Brittney Arena's Reviews > Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1)
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by
![50044222](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p2/50044222.jpg)
Brittney Arena's review
bookshelves: absolute-favorites, favorite-villians, favorite-heroines, fantasy, recommended-fantasy, favorite-couples, best-audiobooks, top-of-the-top
Dec 12, 2015
bookshelves: absolute-favorites, favorite-villians, favorite-heroines, fantasy, recommended-fantasy, favorite-couples, best-audiobooks, top-of-the-top
Read 3 times. Last read August 13, 2017 to August 14, 2017.
YOU GUYS WE ARE GETTING A NETFLIX TV SERIES AHHHHHHHH
https://deadline.com/2019/01/netflix-...
I CAN'T BREATHEEEEEE.
If I could give this series 6 stars.. or 7... or 8.... I would. One of my ALL time favorite series. I get so sad when I see people totally skipping this to go to Six of Crows (which I loved, don't get me wrong.) True, it isn't for everyone.. but my gosh it is a work of art. I love everything about this series. (Ps... I'll say it again, but I HIGHLY recommend the audiobooks for enhanced experience.)
For those of you who would like to take the Darkling with you in the car on the way to work in the mornings, or for those of you who want to get a feel for the legit badassery that is this series.. here's a Spotify PLAYLIST!! ;) ;)
So let me try to put my love for this book into a few categories.
Overall Plot + Theme
Alright. I don't want to go over the details of the plot in this review -- because I went into this not knowing one darn thing about it so every single page was a surprise for me! What I will say is this... this book will be a wild ride in a dark fairytale-esque world with unpredictable characters. There is action, magic, romance, intrigue.. and really.. what more could you want from a series? I was absolutely 100% entranced with every page that I read... and that feeling continued with the second and third book.
But I will say this... just when I thought I knew what was going on... just when I thought I was safe... well, Leigh Bardugo, you got me.
THAT PLOT TWIST THO....
![](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1463243686ra/19098164.gif)
AND MY FEELINGS AFTER THAT....
![](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1463243760ra/19098169.gif)
I found myself jumping out of my bed screaming.. LITERALLY screaming... "Run Alina run!!!" or "Give in Alina, just give in!"
The World-building
If I could get stuck in any world from any book- this would be the one. It is vivid, dark, magical, and completely entrancing.
Here's the thing. I've read a lot of negative reviews basing their reasons on the fact that Leigh Bardugo didn't make a convincing Russian world... but my opinion is that his is her world- not actual Russia- she can do whatever she wants! Sure it has Russian inspiration, but it is clearly its own place. Maybe if you are really attached to the Russian language, it would bother you... but my opinion is to leave preconceived notions aside and let this be what it is.
The Characters
Alina, our heroine.
As with many first books, she needs to grow up some. She is fairly naive, but I liked growing up with her through this series. She's very relatable, in my opinion, darn right hysterical. She's very common with familiar insecurities that we all face. She gets a lot of grief for the mistakes she makes in this book... but come on ladies- I think we would all make the same mistakes she makes, if put in her situation. She will always be one of my favorite heroines because of how relatable she is. I adore her.
On that note...(view spoiler)
The Darkling
![](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1380222758ra/619804.gif)
I'm not going to say too much about him other than this. He is without a doubt the most interesting character I've ever read about. Ladies, good luck. Honestly I wish I could put some of my favorite quotes from the book here, but it would spoil.
I can't even go into the rest of the characters without spoiling. Just enjoy trying to predict everyone!
The MAGIC!!
[image error]
This is my favorite magic system out of any book. I think that stems from me being an artist. The way Leigh describes the powers that some of the characters *cough* have.. its so unique and abstract... like a painting. And classes of magic? Freaking sweet.
The Writing
This series overall is probably the most quotable one out there, in my opinion anyway. Simply gorgeous. And the pacing? I don't know how some people think this is slow... the pace was like.. holy freaking I can't keep up with my emotions...
