Leigh Bardugo's Blog, page 871

Will there be more Grisha with special abilities? Not as grand as Alina and the Darkling but still different in their own way?

Hmm, tough to answer that one directly. Let’s say that Grisha will be using their powers in different ways. I can also promise that I won’t be throwing random stuff at you. There are rules that govern Grisha power and they’re important to the trilogy.

“I’ve been waiting for you a long time, Alina” He said. “You...

“I’ve been waiting for you a long time, Alina” He said. “You and I are going to change the world.” 

I love this!

Do you know if the cover design for Siege and Storm will be the same as book one? The cover for Shadow and Bone is gorgeous, and it really bugs me when series change their covers in the middle, and I'd hate to see the style go away for the future books.

I’ve only seen a sketch of the cover of Siege and Storm, but it seemed very much in keeping with the style of Shadow and Bone, so for now, we can rest easy. (Glad to hear you liked the cover, because I loved it, too!)

If you’re interested in seeing some of the comp covers that were proposed for Shadow and Bone, I’ve put them up on pinterest.

I got to meet him at Worldcon. He looked different in person.

I got to meet him at Worldcon. He looked different in person.

Where did the inspiration for the name 'Alina Starkov' come from? :) x

The meaning of the names “Alina” and “Mal” both contain hints about the characters’ personal stories that I hope readers will want to discover. But I can tell you…

1. I never loved the names. I settled on them and figured I’d go back and change them later on. But by the time I got around to it, it was too late. I’d gotten attached and couldn’t think of Alina and Mal any other way.

2. I don’t think it’s giving away anything to mention that Alina’s last name contains the word “star,” but a few friends have pointed out that my love for all things Game of Thrones may have crept in there, too ;) 

If you want to read more about some of the terms and language in the book (including the word Grisha, and little stuff like plurals and gendered surnames) you can click here.

Hi, Ms. Bardugo! t wait for the sequel!

Glad you enjoyed Shadow and Bone and especially happy to hear that you liked Alina! As for the dreaded love triangle, I hope mine had a few messy lines. Life so rarely makes with the tidy geometry ;)

Um, yum. A new Shadow and Bone inspired recipe from the...

Um, yum. A new Shadow and Bone inspired recipe from the wonderful Elle Jauffret! Make sure to check out her FB page for more deliciousness. All text is hers and she took the photo, too

“Malenchki” dumplings: sweet dumplings served with peaches.
“Ravkan” peasant dish inspired by SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo (mud-faced little ghost-looking dumplings served with the last of summer peaches- S&B page 1).

Recipe:
1 1/2 cup of flour

2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of milk
cinnamon
granulated sugar

Whisk all the dry ingredients together first and add the milk slowly, whisking continuously until the dough is soft and smooth.
Fill a wide pan with water and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring to boil. Then lower heat in order to keep the water simmering. Drop batter in liquid (about 10 spoonfuls of batter at a time well spaced apart). Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes. Remove dumplings (they will be swollen by now) and let cool down.
Place a few on a plate, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, add a few slices/dice of peach, and serve.

Hey, can I ask you a blunt question? Will the Darkling and Alina kiss again in S&S? Their hot make-out scene in S&B still makes me swoon hard whenever I reread that scene. ;) #TeamDarkling

#TeamNoSpoilers ;)

jonquille:Game of Thrones: Mad Men AU | Part Two: Stark...

jonquille:

Game of Thrones: Mad Men AU   |   Part Two: Stark & Sons

The loss of founder, Ned Stark, hit the company hard but the work of Chairwoman, Catelyn, and wunderkind heir, Robb, has Stark & Sons nearly back on its feet. In fact Robb’s aggressive tactics have brought a whole new clientele to their door, even putting them in the running for the Seven Kingdoms™ rebranding campaign. But Cat worries to see Ned’s lessons thrown to the wind and Jon Snow risen to her son’s closest advisor. To his credit Snow is a brilliant accounts man, in line for a promotion (much to the resentment of Theon Greyjoy, vying years for the same spot).

Meanwhile high school graduate Sansa tries her luck at modeling in the Big Apple. A few casting calls quickly teach her a good family name and sweet looks aren’t enough to keep the vicious comments (and wandering hands) away.

Kit Harrington looks awesome in a sidepart.

This might seem odd but knowing that you are a makeup artist as well as an author, I just had to ask: What are your makeup essentials? :D

Ha! I love makeup questions. Essentials:

1. Sunblock

2. FACEAtelier foundation (accept no substitute)

3. Blinc mascara (doesn’t budge and it’s cruelty free)

4. Make Up Forever HD powder (works on ALL skintones)

5. DuWop Revolotion Bronzer

6. Stila Lip Gloss (many thanks to Tracey Taylor for the rec!)

* Bonus splurge: Kevyn Aucoin’s finishing powders

All that said? There’s no substitute for a good night’s sleep and loving what you do.