Get Your Free Audiobook
-
Shadow and Bone
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Series: Grisha, Book 1
- Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins
- Categories: Teen & Young Adult, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Non-member price: $29.22
People who bought this also bought...
-
Siege and Storm
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long. The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic....
-
-
Takes a long time for the plot to move forward.
- By SpideyBaggins on 06-06-2020
-
Ruin and Rising
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne. Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army. Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.
-
-
I am ruination
- By Rebecca on 25-08-2020
-
Crooked Kingdom
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Roger Clark, Jay Snyder, Elizabeth Evans, and others
- Length: 17 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.
-
-
Amazing conclusion to a great duology
- By Kristin on 18-03-2017
-
King of Scars
- King of Scars Duology, Book 1
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 16 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war - and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army. Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built.
-
-
Alycat
- By Anonymous User on 05-06-2019
-
Six of Crows
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Jay Snyder, Brandon Rubin, Fred Berman, and others
- Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price - and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone.
-
-
Too many narrators
- By kaapua on 18-10-2016
-
From Blood and Ash
- Blood and Ash, Book 1
- By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 19 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.
-
-
Absolutely YESS
- By Anonymous User on 18-10-2020
-
Siege and Storm
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long. The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic....
-
-
Takes a long time for the plot to move forward.
- By SpideyBaggins on 06-06-2020
-
Ruin and Rising
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne. Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army. Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.
-
-
I am ruination
- By Rebecca on 25-08-2020
-
Crooked Kingdom
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Roger Clark, Jay Snyder, Elizabeth Evans, and others
- Length: 17 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties.
-
-
Amazing conclusion to a great duology
- By Kristin on 18-03-2017
-
King of Scars
- King of Scars Duology, Book 1
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 16 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war - and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army. Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built.
-
-
Alycat
- By Anonymous User on 05-06-2019
-
Six of Crows
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Jay Snyder, Brandon Rubin, Fred Berman, and others
- Length: 15 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price - and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone.
-
-
Too many narrators
- By kaapua on 18-10-2016
-
From Blood and Ash
- Blood and Ash, Book 1
- By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 19 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.
-
-
Absolutely YESS
- By Anonymous User on 18-10-2020
-
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
- A Blood and Ash Novel (Blood and Ash, Book 2)
- By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Narrated by: Stina Nielsen
- Length: 24 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.
-
-
Loved it!
- By Kindle Customer on 06-12-2020
-
The Language of Thorns
- Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, number one New York Times best-selling author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love.
-
House of Earth and Blood
- The Crescent City, Book 1
- By: Sarah J. Maas
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Evans
- Length: 27 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Half-Fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan loves her life. Every night is a party and Bryce is going to savour all the pleasures Lunathion - also known as Crescent City - has to offer. But then a brutal murder shakes the very foundations of the city, and brings Bryce's world crashing down. Two years later, Bryce still haunts the city's most notorious nightclubs - but seeking only oblivion now. Then the murderer attacks again. And when an infamous Fallen angel, Hunt Athalar, is assigned to watch her every footstep, Bryce knows she can't forget any longer.
-
-
Did not disappoint
- By Anonymous User on 11-03-2020
-
Serpent & Dove
- By: Shelby Mahurin
- Narrated by: Holter Graham, Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned. As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation - marriage. Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
-
-
Male narrator spoke too fast
- By Ruby Siemsen on 11-11-2019
-
The Queen of Nothing
- The Folk of the Air, Book 3
- By: Holly Black
- Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
- Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After being pronounced Queen of Faerie and then abruptly exiled by the Wicked King Cardan, Jude finds herself unmoored, the queen of nothing. She spends her time with Vivi and Oak, watching reality television, and doing odd jobs, including squaring up to a cannibalistic faerie. When her twin sister, Taryn, shows up asking a favour, Jude jumps at the chance to return to the Faerie world, even if it means facing Cardan, whom she loves despite his betrayal.
-
-
Great right till the end!
- By Anonymous User on 09-12-2020
-
Ninth House
- By: Leigh Bardugo
- Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang, Michael David Axtell
- Length: 16 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Galaxy 'Alex' Stern is the most unlikely member of Yale's freshman class. Raised in the Los Angeles hinterlands by a hippie mom, Alex dropped out of school early and into a world of shady drug dealer boyfriends, dead-end jobs, and much, much worse. By age 20, she is the sole survivor of a horrific, unsolved multiple homicide. Some might say she's thrown her life away. But at her hospital bed, Alex is offered a second chance: to attend one of the world's most elite universities on a full ride. What's the catch, and why her?
