Sign in with Facebook
Brittney Arena's Reviews > Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1)
by
by
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....
AND MY FEELINGS AFTER THAT....
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
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...
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
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....
AND MY FEELINGS AFTER THAT....
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
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...
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
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
Shadow and Bone.
Sign In »
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
Comments Showing 1-36 of 36 (36 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Steven
(new)
-
added it
Jan 22, 2016 07:31AM
Great review Brittney!
reply
|
flag
This is one of my favorite series and I'm so glad you liked it as well!!!! I love The Darkling and I was going to read The Demon in the Woods : ))
linda wrote: "This is one of my favorite series and I'm so glad you liked it as well!!!! I love The Darkling and I was going to read The Demon in the Woods : ))"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!!
Great review, I'm going to add this series to my tbr pile :)
Ronda wrote: "Great review, I'm going to add this series to my tbr pile :)"WOO!! I hope you love it!!
Each book is five stars. That means the series is 15 stars.
This book is just awesome <3
Luke wrote: "Each book is five stars. That means the series is 15 stars."Basically, Luke, there just aren't enough stars for this trilogy ;)
Cait • A Page With A View wrote: "YES, another playlist! And this whole review was brilliant. I still can't find the words to talk about this one..."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
Great review! I love reading reviews that are so full of emotion!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.
Oh we're in the same spot struggling to find the words to describe this book. Great review!
I love that you decided to update a review. That's how you know that a book has moved you because it stays with you. Great job.
The Genre Minx wrote: "I love that you decided to update a review. That's how you know that a book has moved you because it stays with you. Great job. "Ahh yes exactly!! Thanks so much!
Maggie wrote: "Oh we're in the same spot struggling to find the words to describe this book. Great review!"Yeah its the eternal struggle... getting the words accurate for this series!
I am almost done with the second book and oh oh oh its good.Love you review
CarlB wrote: "I am almost done with the second book and oh oh oh its good.Love you review"
OO Nice!! I'm excited to see what you think of the series as a whole!!
andtheycallmeEm wrote: "YAS YAS YAS. 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!
I didn't read any of this review, but I am reading it now just because of your recommendation!!! THANKS! I'm hoping it cures my book hangover!!!
Stephanie ~ (Court of Dreams) wrote: "I didn't read any of this review, but I am reading it now just because of your recommendation!!! THANKS! I'm hoping it cures my book hangover!!!"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 ;)
Bianca wrote: "Great review! I love reading reviews that are so full of emotion!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.
Harriet wrote: "Gaaaaaah, beautiful review!! You have me super super excited now!!!!!!!!!!! I need to meet this darkling *rubs hands together*"OOOOMG PREPARE YOURSELF!!! yayy!
I just bought paperbacks of the entire trilogy last night! :) I'm so excited to get to these, thanks to your reviews!
Meghan wrote: "I just bought paperbacks of the entire trilogy last night! :) I'm so excited to get to these, thanks to your reviews!"OOO OMG!! Please update me with your feeeeels!!
"I found myself jumping out of my bed screaming.. LITERALLY screaming... "Run Alina run!!!" or "Give in Alina, just give in!"Lmao SAME!!!
TheCrazyWorldOfABookLover wrote: ""I found myself jumping out of my bed screaming.. LITERALLY screaming... "Run Alina run!!!" or "Give in Alina, just give in!"Lmao SAME!!!"
Haha ughhh the emotional torture... and it only gets worse...
I love this book so so much ugh. Your review repeats all of my feelings PLUS THE DARKLING IS BAE.
Prabhleen wrote: "I love this book so so much ugh. Your review repeats all of my feelings PLUS THE DARKLING IS BAE."Rofl I'm glad someone can relate!! I just loved it so much.. I can't even describe it!
Gorgeous review! The way you wrote about Alina and the Darkling actually brought tears to my eyes
Zenki the Hermit wrote: "Gorgeous review! The way you wrote about Alina and the Darkling actually brought tears to my eyes"Aww I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!
I bought the Box Set 3 months ago and I still haven't read Shadow and Bone.. now..after reading your review.. its definitely on my TBR for next month! You just made me really excited for this series!!! Thank you :)
I just finished the third book last night, and THE FEELS!!♥ I'm glad I decided to pick up this series because I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would have!
Natalia wrote: "I was actually going to skip reading this trilogy and just read Six of Crows, which I have and loved but some of my friends adore the Darkling and I just had this urge to meet this character and I ..."Haha I'm so glad you are loving it! The characters are just SO well done omg! Just wait until the next!
Alice Maravilla wrote: "I bought the Box Set 3 months ago and I still haven't read Shadow and Bone.. now..after reading your review.. its definitely on my TBR for next month! You just made me really excited for this serie..."Yayy! I hope you love it :) <3
Rida wrote: "I just finished the third book last night, and THE FEELS!!♥ I'm glad I decided to pick up this series because I ended up enjoying it more than I thought I would have!"So glad to hear that!! I loooved it!!
I am FREAKING OUT over that Netflix series announcement!!!!
"Shadow and Bone brings together the stories and characters of both Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows"WE ARE GETTING KAZ, HOLD ME. Please Netflix, don't fuck this up for me.
