The One Where I Review SHADOW AND BONE (for the 2nd time)

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha, #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback
Pages: 356

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Bardugo is a goddess amongst men. Normally when I re-read, I still love the book, but I already know what's happening so part of the spark is gone. However, you know it's a BEYOND amazing book when those same emotions felt the first time around come rushing back. And that is precisely what happened. Reading this a second time felt like I was reading for the first time. All the feelings came back. My heart was racing, my pulse pounding, trying not to make unintelligible sounds while at work because we know that I would be given side-eye curious looks.

Since this is indeed a re-read and I've already reviewed it once, I'll make this (relatively) short and sweet. If you want to see my rather awesome (if I do say so myself) GIF filled review full of gushing completely coherent sentences, then check it out here.

So, the short of it?

Beautiful. Lush. Brilliant. Perfect.

First off, the world building is A++. Seriously phenomenal stuff here. Lush and gorgeous, Bardugo does a beautiful job of bringing in Russian influence into this unique fantasy world. And the Grisha? So cool! Not gonna lie, I totally wish I was one of them. AND THERE'S A MAP!! I love maps because it means the author really took the time to flesh out their fantasy world. That takes love and dedication. 

Second, the characters. Oh, the characters.

Alina, my heart goes out to you girl. Her growth throughout just this book alone is beyond amazing. She's not necessarily strong at first, but neither is she weak. She's a girl who just wants to belong and is suddenly thrust into this world that may prove to be more than she asked for. While oftentimes her desire to fit in clouds her judgement, she more than comes into her own.

And Mal. Oh, Mal. You're the good guy I should want. He's likable from the beginning even though he doesn't have much page time until the end. He's brave and encouraging and charming. And that speech at towards the end? *Swoon* But, while this is the guy that you know is the best for you and that you should be pining after, there's one guy who's just.....delectable. 

The Darkling

MmMmmMmmmmmm. Mal is the good guy you should end up with. The Darkling is the irresistible one you want to end up with. Don't worry, it's not necessarily a love triangle seeing as Alina knows who she truly wants, but she definitely feels the pull, as you will too. Mysterious, powerful, and seductive. *faints*

He's just so sincere that it's hard not to fall for him. 

And, for a slight spoiler (still vague but check at your own risk):

In the beginning it's so easy to think he is good and not greedy, that he has Ravka's best interests at heart. He's just so sincere. I totally understand how Alina could've been duped. I certainly didn't expect the turn of events. Bardugo does a great job of making you think the Darkling is truly good. Props to that! 

Finally, the plot. The storyline is a delectable story wrapped in gorgeously described mythology with beautiful cultural inspirations thrown in. This brilliant plot line is brimming with Grisha, political intrigue, war and deception. Oh, and questing. Can't forget questing. 

Okay, so I know I said I'd keep this short, but I lied I thought it would be, until I actually started writing. And it's shorter than my original review, so there's that. However, in short, all you need to know is: read it. 

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Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. 

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)

by Leigh Bardugo

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Goodreads Synopsis:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Why I'm Waiting:

WHY WOULD I NOT BE WAITING?!?!?! Ughhhhhhh I've been dying for this book. After I absolutely fell in love with the first book, I have been waiting, rather impatiently, for this sequel to be released.  And, yes, it did come out yesterday, but considering the fact that it isn't currently in my hands, I'm still waiting on it. Now, if someone wants to remedy this problem, I wouldn't be adverse to it ;)

So what are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday?

Look for my reviews of The Eternal Cure and Scarlet to come soon :)

All the best ♥

Mackenzie 

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Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
Pages: 358
Source: Bought from B&N
Format: Hardback


Rating: Absolutely Amazing! (just look at all the gifs!)


Goodreads Synopsis:


Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart


My review:


This, this, is high fantasy. Words cannot describe my love for this book!! I feel like how the cookie monster would if he just found out he won a GIGANTIC COOKIE!

Yes, my eyes were probably cross-eyed with giddiness after finishing this book XD

  Shadow and Bone is high fantasy at its best. The world is beautiful and breathtaking. The characters are fantastically written and engaging and you can't help but love them. The plot is unique and intriguing and simply fantastic. 

Alina: 


 *hug* You, are a what strong character should be. Alina's growth throughout this book is just phenomenal! She's not a strong character instantly. In fact, she's very lonely and quiet and an outcast. She's very reserved, but attentive. She's never been the prettiest girl or the toughest girl or the funniest girl. She was an orphan and never really felt loved. The only friend she had was Mal *refrains from fainting*. But you know what? She's brave and selfless and I couldn't help but respect her for that. In order to save the life of a friend, she is willing to risk her own, in the process learning about a dormant power. And here's where I really come to love her. She's not like other YA heroines who start to think they are "all that" because they have special powers, nor does she deny them vehemently from start to finish. Nope. She accepts it and wants to be the best she can be. 

Yes, I wanted to give her lots of hugs throughout the book. Don't judge. She knew she wasn't going to be perfect the first try and she knew she had to work hard at it, but at least she did. Did she sometimes get frustrated? Sure did. Who wouldn't? But even then she kept trying and working hard. Throughout this book she has to learn to accept who she is. She has to overcome some barriers in her past to do it but she does and I rooted for her because of it.

