SHADOW AND BONE BY LEIGH BARDUGO

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Thanks for all your support!

[@michelleli3373]

um...I'm on the second book right now. And I feel like the Darkling is just one of those bad/evil characters that you just can't help but be attracted to. I like him. And Mal. But Mal is one of those typical handsome guys that the character crushes on. And he wasn't developed that much. He's really kinda simple. Like there aren't a lot of layers to him...I like people with layers (not onions tho lol) LIKE JACE!

[@pleek4649]

AMEN TO THAT

[@rinezha7471]

I can't stand the Darkling-- he's exactly like Tamlin. Selfish.

[@katieemccrary]

kibum hates heights PREACH

[@patyl9515]

Yesss Jace!

[@caithurlee166]

my feelings exactly. it was also really bad that i read the acotar series before this and now i’m just really attracted to dark and mysterious characters.... lmaooo. I’m just not connecting with Mal yet, I hope it do. I wanna like him.

[@magicalgoats9278]

Im reading this book now. I already read Six Of Crows which was awesome. My favorite character in Six of Crows had to be Kaz Brekker.

[@vivekmehar]

Same except mine is inej then kaz

[@kaytamurray]

I like kaz then nina

[@ender4344]

Kaz Brekker is the best. And Matthias is my secod fac but it's hard to pick a favourite lol

[@sarawithoutanH]

I actually liked the side characters more than Alina and Mal. But glad you will continue going in the series at least!

[@ender4344]

The side characters are awesomee

[@chloesummer_wolf13]

@@ender4344 and i feel some side romances were better that the main ones.Like Genya and David and Marie and Sergei

[@danielalaurel8599]

The Darkling is one of my favorite characters ever.

[@AaMNB-zf6rn]

I just finished the book, Im a huge Alina and Mal shipper, I had been completely been invested in the idea of The Darkling and Alina but you know- #dontKnowWhatsRightAndWhatsWrong. I'm coming at you Siege and Storm.

[@stella-hg7gl]

I LOVED THIS TRILOGY SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ReadingAllDayLong]

It's so strange that you mentioned that it wasn't a fast paced story, because throughout the book i was thinking everything happened so fast. Sure it slowed down a bit in the middle but only just a bit. And i don't understand how everyone likes the darkling. Never got into him in the book, i felt kinda uncomfortable with his character. Did love Genya and Mal though. This was a very fast read for me and even though it wasn't as impressive as i'd thought it would be it was still a good and entertaining read.

[@dochaluvr]

Thank you! I thought the pacing was rushed. I often felt like I skipped a chapter or two. That's how fast this was

[@michellevision3146]

yeahh same! I see everyone loving the Darkling and hating Mal in the first book but I was the opposite. I was like "the Darkling is sus" from the beginning, was a wrong? Up for interpretation.

[@fromheretothestars6347]

This book had one of my favorite prologues of all time. The first few pages really draw the reader in, but I do agree with your comment about the world building.

[@XxSamavicClarityxX]

This series was definitely one of my favourite reads last year - the sass between Mal and Nikolai in the 2nd and 3rd books pretty much made my day. Idk I found that I grew to like the Darkling more with all the messed up things he did...gotta love a good villain. To be honest though, I can probably say that my love for this series was/is mainly founded on my love for Russia as opposed to the actual plot at times

[@jennerl.9535]

The trilogy definitely gets better! The world is more fleshed-out, and the characters develop and grow. In my opinion, Siege and Storm was the best in the trilogy; it's more enigmatic and pulse-pounding, too!

[@aprettyaverageyoutubechannel]

When you get to know the Darkling, you start to appreciate him a bit more though he's such a horrible, horrible person.

[@meganrose6356]

I am so glad you enjoyed this book! The series really does improve as you go on, especially with the introduction of Nikolai, my personal favourite character in TGT, in Siege and Storm!

[@_reveux]

I am not a huge fan of the Grisha trilogy, unlike my friend who loves these books to death, but I liked them for the most part. I have to say I really really dislike Mal, and the whole romance aspect of him and Alina was just too cliche for me to enjoy. BUT I quite like The Darkling (and Nikolai, but he appears in Seige&Storm, so you don't know him yet) and I can understand why you can dislike him, though I recommend you read the short story at the end of Ruin&Rising, which is entirely about him and you sort of understand his motifs (that doesn't mean you have to agree to them, nor does it mean he is redeemed completely because of it) and it's not spoilery, because it happens YEARS before Alina was even born!

[@ender4344]

I agree with this comment

[@SHINeeXTaeDira]

There is great character development for everything. In the end though the villain just cannot simply be hated...oh just wait till you meet the prince!

