'Shadow and Bone' by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone, Leigh Bardugo (3.0)

I recently read a review of a Netflix series set in Ms. Bardugo’s Grishaverse, the world she has created with several books. This is the first book in that series and name of the show. The review mentioned two stories told concurrently. I didn’t realize it when starting, but this book follows the more predictable story: homely orphan has crazy powers (though doesn’t know it), falls into a love triangle (with her childhood friend and the dark, powerful head of the witch-like Grisha’s – both ridiculously good looking, of course), and is the only one who can save their world. Sounds familiar? I did find the writing fast paced and the world-building was interesting. Some of the magic concepts were quite unique. Sadly, much of the time I felt I was reading a Harlequin romance, predictable and manipulative. Apparently, the other storyline follows ‘Six of Crows’ and per that reviewer, has a more unique plot based on the group trying to kidnap the heroine of this book.