Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo

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⭐ 8.5/10

(Originally written by KathleenQ)

I was motivated to read this book because I saw the Netflix trailer -- they're turning it into a series which comes out next month -- and it looked AMAAAAZING. I've read and loved the author's later works (The Six of Crows duology), set in the same universe, so she already had my trust.

This book wasn't as original or compelling as her other books, but it was still an exciting, well-written, well-paced YA fantasy action adventure set in an immersive fantasy world. I actually liked the narrator/protagonist -- a teenaged orphan girl, an unremarkable nobody who turns out to have a rare ability -- which honestly is an impressive accomplishment. I found her easy to empathize with as she grappled with the responsibility and power that came with her newfound abilities, and attracting the attention of one of the most powerful (and sexy as hell*) men in the country.

After the bad writing of my last read, I found this book refreshing, and it renewed my love for the genre.

*There might have been a bit of projection here on my part because I know which actor has been cast to play him the Neflix series and I am already swooning

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