TL;DR
'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo follows Alina Starkov, an orphan who discovers she has a rare and powerful magic, thrusting her into a world of intrigue, danger, and dark forces in the land of Ravka.
What is Shadow and Bone about
'Shadow and Bone' is a fantasy novel by Leigh Bardugo and the first book in the Grishaverse series. The story centers on Alina Starkov, a young orphan living in Ravka, a land torn by war. Alina unexpectedly discovers she has a rare magical ability to summon light, making her the Sun Summoner, a savior who can potentially destroy the monstrous Shadow Fold. She is taken under the wing of the enigmatic Darkling, who trains her to harness her power and elevate her to the ranks of the magical elite. As Alina grows more powerful, she becomes entangled in a web of mystery, ambition, and betrayal.
Shadow and Bone 6 Key Takeaways
Alina's Discovery
Alina Starkov discovers her unique ability to summon light during a dangerous mission through the Shadow Fold, instantly changing her life.
Training with the Darkling
Alina is taken to the Little Palace to be trained by the Darkling, where she begins to harness her powers and learns about the Grisha, Ravka's magical elite.
Growing Suspicion
Alina becomes increasingly suspicious of the Darkling's true intentions and the politics surrounding her role as the Sun Summoner.
The Betrayal
Alina learns of the Darkling's true plans to use her power for his own dark purposes, forcing her to flee in a desperate bid for freedom.
The Final Confrontation
In a climactic battle, Alina confronts the Darkling, realizing the full extent of her powers and the responsibilities that come with them.
A New Path
The book concludes with Alina escaping the Darkling's grasp and deciding to forge her own path, setting the stage for the continuing saga.
Top Shadow and Bone Quotes
- 'I've been waiting for you a long time, Alina. You and I are going to change the world.'
- 'The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak.'
Who should read Shadow and Bone?
'Shadow and Bone' is perfect for readers who enjoy richly developed fantasy worlds, strong female protagonists, and intricate tales of magic and power. It will particularly appeal to young adults and anyone looking for an engrossing, character-driven story.
Shadow and Bone Best Reviews
- 'Shadow and Bone is a powerful and striking fantasy novel that will leave readers clamoring for more. The characters are compelling, and the world-building is richly detailed.' - Publishers Weekly
- 'Leigh Bardugo crafts a mesmerizing world filled with magic and danger, making 'Shadow and Bone' an unputdownable read.' - The New York Times
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Shadow and Bone FAQs
What is 'Shadow and Bone' the book about?
The novel follows Alina Starkov, a teenage orphan in Ravka who discovers she has a powerful magical ability, making her a target of intrigue and violence.
Is 'Shadow and Bone' spicy?
The book has a Spice Meter of ZERO SPICE, with just some make-out scenes.
Should I read 'Shadow and Bone' before 'Six of Crows'?
It is recommended to read 'Shadow and Bone' first to understand the world-building better, although the 'Six of Crows' duology can stand alone with different characters and plots.