Tag Archives: Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Book Review

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BOOK SYNOPSIS:

The first book in the Grisha Trilogy is called Shadow and Bone. This book is about a girl named Alina who lives in the country named Ravvak. And they are at war with many other countries but must fight against a hidden force called the Fold. Alina joins the military with her friend who she has strong feelings for. On a mission to the Shadow Fold things go wrong they get attacked. So, Alina ends up saving her friend which causes her to expose her power that she didn’t know existed. This gets the attention by the Grisha and the Darkling who takes her to the Palace to train to be a Grisha to help save the people of Ravvak. Soon, Alina learns secrets and how she must learn to believe in her self if she wants to save everyone.

BOOK REVIEW:

I will say that when I read Six of Crows I got a little taste of the Grisha elements and wanted to learn more. When I read Shadow and Bone, it was the focus on mostly the world of Grisha. There were people with magical abilities, strange creepy creatures that come out at night, a strong villain that you love to hate but can’t and a lovable main female character that makes you cheer you on. I really enjoyed the world Grisha from the magical aspects but also the world itself. It’s royal, glamorous and elegant. There is a lot of beauty but with the elements of secrets in every corner.

As for Alina, I really adored her. She isn’t the strong person in the book. She is pretty much your underdog, that wants to prove to herself and the world that she can do it. And I like how she keeps on trying to learn to be a Grisha. I also the moments when she is also funny and dorky. As for the Darkling. He is a very complex character with many sides. Someone you might want to watch for in the book who has loads of personality. He is dark, handsome, seductive but also someone who kind of catches you off guard. I won’t give too much away because I don’t want to spoil it.

Overall, I was happy I finally got the chance to read this last month and truly believe that Leigh Bardugo wrote a masterpiece. I loved it from the world to the characters that make me either tear up or want to get mad at. I can’t wait to continue this trilogy and see more. And if you are interested in checking out the book, I will have links below and until next time keep on reading.

Links:

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Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo Book Review

Synopsis:

In the Crooked Kingdom, we continue where we left off in the last book. Kaz and the rest of the team must find a way to deal with the fact that they were doubled crossed by Jan Van Eck. And top off the problem, Inej was taken prisoner as well. In order to rescue Inej and get the money they were promised, Kaz must come up with a plan to make it happen. To make things worse the word got out about the Parem Jurda and about Kuwei and now every country wants it for themselves. Now in this book Kaz and the characters must fight their enemies, get their money and find a way to survive.

Review:

I had so much fun reading Crooked Kingdom. In fact, the duology stepped up from the last book. I actually liked how the action built up and the fact that all countries were in the same city made it even more intense. I also liked the fact that I got to see more of the city of Ketterdam and how dark and grim it is. It made me think of the show Gotham or even Starlight city from Arrow combined. I also liked how Leigh also had more Grisha elements in the book as well. I have a feeling that I should read the Grisha Trilogy after this.

Starting off Kaz who I pretty much think is the most interesting character has developed so much in the book. I also like despite being a cruel, and smart person he has many sides of him. I also like seeing a part of him that actually cares for his team. I mean when someone is in trouble or down he will actually give a look. But at the same, I also like how Leigh didn’t make a 180 change for Kaz. It was more realistic and gradual which help keep the character we know.

For Inej, I think she is one of the strongest characters. I like how regardless of her past and the situations she knows how to take care of herself. She is tough and very smart. I also like the fact she and Kaz share this bond where they work well with each other. I hope another book comes out so I can see if they actually get together.

On to Wylan and Jesper. In the book, you get to know more about the characters and their backstory. I also liked Wylan, especially because in the first book I thought he was a whiny kid who just wanted to rebel. But throughout the book, I got a new respect for him. And Jesper he is just funny.

Lastly, I think the way it ended was perfect and it gave more open possibilities of more books. Like maybe spin-offs for the characters and maybe another series featuring the characters because I think it would totally fun to explore. I also would’ve liked to see how the characters who evolve as well. So if you are interested in checking out the book I have links and until my next post keep on reading.

Links:

Buy on Amazon

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Synopsis:

Six of the Crows you in for a treat. It’s like a mix of Gotham meets Leverage meets magical realm. The story starts out in the city of Ketterdam. Ketterdam is a fictional city of course. And the story centers around a group of characters that come from a different world that have to come together in order to steal something important. The main something important is a powerful drug that has the ability to amplify the abilities of Grisha which is like people with special abilities. This drug however also can lead to destruction and even worse. So the group of character lead by the smart thief Kaz must find a way to steal this drug which is held in The Ice Court. Did I mention The Ice Court is heavily guarded?

Review:

This is like one of the best books I read this year. If I was honest I was worried that this hype would fail me but it didn’t. It actually went beyond what I expected. Six of Crows from the cover to the entire story blew me away. Starting with the cover and packaging of the book it’s just cool. From the book cover with mysteriously creepy crows to the black painted edges, it is awesome. I never read a book with that kind of design.

Now onto the story itself, it had a plot that just pulls you in. I liked the concept of a heist taking place in this fantasy world that seems to be either Eastern European or Russian vibe. I also like the way Leigh built the world that makes you fill like you are walking into the streets of Ketterdam. I also like the fact that the story itself has its own history, rules, and magic. Sadly, I missed out on the Grisha Trilogy because of the few references but luckily it wasn’t too much that confused me.

Onto the characters that really shine. The book actually focuses on six characters and Leigh lets you dive into each character. I liked getting to know each of them and learning about their backstory. I also like the way the actors talk, act and interact. I especially love Kaz. He is dark, cruel but also smart. Regardless of the situation, Kaz knows how to get out of trouble. I also enjoyed the character Jesper who I wished had more of his backstory but I guess that was saved for the next book.

Overall I had so much fun reading this book. Plus, picking up a book with blacked painted edges is like the icing on the cake. I also enjoyed meeting the characters and watching them grow throughout the story. So if you are interested in checking out the book I have links on the bottom. Until my next book review keep on reading.

Links:

Buy On Amazon