Darkling:

   Yes, there is a love triangle. Sort of. Alina knows which one she wants but OMG! I couldn't not talk about the Darkling. Okay, he's not really the guy you want to end up with, but more along the bad boy you know you shouldn't want but goodness is he delicious ; )

 He's mister tall, dark and handsome. Mysterious, powerful, dark, secretive, dangerous, enigmatic and most of all alluring. Oh, he makes me feel special *faints* 

You thinks I'm special *giggles* XD

You just can't help but be drawn to him. Sure he's kind of psycho and most definitely evil, but goodness, you can't help but be addicted to his mysterious and dangerous personality. And the scene with him and Alina?! *faints*

But I'm most intrigued with his backstory (and I sure as heck didn't see that coming). Yes, I know he probably is most likely evil in every sense of the word, but I can't wait to see what made him like that. It's part of his allure. What can I say, I like swooning over the bad boy. Sue me. 

Mal:

  So Mal isn't in this book very much, but the parts that he is in (especially in the end) are just swoonworthy. There is this one quote that I know has been used in other reviews but it is just so swoonworthy I have to include it! It ecompasses the awesomeness that is Mal:


"I missed you every hour. And you know what the worst part was? It caught me completely by surprise. I'd catch myself just walking around to find you, not for any reason , just out of habit, because I'd seen something that I wanted to tell you about or because I wanted to hear your voice. And then I'd realize that you weren't there anymore, and every time, every single time, it was like having the wind knocked out of me. I've risked my life for you. I've walked half the length of Ravka for you, and I'd do it again and again and again just to be with you, just to starve with you and freeze with you and hear you complain about hard cheese every day. So don't tell me why we don't belong together," he said fiercely.

                                

Really, need I say more? Okay, I will because I can't stop gushing XD He's so incredibly sweet with the perfect amount of protectiveness thrown in. He knows Alina can be the best she can be and he wants to help her become that. He's always believed in her and would literally walk to the ends of the earth for her!! Just....GAH! He's fantastic. That's all there is to it!


The World:


  I was instantly drawn into this complex and beautifully breathtaking world. She did a fantastic job of creating the Fold and giving it the creepy and scary atmosphere it deserved. Seriously. The Fold is freaking terrifying. Sure, I'd put on the facade of being all tough and whatnot, while on the inside I'd be screaming like a little girl. Scratch that, I'd probably actually be screaming like a little girl. But its fantastic! She doesn't just tell you it's scary, she shows it and makes you feel it. Kudos! 


Plot:


   Yes, the plot is as equally amazing as the characters and world! She just got the whole package right!!! Its incredibly unique and intriguing. Monsters? Grisha? Powers? The freaking FOLD?! Holy, moly. It's some intense stuff. The action starts off from the very beginning. You get to see monsters and the Fold and fighting. Then you get your court setting and court intrigue and never knowing who to trust and whats going on and its AMAZING! I could go on and on but you must read this book to find out all the awesomeness that is the plot for yourself. 


Overall:

My review does not do this book justice in the slightest. This is high fantasy at its best. I adored all the characters. I loved Alina's imperfections and the fact that she grows so much throughout the book. While I may be coveting after the alluring Darkling, I'm simply swooning over the perfection that is Mal. The world is incredibly unique and beautiful in its own terrifying way and the plot is simply addicting. If this review doesn't get to you buy this book, I honestly have no idea what will. 

All the best ♥

Mackenzie

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In My Mailbox (11)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren in which we showcase books we borrowed/bought/won in the past week.


BOUGHT (B&N):

The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1)

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

I decided to buy that after I heard amazingly fantastic things about it from a fellow blogger and I was not disappointed! This book was amazing! Seth has such and amazing voice and you can't help but fall in love with him! Full review coming soon :)

Goodreads:
The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1)

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)

by Leigh Bardugo

AOSKDFGMASLKGASDF THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!! I absolutely loved Alina and was weak in the knees for the Darkling! AHHHH full gushing review coming soon XD 

Goodreads:
Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)

Bitterblue (Graceling Realms #3)

By Kristin Cashore

I liked Graceling and I LOVED Fire! Cashore really does some fantastic world-building so I'm extremely excited to delve back in to this magical world. At a whopping 563 pages, I hope I like it as much as Fire! 

Goodreads:
Bitterblue (Graceling Realms #3)

The Serpent's Shadow (The Kane Chronicles #3)

By Rick Riordan

I LOVE RICK RIORDAN!!!! Well, his books anyway XD His mythology books are just such a great mixture of humor and adventure it's hard not to love! I always hate when a series ends but I'm definitely looking forward to going on another adventure with Carter and Sadie :D

Goodreads:
The Serpent's Shadow (The Kane Chronicles #3)

The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles #1)

by Kady Cross

What can I say? I can't resist a pretty cover :P Besides, its steampunk and she can "knock out a full-grown man with one punch"? Yes, please! 

Goodreads:
The Girl in the Steel Corset (Steampunk Chronicles #1)

So what'd y'all get this week? Be sure to let me know in the comments below so I can covet it all XD 

All the best ♥

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Waiting on Wednesday (5): Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine in which we showcase upcoming releases we are anticipating.

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1)

by Leigh Bardugo

Date Available: June 5, 2012

Goodreads Synopsis:

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near-impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one unlikely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life– a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha… and the secrets of her heart.

Why I want to read it:

First off, I've already heard that people loved it. Not loved but loved. See the difference? And come on?! That synopsis sounds fantastic!! Monsters, war, magical elite called the Grisha, royal courts, and a mysterious Darkling? Sounds good to me :D 

What are y'all waiting on this fine Wednesday?

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