The Grisha #1
Leigh Bardugo
June 5th, 2012
Henry Holt and Co.
358 pages
Amazon/Book Depository/B&N
The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.
Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unraveling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?
The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.
But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?
Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.
Every so often, a book comes along that feels like an old friend. The narration sucked me in and kept me there in a warm cocoon of adventure, romance and magic. When I finally emerged from it's grasp, I felt cold an lonely. It was the epitome of a book high.
The book was both standard and surprising at the same time. It wove a familiar fantasy world and tinged it with gems and other adornments that set it apart.
I couldn't put it down. From the very beginning I was hooked. The romance is sound. It follows dear friends through the hurt of betrayal, and the subsequent rediscovering of each other. The romance and friendship is at the epicenter of the plot, always there, always relevant, yet somehow neither overbearing nor annoying.
The discovery of Alina's powers, of how she comes into them as with the rest of the mythology and world-building, was expertly crafted. It was unique without being overdone.
The story itself had a few shocks, and as wrapped up as I was in it, I became angry at one point. It's refreshing to have the plot turn on you, to go directions you didn't expect. Especially when you think you know what is going to happen, even if it takes a turn towards the worst.
A truly fantastic tale. I know that the second book comes out in a few months, and I'll be eager to get my hands on it.
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