-
-
Lauren Fortgang aka Queen of Narrations
- By Anonymous User on 18-10-2019
-
The Wicked King
- The Folk of the Air, Book 2
- By: Holly Black
- Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
- Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jude has tricked Cardan onto the throne, binding him to her for a year and a day. But the new High King does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her, even as his fascination with her remains undimmed. Meanwhile, a traitor in the court is scheming against her. Jude must fight for her life and the lives of those she loves, all while battling her own complicated feelings for Cardan. Now a year and a day seems like no time at all....
-
-
HOLLY!!!! WHATTTT!!!????
- By Brittany on 12-01-2019
-
The Cruel Prince
- The Folk of the Air, Book 1
- By: Holly Black
- Narrated by: Caitlin Kelly
- Length: 12 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever. And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe. One terrible morning, Jude and her sisters see their parents murdered in front of them. The terrifying assassin abducts all three girls to the world of Faerie, where Jude is installed in the royal court but mocked and tormented by the Faerie royalty for being mortal.
-
-
great
- By manga_me_over on 01-06-2018
-
Blood & Honey
- Serpent & Dove, Book 2
- By: Shelby Mahurin
- Narrated by: Holter Graham, Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 14 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church - fugitives with nowhere to hide. To survive, they need allies. Strong ones. But as Lou becomes increasingly desperate to save those she loves, she turns to a darker side of magic that may cost Reid the one thing he can’t bear to lose. Bound to her always, his vows were clear: Where Lou goes, he will go; and where she stays, he will stay. Until death do they part.
-
-
Awesome as always!
- By Ruby Siemsen on 15-09-2020
-
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
- By: Brigid Kemmerer
- Narrated by: Kate Handford, Davis Brooks, Matt Reeves
- Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his 18th year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.
-
-
The female narrator is irritating
- By Anonymous User on 10-02-2020
-
A Touch of Ruin
- Hades & Persephone, Book 2
- By: Scarlett St. Clair
- Narrated by: Meg Sylvan
- Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Persephone's relationship with Hades has gone public, and the resulting media storm disrupts her normal life and threatens to expose her as the Goddess of Spring. Hades, God of the Dead, is burdened by a hellish past that everyone's eager to expose in an effort to warn Persephone away. Things only get worse when a horrible tragedy leaves Persephone's heart in ruin and Hades refusing to help. Desperate, she takes matters into her own hands, striking bargains with severe consequences.
-
-
Great story line, even better story telling
- By Adriana Meredith on 03-12-2020
-
Sorcery of Thorns
- By: Margaret Rogerson
- Narrated by: Emily Ellet
- Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery - magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power. Then an act of sabotage releases the library’s most dangerous grimoire.
-
-
issues with recording
- By Anna G on 27-06-2019
Publisher's Summary
Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves her life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha… and the secrets of her heart.
More from the same
What listeners say about Shadow and Bone
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Trish
- 14-02-2019
Awesome!
I bought this because I'd just finished the King of Scars and enjoyed it so much I wanted to start the series from the start. The author's writing is just amazing, and her themes have me thinking long after I press the pause button, but I was really disappointed with this book *at first*. At the start came across like a teenage romance only it made too much sense for the most part. But after the King of Scars, I was pretty disappointed, because it's just not the kind of thing I'm interested in. I liked the fantasy, the world of magic the author has built is really intriguing and thought. I am just not up for the shallow 50 shades of romance thing. At one stage I groaned when a (spoiler I won't give away here) happened and I said that's it, I'm returning it. But everything else about the book was spot on (so don't let my personal opinion about teenage romance hold you back from buying this!) so I decided to give it a few more chapters. I'm SO glad I did! The entire book jumped on it's head, what I thought was happening, actually hadn't been happening, betrayal, fighting and magic and swords and rifles! The pace ramped up so much I found I was often holding my breath. I seriously could not put it down, and the build up I'd rolled my eyes and groaned at, turned out to be like the slow haul at the beginning of a roller coaster, which really, was exactly what this book was like! Oh, and what a beautiful portrayal of real love as opposed to what passes for romance these days. What a ride. Yes, read this book, I say, wholeheartedly. I really enjoyed it and by the end, I finally got used to the way the narrator read the story. It took two books for this to happen though. There were just a few ways she intoned things that kind of pulled me out of the story, and/or which I thought didn't suit the character but for the most part she is really, really good to listen to. So yeah! Two thumbs up! I'm stoked to see there is more for me to read in this series! I'm off to get the next book!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Julia emms
- 04-12-2018
eh...
the book is fine but the narrator makes every single character sound like a stuck up snob, makes it REALLY hard to get attached to any characters
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- manga_me_over
- 03-06-2017
fantastic fantasy
this is a great way to start a fantasy trilogy. Soo good, I really liked the way the story had good character development, enough to keep you engaged with both the characters and the plot.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anneli
- 18-02-2016
Ready for the next book!
