Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
(Goodreads Blurb)
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.This was an incredibly beautiful read. Not only is the world that Bardugo created unique and fascinating, it is unlike anything you could even imagine. But somehow, her writing makes you feel like Ravka is a place you could visit.
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.
After being orphaned at a young age, Mal and Alina are raised by the Duke. Mal and Alina watch out for each other their whole lives. When they are older, they both join the First Army; Mal as a tracker, and Alina as a cartographer.
Mal is the good-looking charismatic boy that causes all of the girls to swoon and chase after him. Alina watches as her heart breaks. She pushes her feelings aside in favor of their lifelong friendship even as she wonders if Mal would ever feel for her as she does for him.
While trying to cross the Shadow Fold, the First Army is brutally attacked and lose many of their numbers. Mal fires the arrow that saves Alina's life, and just as Mal is about to lose his own life, Alina stands between him and certain death. And blacks out.
Alina is taken from Mal and the First Army to the Darkling and into the heart of the Grisha. Everyone is frightened of her and the power she supposedly showed while in the Shadow Fold. She is thrown into a world she does not understand. Everyone is expecting Alina to have some great power, but she cannot seem to access it. The Darkling talks about how together they are going to save the future of Ravka.
The Darkling is beautiful. He is powerful. And he stirs up feelings in Alina that she had thought were reserved for only one man. He is also conflicted about what he is feeling for Alina.
“The problem with wanting," he whispered, his mouth trailing along my jaw until it hovered over my lips, "is that it makes us weak.”Even as Alina grows closer to The Darkling and her powers, she wonders what has become of her best friend, Mal. Among whispers of betrayal and treason, in this new world of power, is there really anyone that Alina can trust?
This is a unique story that is filled with the classics of adventure, seduction, intrigue, and betrayal. A story of how a young girl can save the world.
This is a playlist compiled of songs that people have connected with the story on various blogs and even from the author herself.
Normally I wouldn't use so many lyrics in a blog post, but this song seems to have been written by The Darkling himself.
I wanna hide the truth
I wanna shelter you
But with the beast inside
There’s nowhere we can hide
No matter what we breed
We still are made of greed
This is my kingdom come
This is my kingdom come
When you feel my heat
Look into my eyes
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide
Don’t get too close
It’s dark inside
It’s where my demons hide
It’s where my demons hide
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