Shadow and Bone is the first book of the trilogy. The story takes us to a fantasy world in which some people can control matter, and that gives them an upper hand in combat and in life in general. This ability seems unnatural and heretical to ordinary people and in many countries, Grisha (as they call themselves) are hunted or enslaved.
Many years ago in the kingdom of Ravka, in which the story takes place, a Dark Summoner abused his powers and created the Shadow Fold – a dark and dangerous territory full of evil creatures– that divides the kingdom.
The story follows two orphan children Alina and Mal, who, when coming of age, join the military. Alina is mediocre in everything and always doesn’t fit in. Mal on the other hand is a promising soldier with a bright career ahead who fits in effortlessly. Their first mission is to cross the Fold and with the help of Grisha soldiers the passage is expected to be relatively safe. Unfortunately, they are attacked by the monsters lurking in the darkness. In the nick of time, Alina’s latent power comes to life and saves her unit. As the only existing Sun Summoner, her life is about to change radically as the prospect of closing the Shadow Fold falls upon her shoulders.
The way the following duology the Six of Crows is written urged me dive into the Grishaverse a bit more. Regrettably, the Shadow and Storm trilogy has turned out a bit more romantic for my taste. It seems that the main story line is more in the background and the romantic triangle dominates the narrative. It would have been more balanced if Bardugo focused on the plot and then very subtly outlined the relationships. However, I can’t say that the story was spoiled for me just a bit melodramatic.
Comments