[@ender4344]

Yes!

[@estynestea542]

This trilogy is in my top five of all time favorites. So glad you finally got to Shadow and Bone!

[@FlyWithYanyiii]

Idk why I loved it so much. I read shadow and bone and immediately bought the other two. I agree with you though I couldn't picture the landscape and the world. I enjoyed reading it mainly because it was so beautifully written and I liked how Alina was still learning her power.

[@umuwi]

really refreshing to see someone appreciating mal for once, thank you!! looking forward to your thoughts on the rest of the series

[@bryanmartinez7063]

I finished the trilogy yesterday and it was awesome. I read sic of crows first so I was able visualize the world building. I love the pacing of the books and the character development is so good!

[@ender4344]

I read this trilogy so.i could read King of Scars. Im so glad i now can understand the references in Six of Crows tho. This trilogy is so entertaining!

[@CrazyFrog0007]

I read this trilogy last summer and I had just finished a semester where I took a Russian cultural/folklore class at my University. I think because the class was still fresh in my mind the setting of this series and the little cultural nuances made sense to me. I had no problems picturing the world because I knew what the real-world equivalent was supposed to be. I can see where it can be a little confusing if you're not acquainted with Russian culture/folklore to begin with. That being said, I loved this series, and probably what I loved the most was the setting. You just don't see a lot of fantasy set in a non-Germanic world, but luckily, that's changing.

[@ninacbk1836]

I really love this series! Trust me when I say that the best (and my favorite) character is introduced in the second book.

[@ci_sebby9719]

i love these books SO MUCH!! They were amazing and i read all 3 books in 3 days so 1 book each day. Mal is my fav character

[@IraSingh]

I've cried too much because of this series, because of the darkling. This review makes me want to re read the series for the 6th time but I dont want to cause then Ill be depressed again

[@MasterNochi]

thats some serious dedication...

[@whatskappening]

I'm so glad you read this! The series gets better... Book 2 is my favorite out of the three! You get some more info on every chapter as well as get introduced to more! I really hope you continue the series! Genya is great!!

[@Daniileem]

I've read the whole trilogy this year and I loved all three books!

[@emilyehrlich4661]

+Danielle Merkle Same!

[@ender4344]

Yeah. They're a very enjoyable read

[@ross7495]

I don't know about you guys, but i really liked it tbh. And I also confess that I actually didn't have any confusion when it came to the world building and other unfamiliar terms because I actually already visited the grishaverse wiki before getting a copy of the book. Might be a tip for others who have trouble imagining the setting. **WARNING: wiki sites tend to be pretty spoilery so READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!**

[@angrylittledumpling]

easily one of my favorite series EVER. i always pictured Luke Evans as the darkling and Keira Knightley as Alina, and Henry Cavill as Mal.

[@ciel8955]

I kinda like Darkling more than Mal 😂

[@pixireads]

Definitely planning on picking it up. It's already on my wish list to get.

[@melissasteusloff1156]

I just finished this yesterday and I agree 100% with how you described it. I always like going back and watching reviews after I finish a book because I think it helps me figure out how I felt about it by comparing it to other's opinions. I'm glad to hear that a lot of people in the comments like the second book much more and that it gets better. I will be continuing on with the series.

[@shreydodball9296]

Your hair is always on point!!!!

[@siham3394]

My favorite series, but then the last book.. the feels.. Am I the only one who 10000% HATES Mal?

[@Myr642]

I don't like him either

[@siham3394]

Darklina for me *****

[@Palomaisthename]

+Hannah Lee I wanted her to end up with Nikolai too!

[@siham3394]

***** Seems like we're very, very, very, alike xD

[@siham3394]

***** Exactlyyy cx

[@maddy6033]

It's my next book for sure after homegoing, would love the change

[@JustKatD]

I really really really love this series. I read all three books in a few days. I just couldn't put them down.

[@boi2805]

Honestly, I was more interested in her map making work lmao

[@rosyranisingh9820]

People love Darkling because often people base their favourites not on how morally sound the characters are but how interesting they are. I don't hate Mal, but he's too simple as a character and we don't get enough of his layers in the 1st book. Darkling whereas is incredibly complex and has several layers to him which makes him multi dimensional. This makes the Darkling more interesting.

