Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

“You’re shaking,” he said.

“I’m not used to people trying to kill me.”

“Really? I hardly notice anymore.”

I honestly have so many thoughts and QUESTIONS right now. Long story short, my internet went out which honestly was a blessing in disguise because I totally hunkered down with this book and ended up starting Siege and Storm. I hope that it isn't as bad as everyone seems to say. My reviews almost always contain spoiler so beware.

First of all,

the WORLDBUILDING. 

I honestly felt like Ravka was a place. Like I could take a ship or something and visit. Everything about it was so real to me, Bardugo definitely did a fantastic job.

For those of you wondering, I would definitely want to be a Corporalnik Healer. I think the outfits are amazing and the whole prospect of being able to heal someone using my hands is just phenomenal. Also, Heartrenders scare the shit out of me and I don't know how I would feel about living in a world where someone could casually give me a heart attack. Really not cool. Or like my lungs collapsing on themselves? No thanks.

“A moment later the boy whispered, "I don't think you're ugly."

"Shhhh!" the girl hissed. But hidden by the deep shadows of the cupboard, she smiled”

So.

Alina

I thought that she was well written but towards the beginning she began to piss me off. I rarely write in my own physical books. I'll usually highlight, but never write. However, right after the Darkling offered to let her wear his colors and she was all "OMG I can't be my own person and stand out from others because why would I want to own my shit?" And then. "OMG I can't, I just CAN'T be this person that is going to save everyone. I'm just an itty bitty cartographer that has none of her own power (even as a person istg). Anyways, rant over. I thought that as the book progressed, she became more likable. She also began to realize what the Darkling was doing behind closed doors. It really bothered me how he tried to take advantage of her body. Like really bothered me. But I guess it's what it is. He probably would've done it anyways if this was irl. 

“I don't care if you danced naked on the roof of the Little Palace with him. I love you, Alina, even the part of you that loved him.”

Mal

JESUS give me a rag. He literally is so hot to me, like what Peeta should've been made out to be in the Hunger Games. He was likeable although I hated him for a second. But, what he said to Alina was well deserved, because she totally was falling into the Darkling whether or not she realized it. Protect Mal at all costs.

Darkling

I hate you. It wasn't bad enough that you lied to literally every person that you ever met, right? He hid and lied and took advantage of every person and every emotion around him. I just really didn't like him

Genya

"You're very welcome," she said, giving my hair a hard tug. "You should be used to being gawked at by now."

"And yet I'm not."

"Well, if it gets too bad, give me a signal, and I'll get up on the banquet table, toss my skirt over my head, and do a little dance. That way no one will be looking at you.”

That's all that needs to be said.

Also, where's Kaz? I dunno who this man is (or even if I'm thinking in the right series) but I've seen SO many people be like HE'S MY BOOK BOYFRIEND and quite frankly I need to know who this man is.

Something that could've been done better (aka slower) was when Alina started filling out and getting better. I felt like as soon as she mastered her powers, she was immediately better at everything, and I guess if you spend all of your being fighting it... maybe. I dunno, it seemed to quick and I didn't like it.

Characters: 4

Plot: 4.5

Spice: 1/5

Overall rating: 4.5

Rounded up because MAL.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2RgOIJzPpO9gbC4XWw6xNd

Initial thoughts: 

-cover is pretty

-i'm only reading this so i can read soc without guilt

-wish me luck

-if i dnf this AGAIN imma cry