Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (4/5)

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo is a thrilling adventure of a book. It takes place in a fantasy world known as Ravka. The land is split by a giant mass of darkness known as the fold. It is filled with highly dangerous, vulture-like creatures called “volcra”. On the east side of the fold rests a palace in Os Alta where the king's army stays. The army is filled with powerful beings that can control certain elements known as “grisha”. The king and his army (the second army) are battling against the shu and the Fjerdans, who believe the grisha are dangerous and should be killed. While at war, the second army is trying to destroy the fold because the other half of their country lies on the other side of it. The king and his general, the darkling, need to find a solution quickly, they are losing soldiers and money trying to supply the other side of the fold. While crossing through the fold, the heroine Alina Starkov unlocks a talent she was unaware of, saving everyone aboard the boat. She realizes that she is a sun summoner, which had only been a myth until now. News spread quickly and suddenly Alina is being shipped off to train with the king's army. They hope that her power can be used to destroy the fold and save the country. I thought that the book did a stupendous job of keeping me on my toes. The main character Alina is always on the move, providing an exciting read. The world that Leigh Bardugo created is fascinating and unlike anything I have ever read. I think that many will be able to connect with Alina’s character, as she is a young woman that feels out of place. She is thrown into a completely foreign environment, which any reader could connect to. Keep in mind that some of the places get confusing from time to time, but the world of Ravka is still a very interesting place. I think that anyone looking for a comfortable, exciting, and easy read, should check out Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.