Reviewer: Andrea
Summary:
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 unravelling 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.
Review:
If you love fantasy, you will love this novel. It’s kind of a mix of Harry Potter meets Hunger Games, and while you may think that’s an odd combo, it really works for this story. There’s an interesting mix of old world superstition and tough girl saves the world. The story is so engaging that I literally read it in one day.
I got a little aggravated by Alina’s “I can’t” attitude, but thankfully, that changes over the course of this semi-coming of age story. Her love for Mal is typical of a YA novel, but that’s why we love ’em, right? The action was great. The dialogue realistic, and even though this is at heart a romance, the cover isn’t too “girly” which means male YA readers are more likely to read it. Be aware it is 300+ pages (400 depending on the version you buy), which is a long for reluctant, young adult readers. The only thing keeping this novel from receiving a five-star rating is the backstory overload in the beginning and the use of so many unfamiliar, created terms, but if you can stick with it through the first chapter, you’ll be hooked.
