A review by maggie_desu
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

I have to say that I enjoyed this more than I was expecting. That being said I don't think this book is something out of this world, quite on the contrary. The whole plot isn't that much to be honest. I was a bit halfway through it and got myself thinking that hasn't really happened nothing great. It was an okay story. However, I got to give it to Bardugo for writing Alina. Being this a YA book I was expecting an annoying main character, because, you know, authors most of the time write annoying teenagers who have the task of saving the world. She didn't come up with a helpless whinning girl who only thinks about the guys she likes or who like her. I applaud you, Bardugo, well done! It is a mature YA, it's focused, it isn't cringy. I was already readying myself to hate her and roll my eyes at all the stupid actions she would take. I am pleasantly surprised. Although, I'm not sure if this is due to the fact that the characters are a bit tad bland and generic, but then again Alina isn't the typical girl we're used to.
The world building is basically non-existent, I'm sorry, but it is true. I have read a few fantasy books, even though not enough to make myself an expert on this genre, but I've read really good fantasy books with great world building. It was basic, you could put anything in its place and it would still work okay. I'm expecting more of this in the next two books.
Bardugo's writing is good. She knows what she's doing. She knows how to write compelling action scenes and keep the narrative captivating.
All in all, it's a nice read and fun for newbies to the genre.