[Review] Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Source: Purchased

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Shadow and Bone was one of this months book club reads through #Bookbabble. I honestly had no interest in reading this before, but when we picked it out this month, I thought that I would give it a try in between my busy schedule of upcoming blog tours and reviews.

This book grabbed my attention early on, however, it was very confusing. I had a really hard time pronouncing the names of some of the people and types of people, and I was very confused as to where the story took place. By some of the names and the map in the beginning of the book, I sort of gathered that they were near Russia. Or what is known as Russia today. I also didn't know what time frame or era we were in. Once I started to get a little less than half way through, it was becoming less confusing and definitely more interesting.

As for the characters, I really enjoyed them. At first I wasn't so keen on Alina's friend, Mal, but as the story pulled forward, he became a little more interesting. The Darkling was an enigma to me from the start. One minute he's mysterious and secluded from the rest, than he's forthcoming. You never knew about him from one chapter to the next. Alina was a very strong willed individual and yet very gullible. She easily fell for the smoke and mirrors of everything.

I am anticipating the next book and have to trek on down to my local library to find a copy of it soon.