Bardugo. Leigh. 2012. SHADOW AND BONE.
New York, NY: Henry Holt. ISBN 978-0805094596
[Suggested Grade Levels 8 – 12]
REVIEW
Bardugo’s novel is one of those rare fantasy novels that entices
the realistic fiction readers to cross over. The reader is guided through the
fantasy world of Ravka by Alina, a down-to-earth main character who has many of
the same concerns, fears, love, and self-doubt that young adults face on a
daily basis. While Alina is capable of using magic and deals with the unusual,
she maintains her uniquely strong character that young readers can relate to.
Bardugo created a fantasy world reminiscent of old Russia yet uniquely
filled with elaborate details, fascinating characters, and a taste of magic. In
this world is the Shadow Fold, an evil darkness that has rendered Ravka in two
with its darkness and flesh eating monsters. Yet Alina, who has not really been
good at anything, finds that she has the magic necessary to bring light to this
darkness and begins her training as a Grisha, someone who can rid Rivka of the
Shadow Fold.
This first book of a series will leave the reader anticipating the
next. Just as the world of Ravka contains a magic based on the natural world,
this book contains a magic based upon a reader’s imagination. Alina rings true
with her self-doubts and the reader will finish this book feeling as if he or
she has walked next to Alina through this magical world.
CONNECTIONS
This book would work well when taking an in-depth look into the
use of contrast as part of a story’s structure; good versus evil, light versus
dark, etc.
RELATED BOOKS
Other books with a young female protagonist:
Hartman, Rachel. SERAPHINA. ISBN 9780375866562
Aguirre, Ann. ENCLAVE. ISBN 9780312650087
By Christine J. Rayl
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