From the Bookshelf of YAholics Anonymous!…

Shadow and Bone (Shadow and Bone, #1)

Leigh Bardugo

Start date: May 2, 2014

Finish date: May 31, 2014

Discussion: Group Read

Discussion leader: Riya

Why we're reading this: Because Ruin and Rising comes out next month! :D
[close] Because Ruin and Rising comes out next month! :D

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What Members Thought

May 31, 2012 Justin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites-of-2012

I'm sure many of people have mentioned this, but the one thing I love most about this book was how Leigh was able to take such a literal form of Light versus Dark and turn it into this amazing and very unique story. You always have books that hint at a battle of good versus evil, light versus dark but you rarely come across books that are written in such a literal way, as Shadow and Bone is. Leigh did an astonishing job writing this book, for the characters, world and plot development, and every I'm sure many of people have mentioned this, but the one thing I love most about this book was how Leigh was able to take such a literal form of Light versus Dark and turn it into this amazing and very unique story. You always have books that hint at a battle of good versus evil, light versus dark but you rarely come across books that are written in such a literal way, as Shadow and Bone is. Leigh did an astonishing job writing this book, for the characters, world and plot development, and everything else you would expect to see in a great fantasy novel.

As I have mentioned, the story is essentially a battle of Light versus Dark in one of the most literal senses of the term. After getting into the book though, the whole Light and Dark side of the story isn't quite as black and white as you would expect it to be. There is a lot that happens that you wouldn't quite expect, the Fold is such an interesting aspect of the story. Even with all the explanation about what the Fold was, it's really difficult to build a mental picture of it since it's just darkness with a lot of crazy things going on within it. The story really starts to get interesting once Alina's power is introduced. It's not really something you would think of being this insanely powerful ability, but in this story it's really quite extraordinary just how much of a influence it has. I could honestly go on and on about this plot line, it's an excellent fantasy story that is really rich and enjoyable.

Alina is an amazingly strong character. I was really impressed by how strong she was, and how far she was willing to go to do what is right. There were several moments where she questioned herself, and where she had to decide between right and wrong. A lot of those choices are really tough, but no matter what the situation is she always proved to be an extremely strong and really enjoyable character. The Darkling is a really complex character, you never really know what to expect out of him and a lot of the time you find yourself questioning his motives. I thought it was really interesting seeing how he grows and transforms as a character throughout the story. As always, there are a lot of other great characters that make this story amazing. Some of them are quite major, I just chose not to mention them, because I want you to have something to look forward to. It's an amazing cast of characters though, and I really think anyone that reads this book will be able to enjoy them.

I really liked the ending, it left me with a lot of questions.. Which I don't usually like, but in this case I liked how Leigh decided to end this book. It really has me interested to see how things turn out for Alina and another character I won't mention. I feel like this story really has a lot of room to grow into something huge, so I look forward to seeing where Leigh takes the story. This is a book you will want to read though, especially if you enjoy fantasy. ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

Jan 21, 2014 Christine Manzari rated it it was amazing

Another fabulous fantasy series. If you liked Graceling by Kristin Cashore or Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, this series is for you. The characters were interesting, the setting was exotic, and the storyline was something completely new and interesting. Book two should come in the mail tomorrow....I can't wait! ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jan 14, 2012 Renuka rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, favorites, fantasy, adventure, romance, magic, e-book, cliff-hangers, owned, fav-couples

I love this book so much. So much.

4 likes · Like · see review

Sep 10, 2016 Anna rated it it was amazing

This was interesting because for the first 65% of the book, I was excited, I LOVED it and couldn't stop reading. Once the betrayal happened, I was upset, confused and extremely let down feeling.

I loved the context though and the world the Leigh Bardugo has created. I loved the characters in Alina, the Darkling, Genya and Mal. I loved the idea of the Grisha. I just didn't really like Leigh Bardugo's plot choices.

*******************spoiler below, do not read if you haven't read this book yet!**** ...more

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Aug 28, 2014 Manda rated it it was amazing

Two things are definitely clear upon finishing this book, the first that I definitely read this book way too fast and the second that I bloody loved it.

My first second five starred rating definitely goes to Shadow and Bone just for being so original, captivating and just so awesome. I was grabbed from the very first page as those two little orphans were introduced up until the very last page. It helped that the setting was just so magical and the characters so loveable even bad characters. I nev ...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Kela Esther rated it it was amazing

Shelves: should-be-a-movie, paranormal, horror, fiction, fantasy, dystopian, ya, romance, epic-fantasy, action

It was a very different type of book. I liked the world building and the characters. I was kind of disappointed that the bad guy was the bad guy, but...oh well.

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