Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

You’ve already heard the news by now: Leigh Bardugo’s famous Grishaverse series is being adapted for Netflix. The series will be known as Shadow and Bone – the title of the first book in this delightful world.

As we’re getting ready for the series – and in a bit of desperation for any and all news on the subject, I’ve decided to go ahead and reread the series. I’ll also do a set of reviews to go with each book. Though the series is old enough, I won’t be worrying about avoiding minor spoilers (so consider yourself warned). But I’ll keep the secret of the bigger moments, just in case. Feel free to read along with me and share any of your thoughts along the way!

Shadow and Bone is the first novel in Leigh Bardugo’s trilogy of the same name. And it’s also the novel that made so many fall in love with this dramatic and sometimes terrifying world. And thus, it’s the natural starting point for this reread and review series.

The Plot

Ravka has been torn apart by war and a darkness known as the Shadow – a space containing the deadliest of monsters. This is the world that Alina and Mal grew up in, and yet they had no idea what sort of journey was in store for them. Alina’s true power is revealed after a series of events that result in disaster in the Shadow itself. And with it, both of their lives are changed forever.

And that description only covers the first part of Shadow and Bone. What follows is a whole set of journeys, adventures, and dangers. And, of course, we can’t forget the Darkling himself or that extremely dramatic (and slightly rough) introduction.

Throughout this novel, Alina is forced to acknowledge that she is, in fact, a Grisha. But it’s more than that; after spending her whole life suppressing her magic and letting it destroy her, she’s finally free to relish it. But getting to this point cost her so much.

The conclusion to Shadow and Bone is somewhat inevitable, yet it leaves the door open for two more novels in the series. Plus, at least two spin-off series (here’s hoping for more!).

Writing

Shadow and Bone was a fast-paced and emotionally intense read. Leigh Bardugo was not afraid to put her characters through dramatic changes to fully introduce readers to the plot. Or to the dangers it will bring with it.

Alina’s plight is complicated, thanks to her nature, past, and the man she loves. It becomes even more complicated with the introduction of her powers and the Darkling. So it’s no wonder that this novel brings us a character struggling deeply with her self-image in more ways than one. And yet, there’s something so human in her struggle that it resonates with the readers.

Looking back on it, it’s still hard to believe how much Bardugo could cram into this single book. And yet, it never once felt rushed or out of place. It just seemed to move along organically, introducing new elements each and every way one looked.

Dynamic Scenes

There are so many good scenes in Shadow and Bone, and many of them will look brilliant in the Netflix series. I just know it! I’m not sure which scene I’m looking forward to. Our first glimpse of the Shadow? Of Alina’s power? Or how about that scene when Alina and the Darkling merged their power? Oh, I can’t decide!

In all seriousness, though, this novel will lend well to a flashy adaptation. Especially if effort is made to respect the original aesthetic and character designs, which sneak peeks have been hinting at.

This review was originally written for Word of the Nerd, but has been ported over to Quirky Cat’s Fat Stacks now that the site has shut down.

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