Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone is a book that draws you into a land that is split in two by the Shadow Fold where creatures of the dark feast on the flesh of humans. What is this world and how did the Shadow Fold come to be a place of darkness?

This is the story of an elite set of humans known as the Grisha that have special powers that become known when a child is of a young age. Each person is unique and has different levels of paranormal skills and talents. Everyone is tested at a young age to see if they have these special talents. If they do then they are adopted by the royal court and trained to become great warriors to fight in the Shadow Fold. This life of the royal court is also a life of privilege including balls, parties and special social status. While the untalented 'normal' humans must get on with the mundane jobs and a life that is repetitive and uncolourful. This is the story of Alina who was tested at a young age like everyone else but her powers were so strong she was able to hide them... until the need arose to save her secret love and her best friend when they were attacked on a routine trip through the Shadow Fold.

Alina departs from her best friend (and secret love) to begin training the Grisha. She is thrust into a world that is unknown but one she could only dream of, including special training with the all powerful Darkling. She becomes the envy of her, so called, comrades and has trouble making friends. But this is the least of her worries... something is setting off warning bells in her mind and Alina starts to understand who the real enemies are and how the Shadow Fold came to be.

I thought SHADOW & BONE was one of the best YA, dystopian books I have read for awhile and Leigh Bardugo as a debut author shows so much talent and depth of characters that I am looking forward to her next book.

It is a must read if you are into all things dystopian, and super human. A must read that will let you escape into a world you can only dream of.