Review of SHADOW AND BONE (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo

(Blurb from Goodreads.com)

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?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance

The way I read it ~

I went in blind.

And as in blindness I stumbled at first to grasp this world, its words, its concept and the characters. But the uncomfortable feeling of mispronounced words soon melted away and I was absorbed into the concept of a world where there was magic, or rather a melding of magic and science, horrible creatures that prey in the dark , a country ravished by war, a young girl uncertain of her future and a prophecy she was supposed to fulfill.

Alina considered herself weak and undeserving of any good fortune. She constantly doubted herself and this new power discovered within her. I related to her fear of the unknown and how she tried to deal with her mixed feelings. Sometimes I wished she’d snap out of it and realize that she was a bad-ass chick but in this particular reality she was not bad-ass or kick-ass or any sort of tough, trail roughened broad. She was a tiny, skinny little girl with ‘mouse like’ features, dull eyes, dull hair and an all round dull view of the world. She expected nothing spectacular and accepted her dullness. Blah, blah, blah.

Enter, the Darkling.

He was mysterious, foreboding and dangerous. He commanded great power but was somehow under the thumb of a witless King. Hmmm? I didn't get it at first. What I did get was he was gorgeously handsome (in a dark, brooding way) and had terrible dark power, which he demonstrated at various times. I detected the romance factor like a rat would detect the cheese, but I steered clear of that cleverly set trap at least for now. As with any first book in a series, pace is key and patience is required to stave off boredom.

‘Story telling takes time’ I kept telling myself. "Be cool.Chill."

So I was cool.

And I chilled.

And I damn near burnt my knickers off!



This story got hot. Not steamy, sex crazed hot (not that kind of book people) but the kind of hot that sends tiny flickers of heat to your seat and you’re left bouncing on the cushion trying to get comfortable and the heat singes your tookus every time you do. Yeah, like that. I kept yelling “Ohmigodohmigodohmigodohmigod”, it was exciting for me. By the time I got to the BIG twist of the second half, I was a hot mess, or rather my tookus was. 

Mal tore my heart out because it was obvious he had feelings for Alina. And was jealous. And was fighting it. And denying it. And Alina doubted it till the very end. Sheesh! I have to say though, it was warming to see them come to the realization that their childhood friendship had somehow blossomed into more. I sighed all through it. Even though I was kind of rooting for the other guy. Even when he showed his true colour (though it was obvious with all the black going on).

The whole story felt like an adventure flick. And my hope is it will only get better. 

My one word for Shadow and Bone.....

RATED SWEET: 4 out of 5 sugar cubes

Reviewed by Leelo

Review of ENCLAVE (Razorland #1) by Ann Aguirre

(Blurb from Goodreads.com)

New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters - or Freaks - who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight - guided by Fade's long-ago memories - in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs.

The way I read it ~

This was a surprisingly good read for me. I got caught up in the world Ann Aguirre so skillfully described here. If I had to choose just one word it would be, captivating. I'm really liking the dynamic relationships developing, the conflicting emotions arising, the love triangle forming and the disgustingly creepy 'Freaks'/'Eaters'/'Muties'. I found myself anticipating their attacks. Keeps a reader on their toes, right?
Yes, I did connect with Deuce. I felt her pain, her loss, her anxiety. I rooted for her when she went into 'Huntress' mode. I 'awwed' and sighed in the moments when she and Fade forgot they we being relentlessly hunted by dangerous, flesh eating, fowl smelling creatures. I even felt a twinge in my heart when they were at odds (because guys will never understand girls and girls like Deuce are afraid to be a 'Breeder'). Lots of  drama. Lots of blood and gore. And I am anticipating lots more surprises with these 'Freaks'.  

Because it is only book 1 I do reserve the right to change my opinion as there are questions created here still to be answered.

1. Where is everybody else?

2. What the hell happened in the first place?

3. How did the Freaks come to be?

RATED JUST RIGHT: 3 out of 5 sugar cubes

Reviewed by Leelo