[@merainkawthar]

This is my favorite serie of all time , the last books is perfect

[@ninapenny431]

It often happens in YA trilogies that the first book is the best, the second book is torment (but in a good way) because of misunderstanding or lack of communication and then the third solves the plot but never quite enough. The grisha trilogy is so amazingly unique in this respect because it is not at all like that. The first book was my least favorite because it begged a lot of questions that were saved for later in the series but as I read on I realized that that was ok. The character building in this story is AMAZING And you will grow to appreciate every character in their own way. The second book was my personal favorite. It was very captivating and intricate and asked questions but also answered a lot of them too while still leaving some for the last book. That characters all had so many new aspects that makes you feel so drawn to them. That last book, while not my absolute fave of the series, was a very well wrapped up and concluded ending that was well done on so many levels. I really hope you enjoy ther series cause I sure did. #1) 4/5 #2) 4.9/5 #3) 4.5/5

[@helenmadla7596]

Honestly, I absolutely loved the first book ( most likely spoilers btw). I loved the whimsical feel when she is in the capital. The darkling was an amazing villain, with dark secrets that are covered by his charming characteristics and personality. When I got to the second book and immediately fell in love with the new settings, and amplifiers ( A powerful magic enhancer used from mystical beasts body). However, once I got around the two-hundred page mark I stopped and meant to read again. So Christmas is right around the corner, and I can’t wait to reread, and read for the first time the Grisha trilogy.

[@averyfreeman3717]

The Darkling could run me over and I, a Slytherin, would apologize.

[@candymoneer1680]

I read the Six of Crows duology before reading shadow and bone and I sort of remembered a few spoilers and I looked for it right after finishing shadow and bone. It's on page 192 of crooked kingdom btw.

[@illuminatebooks5951]

I loved this whole series! It had amazing and unique character development, and just wait Jesse the Reader, you will come to love and hate the Darkling and begin to understand him.

[@BennettDarcy]

I appreciate this spoiler-free review, Jess. I was looking for new book to read and I don't want another heart-wrenching one as much as possible. Maybe I'll try this.

[@christofferarthurschier3041]

My favourite was def Harshaw and oncat:)

[@abookishworld1]

I loved this book so much ! The Darkling has to be one of my fave characters ever !!!

[@sevinm6261]

People who hate Mal and love the Darkling?? What is wrong with you??? When has it become a thing where women love abusive manipulative evil "mysterious" men and hate the ones that are actually decent and kind?

[@bluetheon]

There are a bunch of Alina/Darkling shippers on tumblr who are convinced that Mal is really the abusive one and the Darkling is just super misunderstood *rolls eyes*

[@lolablake9196]

Jessica Cora the reason I think people love the darkling is that before Alina knew that he was evil the little moments they had together such as him stroking her palm scar or those observations she makes. There was one that stood out to me about how I can't fully remember but it was something about him looking human in this light etc. it was just the way that Leigh bardugo phrased their initial interactions. And I guess because of the fact that he was a mysterious character. I haven't fully finished the series but currently even though I accidentally spoiled myself on who she ends up with I don't ship Alina with anyone the darklings an evil manipulator, mal is 'bread and butter' and I have only come across Nikolai once so far so I can't judge him currently.

[@bluetheon]

Lola Blake I ship Alina with Nikolai most of all. I think the main reason I can't get behind the Darkling love is because of what he did to Genya. I won't say any more in case you haven't got that far yet! But yeah...that's why I'm not as big of a Darkling fan as most others. I do definitely see why people like him though. I just wish people wouldn't throw Mal under the bus so much in order to try to make the Darkling look better by comparison.

[@Simplybookdreams88]

Diren M I love Mal sooo much!!! But I love the Darkling and Nikolai too!!!

[@AnnaArmellino]

The Darkling is love The Darkling is life

[@christina9306]

I read this book when it first came out and I loved it. But then I tried listening to an audiobook for the second one and couldn't get through it. I want to go back and re-read them now because I didn't know there was a third one!

[@shannonscott4356]

I read six of crows first and was very lost on the world they live in. But I caught along further into six of crows and when I started reading shadow and bone, lots of my questions were answered.

[@ACISLopez]

I actually looooove this book. I actually had it signed because she was here last June. Yay

[@ninnyyy8620]

They should really make a movie of this

[@jetalmencion]

here we are today ✨

[@riannecantona]

I'm prolly too late but I definitely agree w your thoughts on the world needing to be fleshed out more and The Darkling being "eh"! I literally thought of that while reading. I too thought he was pretty cool at first. When things were revealed I was still in awe with his character's complexity but towards the end, I felt like his character fell short or went a bit weak/lame. Hahaha

[@kieranmccrory3960]

I'm on the third book of the trilogy, Ruin and Rising, and have the six of crows and crooked Kingdom waiting in my little book case.. Loving it great story.. Loving it,

[@shannonscott4356]

I loved Alina

[@sarangbalakrishnankp99]

Genuinly this is what i also felt

[@aylanalps]

FINALLY it was a bit confuncing for me too but I just keep reading it and I just love it!!! and what happens next was just WOW

[@polarBEAR819]

Ohhh okay I’m glad I’m not the only one. I just started it and I was confused in the beginning. I hate when things aren’t explained and I have to figure it out.

