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bumblemee's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
If I read this before reading Six of Crows a few years ago, it would've saved me a lot of confusion. This book does a great job at introducing readers to the Grishaverse.
This feels like the essence of a YA fantasy novel and I had a lot of fun with it. Training sequences, a young heroine coming into her power - great. The pacing was fast, yet it felt a little random at times. For the most part though, I liked how much thought went into building the plot itself, even though I would've liked a little more build up for a certain thing.I was a little disappointed that the big twist in the middle was simply this scene with Baghra, who explains a lot of things to Alina and then sends her off. I get that Alina didn't see it coming and was pulled in by the Darklings charisma. Still, I would've liked it if she found out some things by herself.
I also like that the author - no surprise there - doesn't shy away from letting her protagonist make morally questionable decisions. A lot of people shy away from that, especially in YA.
All in all I enjoyed my time reading and will probably continue somewhen, even if it's not my top priority right now.
This feels like the essence of a YA fantasy novel and I had a lot of fun with it. Training sequences, a young heroine coming into her power - great. The pacing was fast, yet it felt a little random at times. For the most part though, I liked how much thought went into building the plot itself, even though I would've liked a little more build up for a certain thing.
I also like that the author - no surprise there - doesn't shy away from letting her protagonist make morally questionable decisions. A lot of people shy away from that, especially in YA.
All in all I enjoyed my time reading and will probably continue somewhen, even if it's not my top priority right now.
lareads36's review against another edition
4.0
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
4 ⭐
Great re-read. One of my auto buy authors. I only wish the books were a bit more developed. Things occured a bit awkwardly due to the pacing. It is however, a true YA novel.
If you like Unique magic systems, turn of the 19th century Russian Orthodox vibes, and fast paced action, this is for you.
4 ⭐
Great re-read. One of my auto buy authors. I only wish the books were a bit more developed. Things occured a bit awkwardly due to the pacing. It is however, a true YA novel.
If you like Unique magic systems, turn of the 19th century Russian Orthodox vibes, and fast paced action, this is for you.
tene143's review against another edition
3.0
New world to delve into
I really enjoyed the first book of this series. The “betrayal” surprised me as I guess I was following along with the main character. I enjoy the magic world that Bardugo has created and am interested to see where it goes next!
I really enjoyed the first book of this series. The “betrayal” surprised me as I guess I was following along with the main character. I enjoy the magic world that Bardugo has created and am interested to see where it goes next!
gioia's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
flowielandt's review against another edition
4.0
Empecé este libro solo porque quería llegar a Seis de Cuervos, pero debo decir que me sorprendió, a pesar de que intenté no hacerme demasiadas expectativas (ya que había leído reseñas tanto como negativas, como positivas).
Fue una lectura muy rápida de leer y la historia fue muy fluida, nada tediosa en mi opinión. Creí que me iba a costar adentrarme a este nuevo mundo de fantasía, pero fue todo lo contrario. Me mantuvo enganchada todo el tiempo.
Los plot twist me dejaron boquiabierta, y sin duda me dejaban con ganas de leer más. Aunque debo admitir que los últimos capítulos fueron mis favoritos.
Alina me encantó como protagonista, y en el final hasta me sentí orgullosa por ella y por su desarrollo a través del libro. The Darkling me parece un villano MUY bueno, literal, me debatía todo el tiempo si debía amarlo u odiarlo. Y bueno, Mal no me cae ni bien ni mal por ahora.
Fue una lectura muy rápida de leer y la historia fue muy fluida, nada tediosa en mi opinión. Creí que me iba a costar adentrarme a este nuevo mundo de fantasía, pero fue todo lo contrario. Me mantuvo enganchada todo el tiempo.
Los plot twist me dejaron boquiabierta, y sin duda me dejaban con ganas de leer más. Aunque debo admitir que los últimos capítulos fueron mis favoritos.
Alina me encantó como protagonista, y en el final hasta me sentí orgullosa por ella y por su desarrollo a través del libro. The Darkling me parece un villano MUY bueno, literal, me debatía todo el tiempo si debía amarlo u odiarlo. Y bueno, Mal no me cae ni bien ni mal por ahora.
saga99's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
fangirl_in_oz's review against another edition
4.0
A great start to what is sure to be a fantastic trilogy!
My first entry into the Grishaverse did not disappoint. Alina's journey of self discovery throughout this book was amazing to read. Learning to accept herself for what she is after years of pushing that power down! I can't wait to see what Alina does next.
I also really loved Genya and Mal, and tbh the Darkling too. It could be false, but I have hope Baghra is right that he could be redeemed lol.... or maybe I just have a thing for villains ;)
My first entry into the Grishaverse did not disappoint. Alina's journey of self discovery throughout this book was amazing to read. Learning to accept herself for what she is after years of pushing that power down! I can't wait to see what Alina does next.
I also really loved Genya and Mal, and tbh the Darkling too. It could be false, but I have hope Baghra is right that he could be redeemed lol.... or maybe I just have a thing for villains ;)
kinga_minga's review
4.25
”What do you two talk about, anyway?”
"The usual. Life. Love. The melting point of iron ore.
larzi's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0