Shadow and Bone (The Grishaverse #1) by Leigh Bardugo - Restarting November 29th 2021

[Janor]

Ending:

(view spoiler)[
I was right! They did escape, but it was much later than I expected them to escape. I also figured that Aline would somehow make the power of the amplifier her own... but in the book she did it (to my liking) a little too easily. She only had to have the realization that she owned the life of the stag and she immediately had her power back.
(hide spoiler)]

[Janor]

@Lisa

Yeahh I read the first 30 pages or so this morning and the rest I read in nearly one sitting (only stopping to eat food and such) after I came back from school and errands. I was kind of sad to see the book end so soon, but luckily there are sequels. :)

[Lisa]

yeah, the story is a little bit slow but you can read it really fast :)

maybe this will help you with the names and the powers:
https://www.pinterest.at/pin/43614554...

[Janor]

Oh thank you! That's so cool, it also depicts all the colors of their coats. (Kefta was the word right)

[Abi]

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Reading from the 11th of January 2018

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[Enne]

page 88, through chapter 5: I'm definitely not enjoying this much as I was enjoying SoC at this point and I can't keep myself from comparing the two :/ One aspect I am really enjoying, though, is all of the Russia-based culture, because I haven't read a lot of that and I actually understanding what the author is talking about helps with understanding the story. (view spoiler)[ I relate to Alina a lot though, in the sense of feeling lonely and not really having a person to connect with closer. Plus, I am already loving the Darkling and I'm excited to learn more about him. I am also excited to finally meet how the famous Nikolai xD. I can't wait to see Alina develop because right now she feels like she is really in need of some development. I also am interested in seeing if Mal or anyone else from Keramzin is going to show up later in the story - I feel like they have to, but maybe that's just me. Also eagerly awaiting the time when Alina finally accepts her powers and begins exploring them. (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

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Reading from the 20th of May 2018

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[Ari ☾]

Hi everyone, starting this one! Reading this series before I start Six of Crows!

[Ari ☾]

Chapter 1-7
(view spoiler)[I'm in love with the world building in this book so far. Alina has lots of room for development and she's so relatable! I can't wait to watch her grow. Darkling is so swoon worthy, like lawwwwddd. And when Alina declined the offer to wear the black robe I was like GIRL NO!!! I kind of hate but like totally feel why she doesn't to be special. But ugh! (Side note I'm sad by the amount she puts herself down.) (hide spoiler)]

[Ari ☾]

Chapter 8-12
(view spoiler)[Mal is such a douche, like I never really liked him. Poor Alina. I'm although the end of chapter 12 makes me super happy! I hope that she becomes powerful and confident! (hide spoiler)]

[Ari ☾]

Chapter 13-17
(view spoiler)[Oh my gosh, The Darkling and Alina are so hot! I love the light and dark theme, I know I suck. But like I also hate Mal. Coming back into the story all jealous like. Like come oN DUDe you flirted with multiple girls and were like lowkey forgetting about Alina. I can't even handle this drama going down right now, like in LOVE WITH IT. The Darkling is actually the guy who created the fold and he's like A BAJILLION YEARS OLD. AND SHE RUNS AWAY UNDER INSTRUCTION FROM HIS MOTHER, WHO WAS TRAINING HER. AND THEN MAL FINDS HER AND NOW THEY GONNA HUNT THE STAG TOGETHER! *screams*
This is so exciting, and also fuck off Mal. (hide spoiler)]

[Ari ☾]

Finishing
(view spoiler)[Oh wow, that ending was so GOOD. This book was SO GOOD. I loved The Darkling, and I love Alina. I dislike Mal. But gosh, I am so happy to have seen Alina's development throughout this novel. But oh my god after Chapter 19 or so everything just got flipped upsides down. And OH DANG WHAT THE DARKLING DID WITH THE FOLD AND ALINA. My emotion cannot handle this. (hide spoiler)]

[Ally]

Ari wrote: "Chapter 1-7
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I love the world-building too and learning more about the Grisha hierarchy!

