Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy book 1)

Shadow and Bone introduces readers to Ravka, a war-torn country divided by a treacherous expanse of darkness known as the Shadow Fold. Orphan Alina Starkov has always felt invisible—until her latent magical power erupts during a deadly encounter with the Fold’s monsters. Rescued by the enigmatic Darkling, leader of the Grisha elite, Alina is thrust into a world of opulent courts and dangerous magic. As she trains to harness her rare ability to summon light, she discovers that her power may be the key to saving Ravka—or destroying it.
The story weaves political intrigue, personal betrayal, and the weight of destiny as Alina navigates her new role as the Sun Summoner. Surrounded by allies and enemies alike, including the charming tracker Mal and the cunning Grisha warriors, she must confront her growing feelings for the Darkling and the terrifying cost of her power. Bardugo’s lush prose brings Ravka to life, blending Russian-inspired folklore with inventive magic systems like the Small Science, where power is drawn from the elements.
Themes of identity and sacrifice anchor the narrative, as Alina grapples with her past and the burden of her newfound responsibility. The stakes escalate when a perilous journey across the Fold reveals shocking secrets about the Darkling’s motives and the true nature of Alina’s abilities. With vivid world-building and relentless pacing, the book balances heart-pounding action with quieter moments of introspection, exploring what it means to be a hero—or a weapon.