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A review by ootess
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
5.0
Wow. I didn't know what to expect going into this book but it definitely exceeded my expectations.
The whole dynamic of this world is so fascinating & I couldn't put down the book. I'm so glad I picked this up before SoC, even though I was so temped to read the duology first.
I loved the Darkling for the majority of the book and I was just as betrayed and heartbroken when we find out it had all been a lie. I REALLY felt the connection between the Darling and Alina, I was completely blindsided.
Then we have Genya who equally betrayed Alina but at he same time she was in a awful position before the Darling saved her and of course she'd have to show her allegiance to him as apart of her gratitude. But I'm still writhing that she never even gave Alina a chance to know the truth, even after Alina treated her as an equal compared to the Darling who needs to have power of people.
I was frustrated when Alina had the chance to kill the Stag but refused, I understand her feelings of guilt but her best friend had travelled all this way for her and then she refuses.. When the Darling turned up I just realised what a waste of a trip it had been!
However, when Alina overcame the Darlings power even with the amplifier because of the mercy she'd shown the stag, I understood. At the same score though, she would never have had to overcome the power if she'd just killed the stag herself. I was devastated when Mal was thrown off the Skiff. He just stands there, silent and prepared for his death, I think he did this more for Alinas sake, to save her the knowledge of his fear. But when he screamed I felt it, I could feel all the fear and pain in his scream. (thank god Alina saved him).
The whole dynamic of this world is so fascinating & I couldn't put down the book. I'm so glad I picked this up before SoC, even though I was so temped to read the duology first.
I loved the Darkling for the majority of the book and I was just as betrayed and heartbroken when we find out it had all been a lie. I REALLY felt the connection between the Darling and Alina, I was completely blindsided.
Then we have Genya who equally betrayed Alina but at he same time she was in a awful position before the Darling saved her and of course she'd have to show her allegiance to him as apart of her gratitude. But I'm still writhing that she never even gave Alina a chance to know the truth, even after Alina treated her as an equal compared to the Darling who needs to have power of people.
I was frustrated when Alina had the chance to kill the Stag but refused, I understand her feelings of guilt but her best friend had travelled all this way for her and then she refuses.. When the Darling turned up I just realised what a waste of a trip it had been!
However, when Alina overcame the Darlings power even with the amplifier because of the mercy she'd shown the stag, I understood. At the same score though, she would never have had to overcome the power if she'd just killed the stag herself. I was devastated when Mal was thrown off the Skiff. He just stands there, silent and prepared for his death, I think he did this more for Alinas sake, to save her the knowledge of his fear. But when he screamed I felt it, I could feel all the fear and pain in his scream. (thank god Alina saved him).