reading about that, even in a fantasy book. So I will say that this story is pretty unfriendly to vegans/animal lovers. There is plenty of fur and leather worn by the characters (it’s a fantasy, that usually comes with the territory – A Song of Ice and Fire, I am looking at you), and the death of an animal just to fulfil a prophecy. That won’t stop me from reading books like this one, but it does make me dread what they'll use in the movie adaptation – note to the clothing department: source some faux fur and leather, pretty please.

So, all of this adds up leaving me confused about what to rate this book. I loved it, I was engrossed, compelled, and head over heels for The Darkling but, there were stereotypical YA themes that bothered me and the ending just didn't do it for me.

Still, I was completely surprised by my reaction to this story and impressed at how quickly I was drawn into this world. I am looking forward to the sequel, which I have, and can’t wait to find out what happens next.

I would definitely recommend Shadow and Bone to lovers of YA fantasy and I suggest trying out the audio book as I really enjoyed the experience.

Labels: 3.5 stars, fantasy, Leigh Bardugo, review, YA

40 comments:

Keertana said...: Aww, I'm sorry this one didn't wow you, Mandee. Like you, I agree that Alina fits into the typical mold of a fantasy protagonist, but I think I just understood her so well and enjoyed the world-building and unique romance that I was able to overlook the flaws. I hope the sequel works out even better for you! :); 21 February 2013 7:45 am
Sam said...: He made your lady parts beep! Oh gosh. That's the best thing I've read all day. Thanks, Mandee. ;)

I'm not a huge Darkling fan, but I loved his character anyway. (Mal's the one for me, hah!) I'm really glad you were impressed with this overall, despite some weak parts. I'm reading the sequel next and can't wait. Great review!; 21 February 2013 7:51 am
Danielle said...: Ha ha! I love this review and your yo-yoing rating - I have been there, many times :); 21 February 2013 9:59 am
Maji Bookshelf said...: haha a cougar town reference, that is funny. I love love it when the romance is built up slowly, it is the best kind of romance in my opinion! As for the names and such, I hear you, I really don't like it when they throw a bucket full of confusing names in our faces. My sister has read this novel and LOVED it so I am glad you also did too!

great review,
- Juhina @ Maji Bookshelf; 21 February 2013 10:54 am
Bellas Bookshelf said...: I have been so-so about this book myself. I think I would like it a lot but then it seems too fantasy for me. I may give it a shot. I am just getting into audio books now. I joined Audible and downloaded 13 Reasons Why and Sharp Objects. I am finding I can read faster than the books on audio read. I am liking it so far, takes getting used to.
Thanks for the review <3; 21 February 2013 11:04 am
writingwithcats said...: I loved the book until the twist, just like you, and then I struggled with it. I'm still looking forward to the sequel though! (And I've been on a kick with Really Good Sequels in the YA fantasy/sci fi/dystopia genre lately...hoping S&S holds up too!); 21 February 2013 11:35 am
Alise (Readers In Wonderland) said...: I agree about the Darkling, LOL. Excellent way to put it. I refuse to read audio books of fantasy because I can't imagine everything, like you said. You definitely made some great points about Alina that I didn't even really think about. Alas, I did this give five stars and it definitely one of my favorites!; 21 February 2013 11:44 am
tigerlilyrachel said...: I wasn't too into this book either. I completely understand why people love it, but it wasn't really my thing. I would agree with the use of overly common YA themes. There are a million stories out there that feature the ordinary girl becoming something more. I did love the whole Mal/Darkling thing going on and I was totally thrown off guard by some of that.; 21 February 2013 12:14 pm
My anxious life said...: Oh man... this is a good book! I was so surprised how good it was! I met the author at Comic Con San Diego last year!

Angie; 21 February 2013 12:42 pm
Britt said...: Very interesting review. I can totally understand what you mean with the trying to rate it problem. Some books are tricky. I'm quite intrigued now though. I'll have to check this one out.; 21 February 2013 12:54 pm
Erin W. said...: Lovely review! I just ADORED this book from the inside out . . . there's nothing bad that I could honestly say about this book so I just want the sequel NOW! Stat! :D; 21 February 2013 2:02 pm
Lisa [is busy nerding] said...: I am with you on that Darkling train, my friend! Even though I know how it ends and even though I've read book two. I don't care. DARKLINGGGG.

