Shadow and Bone | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

Shadow and Bone | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

February 28, 2024
·
Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there bookworms! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world where darkness and light are at war? Well, hold on to your bookmarks because I'm about to introduce you to the captivating world of Shadow and Bone. Written by the incredible Leigh Bardugo, this fantasy series takes you on an epic journey through the land of Ravka, filled with magic, adventure, and a dash of romance. If you're looking for a spellbinding read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then this trilogy is definitely worth a place on your bookshelf. Okay, so here's the lowdown on Shadow and Bone: we follow the story of Alina Starkov, a young orphan who discovers a power that could save her war-torn country. But as Alina enters the dangerous world of the Grisha, an elite group of magical soldiers, she soon realizes that not everything and everyone is what they seem. With her newfound abilities, Alina becomes embroiled in a thrilling struggle for power and survival, all while navigating the complexities of a budding romance. Prepare to be sucked into a world where magic is both beautiful and deadly, and where the line between good and evil is blurred. Now, if you're already itching for more of that adrenaline-fueled, page-turning experience that Shadow and Bone offers, don't worry, I've got you covered. In the next part of this overview, I'll be sharing some other books that are right up your alley if you enjoyed Shadow and Bone. So, grab a cuppa, cozy up in your favorite reading nook, and get ready to be transported to worlds that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, you won't be able to put these books down!
The Book Cover Image for Shadow and Bone
The Book Cover Image for Shadow and Bone
Fantasy
Adventure
Romance

Graceling

"Graceling" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a world where certain individuals possess extraordinary abilities called Graces. The story follows a young woman named Katsa, a skilled warrior with a unique Grace, as she embarks on a dangerous journey that challenges her beliefs, exposes political intrigue, and explores themes of power, love, and self-discovery.
Author
Kristin Cashore.
Year Written
2008
Graceling
Fantasy
Young Adult
Action

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass follows the journey of an assassin named Celaena Sardothien as she is offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly tournament. As she faces formidable opponents and uncovers dark secrets, Celaena must navigate a world filled with magic, intrigue, and romance to ultimately claim her destiny.
Author
Sarah J. Maas
Year Written
2012
Throne of Glass
Fantasy
Dystopian
Young Adult

Red Queen

"Red Queen" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a dystopian world divided by blood, where the color of your blood determines your social standing and superhuman abilities. The story follows Mare, a young woman who discovers she possesses a unique power that threatens to disrupt the balance of power and ignite a revolution.
Author
Victoria Aveyard
Year Written
2015
Red Queen

An Ember in the Ashes

"An Ember in the Ashes" is a captivating and dark fantasy novel that follows the intertwining stories of Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a soldier with a secret desire for freedom. With its immersive world-building and morally complex characters, this book explores themes of resilience, loyalty, and the quest for justice.
Author
Sabaa Tahir
Year Written
2015
An Ember in the Ashes
Fantasy
Fae
Intrigue

The Cruel Prince

"The Cruel Prince" is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the journey of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, as she navigates the treacherous world of the fae, filled with political intrigue, deception, and a cruel prince who becomes her greatest adversary. With its immersive world-building and compelling characters, this book takes readers on an enthralling and darkly magical adventure of survival and power struggles.
Author
Holly Black.
Year Written
2018
The Cruel Prince
Fantasy
Heist
Young Adult

Six of Crows

Six of Crows is a thrilling fantasy heist novel set in a richly crafted world, following a gang of young, diverse characters as they embark on a dangerous mission full of twists, turns, and betrayals. This fast-paced book is filled with complex relationships, morally gray characters, and high-stakes action that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Author
Leigh Bardugo
Year Written
2015
Six of Crows
Fantasy
Romance
Young Adult

The Winner's Curse

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a captivating tale of a high-stakes romance between a privileged girl and a slave, set amidst a backdrop of political instability. It explores themes of power, sacrifice, and the intricacies of navigating a world where love can be both a weapon and a weakness.
Author
Marie Rutkoski
Year Written
2014
The Winner's Curse
Fantasy
Romance
Witchcraft

Serpent & Dove

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is a gripping tale of enemies-turned-lovers as a witch and a witch-hunter navigate a forbidden relationship amidst a dangerous witch-hunting world filled with intrigue and magic. This captivating fantasy explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Author
Shelby Mahurin
Year Written
Serpent & Dove was written in 2019.
Serpent & Dove
Fantasy
Folklore

The Bear and the Nightingale

"The Bear and the Nightingale" is a captivating fantasy novel set in medieval Russia, where a young girl named Vasya must embrace her inherited magical gifts to protect her village from an ancient evil. With beautifully crafted prose and a richly imagined world steeped in Russian folklore, this atmospheric tale explores the power of belief, the clash of tradition and modernity, and the courage of a girl who defies societal expectations to become a legend.
Author
Katherine Arden
Year Written
2017
The Bear and the Nightingale
Fantasy
Young Adult
Superpowers