Although, if I'm honest, Alina kind of annoys me. I feel like she's really bad at accepting what's right in front of her such as with her powers or her looks. I'm sad by the amount of that she puts herself down, but I also wish that there were more main characters that were sure of themselves even if they weren't breathtakingly beautiful. I could see why she chose not to wear black robes, but I hope she builds her self-esteem throughout this book/series and maybe changes her mind.

Also, I love the Darkling. There's something so dark and mysterious and probably not GOOD about him, but I still love him. (hide spoiler)]

[Ari ☾]

Ally wrote: "Ari wrote: "Chapter 1-7
[spoilers removed]"

I love the world-building too and learning more about the Grisha hierarchy!

Although, if I'm honest, Alina kind of annoys me. I feel like she's reall..."

(view spoiler)[Yeah that was my only issue with the book as well. I was really rooting for her the whole time! (hide spoiler)]

[Ally]

Ari ☾ wrote: "Chapter 8-12
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Hmmm, I feel like there's some reason why he hasn't been responding. I mean I wouldn't put it past the court to maybe not even sending her letters to him. I feel like for how close they were growing up, I don't think whatever going on is his fault. The end of chapter 12 made me really sad that she thinks that way though, but hopefully she'll only get more powerful from here! (hide spoiler)]

[Ally]

Ari ☾ wrote: "Chapter 13-17
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ oops, I'm on chapter 21 and updating, because I forgot the last update, so I'll just respond to what you said. I liked the Darkling and Alina together but now not so much. I also still don't really like Alina, because I feel like she really hasn't grown much other than kicking herself over her mistakes. Yeah, she's allowed to do that, but you can only mope for so long before you should think about what to do from that point on. (hide spoiler)]

[Ally]

Ari ☾ wrote: "Finishing
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Hm, I enjoyed the ending as well, but I feel like I might have went into this book with high expectations because of the hype. I wish the book focused more on the plot than Alina's self-hatred sometimes. I started to like Mal towards the end of the book and the Darkling a little less. I'm not really a big fan of the romance, so I hope the next few books focus more on the world and the plot. (hide spoiler)]

[Sarah Elizabeth]

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Date changed. Restarting April 17th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Initial thoughts (view spoiler)[So I haven’t read the blurb for this book before reading so I’m goin in super blind but looking forward to it. Hoping we have a badass heroine who while suffered from some past tragedy will persevere in the end. Maybe find love along the way, we shall see. Ned another badass ya trilogy in my life, hoping this one delivers. (hide spoiler)]
Chapter 1-6 (view spoiler)[Well this book certainly started with a bang. kind of frustrating most of the locations mentioned aren’t on the map in the beginning. I’m so upset Alina lost her friend, actually she kind of lost two at this point. I’m looking forward to seeing her character blossom, even her personality going from someone who saw herself as a orphan nobody to someone with the potential to save the world and rid the darkness.<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

[Moony]

Thoughts about CH 1-6:
(view spoiler)[ - I think i'll like Alina and Maylen(?).
The widow-house-keep lady i don't like.
-i hate that Alina is nicknamed sticks
- Poor Mal... <3 want to hug him.
- I have a feeling that The Darkling is going to be a favorite of mine.


Yep. I finished ch. 6 and i kinda allready Looove The Darkling. lol.
Alina is sarcastic and funny, i like her alot.
But i wonder if we will see Mal some more...?
Genya seems nice. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

42% (view spoiler)[ Damn I feel so bad for her. I know everyone wants her to become this great Grisha but I can’t imagine being thrown into the world she’s in now. Poor thing is beyond tired, stressed and more important...alone. Even the darkling is basically ignoring her, she can’t know who to trust and her bestie Mal isn’t returning her letters. No wonder she misses simply being an apprentice, orphan and best friend. (hide spoiler)]
55%(view spoiler)[Poor Alina had to reach her breaking point to finally get a grasp of her powers. I’m really pissed at Mal though, why is he ignoring her. But then again now she can be who she was always meant to be until bam, in swoops the darkling. Can we say confusing. I mean it’s funny he was so shocked himself after kissin her but come on he’s supposed to be like 150, doesn’t he have better control of his mind and body lol (hide spoiler)]
73% (view spoiler)[Omg omg omg. Everything was getting a bit monotonous, especially for Alina and finally in one night everything goes up in flames. I feel so bad for her in many ways poor thing. I’m glad she and Mal found there way back to each other even if they have yet to talk things out. Sadly I think the Darkling has been manipulating a lot more than we all knew.
-Zola really does suck and I hope we don’t run into her anymore but I won’t hold my breath
-I’m super sad she had to leave Genya, I hope she gets to escape soon too
-I’m ready for her and Mal to have it out, finally lay it all on the line, I think he’s always had feelings for her but being a stubborn man he never let on
-Poor Alina, everytime she gets a snippet of happiness, the shiny reality of life has to come by and smack her straight in the face (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Had to finish, couldn’t help myself lol
Review:(view spoiler)[https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (hide spoiler)]

