Shadow and Bone (December 2019) Group Read Discussion

[✨faith✨trust✨pixiedust✨]

This is the group thread for Shadow and Bone!

This thread is open for discussion beginning December 1st! Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed (mark as a spoiler) in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up if needed!

The Group Read Discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 12/1
December 1: Before - Chapter 1
December 2: Chapters 2-3
December 3: Chapters 4-5
December 4: Chapters 6-7
December 5: Chapters 8-9
December 6: Chapters 10-11
December 7: Chapters 12-13

Week of 12/8
December 8: Chapters 14-15
December 9: Chapters 16-17
December 10: Chapters 18-19
December 11: Chapters 20-21
December 12: Chapter 22 - After

[Mel (Epic Reading)]

22 chapters. :)

[Elena]

I'm in :)

[Dolinka]

Ooh I’m definitely in!

[Aless, Discord/Readathon Procrastinator]

I can finally read this!

[Rivka]

I’m in

[Jen K]

I'm in and will try to pace myself a bit better this time.

[Leslie]

I'm in :D

[Leslie]

I am up to date with the chapters!
I really don't have much to say... I think it's a good start, I like Alina and the atmosphere of the story ♡
Probably read a little more, it's interesting :D

[Jen K]

Read the first two chapters. Got a bit lost with the time jump from "Before" to Chapter 1 but think I'm on it now. I'm excited to see what happens when they get to the shadow fold.

[Aless, Discord/Readathon Procrastinator]

I like this so far. I love the atmosphere already, but I am a little bored. I cannot wait to see where this goes. (edit: I am just going to keep editing this comment for today)

chapter 3
(view spoiler)[I am interested to see how the Darkling plays more into this and where Alina's powers came from and what she can do with them. (hide spoiler)]

[R]

I am at chapter 8 and I have a lot of thoughts. I was bored the first few chapters but kept going because I wanted to know why this book is fairly popular, and I wanted to try it out before I read Six of Crows.

I think once I got to either chapter 5 or 6 (view spoiler)[there was a scene at the end of the chapter that made me curious about the Darkling and how his relationship with Alina will develop. I am also curious about when Mal will come back into her life and if she will fall in love with the Darkling and have to choose between him. Also, I think I love the Tailor character, Genya. (hide spoiler)]

So far, this has been an easy and laid back read. Once I got past the first few chapters, I found myself intrigued by Alina's story and wanted to know more.

[Elena]

I'm going to start a bit later (

[Bopeep]

As Robyn says this is an easy read, and I'm glad because I will read another book that is just the contrary of it and I can switch between the two.

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[Yes, I would like to know where her powers come from and also when and why the Shadow appeared. I think I would like these series, the worldbuilding is so amazing and I've just read a few pages... (hide spoiler)]

[Leslie]

Yesterday I read until chapter 9. It's a strange thing what happens to me with the story ... From the first two chapters he caught me and when I passed more pages I was totally fascinated ♡

Now, talking about the chapters that correspond to this day: I feel that these two chapters are where the story begins to set its course, where the story is going to completely hook you. Here the doubts about Alina begin to be born and we also begin to meet other characters, which in my opinion, will be very relevant to the story.
Reading what they say, I think we agree that the atmosphere of the book is spectacular.
Tell me, what do you think of Darkling? You like? Honestly, I quite like his character and I want to continue discovering more about him ❤

Chapter 9: (view spoiler)[ Why the hell did Alina refuse to wear the black Kefta? You must learn to value your power more. Another thing, does anyone else feel that something could happen between Alina and the Darkling? I can say that at some point I can fall in love with the Shadow. I'm crazy > (hide spoiler)]

[Leslie]

I couldn't control myself and I finished the book :D
In the same way I will continue talking with you about the chapters that correspond to each day.

[Marilou]

I read Shadow and Bone at the start of the year cuz I wanted to read this series before starting Six of Crows... I liked the world and magic but can't say I really liked any of the characters (not even a year has passed and I pretty much forgot most of them), or the plot. I've been meaning to continue with the series, especially since the netflix series was announced, but every time I try to pick it up I just end up reading something else instead. Though I've heard it gets more interesting later on so I might try to pick it up this month If I have time

[Laura]

I found Six of Crows really hard to get into so I've been putting reading this off for ages. I'm only on chapter 4 as I didn't start until this morning but I'm finding this much easier to get stuck into.

