SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT

I don't really know what I expected with this book, as I didn't know much about it but knew there was a lot of hype around it. And I coincidentally won two of Bardugo's other books in a giveaway, so it seemed like fate that this would pop up on NetGalley the same day. But for me, it didn't really live up to the hype.

***SPOILERS BELOW***

Here's what I enjoyed about the book:

- The setting - the Russian-inspired setting was something I've not seen before in this genre, and I enjoyed it. However, I've seen a couple of reviews talking about it not being accurate, particularly in terms of the language - this isn't something I know anything about and is really disappointing to hear, and definitely put a bit of a damper on it for me
- Genya - loved her! Definitely my favourite character, and I loved the little chapter at the end of the book from her perspective. I hope she's in the other books, as I would love to find out what happens to her and learn more about her
- The magic system - I loved it! I thought this was the most original aspect of the book and would have loved to hear more about it. If it's covered in greater depth in the sequels, I would almost be interested in picking them up just to learn more
- The writing - for all my issues with the book, I found Bardugo's style to be engaging and fast-paced. I'm definitely interested in reading other things she's written, as I enjoyed her style and maybe just need to find something that suits me a bit better

And here's what I didn't enjoy:

- Alina - sadly, the main character just didn't do very much for me. I didn't exactly dislike her, but I found there wasn't much to distinguish her from any other heroine in a YA 'chosen one' fantasy novel
- The romantic storyline - I recognise that romantic storylines, particularly in the form this one took, are common on YA fantasy novels but again, I found there wasn't much to set this storyline apart from others that I've read. Plus, I was frustrated that one side of the love triangle seemed to diminish the important of strong platonic relationships, and felt like it was more of the 'men and women can never just be friends' stuff we see in so much media
- The villain - I found the reveal of the main villain to be much less of a surprise than I think was intended, again largely because I feel like I've seen this same storyline play out before. I was also frustrated with how all powerful he was supposed to be, but how easily he was defeated (at least temporarily, I assume) in the end

There were some elements of Shadow and Bone I really enjoyed but overall, the book just didn't work for me. I found it to be too clichéd, and I didn't like the main character or the romantic storyline. Having said that, I can definitely see why the books are so beloved, and I'm keen to try more of Bardugo's writing to see if a different book would suit me better.

5 Words: Fantasy, magic, evil, betrayal, love.

As I read this, I wasn't sure if I liked it. It's not that it's bad, it's just that I couldn't decide what I thought. I think this is one of those love/hate books and I could see both sides of the argument. So I was a little torn, but by the end I knew that I'd loved it.

Some bits of this book frustrated me. Really frustrated me. And some bits were a bit predictable. And some bits were a bit "I've read this before".

But I really enjoyed it. I read this book quickly, even around my working hours. It was an easy story to fall in to, to get lost in. For every little thing that annoyed my about Alina, there was something in the story to redeem her. For everything thing about Mal that made me sigh in frustration, there was something that reflected well on him.

I liked the ending, how this could easily be read as a standalone. Not that that will happen. I'll be reading on.

The story slowly opened up and was original and captivating.

Alina and Mal are 2 orphans who grow up in a totalitarian state where some people have super powers that enable them to rule and live longer lives. Both Alina and Mal have skills that awaken as they grow up and are caught in a war and a power struggle that separates them.

This is the tale of their different parting and converging paths and it is excellent.

I really love this book. Bardugo’s writing style just pulls you in and you just don’t want to put it down. My favourite characters in this are Nikolai and The Darkling. A definite must read.