Yeah there were def some YA cliches going on in this one, but I felt like the story and setting were enough to keep me happy.; 21 February 2013 2:25 pm
Bookworm1858 said...: I had a mixed-negative reaction to this book at first but the more I think about it, the more I like it. I really can't wait for the sequel now!; 21 February 2013 3:48 pm
Reynje said...: Okay, I think I'm going to give this a go - you've pushed me over the edge! I keep hearing about this Darkling, I think I need to find out what the deal is once and for all :); 21 February 2013 7:34 pm
Jasprit said...: Mandee I was totally caught under The Darkling's spell too until I realised everyone else loved Mal.. Mal who? I found this utterly compelling too, but was extremely surprised the way things panned out. I seriously hope we get tons more of The Darkling in the next book, but so far I've heard this isn't the case *cries* beautiful review Mandee, I can't wait to see what you make of the next book! :); 22 February 2013 2:46 am
Nikki said...: I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about this book but I'm still really excited to read it. I haven't read a good fantasy in awhile and with the way panties seem to drop around The Darkling, I really feel like I've been missing out!

In regards to some negative responses about Ravka being based loosely on Russia, I think there are definitely going to be some differences. That's why it's "loosely" based on the country. It is a ficitional, fanatastic book, right? I think maybe the author was just taking some liberties with her descritpions. Or maybe I'm wrong, but that wouldn't really bother me regardless. I look forward to picking up the audio version, for sure!; 22 February 2013 4:54 am
Heidi@Rainy Day Ramblings said...: I really enjoyed this one! Darkling is so dark and delicious...love that line about how he makes your lady parts beep! Too funny. I didn't like the scene where the stag was murdered either. All in all, this was a really good read. I loved it!; 22 February 2013 6:30 am
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bigskybooks said...: OK, I've heard mixed things about this one, but your whole beeping lady parts thing with the Darkling has me really intrigued. It's been a while since I read a new-to-me fantasy book with a really interesting love interest. Also, fingers crossed for the film adaptation—David Heyman's the man, even if he did let Christopher Columbus botch the first two Harry Potter movies.; 22 February 2013 1:52 pm
Kara_Malinczak said...: So it's no surprise that I loved this book. I was actually shocked that I did considering how loaded with the typical YA tropes it is. But I think it was the writing and world-building I fell in love with. And the Darkling. But mostly the world-building. Though I do understand all of your gripes. And yeah, that animal scene bothered me too. I hate that stuff.; 22 February 2013 2:31 pm
Sharon ObsessionwithBooks said...: I really enjoyed this one & I love your review Mandee! I adored The Darkling for most parts & hope we get to see a lot more of him in the sequel which I can't wait to read.

'He makes my lady parts beep' -> had me giggling :); 22 February 2013 8:02 pm
Renu said...: Like Sam I don't like The Darkling as a love interest, but I think he's an interesting character. Mal stole my heart, I think I'm a sucker for childhood best friends romances. xD Despite having some issues glad you enjoyed it overall. :); 22 February 2013 9:46 pm
Ashley said...: Okay I TOTALLY laughed at your rating! LMAO! I totally feel like that too sometimes. AND YES!! THE DARKLING!!! *swoon* What a hunk.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy this a bit more, but at least you love The Darkling. That's all that matters.; 23 February 2013 1:16 am
Livvy said...: Your review made me laugh quite a bit. It seems this one left you quite confused, but I definitely think it's worth my time checking it out since it seems to have some good points and the romance sounds pretty great.

Great review, Mandee! :); 23 February 2013 4:25 am
Katja Weinert said...: Glad you enjoyed the audio book, I got mine of audible too.
Lol! I thought the first half of your review was hilarious,Mandee. I figured out the darkling so I still appreciated his ability to make the ladies all hot and bothered, but kept my heart guarded from him, hehehe.
Animal sacrifice made me teary. I didn't mind Mal's reaction, he seemed like a guy who didn't have much EQ and I put it down to being emotionally dumb that he didn't figure out how he felt until he thought he'd lost her.
Just heard that Dreamworks has got a scriptwriter to adapt Shadow & Bone into a movie. I think it would work well on the screen :)
Cool review, I gave it 5 stars and yet everything you say I can relate to!; 23 February 2013 4:56 am
Cassie @ KnowsProse said...: Fun review, Mandee! Wow, I definitely want to meet the Darkling now. I never listen to audiobooks...I'm just such a sucker for ink and paper. I've got to check one out sometime soon since everyone enjoys them so much.; 23 February 2013 8:32 am
elena said...: This is a pretty compelling novel and I can see how you have mixed feelings over it! I remember enjoying this one but not really much else besides that I like the world building. I'm definitely re-reading before I delve into Siege and Storm!; 23 February 2013 9:11 am
TheBookSlayer said...: Alina sounds like a total drama queen. I can see how frustrating it would be to follow her character. I think the main reason I never thought about reading Shadow and Bone was because the concept confused me. There's a lot going on in that description. This Darkling guy sounds yummy! If he's making you beep beep I need to know why. ;); 23 February 2013 10:38 am
Novels On The Run said...: I laughed at your changing your mind over your rating. I really liked this book. It was different. I am reading Siege and Storm shortly :)