[Bopeep]

I've read chapter 5 today, so I won't use any spoilers~

I find it funny that Alina, that even she couldn't tell how or why she has that power, always negate it. I don't know, she prefers to be a topograph for hear life, even if she don't really has a passion for it? I like the "WHY ME" thoughts. HAha

Even if the Darkling (this is his name, right? I'm reading the book in Spanish, ^^') is a character that's supposed to be cold, I (yet) find it so cute, just talking to Alina when it's necessary. And I also like his powers, though I'm not sure what more he can do hahah

Leslie, you're so fast! I'm reading it slowly, but yeah, it's an easy read!

[Leslie]

Bopeep wrote: "I've read chapter 5 today, so I won't use any spoilers~

I find it funny that Alina, that even she couldn't tell how or why she has that power, always negate it. I don't know, she prefers to be a t..."

I got confused with Darkling's name 😅
Do you really read it in Spanish? I also! Do you read more in Spanish or English?
Is that in Spanish the Darkling is the Oscuro ♡
At least I'm not the only one who likes Darkling, I definitely love him.

I think it was a little quick, but I couldn't with the uncertainty and needed to know what was going to happen in the end.

[Laura]

I've finished chapter 5! The Darkling intrigues me, I'd like to know more about him. I'm not sure on Alina's character at the moment, she seems a little sorry for herself, especially with Mal. I agree with you all that this is an easy read.

[Laura]

Robyn wrote: "I am at chapter 8 and I have a lot of thoughts. I was bored the first few chapters but kept going because I wanted to know why this book is fairly popular, and I wanted to try it out before I read ..."

I think I love Genya too. I also think that most of the Grisha seem really up themselves!

[Cassandra]

Im starting this today!!

[Elena]

I'm going to start reading in 2 days :(

[Aless, Discord/Readathon Procrastinator]

Okay, I am up to chapter 14 and I have to say, for only knowing character names going into this, I am delightfully surprised by my enjoyment of this.

I really enjoyed chapter 6. I thought it was sassy, spunky, and just funny to me. I do like the Darkling, but reading Six of Crows earlier this year, I find myself preferring Kaz more than him, but he fits with the plot. I think it is obvious the Darkling is fond of Alina. Also, I agree about the kefta situation, but I foresee it coming around later in the story. I adore Genya!!!!!! I love her so much and I want to protect her😂😂 She's just the right amount of stuck up, unlike the other Grisha.

Spoilers from 10-13 (not specific, just within the chapters, so be cautious)
(view spoiler)[I am really enjoying Alina's powers and I cannot wait to see what she can do with them. Personally, I think it would be a fun twist if she became like a monster due to the strength of her power rather than a heroine immediately.

That kiss from the Darkling came out of NOWHERE and I was not prepared. I couldn't make that up from the context. I had to rewind the audiobook a few times because I could not believe it.

I miss Mal. I need him to appear within the story again. He needs to be a prominent character again. I love his friendship with Alina, and it needs to come back. I hope he writes her back one day.

Once Alina let Mal go, the brand new me trope came into play and I do not know how to feel about it. She kind of got that Grisha stuck up attitude, but she was still humble because she knows she cannot harness her full power on her own. I hope she grows more confident in herself. I like the idea of Alina getting an amplifier.

Soooooooo...are Alina and Zoya going to be friends or what? (hide spoiler)]

What do you guys think the conflict is? I feel like it has not been revealed just yet. It could just be me, but I feel like it is something deeper than just learning how to be a Grisha in this book.

[Bopeep]

Now that you mention it, I'm not sure what the conflict is. I thing is to Alina to try to close the Shadow but... I'm not sure. There isn't much conflict for now that Alina missing Mal XD

Also I think Genya and Alina would be great friends because they both have different powers from the others. And I feel like Alina, always avoiding contact with groups of people and complaining when they chatter. Does anyone feel the same?

