Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thrilling, exotic fantasy romance gets pretty violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 55 kid reviews
Kids say this book blends romance and fantasy into an engaging coming-of-age story, though it relies on familiar young adult tropes. While it contains some violence and mild romantic scenes, many readers appreciate the strong character development and intricate world-building, deeming it suitable for mature tweens and teens.
- romance and fantasy
- cliche tropes
- violence and romance
- character development
- suitable for tweens
- engaging storyline
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Alina Starkov is happy living as a mapmaker, as long as she has her best friend, Mal, by her side. They've been together through thick and thin since their days at an orphanage. Then one fateful day changes everything for Alina. The Grisha, a group similiar to witches and wizards who rely on the elements to get their power, discover that Alina is one of the most powerful of their kind. She can summon light and take away the darkness. The leader of the Grisha, the Darkling -- a sexy, mysterious man who wields his magic like a deadly weapon -- wants to train and mold Alina so she can learn to harness her power and destroy the Shadow Fold, a place of nightmares where frightening creatures roam. But the Darkling's ulterior motive is to make Alina his own. Alina must learn to trust her instincts and to stay true to herself or pay the price -- with her life.
Is It Any Good?
Leigh Bardugo is a master at creating an original and breathtaking world. It's not all rainbows and sunshine in Ravka. It's bleak and frightening. SHADOW AND BONE is fast-paced, with shocking twists and turns and a powerful ending that leaves readers anxious for more.
Bardugo's strength lies in her solid characterization, with both major and minor characters questioning the world, their roles in society, and how they fit in. The Darkling is a fascinating character -- a guy you love to hate, but also a guy easy to desire. Some readers may find the book's Russian influences and language a little hard to understand at the beginning, but the story quickly moves forward as various secrets and lies are revealed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Alina doesn't want to be a Grisha and is pressured into developing her powers. What's the reasoning? What are the possible consequences?
How do you think Shadow and Bone compares with other romantic fantasy books? What do you think of the romantic triangle of Alina, Mal, and the Darkling?
What are your thoughts on the book's violence? Does it enhance the story, or is it too much?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : June 5, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 368
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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