09 Mar Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Fantasy novels often take readers to new worlds, but Shadow and Bone does something special—it takes us into a world inspired by Tsarist Russia, filled with dark magic, political intrigue, and a heroine who has no idea how powerful she really is. The first book in the Grishaverse, this is a story of war, power, and the thin line between salvation and corruption.

What’s it about?

Alina Starkov is an orphan, a soldier, and completely unremarkable—or so she believes. Raised alongside her best friend Mal, she has spent most of her life trying to survive in Ravka, a country torn apart by war and divided by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near-impenetrable darkness filled with deadly creatures known as volcra.

As part of the First Army, Alina and Mal are sent on a dangerous mission to cross the Shadow Fold. When their convoy is attacked, Mal is nearly killed—until something impossible happens. In the moment of crisis, Alina unleashes a power she didn’t know she had, one that drives the darkness away.

Alina is immediately taken from the life she knows and sent to the Little Palace, the home of the Grisha—Ravka’s elite magical warriors—where she is told she is the Sun Summoner, the only person who may have the ability to destroy the Shadow Fold forever. The Grisha are led by the Darkling, a powerful and charismatic leader who takes a keen interest in Alina, believing she is the key to restoring Ravka’s former glory.

As Alina trains in her abilities, she struggles to fit into a world where she doesn’t belong. The Little Palace is full of politics, jealousy, and hidden agendas, and Alina soon realizes that not everyone wants her to succeed. Worse, the more time she spends with the Darkling, the more she starts to feel drawn to him—his power, his vision, and his promises that they can change the world together.

But as secrets unravel and betrayals come to light, Alina begins to question everything. Who can she trust? Is she truly Ravka’s savior, or is she just another pawn in a much larger game? And if she does have the power to destroy the Shadow Fold, what will it cost her?

What This Chick Thinks

The world of Ravka feels fresh and immersive

Leigh Bardugo does an incredible job of crafting a fantasy world that feels unique. Instead of the typical medieval European setting, Ravka is heavily influenced by Russian history and culture, from the architecture of the Little Palace to the court politics and military structure. The idea of the Shadow Fold—a land of living darkness that cuts the country in two—is one of the most original fantasy elements I’ve seen in a while.

The Grisha magic system, known as the Small Science, is also fascinating. It’s not just about waving wands or chanting spells; Grisha manipulate matter in specific ways, whether it’s healing, controlling fire, or altering physical properties. This system makes magic feel grounded and scientific rather than purely mystical, which adds depth to the story.

Alina is an underdog, but she takes time to grow

Alina starts off as an insecure, hesitant character, which might frustrate some readers. She spends a good chunk of the book doubting herself, struggling with her powers, and feeling out of place. But this makes her eventual growth more rewarding. She isn’t a “chosen one” who immediately steps into her power with confidence—she’s someone who has to fight for it, and that struggle makes her feel more real.

Her relationships with Mal and the Darkling add extra layers to her journey. Mal is her childhood best friend, the one person who has always been there for her, but their dynamic shifts as Alina discovers her abilities. Meanwhile, the Darkling is an enigma—both a mentor and a temptation, someone who sees her potential but may not have her best interests at heart.

The Darkling is one of the book’s biggest strengths

Let’s talk about the Darkling, because he is by far the most compelling character in this book. He’s powerful, magnetic, and full of contradictions. One moment, he’s offering Alina protection and understanding; the next, he’s manipulating her for reasons she can’t quite figure out. His presence adds an edge to the story, keeping the reader guessing about his true intentions.

Bardugo does an excellent job of making the Darkling feel dangerous without making him outright evil from the start. He’s one of those characters that makes you second-guess everything, which is exactly what you want in a fantasy antagonist.

The pacing keeps the story moving

This book never feels slow. From the moment Alina’s power is discovered, she is constantly thrown into new challenges, whether it’s surviving the dangerous politics of the Grisha court, trying to master her abilities, or dealing with unexpected betrayals. There’s always something happening, which makes it hard to put the book down.

If anything, some parts of the story could have been expanded. Certain aspects of the worldbuilding—like the war raging outside the palace walls—feel a bit underdeveloped in this first book, though they are explored more in later installments.

Final Thoughts

Shadow and Bone is an exciting start to the Grishaverse, blending action, romance, and dark fantasy elements into a compelling read. It’s not just about magic; it’s about power, identity, and the cost of being extraordinary. While the story follows some familiar fantasy tropes, Bardugo’s rich worldbuilding and complex characters make it stand out.

If you’re looking for a fantasy novel with a strong heroine, a morally ambiguous antagonist, and a setting that feels different from the usual, this is worth picking up.

Rating: 8.5/10

Try it if you like

• An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir – Another fantasy with a militaristic setting, a slow-burn romance, and high-stakes conflicts.
• Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard – Features a protagonist who discovers hidden powers and finds herself caught between two powerful figures.
• The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon – A mix of dystopian and fantasy elements, with a unique magic system and a strong heroine.