The AUDIOBOOK!
I don't always recommend the audiobook version of a book to people- but the narrator who does this series is PHENOMENAL. It for sure enhanced my experience of this book 100000%. So yes, I HIGHLY recommend giving the audiobook a go!
So to summarize all of my thoughts...
![](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1463243452ra/19098111.gif)
Thank you Leigh Bardugo for this precious gift. Thank you.
And just a hint for the next book... it may or may not introduce my next all time favorite character...
;) ;) DON'T STOP HERE!!
My Blog ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Etsy["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
https://deadline.com/2019/01/netflix-...
I CAN'T BREATHEEEEEE.
If I could give this series 6 stars.. or 7... or 8.... I would. One of my ALL time favorite series. I get so sad when I see people totally skipping this to go to Six of Crows (which I loved, don't get me wrong.) True, it isn't for everyone.. but my gosh it is a work of art. I love everything about this series. (Ps... I'll say it again, but I HIGHLY recommend the audiobooks for enhanced experience.)
For those of you who would like to take the Darkling with you in the car on the way to work in the mornings, or for those of you who want to get a feel for the legit badassery that is this series.. here's a Spotify PLAYLIST!! ;) ;)
So let me try to put my love for this book into a few categories.
Overall Plot + Theme
Alright. I don't want to go over the details of the plot in this review -- because I went into this not knowing one darn thing about it so every single page was a surprise for me! What I will say is this... this book will be a wild ride in a dark fairytale-esque world with unpredictable characters. There is action, magic, romance, intrigue.. and really.. what more could you want from a series? I was absolutely 100% entranced with every page that I read... and that feeling continued with the second and third book.
But I will say this... just when I thought I knew what was going on... just when I thought I was safe... well, Leigh Bardugo, you got me.
THAT PLOT TWIST THO....
![](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1463243686ra/19098164.gif)
AND MY FEELINGS AFTER THAT....
![](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1463243760ra/19098169.gif)
I found myself jumping out of my bed screaming.. LITERALLY screaming... "Run Alina run!!!" or "Give in Alina, just give in!"
The World-building
If I could get stuck in any world from any book- this would be the one. It is vivid, dark, magical, and completely entrancing.
Here's the thing. I've read a lot of negative reviews basing their reasons on the fact that Leigh Bardugo didn't make a convincing Russian world... but my opinion is that his is her world- not actual Russia- she can do whatever she wants! Sure it has Russian inspiration, but it is clearly its own place. Maybe if you are really attached to the Russian language, it would bother you... but my opinion is to leave preconceived notions aside and let this be what it is.
The Characters
Alina, our heroine.
As with many first books, she needs to grow up some. She is fairly naive, but I liked growing up with her through this series. She's very relatable, in my opinion, darn right hysterical. She's very common with familiar insecurities that we all face. She gets a lot of grief for the mistakes she makes in this book... but come on ladies- I think we would all make the same mistakes she makes, if put in her situation. She will always be one of my favorite heroines because of how relatable she is. I adore her.
On that note...(view spoiler)
The Darkling
![](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1380222758ra/619804.gif)
I'm not going to say too much about him other than this. He is without a doubt the most interesting character I've ever read about. Ladies, good luck. Honestly I wish I could put some of my favorite quotes from the book here, but it would spoil.
I can't even go into the rest of the characters without spoiling. Just enjoy trying to predict everyone!
The MAGIC!!
[image error]
This is my favorite magic system out of any book. I think that stems from me being an artist. The way Leigh describes the powers that some of the characters *cough* have.. its so unique and abstract... like a painting. And classes of magic? Freaking sweet.
The Writing
This series overall is probably the most quotable one out there, in my opinion anyway. Simply gorgeous. And the pacing? I don't know how some people think this is slow... the pace was like.. holy freaking I can't keep up with my emotions...
The AUDIOBOOK!