[@Beautifulday4makeup]

This one is already on my to read list. I will see when I get to this, because my to read pile is quite big :)

[@allthingschristine27]

I actually haven't fully read this book yet. I started it in a reading slump and put it down part way through. I plan on picking it up again and hopefully finishing it this time. Booktube-a-thon starts Monday though so it will probably have to be after that... Or maybe i will turn it into part of that....

[@thatboiq4799]

I really like this book. Don't know how others didn't like it tbh

[@claudiasolis8414]

It's such an awesome book. I met Leigh Bardugo and she signed my copy.

[@BimBamHeidi]

I just finished the Six of Crows duology and loved it and I loved Leigh's writing style and now I am interested in the original Grisha Trilogy but I think (no, I'm sure) Six of Crows and CK spoilered some things and now I'm not sure if I should pick up Shadow and Bone. Is it worth it? I'd be glad if someone could help me out of this jam.

[@weslynclarke]

The Grisha Trilogy is one of my top 3 favorite series, and its plot definitely develops and gets better throughout each book. I think you will soon understand many people's love for The Darkling (including mine)! Hope you enjoy Siege and Storm!

[@covalopezramos7677]

Just ordered it yesterday. Hopefully I'll enjoy it although my expectations are probably too high.

[@windyteha]

I love this series!!

[@dalala4609]

I've had this trilogy on my shelf forever and I've been wanting to pick it up, but I can't decide if this review got me excited for it or not XD

[@acciojenna]

The first half of Shadow & Bone is slow but it gets a bit better. I promise the plot and characters are so much better in the last two books. It's worth it to read the first. The Darkling is a great "bad guy" that you're always unsure if he'll turn good and there is another big character that will be introduced that I loved a lot as well.

[@dalala4609]

+jenna david I just finished reading it, and boy am I glad that I did. A solid 4/5. I can't wait to pick up the next one!

[@MsMinnesota6]

Why do people hate Mal???

[@ayagracemargarito6520]

i know right.....

[@DefineMorena]

I don't hate him but he doesn't seem so great. He has this 'player' kind of vibe and then started to notice Alina AFTER he noticed her romancing the Darkling. And he's too insecure (in the next book). But no, I don't like the Darkling. In the first book, yes but now that I've finished the next book? No...

[@ninnyyy8620]

I KNOW RIGHTTTTTT MAL IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER

[@sm92127]

Ikr I honestly don't really get it

[@ceciliaatie4249]

Omg I can’t stand the guy

[@cptnknuckles6882]

I own the whole trilogy and when I bought them, I thought they looked so interesting and I was excite. loved the beginning and middle of the book, but the ending was mehh. I literally had to push myself to finish it (I mean, I didn't just want to stop mid book. That's loony.) because I needed to know what happened. I don't like Mal at all.! There was just something about him that was unsettling with me, but I adored the Darkling. He is bae. He is evil, destructive, and horrid, but I just love him too much too care. 😍. Overall, the plot was good, the writing was good, but I don't think I'll be finishing this trilogy anytime soon. I might give it another shot eventually, but not anytime soon.

[@lulu.chains.88]

I read it a couple of weeks back and I enjoyed it enough to get the other two books, but I can't say its a favorite yet. I do think it would make a great movie though!

[@elina-ru9mf]

im so happy that others also find the darkling attractive 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

[@LatinLector]

I finished this trilogy at the begining of the month and loved it!! Hope you grow to love the characters because I think theyre great. And I felt the same way about the darkling. Not sure why people liked him so much.

[@hadassahcorey1649]

I have read that book in to days

[@LeahElizabeth240]

Jesse, I love your book talks! You explain your thoughts so well... I really need to work on that haha XD

[@abbyneal2337]

I didn't feel very strongly about the first or second books, but Ruin and Rising was my personal favorite and I enjoyed reading it a lot. To me the series got better as it went on :)

[@kar7u]

Okay so I just finished the first book like a few hours ago, and I really enjoyed it. also I understand mal is kind of stereotypical but I'm reading the comments and people say they hate him-??? but I don't want spoilers and I'm praying he doesn't do something stupid

[@OikawaTooruSetter]

I have the first 2 books, but I couldn't get into it.