The Young Elites

"The Young Elites" is a captivating tale of a surviving girl named Adelina who possesses dark powers in a world torn by political intrigue and fear. As she navigates through a secret society of fellow misfit teenagers, Adelina must decide whether to embrace her powers or succumb to the darkness within her.
Author
Marie Lu
Year Written
2014
The Young Elites
Fantasy
Magic
Adventure

Uprooted

Uprooted is a captivating fantasy novel about a young village girl who is chosen to serve a powerful wizard and must navigate a dangerous magical world to protect her loved ones. Filled with thrilling adventures and richly described settings, Uprooted is a spellbinding tale that will keep readers hooked until the very end.
Author
Naomi Novik
Year Written
2015
Uprooted
Fantasy
Romance
Retelling

The Wrath & the Dawn

The Wrath & the Dawn is a gripping retelling of One Thousand and One Nights as Shahrzad bravely volunteers to marry the murderous Caliph in order to exact revenge for the death of her best friend. Filled with ancient rivalries, forbidden love, and intricate Arabian folklore, this book will keep you hooked until the very last page.
Author
Renée Ahdieh
Year Written
2015
The Wrath & the Dawn
Fantasy
Adventure
Chosen One

The Girl of Fire and Thorns

"The Girl of Fire and Thorns" follows the journey of Elisa, a princess marked by a Godstone, as she navigates political intrigue, self-discovery, and her role as the chosen one in a dangerous world. This captivating fantasy novel explores themes of destiny, courage, and the transformative power of embracing one's identity.
Author
Rae Carson
Year Written
2011
The Girl of Fire and Thorns

FAQ

Overview

In Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone, readers are transported to the world of Ravka, a land divided by a sinister and impenetrable darkness known as the Shadow Fold. Our protagonist, Alina Starkov, finds herself thrust into a world of magic and danger when she discovers that she possesses a dormant power that could be the key to saving her war-torn country. With the help of the enigmatic General Kirigan, also known as the Darkling, Alina navigates the treacherous world of the Grisha, an elite group of magical soldiers, while unraveling the secrets of her past and dealing with the complexities of a newfound romance. As Alina's power grows, the lines between light and dark blur, and she must make decisions that will shape the fate of Ravka, all against the backdrop of a richly imagined world filled with political intrigue and mystical creatures. Shadow and Bone is a thrilling and captivating fantasy that combines magic, adventure, and romance seamlessly. Bardugo's world-building is masterful, immersing readers in a land where darkness threatens to consume everything, and hope lies in the hands of one young girl. The story is propelled by intriguing characters, from the complex and morally ambiguous Darkling, to the loyal and charming Mal, and the witty and enigmatic Nikolai. The novel is packed with twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes until the very end. With its vivid storytelling and multifaceted characters, Shadow and Bone is a must-read for fans of fantasy looking for an enthralling and unforgettable journey.

Length of Read

6h8m

Main Characters

- Alina Starkov: The protagonist of the series, Alina is a relatable and complex character who discovers she possesses a rare and powerful gift, making her a key player in the battle between light and darkness. - The Darkling: Mysterious and alluring, the Darkling is the leader of the Grisha and harbors a dark secret that adds an intriguing layer to the story. - Mal Oretsev: Alina's childhood best friend, Mal is a skilled tracker and soldier who finds himself torn between his loyalty to his friend and his duty to his country. - Genya Safin: A Grisha who possesses the ability to alter people's appearances, Genya becomes a confidante and ally to Alina, adding depth and friendship to the narrative. - Nikolai Lantsov: A charismatic and cunning prince, Nikolai brings wit and charm to the story, adding a touch of humor and political intrigue. Each character in Shadow and Bone brings their own unique qualities and motivations, weaving together a tapestry of relationships and conflicts that drive the narrative forward. From Alina's journey of self-discovery to the enigmatic presence of the Darkling, these characters play vital roles in shaping the fate of Ravka and keeping readers hooked until the very last page.

Ending & Meaning

Alright, buckle up for the ending of Shadow and Bone! After a series of heart-pounding twists and turns, Alina faces the ultimate test of her powers as she confronts the Darkling, who has become consumed by his thirst for power. In a gripping battle, Alina must make a choice that will determine the fate of Ravka and everyone she loves. Without giving too much away, let's just say that the ending is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with sacrifice, redemption, and unexpected alliances. Now, when it comes to the themes and meaning of the ending, there's a lot to unpack. One of the central themes is the idea of power and its corrupting influence. Throughout the series, we see how power can seduce even the strongest of individuals and how it can blur the line between good and evil. The ending serves as a powerful reminder that power must be wielded responsibly and that the choices we make can have far-reaching consequences. Another theme that emerges is the importance of friendship and love in the face of adversity. As Alina navigates the challenges thrown her way, she relies on the support and loyalty of her friends and allies. The ending showcases the strength of these bonds and how they can provide hope and inspiration in even the darkest of times. So, get ready for a finale that will leave you breathless and make you reflect on the complexities of power, friendship, and sacrifice. It's an ending that will linger in your mind and have you eagerly reaching for the next book in the series.
View all
No items found.