Shadow and Bone was written just a decade ago, the book first appearing on shelves in 2012. There is no dearth of source material for a series that may run several seasons. I’m diving into the third and final part of the trilogy Ruin and Rising next.Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone may only be the first of a fantasy trilogy-the Netflix series, much like HBO’s Game of Thrones, choosing the first book’s title as the series title-but the “Grishaverse” extends across more than seven novels. The climax of this novel was unexpected, devastating but thrilling, creeping up on me, then slamming down on all at The Little Palace.

His destructive behaviour is also frustrating, but when it comes to the crunch, both protect the other. I also wanted Alina to speak her truth to Mal, and bridge the gap between them. These visions are creepy, and make me dislike The Darkling even further. Her struggle becomes even harder when her visions of The Darkling make her question her sanity. Still, she is torn between wanting to use her power for good, and even making it stronger, and keeping what she and Mal have alive. She is unsure of this position, but an ally moulds her into who she must be – for Ravka’s sake. This second book in the trilogy focuses on Alina’s rise and leadership of the 2nd army (Grisha). But where does that leave Mal? Alina is torn between her bond with Mal, and the power that is growing within her. First the 2nd army, (made up of Grisha) and then the throne. Sturmhond’s true self (no spoilers here) wants Alina to join him in taking control of Ravka. Soon they are back at the very place they’ve been trying to avoid for months – The Little Palace (Home of The Darkling). Sturmhond isn’t who he says he is, and again, Alina is in a battle to escape The Darkling. The Darkling might have a plan in place, but so does someone else on board. He forces Mal to use his epic tracking skills to find it, after threatening Alina with torture. The Darkling isn’t happy with Alina having only one amplifier for her powers, and is after another mythical creature. But The Darkness is not one to let go so easily, and with even stronger powers he soon has Alina (The Sun Summoner) under his control again.Īlina and Mal are on another ship under a Captain Sturmhond. Sailing on the True Sea and far from The Fold and all the havoc and death she helped The Darkness reap there, Alina and Mal are finally free.

Grisha book