Audio was very weak, constantly had to have it up at high volume. Overall really well written, found myself following every step eagerly. Already have downloaded the next book in the series :)
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 04-05-2020
Good book
I started this book but then got bored with it and swapped to six of crows also by Leigh Bardugo which I fell in love with! After finishing the books in that set it made me determined to and wanting to read the other books in the Grisha series which lead me to finish this book, although reading six of crows first spoiled some things in this book for me it also helped compel me on as I wanted to find out how it ended up that way and started to enjoy the book much more once it got past the slow start.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Freedom
- 16-04-2019
I love this
Amazing storyline, definitely reading more. New fan. The details described is incredible, it takes you another world. Would recommend
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dumbumm
- 17-01-2021
"Make me your villain."
“The Darkling slumped back in his chair. “Fine,” he said with a weary shrug. “Make me your villain.” There are points in the plot that are a little slow and mediocre but overall I really enjoyed it. The world and magic system is truly unique and unlike anything I've read. Most characters were well-written starting with Alina Starkov; a realistic female lead that is shy, frail, and feels like she doesn't fit in. Genya, a survivor, and The Darkling whose probably the most interesting character above all. There were some misses... such as Mal, I thought he was confused and didn't fit in the book and was only in it to anchor Alina. I look forward to continuing the series.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mary
- 25-11-2020
Wow
I’m buying the box set for my 15 yr old daughter. I love that I have found another book series to avidly share with her. Thank you to the author and the beautiful reader.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 19-08-2020
amazing
a fresh new story about a orphan who is more than extraordinary. great characters and setting!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jason B
- 22-03-2020
Great story and narrator, slow to start but great once going
Awesome story loved the development and story twists. Looking forward to listening to the next book
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Joe Chad
- 07-09-2017
Run of The Mill Debut
Disclaimer: I read the Six of Crows Duology before the Grisha Trilogy. Also, I do not tend to read young adult fantasy very often.
After completing the Six of Crows duology I was very intrigued by both the world and character development that Bardugo showed me in those two novels. I had heard rumors that this duology was better than her Grisha Trilogy and as far as Shadow and Bone is concerned I have to agree.
Lets start off with the good. I enjoyed Bardugo's world building for the most part. She does a good job of creating an interesting landscape and showing us a very convoluted magic system. The word convoluted is important though, because I feel as though the boundaries of the magic system are very loose and many items are not explained in enough detail for my taste. I was often confused as to how powerful the magic that is used actually is, at one point you have a single Grisha (magic user) killing multiple people effortlessly, but then at other times common soldiers are able to overcome a Grisha and simply dodge their magical abilities. Therefore, there is definitely a magic system consistency problem, but this isn't uncommon among high fantasy novels.
The other element that Bardugo succeeds in some degree at is her character development. She really does do a good job at showing real emotions from her characters and making their personalities individualized and believable, although they lack the same flare and interestingness as her Six of Crows characters. However, the main problem with the characters for me was Alina herself, who I generally found a little obnoxious, naive, and very resistant to change. She really did annoy me especially for the first half of the book, although she did improve as the book went on.
The main problem I had with this novel is the plot is a little generic, and really lacks any flare or twist that really jumps out at you. In comparison with her duology the plot seems incredibly simplistic, and the rest of the book suffers for it.
Just a quick note on the narrator, I thought she gave a decent performance, but I did feel she lacked range of voices to some degree, and she worked a little hard on her accents, which came off as a bit ridiculous at times.
In conclusion, I put this novel down to first novel inexperience, and it was just good enough for me to buy Siege and Storm. One final thought: Ms. Bardugo is far better at writing in several points of view as opposed to singular first person.
25 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Whovian
- 31-08-2018
disappointed
I LOVED Six of Crows and it's sequel. both were amazing. This one just pissed me off. Stupid Girl doing everything they tell her not to. I just wanted to slap her.I got bored at the half way point and almost gave up. Not sure if I will listen to the others. Six of Crows was leagues above this.
64 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- HKJ
- 18-01-2016
😥
I thought that this book would be better. It did have a good ending but her new book, six of crows, was much better. A waste of time and money.
22 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- sam
- 14-04-2014
Like Twilight in 18th Century Russia
I like to think of myself as open-minded; even when I do particularly care for a book I give it the benefit of the doubt and reason that it's just my cup of tea. Rarely do I outright hate a book.
With that in mind, I hated, hated, hated, hated, absolutely hated Shadow and Bone! I hated everything about it! And for the life of me I cannot figure why the author is trumpeted as the next big thing, or how this book in innovative by any stretch of the imagination!
