(Shadow and Bone) The Grisha by Leigh Bardugo (Group Read April 2014)

[Angie]

I finished and ! I liked the sequel so much more! I did like the first book, but it was too predictable, which the second wasn't at all! I also read the novellas, which were interesting.

Can't wait for the third book! :D

[Anna]

I kind of wish there was a glossary. And a map. Usually I find the maps in fantasy books a little pointless but for all the talk about map making (and different locations), I think it would have actually made sense in this book.

Other than stumbling over words here and there, I am enjoying it so far.

[Jenny]

There are maps in the books.

[Stacie]

Finished last night in one sitting. It was a fast read for me. I liked Alina as a character. The strong heriones don't necessarily have to be badass fighters. Strength comes from many places. (view spoiler)[Loved how she was squashing down her power because she wanted to stay safe and happy with Mal. That was also why she was so tired and sickly. (hide spoiler)] The Darkling was charming and enigmatic. The court very believably obsessed with itself and useless glittering things. The world building and class systems were well done. The Unsea is awesomely dreadful and scary. And the man eating Volcra, terrifying! I wanted to look at all the spoilers, lol, so that must mean I need to go get S&S!

[Anna]

Apparently it helps if you are smarter than the book, the pages were stuck together.

[Stacie]

I loved how the maps have creatures on them, reminds me of Behemoth!

[D.G.]

I just started this book and just realized it was the group read! Great timing!

Anyway, I'm listening and I'm confused as to the powers of the different Grishas. I know the red ones are soldiers but after that, I'm confused. Can somebody clarify for me? That's one of the bad things of listening...almost impossible to go back and find something in particular!

I found the Darkling a bit scary at the beginning but I'm warming up to him. I'm liking Alina too. The right mix of pluck but without being crazy 'feisty'.

[Stacie]

I don't have the book on me at the moment but I believe red was soldiers that were heartrenders and another type, blue were summoners could control elements, and the purple scientists. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong! The hems of the sleeves also dictated what specific they were, like a fire summoner, ect.

[D.G.]

Thanks, Stacie. I think I sort of got it.

I finished the book and I'm conflicted about it because I don't think Alina knows what she's up to. I don't like his methods but (view spoiler)[ given what I've seen, I'm on the Darkling's side.

I think instead of running and going all half cocked, she should have tried to influence him. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

I actually listened to this as an audiobook a few months ago. I wasn't a big fan of the narrator. Sometimes they aren't great at doing the opposite sex, and for the Darkling, she just wasn't working for me.

Overall, I was mixed on the book. I liked certain aspects, but I didn't love it.

I adored the Darkling, despite the voice issues, and he is what I enjoyed most for the book.(view spoiler)[and also despite the reveal of what he's trying to do. I'm actually still on his side and do look forward to seeing what he ends up doing later in the book.

Also, I remember having a theory, that the guy who Genma likes is one of the princes. I don't remember hearing that much about them but I think he was the right age and no one had really seen them, and he refused to go to the ball. (hide spoiler)]

[D.G.]

I actually liked the narration, Natalie. But I agree a 100% with you about the Darkling. Those were exactly my feelings.

Good theory on what's his name! I didn't think of that. And he could be the guy to (view spoiler)[ to take over the reigns of the kingdom, when they throw away the king. (hide spoiler)] I love the Darkling but I see him as a soldier.

[Christie]

I finished the book this week. I really liked it, especially the Russian influences. A lot of things reminded me of the Bolshevik revolution (view spoiler)[The Darkling almost having that leader part where he wants to overthrow the government to become all-powerful himself. I felt that the Apparat was almost a Rasputin figure. (hide spoiler)]. I liked Alina and Mal a lot and can't wait to see what they get up to next. I feel like I'm the oddball when I say I don't like the Darkling at all.

I do wish there was a glossary of terms in the book. It drives me crazy just having to guess at what things mean from the context.

[Sarah D]

I was pretty upset when (view spoiler)[all of the Darkling's subtly expressed inner turmoils and depth were suddenly dismissed by his mother as simply years of acting practice. By that point I had really invested in his character, but I guess the story needed to flatten out a clear-cut antagonist. I'm still holding out hope that there's more to him than evil greed, but it doesn't look that way (hide spoiler)] Luckily, I seem to be getting over my disappointment as I make my way through Book 2, which has new intriguing characters to distract me.

[Anna]

Christie wrote: "I feel like I'm the oddball when I say I don't like the Darkling at all...."

I agree with you Christie. I wan't a fan of his from the beginning even before we find out who he really is and what he plans to do. When I read other's comments about the Darkiing, I was like, "are we reading the same book?"

[Christie]

Anna wrote:I agree with you Christie. I wan't a fan of his from the beginning even before we find out who he rea..."

I'm glad I'm not the only one. Now, Mal on the other hand I could totally get behind.

[Stacia (the 2010 club), groupaholic, YA-MA founder]

I wish I could have gotten a chance to read this. Hopefully soon, since the last book comes out shortly. Glad to see that so many of you liked it!

Moving the topic back to the fantasy folder, where it will remain open for discussion.