Ms. Hen reviews Shadow and Bone

 

Shadow and Bone

Leigh Bardugo

Henry Holt and Company

2012

Ms. Hen came to read this because she enjoyed the Netflix series so much, she was curious about the books. She bought the first trilogy, but she learned there are other books in this universe, and she might read those too, someday.

This novel is about Alina Starkov, an orphan who works as a cartographer in the First Army. Mal has been her best friend since they were at the orphanage together, and she is secretly in love with him, but he doesn't know. They go with their group into the Shadow Fold, which is a rift that separates East and West Ravka, and it is treacherous to pass through because it is full of volcra, which are monsters that kill people. They get attacked, and Alina shines light from her hands to save Mal. The Darkling believes that Alina is the Sun Summoner, the one who brings light, a prophecy that tells that she will vanquish the Shadow Fold with the power of her light.

The Darkling is the leader of the Second Army, which is made of Grisha, a type of witch that has a special power. Healers can heal, and Inferni can bring fire, and Squallers can make wind. The Darkling brings Alina to the Little Palace to develop her talents as the Sun Summoner. Alina does not want to go, and she misses Mal. She writes to him, but he never writes back, and she worries that he has forgotten her, or does not care. The Darkling tell her about a magical stag from Mordova's herd that will increase her powers. She trains and waits.

Ms. Hen learned that this book is very different from the Netflix series. This is just about Alina Starkov, and there are no peripheral characters like in the show. It's a first person narrative, which Ms. Hen thinks is an interesting choice. When Ms. Hen read this novel, it reminder her more of the Harry Potter series, because it is about a girl that is a savior, and it is predicted that she will save their civilization. 

Ms. Hen thinks this book is charming, and she loved learning about the different types of Grisha. She decided she would like to be a Heartrender, a type of Grisha that can stop people's hearts, and also listen to their heartbeat to tell if they're lying. She is looking forward to reading the other books.