Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves her life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha… and the secrets of her heart.
©2012 Leigh Bardugo (P)2012 Audible, Inc.
Favorite books are Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody series. I also like supernatural novels such as Laurel K. Hamilton, Patricia Briggs and Charlaine Harris. I love mysteries as well as mysteries/romance for example J.D Robb's In Death series. I will read a good contemporary or historical romance novel as well. I guess what I'm saying is I love anybook that is good enough to provide me with a well-deserved escape and entertainment.
"Enjoyable And Oh So Entertaining!"
I would listen to this book again because it was pure entertainment.
I would compare this book to Divergent.
She has a way of bringing the characters to life with creative and interesting accents that I don't think I wouldn't have come up with in my head.
The whole book came together so well it's difficult to pick out one thing. However, I will say it was pleasing to see the development and maturity of the characters as the book progressed.
This is a very good book and I am amazed that a first time writer could deliver this kind of product. I was really captured by the story and can't wait for the next installment. I highly recommend this book.
"Enjoyable Fantasy with an Excellent Narrator"
I listened to 'Shadow and Bone' during a long drive, and I was happy with my purchase. This fantasy novel was an enjoyable listen, and I will probably also get the sequel. Lauren Fortgang did an excellent job with the narration, and this story has appeal from teenagers to adults. A very likeable protagonist, and pretty good supporting characters... The ending is somewhat of a cliff-hanger, and the plot had me guessing at times.
Although I definitely recommend this book, I felt that it borrowed a lot from an earlier (and superior) novel entitled "Daughter of Smoke and Bone". Still, this is fantasy fun so my critique is fairly minor. Shadow and Bone is well worth a listen - if you enjoy this genre.
Busy mom who loves to read but doesn't always have the time. I enjoy YA, Romance and the occasional Best Seller.
"Wonderfully Entertaining"
I really enjoyed this YA fantasy book. It had a rich story, good narration and characters I absolutely fell in love with. Of course there is a HUGE cliff-hanger (big surprise there) and I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel. At first I found this book a little confusing and I was a bit lost at times. However, by the end it all comes together and you get a good sense of where this is all heading. Don't get me wrong, there are twists and turns and nothing is too predictable. Some things did make my eyes roll. One of the main characters is actually called "The Darkling". All that aside, it's fantasy so pretty much anything goes.
I'm looking forward to "Siege and Storm" book 2 in June 2013.
4.5 stars
"Great Listen!!"
I enjoyed the subtle way that the characters were developed and the unique little twists that showed up for some of the lesser characters as well.
Good ending for this part of the story and it certainly left room for the next book in the series.
Lauren Fortgang did a great job with the narration and characters.
5 stars is i love and i will read agani and again. 1 is i hate and i never want to hear about it ever again. YES = :))) - NO= :'(
"Shockingly Good!!!!"
I don't like to buy books without reading reviews, or without knowing the author.
This book is really good. some twists and so on, and good characters. Its not my number one book, but its in my very good list.
Narrater was good and didn't get lost or confused between characters.
They storyline was really really awesome. i can't wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
juldion
"Great story with outstanding narration"
Brilliant story (in parts similar to the film Pitch Black). The good story was elevated by the superlative narration. Ms Fortgang's voice is a beautiful combination of cream and honey!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am eager for the sequel. and more narration from this wonderful lady!
Always loved reading, now I love audio books because I can listen to my favorite books on the go!
"I love this book"
Yes and I have. I read the book first then I listened to another book the narrator read and loved it and wanted to see what else she narrated. I found this book and had to get it.
Everything,
She is a good narrator.
Yes,
"Team Darkling"
I really enjoyed this book. I'm actually listening to it a second time. The reader does a wonderful job with the voices and accents. Leigh Bardugo is amazing. I cant wait for the next in the series. I love the Darkling. He is the ultimate bad boy. It makes for an interesting love triangle. All the characters are interesting. I love the description of the lavish parties at the castle. It was a book I thought about after finishing it which is always a good sign.
"Wonderful new story"
I have already recommended this audiobook to friends. It is well read, and the reader made it a pleasure to listen to.
I found the story unique with some interesting twists. The only thing I dislike is waiting for the sequel. I want more now!
Tell us about yourself! I am the author of "Over the Moon" and "Falling Off the Planet." They are both YA Sci-fi fantasy romance.
"An "Ugly Duckling" Story"
This is an "Ugly Duckling" coming of age book. Alina is an orphan. Her best friend and playmate doesn't see her beauty until she finds her "power" to call sunlight. (Yeah, it's a weird power, but it makes sense when you listen to the book.)
At first I was kicking myself because she was pining and whining for her orphan comrade who was looking elsewhere for love. I HATE jealousy and the angst that comes with it. Then she meets the mysterious "Darkling" and the plot thickens.
The ending is left open for a second book. If there isn't a second installment, it deserves only 4 stars because things are left unresolved.