[Tee]

I know I'm late to the party, but I'm starting the book today and hoping I can join you 😊

[Lizz (Beer, Books and Boos)]

I should be done with the book tomorrow

[Vendea]

Starting this two days prior BR, nothing else to read xD

Already read SoC duology so I'm kinda familiar with the world. Was really curious about this one for years.

Chapter 1-4
(view spoiler)[I am quite fond of Bardugo's writing style, so I came with some expectations. First four chapters started how I was expected them to start. Alina seems like an interesting character, eventhough I am 100 % sure I will hate on Mal. I can't stand him since he showed up and I feel sorry for Alina to fall for such a jerk like him. Not sure about Darkling yet, but if I'd have to pick team now, I'd go for Darkling. Don't care he might be a villain. Who cares. It's good to be back in Grishaverse. I really enjoyed mention of Fjerda - it was my favorite place in Six of Crows and thanks to that, I already have some knowledge about their opinion on Grisha. Enjoying it so far, can't wait for more. Also wow, Alina, I love her ability. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5-8
(view spoiler)[Well, what a twist. To be honest, I was not expecting Alina going to the palace and have this type of "training" plot. But I am not complaining. King seems like a tool, Queen is definitely the one in charge. I am loving Genya and her blooming friendship with Alina. Definitely my two fave characters so far. I'm still really invested into story. I hope it will keep it's pace throughout the book. Fingers crossed. Now let's see how the training goes. (hide spoiler)]

[Vendea]

Chapter 9-13
(view spoiler)[I like the way the book is progressing so far. Alina seems like a really beliavable character as well. I like that she has hard times with the training because her body is just not built for that. Also love Genya. That girl needs her own book, I swear. As for Zoya...I don't know. She's introduced as a "villain" female figure but I am pretty sure her and Alina will get along eventually.

Badass Alina is not as bad as I thought she would be. It's nice to see her willpower and training are paying off and she can finally make some progress. As for a plot twist with Darkling's kiss... I saw it coming. Am I happy? Yes. I don't want her with Mal, if he ever shows up again. (hide spoiler)]

[Shae]

Is everyone on book 1 ?

[Vendea]

Chapter 14-17
(view spoiler)[These few chapters were pretty entertaining. I always love a good party / ball in the story and this one was decent (not my most fave but I wasn't bored). Alina/Zoya's clashes are always fun and I still hope for more for them in the future. As for the big plot twist, I was kinda expecting that, eventhough I wanted to be proved wrong. Oh well... Of course Darkling has to be the villain. I am still rooting for him though, I will never accept Mal. I can't wait for encounter with the Stag, hopefully in next few chapters. (hide spoiler)]

[Vendea]

Chapter 18-22
(view spoiler)[Well... the end. It was not as gripping as I'd expect it to be but it was still enjoyable. Parts with the Stag made me sad, as an animal lover... but well, it must have been done. I'm just partly sad about plot twist and Alina defeating Darling's orders... It would be great to see her suffering under his control. But oh well... someone had to save Mal, right? (I still hate him). I just hope both of them go to Kerch - I'd love to see Ketterdam again. (hide spoiler)]

Final review
(view spoiler)[I'm surprised how much I loved Shadow and Bone because reviews were kinda meh and everybody was saying this one was much worse than Six of Crows. And yeah, it had its bad moments but overall, I am impressed. I would really love to see more of Ravka, its mythology and different powers of Grisha because that's what makes this series so unique. As for Alina... She was okay. I liked her but I'd prefer someone more... let's say outgoing. Someone like Nina.

