The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo | BOOK REVIEW

SHADOW AND BONE 

* * *

I finally started this series and I really enjoyed this book. I think the world is unique and intricate and, while it took some focus and endless references back to the map and list of Grisha types, I got my head around the world.

I think Alina was a good protagonist. Is she going to be a favourite of mine? No. But she was fine. Mal, however, annoyed me at every opportunity. The entire time I was waiting for him to die off so… imagine my disappointment when they actually get together at the end of the book. Let’s hope the arrogant SOB is killed off some time soon.

Then we have the Darkling who… I actually quite liked. Sure, he’s evil and manipulative but he’s the most interesting and complex of all the characters. And the smartest. I can’t resist intellect and moral ambiguity. (It also helped that I was picturing him as Ben Barnes … that made it 100% easier to love him).

There was a cast of side characters and, honestly, they were all pretty forgettable except for Genya (who I loved). I don’t care that she works for the Darkling. Her friendship with Alina was pure and genuine and she was the most friendly and charismatic character in my opinion. (Evidently, I’m totally Team Darkling at this point).

The Rules of Enchantment by Wendy Tardieu | BOOK REVIEW

I was sent a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

★ ★ ★

I didn’t go into this book with overwhelming expectations, but I enjoyed it. The world is interesting and different to other fantasy novels which I really liked, and I thought the premise of the story was easy to follow and well-executed. A lot of world-building is thrown at you and, while some of it went over my head, it didn’t impact my reading experience as I focused more on the motivations of the characters.

I think Kyler and Leith were decent protagonists. They will never be my favourites, but they were entertaining to read. I do wish more time was spent nurturing and growing their relationship as it felt a bit out of nowhere. I wanted more scenes where they shared their vulnerabilities with each other and created a more genuine connection rather than just attraction, though I understand that’s a natural consequence of this genre.