Reader: Emily T.
Age: 18
Title: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pub Date: 6/5/2012
Galley: Yes
Top 25: No
Convince us to read the book: Shadow and Bone is a unique twist to  magic and magic wielders. Alina, a orphaned young woman, discovers a latent rare power while protecting her only friend. Set in a country akin to Russia, Alina begins her journey to becoming a "Grisha" or magic wielder after saving her friend. Written in an engaging style, Leigh Bardugo manages to capture the essence of Alina's existence and make her character believable. The only quixotic thing in the story was the dramatic growing up of Alina. How can a sixteen year old girl fall in love that much? Possible, but it weakens the story.
Memorable or Forgettable: The fast pace of Shadow and Bone certainly made easy reading, but the world of Ravka seemed shallow, missing important details. The country seemed to be missing a history, as well as a middle class. Much of the story seemed split between almost poverty and extreme gluttony.
Cover: The cover is beautifully done, accurately capturing the impression of the story.
Age Range: 12-17
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal
Additional CommentsMap of the land is helpful, although some of the names are rather uninspired. For example; "the unsea" and "the true sea." Clearly unimaginative names.

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