Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

This book was a recommendation from a friend at work, so I picked it up and couldn't put it down.

The country of Ravka is torn by the Shadow Fold, an army of monsters made of darkness. As the growing army deterioates the great nation, the people are desperate to find a way to save Ravka. Alina and Mal, two orphans raised under the indifferent eye of a wealthy duke are observed by the Grisha, an order of magical people. Once they come of age, Alina discovers that she has a unique power, and both Alina and Mal are thrown into the conflict of Ravka and the Shadow Fold. As the Darkling offers Alina a world of magic and luxury, Alina must decide how to use the power she was born with. Could she be the key to the Shadow Fold's undoing? Who and what can she believe in?

This book was literally a captivating read. I admired the author's ability to build a world, and explore the myths and legends around it. Alina is a powerful, but unsure character, her decisions effect her future and the hope of Ravka. The Darkling himself is a mysterious and confusing character with a story of his own. Mal is the spirited and loyal friend with weaknesses of his own. Each character is fascinating and, in a way, relatable. The world was wonderfully detailed, and combined symbolism with myth and lore. 

This is not your typical fantasy story, and it's not the stereotypical fantasy world. Ravka brings elements of its own into the tale, and shrouds the plot in mystery. Through the little history that Alina knows of Ravka, her dicoveries are the key points to the tale. 

I can't wait to find out what happens next, and I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the elements of magic, mystery, adventure, romance and even horror. Shadow and Bone is a unique and exciting read!