[Aless, Discord/Readathon Procrastinator]

Bopeep wrote: "Now that you mention it, I'm not sure what the conflict is. I thing is to Alina to try to close the Shadow but... I'm not sure. There isn't much conflict for now that Alina missing Mal XD

Also I t..."

Yes! I am not one for people either, but she is so critical when it comes to the few conversations she actually hears.

[Leslie]

Now that you mention Six Of Crows ... Do the stories relate? I mean that if Shadow And Bone and Six Of Crows are connected and that is why I must read these books in an order.

[Leslie]

No, it's not just about learning to control their powers, although that's the most important part of the story.
Closing the Shadow is essential and for this you must learn to be a Grisha, for now...


Chapter 13: (view spoiler)[ I was also very shocked by that kiss, it was so sudden > (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

The characters in Six Of Crows seem so much more developed and interesting than in Shadow and Bone. Like, I really don't feel as invested in their lives in this, if that makes sense?

[Laura]

Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[Was not expecting that! Bagra (I'm on audiobook so have no idea how that's spelled haha) is the Darklings mother! (hide spoiler)]

[Bopeep]

Chapter 12: ooooooh I loved the moment when Alina's inside clicked and finally released her power.

[Laura]

I've finished it, I just couldn't help it!

[Leslie]

Laura wrote: "I've finished it, I just couldn't help it!"

The same thing happened to me.

[Bopeep]

Chapter 17:(view spoiler)[I'm so glad Mal appeared again and that they are in good terms!
But the chapter were Alina leaves was so LONG for me x.x I don't know, maybe I was a bit bored that she explains a journey where nothing happens. (hide spoiler)]

Also, I find a lot of similarities between other YA books. It's like a mix of plot twists, dialogues and other things. Not that I'm complaining, but I see them coming!
Though I thought the Darkling would be a better guy haha

[Jen K]

So I got behind because I had to finish up a library book. Set out to kind of catch up today from Chapter 2 to 19 and then ended up finishing the whole book....

It was cute, well written and interesting even if it does contain all the usual.

(view spoiler)[ I also agree that the kiss came on kind of fast, but also as fast as the spiral/ unveiling of evil. Genya is fun but I kind of love Baghra and hope she comes back later in the series. (hide spoiler)]

[Bopeep]

I finished it. But I'm so neutral about it... I liked it but that's all.

(view spoiler)[I'm so glad that Mal is still alive. I like him :) And I really liked that their relationship became romantic after YEARS of friendship. It seems rare to see this on YAs.

I also liked the plot twist were Aline left the Darkling and the others get eaten by volcras. (hide spoiler)]

[Laura]

Bopeep wrote: "I finished it. But I'm so neutral about it... I liked it but that's all.

I'm so glad that Mal is still alive. I like him :) And I really liked that their relationship became romantic after YEARS ..."

I feel the same, just a bit meh.

(view spoiler)[I also liked Mal, and you're right it is stange to see friends>couple in YA and I liked it! (hide spoiler)]

[Jen K]

Agreed, it was also a 3 star rating for me and that plot twist was the best!

[Aless, Discord/Readathon Procrastinator]

I finally finished this book and it was meh for me as well. I gave it a 3.5-star rating. I liked how Mal appeared and the little twist at the very end, but I do miss Genya, Baghra, and David. They were nice little additions to this big story. I feel like this book became very predictable for me and because of that, I think it made the book feel underwhelming for me.

I am very excited to read the next book because many of the characters will not go out like that and we get to meet Nikolai, so I am very excited, but I will be taking a little break from this series.

[R]

In the end I really liked this book and am now 2/3s of the way through the 3rd book. This trilogy has kind of reignited my love of YA series. I’ve been avoiding series a bit because it’s a commitment, but now I’m feeling them again.

[Aless, Discord/Readathon Procrastinator]

Robyn wrote: "In the end I really liked this book and am now 2/3s of the way through the 3rd book. This trilogy has kind of reignited my love of YA series. I’ve been avoiding series a bit because it’s a commitme..."

Aww, that's incredible. I'm happy this was able to help you get back into the large genre of YA again!