Love triangle... I am not fond of Mal at all and I'd love him to die asap but I guess it's not happening here... well. I will stay for Darkling because I am intriqued by his character and I can't wait to see more of him.

In the end, it was quite enjoyable and I am curious what author prepared in second book. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Chapter 1-3
(view spoiler)[Wow, so much constant girl-hate so early in the book. Yikes.

Everything else so far is pretty intriguing though, I really should have read this series before Six of Crows. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Chapter 4-13
(view spoiler)[I'm really getting into this now! I definitely enjoy Leigh Bardugo's writing style, it's very easy to read.

I dunno what to think about Mal, something tells me that it's not as simple as him just ignoring her letters?

Alina and The Darkling though... I ship it? I've heard booktubers say they don't like The Darkling though so I'm a little concerned about how his character is going to develop. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Chapter 14-15
(view spoiler)[Ah, there it is. I guess I should have seen that coming considering I already knew he's supposed to be a villain.

Luckily for me I love villain characters, gimme gimme! :D (hide spoiler)]

[Shae]

Which books are you reading?

[Claire]

This thread is just for the first book!

[Claire]

Vendea wrote: "Chapter 18-22
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Same! I kept hearing that this trilogy sucks compared to Six of Crows so I went in with low expectations.

I don't hate Mal (I mean I kinda did towards the start but eh, he's okay now), but I much prefer the character of The Darkling because I love villains! That being said, he's kinda evil and insane though so his ship gets a no from me dawg, at least for now. (hide spoiler)]

[Claire]

Finished!
(view spoiler)[I liked this one much more than expected, also its nice to read a short fantasy book for a change, all the others I've read recently have been sooooooo long.

I love a good psychopathic villain so I have high hopes for The Darkling's character arc!

I really hope that the next book doesn't get too sappy with Alina and Mal though now that they've run off together. (hide spoiler)]

[Shae]

Claire wrote: "This thread is just for the first book!"

Oh awesome!! I want to read this, I might join then, yay!

[Susan]

I am rereading this so slowly this time around. I hate when that happens. Plus my library didn't have it in so I have been reading from my laptop and I get so distracted. Sorry I am so behind

I love this books so much. This was the first fantasy book I ever picked up and read. I wanted to reread it to see if I felt the same way about it now that I am a more avid fantasy reader. So far I still love this book.

(view spoiler)[
I remember Mal and Alina being so close but I had forgot that Mal didn't feel the same way about Alina as she felt about him. I also forgot The Darkling making her leave the camp for fear that she might be assassinated because of the light that radiates from her. I loved when she first beamed light out of herself to save them for the volcra. I'm only 5 chapters in what did you think about Mal and Alina so far at this point of the book? Some say she was a whiny mess but I kind of thought she was bad ass. Just my opinion. Off to read at least 5 to 8 more chapters. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

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Date changed. Restarting December 14th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

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[Carolyn]

Hey! However is reading this book, do you mind if I join in? I just happen to have gotten this series from the library. 😊

[Lily]

Am I also allowed to join in?

[Dr. Andy]

Yes of course!

[Lily]

Thanks! Will we have discussion questions or just comments on interesting parts?

[Dr. Andy]

It's mostly just posting your thoughts while you read! This will be a reread for me, but it's been several years so I don't really remember much

[Carolyn]

This will be a third time read for me.

[Carolyn]

0%-I'm starting it a bit earlier than I'm suppose to, but oh well. This is a third time read for me. I've never read the other two books, so this time I'm gonna stay dedicated and finished the trilogy. Well, here I go.

[Carolyn]

4%- (view spoiler)[ It's totally obvious Alina is in love with Mal. I mean, how can you not see it? How can he not see it? Alina's preparing to go into the Fold. Oh boy... (hide spoiler)]

[Carolyn]

13%- (view spoiler)[ So much has happened in so little pages! Alina has just had the bright light come out of her. She's standing on trial in front of the Darkling. 🙄 (hide spoiler)]

[Carolyn]

15%- Slow reading day. I'll read more tomorrow. I promise. (view spoiler)[ Alina's going to the palace. It's officially an adventure. She's probably the Sun Summoner. Ok, wow. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

I think I'll get to this by the end of next week?