[@aflowerthatcannotbebloomed]

omg I agree with you on everything you said and It was an okay book for me but I Will continue the series

[@lexdrax4723]

I love your videos! Great job❤

[@eleanor7]

I want to read it, simply because I'm curious considering all the popularity with the show. But also because I'm curious what the author's writing style is like.

[@susannawolf]

'while also unlocking her power' *ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: SHOOT LASER BEAMS OUT OF YOUR HANDS*

[@Catinthehatwiththerat]

I loved this book because of The Darkling. Hes so interesting and so messed up but I can't help but root for him. I didn't like the main mc or Mal as much. Nikolai in the second book was pretty funny and I grew to like him.

[@lilarwen07]

I just finished the first book and am waiting on the second one from the library.

[@michellemanganiello2707]

This was an awesome review Jesse!

[@onewayoranauthor2208]

I really enjoyed this series a lot, and I can't believe you picked this one up just recently! :P lmao at you liking Mal though because he gets quite a lot of hate from the fandom.

[@tarareads23]

I read it, and really liked it. Started book two, and now I'm like ehh. I actually thought I was going to marathon the trilogy. But book two made me rethink that. Lol I do want to continue, but not in a hurry.

[@devanygraham2944]

I am obsessed with this book! IT was a random buy and I do not regret it yet. OF course I'm half way through in a day and I already see where I'm going to be let down somewhere. Hopefully no one important dies this book. Although seeing that this is the first of a trilogy it's bound to happen. NOT COOL!

[@lubnaloves4201]

I loved it!!

[@BabiieeBoo7]

Lol just finished that book yesterday. I liked the plot but wasn't feeling the characters. It was a fast read though and I'll probably take a longer one to complete the other two books. I agree with you about the underdeveloped world! I was confused with picturing the scenes.

[@evel466]

I just finished the trilogy a couple weeks ago. I really enjoyed the series. I enjoyed your review and yeah I am with you on the Darkling! After seeing some of your thoughts I can't wait to see how you react to book 2.

[@lisettesotelo-flores3007]

I really loved these books ,and at first I didn't really love the characters I was okay with them at the beginning. Then stuff happens ,and feels get thrown at me. Tbh I didn't read the last book for a long while because I was so scared of how it was going to end. Warning the second book can get a little slow ,but the last book makes it all worth it.

[@Amanda_the_Librarian]

I read Shadow & Bone in 2012 and but then never continued with the series. I am now currently re-reading it so I can finish off the trilogy. The first time I read it I was kind of confused and at that point I hadn't read a lot of fantasy so I found it slow and I had a hard time getting into the story. Now 3 years later I am a lot more into fantasy so I am enjoying the book more

[@lenniejoaquin7091]

Jesse you've definitely have the same feels as i

[@kaiahgoodman9572]

WOOO I LOVED THIS

[@annajohnson2115]

The second book is my favorite

[@HeroicPages]

I found the map helped me visualize the world

[@TheOwleryBooks]

I read this just last week and had the same thoughts on the Darkling!! Great review Jesse!! :D

[@ender4344]

Your feelings on the Darkling tho! Agreed 100%! I was like, yay the darkling is pretty good (kinda creepy but cool!). But then i was like, what the what. But then, later on the darkling really grew on me, but not so much that i rpoted for him lol

[@julz9717]

I agree about the world building, it wasn't really present at all in this book. It being solely first person is fine but when that person doesn't really know how their world works it's a little frustrating, I thought the Darkling would be our go to info guy like Kelsier is in Mistorn (cause Vin knew nada) or we'd be filled in by her studies but no we only really get brief mentions of the magic system and no in depth explanations of each kind of Grisha and how their powers worked and with the complicated names and all. Alina was okay but a little annoying, Mal was great by the end. And when people say they love the Darkling is that the kind you feel for villains? Or do people like him as an actual character?

[@gon7094]

Update there are making it a series on Netflix ⚡️😜

[@JoyfulRelaxation22]

im in a reading slump and I want to find an easy high fantasy read? I dont know which one though?

[@pleek4649]

I may have the most unpopular opinion, but I loved Baghra as a character. She's the best trainer I've encountered in any book I've ever picked up (Apart from Haymitch, but he's always drunk.) She always pushes Alina to her limits by words that seem mean at first, but in the end she's just trying to lift that certain weight holding Alina back from her power, and she actually even cares for Alina in the end.

[@themeanandnice6186]

I love this book omg