Hooked on Books discussion
Archive
>
2nd Quarter 2025 SBR - The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
date
newest »
newest »
Mod
I picked up the book at the library the other day.
I really enjoyed this book and will continue the series. Then I guess I will need to watch the Netflix series. 🤣 It’s been on my to-be-read list for over three years and took the buddy read for me to get it read. Glad I did.The book moved along quickly and was an easy read.
I liked Alina and Mal from the beginning. Alina and Mal grew up together in an orphanage at first and then they both joined the military. Alina is in love with Mal, but he has no clue. One day, while protecting Mal, it is revealed that she too is Grisha with a very rare and sought after power: the ability to summon sunlight. She soon finds herself in a very different world filled with adventure, betrayal, and a sinister plot.
Genya was another favorite. She had a certain air about her that she cares but couldn't entirely be trusted but it seems she had a heart.
The Darkling is an excellent bad guy. He is dark, refined, brooding and more and he is the perfect villain.
Didn't know there was a netfix series.I might have to check that out.
The world, I loved.
Very interested in the story line.
The Darkling character, I think will be a great villian.
I'm not sold on Mal though.
The Alina and Mal as small children was heartwarming.
But after that Mal lost me.
Idk if maybe it's just because we didn't get Mal's pov durig that time.
It felt more like Alina was holding on to that child Mal. Not the Mal he became.
Yes, I started to thaw a little towards him by the end. But I still don't think he's the right love interest for Alina.
But this book isn't listed as a romance.
Everything but the romance part works for me.
I'm intersted in finding out more about the world and what happens.
Mod
I'm planning on reading the first 2 this month, and the third next month - will be joining you soon!
Mod
Excellent!
I will say that after the first 120ish pages -
Like - Alina (of course)
Intrigued by - the Darkling (did they say his name? I don't remember it - it's probably a plot point, so I will resist going back for clarification)
Not loving - Mal (way to be a snob dude....)
Mod
Mod
I started the book yesterday, and as you said Ashley, it's an easy read and a breath of fresh air for me too, as I have been kind of in a reading slump the last two weeks. Read for four and a half hours straight yesterday, but it didn't feel like it. I thought I had only read for about an hour, and got a little shock when I checked my watch lol!
Skye Blue ☆*~ﾟლ(´ڡ`ლ)~*☆ wrote: "I'm not sold on Mal though.
The Alina and Mal as small children was heartwarming.
But after that Mal lost me.."
I agree, Skye Blue. I am currently on chapter 19 in the first book and even though he's getting better, I still don't like Mal as a romantic interest for Alina. I think their friendship is precious, and that they should just remain friends. But I don't care too much about the romance in this book. For me it's the world building and plot that I find intriguing. I love the map, I think it is very well drawn, especially the volkra (was that their name? I can't remember...). I also like the keftas. I always find the clothes in fantasy books some of the most interesting things.
Mod
The Darkling is an excellent bad guy. He is dark, refined, brooding and more and he is the perfect villain.t"
I am of the same opinion, Bernadette! Genya was a favourite.
As many of you have already written, I also think the Darkling makes for an excellent character. I am very interested to see what he will do in the following books.
Mod
Shadow and Bone by Leigh BardugoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This one was a fun, easy read, which was exactly what I've been in the mood for lately. The Grishaverse sucked me in with its dark magic, political intrigue, and a protagonist caught between power and loyalty. I liked the uncertainty of not knowing who to trust (even well into the story), and the semi-found family vibes gave it some heart.
That said, the pacing dragged at times, and while I enjoyed the world, some parts felt a little predictable or slow. Still, the ending left me curious enough to continue the trilogy.
View all my reviews
Finished Siege and Storm - my thoughts:It's obvious that Siege and Storm is the middle book in the trilogy. I often find the second book to be the least enjoyable. I did like it, but not as much as the first. I found myself excited in the final chapters with the sudden blaze of action though.
There’s political intrigue with Nikolai and Vasili and it really comes to a head at the end of the book.
Alina is no longer the naïve heroine and finally starts to show her claws. She is incredibly powerful but still can't see her worth beyond her plain appearance. She needs to think about what she truly wants for herself.
We didn't see quite as much of the Darkling, he is such an interesting character, but we need to know more about his motivations. He isn't a boring villain.
Mal has become a dull character. He is manipulative, moody, insufferable, insecure, selfish, whiny and uninteresting. All he does is comment on how he doesn’t want Alina to change and how frustrated he is because things are different. He can’t handle her power because it makes her more confident than he is.
