Shadow and Bone (Grisha Trilogy (Shadow and Bone))

My review: 4.5 of 5 stars

Have you ever wrapped a present for someone, hidden it away, and then found it months later? A few days ago, I found this book and its sequel wrapped for my daughter’s birthday which was two months ago. It just so happened that she was home for a visit, so I brought out my copy in order to read along with her. We both read the book straight through in one day and immediately started the sequel. The storyline is unique with the feel of historical fiction although it is actually timeless. The setting is distinctly European with words that sound Russian or perhaps Nordic. The reader is given much to imagine in this startling and beautiful world. The book is mysterious, frightening, and magical. The interplay between darkness and light is fascinating and well-orchestrated. The characterizations are good, as is the drama and romance. Simply put; it’s a book in which one can easily and happily lose oneself. Highly recommended!

“The darkness shattered around us like glass” (p. 51).

“…there was something exhausting about the extravagance of it all” (p. 104).

“Do you ask your heart to beat or your lungs to breathe? Your power serves you because that is its purpose, because it cannot help but serve you” (p. 185).

“The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak” (p. 240).