I don't always recommend the audiobook version of a book to people- but the narrator who does this series is PHENOMENAL. It for sure enhanced my experience of this book 100000%. So yes, I HIGHLY recommend giving the audiobook a go!
So to summarize all of my thoughts...
![](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1463243452ra/19098111.gif)
Thank you Leigh Bardugo for this precious gift. Thank you.
And just a hint for the next book... it may or may not introduce my next all time favorite character...
;) ;) DON'T STOP HERE!!
My Blog ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Etsy["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
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Reading Progress
Finished Reading
December 10, 2015
–
Started Reading
December 12, 2015
– Shelved
December 13, 2015
–
Finished Reading
August 13, 2017
–
Started Reading
August 14, 2017
–
Finished Reading
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message 1:
by
Steven
(new)
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added it
Jan 22, 2016 07:31AM
![Steven Walle](https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_25x33-8a3530ed95c3dbef8bf215b080559b09.png)
reply
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flag
![linda](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1677521694p1/41962553.jpg)
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Yeah! I read it in December.. and I loved it so much that I literally FLEW through the 3 books within 3 days. SO SO great. If you've ever found anything similar, do recommend!!
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
WOO!! I hope you love it!!
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Basically, Luke, there just aren't enough stars for this trilogy ;)
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Ugh, right? Like even now, I feel like my review doesn't even do it justice. Like I just want to delete everything I've said and just write "ALL THE DAMN STARS. ALL OF THEM."
message 10:
by
Bianca {Until The Last Page}
(last edited May 15, 2016 05:42AM)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
![Bianca {Until The Last Page}](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1497386552p1/3438901.jpg)
I LOL'd at "Give in Alina, just give in!" coz I was totally saying the same thing when I came across that scene when Alina was in the room with ...
I rated 3/5 though because I thought it ended quickly and I would've loved it more if there wore more Darkling scenes.
![Melissa Reads](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1672761317p1/40042696.jpg)
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Ahh yes exactly!! Thanks so much!
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Yeah its the eternal struggle... getting the words accurate for this series!
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Love you review"
OO Nice!! I'm excited to see what you think of the series as a whole!!
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
I love this book to the bones, and I honestly could not bring myself to review it, because words are treacherous bastard and nothing is good enough ARGH.
Great rev'! :D"
Haha yessss ... words just don't do it justice!! Thats exactly how I feel!
![Stephanie](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1456950866p1/39393429.jpg)
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Oh don't worry- I kept it spoiler free so you can if you want ;) BUT you can totally just go into it blind too.. thats what I did and I loved it.
GAHHH so much pressure after the hangover craziness... I hope it doesn't disappoint haha. (Though you won't offend me if you don't like it ;)
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
I LOL'd at "Give in Alina, just give in!" coz I was totally saying the same thing when I came across that scene when Alina was in ..."
Haha... oh thats TOTALLY one of the scenes I was talking about. You crack me up. I was thinking it at the end too....
And yeah so Ive heard that it is shorter than a lot of books- but I had a different experience since i listened to it.. and it was several hours long so it felt like a long book to me.
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
OOOOMG PREPARE YOURSELF!!! yayy!
![Meghan](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1601950488p1/3900447.jpg)
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
OOO OMG!! Please update me with your feeeeels!!
![TheCrazyWorldOfABookLover](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1489089790p1/34338862.jpg)
Lmao SAME!!!
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Lmao SAME!!!"
Haha ughhh the emotional torture... and it only gets worse...
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Rofl I'm glad someone can relate!! I just loved it so much.. I can't even describe it!
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Aww I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!
![Alice Maravilla](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1592588998p1/62552125.jpg)
![Rida](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1490912997p1/65099552.jpg)
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Haha I'm so glad you are loving it! The characters are just SO well done omg! Just wait until the next!
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
Yayy! I hope you love it :) <3
![Brittney Arena](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1722625577p1/50044222.jpg)
So glad to hear that!! I loooved it!!