Poor Genya
Nikolai is the perfect balance between Mal and the Darkling. He is sarcastic and adds humor to the story, but he isn’t just comic. He is always plotting, always snarking his way through a situation and barely ever showing the heart he has hidden from everyone.
Mod
What can I say - I like the bad boys, so of course the Darkling intrigues me! I'm sort of hoping that his villainous side is tamed by the end of the series.
Alina is an okay MC, but she is naive. She seems to grow a bit in this installment and shows a bit of spunk.
I don't really like Mal's character and I don't think he and Alina make a good couple, but they are great friends.
If you know me at all, you know that I love a snarky character and I get that with Nikolai. I laughed every time he said "I love it when you quote me! Nikolai seems to be one of the more well-rounded characters, even though he tries to hide his true self with his joking manner.
Looking forward to the next book.
Mod
I read the first book years ago when it first came out - not really sure why I didn't read on, but I loved the Six of Crows duology, so glad to be back to read this series.I like the Russian / Eastern European feel of the Grishaverse, and I like the characters - a rarity in a YA book for me these days. Perhaps my GenXness gets a wee bit impatient with more contemporary YA books :)
Mine is ready to pick up at the library.
Mod
Mod
So many things happening in this final book. Nikolai is still my favorite character. (view spoiler)
Will comment more as everyone reads, so that I don't spoil anything for anyone!
Mod
I hate Mal. I don't care what he does in the third book to redeem himself, I will still hate him. Him and Alina make an awful couple, and I don't think they should even be friends. He doesn't accept her for who she is and is just mad at her for the majority of the series.
As for Alina, once again, I agree with you Angie. She makes for an alright MC, but I would have loved for her to be a bit more determined and stand for her opinions.
I still believe that The Darkling makes for the perfect villain. He might be my favorite character from the whole series.
I am very interested to see how this series will end. (view spoiler) Will Alina destroy the fold? Will The Darkling soften up enough to become a "good" guy or will Alina kill him? Will Alina turn to the dark side and join the Darkling? I don't think the last one is probable, but I think it would make for a very interesting end.
When it comes to who Alina should end up with romantically, she should either be with Nikolai or end up alone. Mal is a big no, and although I love The Darkling, Alina will never be able to fully trust him. Now that I'm thinking about it, I would be very happy if she ends up alone, as I feel like she is too easily influenced. She needs to understand her worth and stand up for herself more, instead of relying on the boys to make her feel good.
Looking forward to book 3!
Mod
The third book was my favorite of the series. The last third had lots of surprising info reveals and plot twists. This book tied off the series well.Alina was more likable in this book; she decided to take fate into her own hands. She walks the line between hero and villain, and we can see her struggle with ambition, greed, and power; showing just how easy it is to become the very thing you hate.
Mal grew on me - (view spoiler)
Nikolai began to annoy me. He was full of ambition and intelligence and made sure everyone knew it. He was a little too full of himself.
Mod
Alina was more likable in this book; she decid..."
I agree with you on Alina. I found her growing on me throughout the series, and think it was interesting to see her struggle with her greed for power. I am a little bit disappointed that (view spoiler)
Mal did grow on me a bit, but I still don't like him that much.
Mod
So many things happening in this final book. Nikolai is still my favorite character. Poor guy had a rough go though! "
Nikolai is still my favorite character too. (view spoiler)
Benedicte - I understand your frustration about Alina's ending - all that time reading three volumes and we end up with (view spoiler) - seems anticlimactic.
Mod
Hooked on Books
Books mentioned in this topic
Siege and Storm (other topics)Shadow and Bone (other topics)
Siege and Storm (other topics)
Ruin and Rising (other topics)
Shadow and Bone (other topics)
Welcome to the 2nd Quarter Series Buddy Read!
starts 1-Apr-2025, ends 30-Jun-2025
Book 1: Shadow and Bone
Book 2: Siege and Storm
Book 3: Ruin and Rising
Important Notes
> Reading and discussion can continue beyond these dates, but will no longer be moderated after the specified end date.
> Bonus Points: Any bonus points (dependent on ongoing challenges) will only be available during the official discussion period. Please note: All books in the Series are eligible from 1-Apr-2025, ends 30-Jun-2025. You may read at your own pace.
When using this Buddy Read to get Bonus Points for a Challenge, please check with the mod running the Challenge for any posting requirements not listed below!
🚀 2025 (Impossible) Solar System Challenge: While there's no specific post count requirement, your participation should go beyond simple statements like "I liked the book." Quality of contribution matters more than quantity, so focus on crafting well-considered responses that add value to the discussion.