Latest Read: Shadow and Bone

Here are the basics ...
Book: Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Blog: http://leighbardugo.wordpress.com/
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy
Release Date: June 5, 2012

I read my very first ARC! (I still remember having to ask Estelle what that stood for - Advanced Reader's Copy.) Up until recently, I never knew that book bloggers could get advanced copies of books through publishers, NetGalley or conferences. It's kinda exciting! Especially to a bookworm like me.  So Magan - thank you thank you thank you for sending me this book. And please check out Estelle & Magan's book blog Rather Be Reading!

My thoughts ...
Short summary:  The nation of Ravka has been torn apart by the Shadow Fold ("a swath of near-impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh") and all serving the King are fighting to restore peace to their world.  When Alina Starkov, a simple cartographer's assistant, reveals a dormant power during an attack on her regiment, she becomes the only hope her country has left.

The good: This book encompassed everything I love about fantasy! Once I started it, I knew I was going to finish it that same day (and I did!).  It really transported me to a whole other world.  I enjoyed all the elaborate mythology, the interesting characters, Alina's journey, the romances.  (Yes, plural.  You'll have to read to find out though - explaining would spoil it!) With all the reading I do, it's hard to be surprised by a book because the same stories tend to be told over and over again (um, vampires anyone?).  But that's not the case with Shadow and Bone.  Things definitely aren't what they seem. (Ah, I wish I could say more!)

The bad: It doesn't officially come out until June 5, 2012.. but that's more of a bad thing for you guys :)

Do I recommend?: Clearly a yes! If I had to compare this book to another series, it would probably be Graceling by Kristin Cashore.  So if you enjoyed that, I'm sure you'll enjoy this too.

Happy reading!