The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz

I read Shadow and Bone in 2014 and loved it. I read the second book and loved it. Then I accidentally read a spoiler for the third book and I couldn't bring myself to read it. I didn't want to put myself through the emotional turmoil of favorite character death and what not. At BookExpo I was talking with a girl and I told her my concerns and she told me just to read it. That not every story in the Grishaverse is actually truthful. (Maybe the fact that I read Six of Crows first doesn't help...) So here I am four years later diving back into this world.

I completely forgot how much I loved this world and these characters. I also thought I wasn't going to like the Darkling this time around, but here I am four years older and I think I like him more now then I did when I was sixteen. (I also have a thing for dark/moody guys so it might be that as well.) Though being older I can understand why Alina fell for the Darkling as quickly as she did. She is an orphan, she spent her life living with other orphans to grow up to be recruited into the first army, to watch her best friend and the boy she loves chase after other girls. After feeling like she wasn't wanted for so long, the Darkling's attraction for her made her feel wanted. I think it's natural since I love the Darkling, regardless that he is the villain in this story, that I am not the biggest fan of Mal. I find him kind of whiny.

I devoured this book in a day. I didn't even realize I finished it until my kindle wouldn't let me swipe anymore. From the first page I was completely immersed into this story and the world. Shadow and Bone is a page turner, with constant action, witty banter and some romance it offers something for everyone who loves fantasy.