Mich; 23 February 2013 1:04 pm
Lauren's Loquacious Lit said...: Mandee I loved the pop culture references, you had me giggling into the laptop. I think it's fascinating that this novel apparently drove Sarah to drinking and yet you've clearly had a much more liver friendly approach. :); 23 February 2013 8:55 pm
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BookStacksOnDeck said...: I know what you mean about the animals! Man, it's so hard - like I know it totally didn't really happen IRL 'cause it's fiction - but still arghh. There was a book I read recently when a dog died/was killed, and I was like NOoOOOooOoOOOOOO! But then, when a book is being realistic, is that really a reason to dislike it? Isn't that why you should like it (being realistic)? But still if it's not necessary to the story, why have it - buuuut then again, it makes you think about the subject, ya know? Arghh, it's hard to decide. Great review, Mandee! I'm gonna read this one. <3
-heather; 24 February 2013 3:02 am
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Jamie said...: Ok I'm reading this one. I am. FINALLY. I'm so new to YA fantasy that I'm always hesitant and I keep hearing sooo much about it. And the DARKLING. SO MUCH TALK ABOUT THE DARKLING. And if lady parts are being made to beep..then I think I need to be there. Thanks for the honest review though so I can be aware of these things that will also no doubt annoy me too. Hopefully I'll find myself engrossed in this one as well. It's so hard when you find yourself SOOO into a book but you still see problems. I'm like but on an entertainment and page-turning level it's a FIVE but then there are these THINGSSSS...

Great review, Mandee!<3; 24 February 2013 6:51 am
Karen said...: SOmetimes it's better going in with your expectations a little lower lol

I've been putting off reading this one too but maybe I'll give it a try.; 25 February 2013 5:36 am
Sarah (saz101) said...: Beep beep BEEEEEEP!

OMG.
MANDEE.
I'm giggling hysterically, but inwards, so I don't get funny looks.

Um...
Your review. Basically? YES.

And... like Lauren said, this drove me to drink, and you've summarised PRECISELY why, while I still struggle to put it to words.

Firstly, this: "So I started listening to this, not expecting very much, and not long into it I found myself hooked on the story. Again, I blame The Darkling. He makes my lady parts beep."

*giggles some more* *beeps*

"An aspect I did enjoy was the slow build up of romance, and sexual tension, between Alina and The Darkling (beep beep beep). I remember reading reviews that said he was a really good Bad Guy, but I dismissed those memories because from the first time he clapped his hands together in a show of his power, he had me under his spell."

RIGHT? I IGNORED THE WARNINGS. I shipped Darlina, along with the people who were Team Darkling, and I set myself right up to get my heart broken. But YES. It was that romance, slow building, that captured my mind and heart, and then stomped on them till they were a messy pulp >:(

"I really thought he was awesome until about three quarters of the way through and then... well then I felt a bit like Sandy from Grease, swirling paper around a blow up pool, feeling hopelessly devoted, and like I’d been tricked."

E X A C T L Y. I still feel this way. I'm quite cranky about it, in fact. Hence the drink.

*nods* thank you for the Veg Alert. This was very upsetting and... Hmph. You know, it was this, more than anything else in the book that made me angry at Darkling.

YOUR REVIEW MANDEE.
YES YES YES ♥; 25 February 2013 10:00 am
Belle said...: I have had this on my shelf for so long. I think it will probably stay there for awhile longer. I want to read it, but not desperately.; 28 February 2013 2:24 pm
Micheline D said...: hahahaha beep beep BEEP! I love it, brilliant review Mandee :) This is one I've been wanting to read since I first heard about it - definitely something that's right up my alley! I can't wait to meet Darkling (even more so now) but I do thank you for the animal cruelty warning...I never handle those well but knowing about it will at least allow me to wrap my head around it beforehand.; 1 March 2013 2:38 am
Alexa Y. said...: What I love about Shadow & Bone is that it's pretty easy to read, and that could encourage non-fantasy readers to give it a try. I liked the story well enough, though I really did feel like something was *missing* for me.; 2 March 2013 7:04 am
booktasty said...: I'm glad you liked the audiobook, I'll have to give it a try since I'm always looking for a good audiobook!; 4 March 2013 10:58 am