Let's start with the characters. First Alana Starkov (technically ought to have been Starkova, but I doubt the author so much as touched a Russian to English dictionary). Good Ford, what a whiny, self-centered little...I probably shouldn't curse. I'm sorry, but she can't think one sentence, on measly little sentence without whining about her imperfections, or gushing about her beloved Mal, or generally not giving a damn about anyone but her own selfish needs. Actually, no, she was perfectly willing to toss away her talents to be with her beloved Mal. Bottom Line: Alana Starkov = Mary Sue
Now, Mal and the Darkling. Mal is completely one demential with not personality beyond being Alana's perfect love interest. The Darkling, on the other hand, is a not to subtle Edward Cullen knockoff; all dark, brooding and boarder line abusive to Alana (and yet she loves him so).
The rest of the characters were waaaaay more interesting than the core three; why the hell wasn't this story about them?! So, as for world building, we have Ravka, a serial numbers filed off version of 18th century Russia; boarder end by totally isn't Scandanavia, and couldn't possibly be China (who eats their wizards and make instruments of their bones). Again, the lack of research is apparent in such instances as a character getting drunk...on children's beer, and the butchering of the Russian language.
The authors has explain all sorts of fascinating world building facts in interviews, yet seems to have forgotten to include them within the context of the novel itself. Bottom Line: World Building = thin as rice paper.
What really irks me isn't the cultural appropriation, the horrible messages and morals, or the cardboard characters. No, what really gets me is that the author seems to posses genuine talent and ability, but squanders it with romantic plot tumors, YA cliches, and pandering to love-sick fourteen year olds; all the the detriment of the novel.
If that were the end of it; I would still dislike, but not hate this novel. What pushes me over is how anyone could call this bold, innovative, well written, or possibly award worthy!
Bottom Line: don't waste your time. If you want so good fantasy in a none standard setting checkout Saladin Ahmed's The Throne of the Crescent Moon, instead. You'll be glad you did.
19 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Amazon Customer
- 03-07-2018
So much potential wasted..
Oh my god I hate the progression in this book. The main character is a girl with the power of light which is unique to only her but she is so painfully stupid she totally ruins this book for me. She is a train operative but her automatic instinct is to use her power which reveals her identity when she is supposedly trying to keep a low profile. So many parts of this book are molded to fit the storyline but the writer doesn't seem to have a seamless way to bring it together without making all the characters look naive, ignorant idiots. I pray the second book is better than this first one because the world building and intrigue that is developed in this world is really interesting
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Najima Rainey
- 09-06-2015
Mediocre
While I liked the world of the story, I think it would have been better told from an omniscient narrator's perspective because the main protagonist isn't particularly like able.
She makes a lot of mistakes but never seems to learn from them. She's suspicious of everyone EXCEPT the bad guys. It's like being inside the head of an acerbic, self obsessed kid, who spends the whole time complaining. An experience not worth repeating for the 2nd or 3rd book.
18 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Book Gobbler
- 04-12-2012
Enjoyable And Oh So Entertaining!
Would you listen to Shadow and Bone again? Why?
I would listen to this book again because it was pure entertainment.
What other book might you compare Shadow and Bone to and why?
I would compare this book to Divergent.
What does Lauren Fortgang bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
She has a way of bringing the characters to life with creative and interesting accents that I don't think I wouldn't have come up with in my head.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The whole book came together so well it's difficult to pick out one thing. However, I will say it was pleasing to see the development and maturity of the characters as the book progressed.
Any additional comments?
This is a very good book and I am amazed that a first time writer could deliver this kind of product. I was really captured by the story and can't wait for the next installment. I highly recommend this book.
31 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Barry P. Press
- 21-02-2013
Enjoyable Fantasy with an Excellent Narrator
I listened to 'Shadow and Bone' during a long drive, and I was happy with my purchase. This fantasy novel was an enjoyable listen, and I will probably also get the sequel. Lauren Fortgang did an excellent job with the narration, and this story has appeal from teenagers to adults. A very likeable protagonist, and pretty good supporting characters... The ending is somewhat of a cliff-hanger, and the plot had me guessing at times.
Although I definitely recommend this book, I felt that it borrowed a lot from an earlier (and superior) novel entitled "Daughter of Smoke and Bone". Still, this is fantasy fun so my critique is fairly minor. Shadow and Bone is well worth a listen - if you enjoy this genre.
33 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Katherine R.
- 19-07-2018
ugh
I don't think I've ever been so disappointed in a book. I was so excited when I started reading it, and the story just got worst and more predictable. There's a lot of books that I've predicted but the outcome still make it fun, but not like this one. Plain characters and I think the villain was the only one I kind of like, but at some point they were a disaster too. Idk what made me finish this book but it wasn't cause it was good. so disappointed. Dont know if I'll read the rest.
17 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Scott
- 17-01-2015
Arrrgh, I can't take any more. Please make it stop
I was duped by all the 4 star reviews. Here is, in my estimation, what someone interested in listing to this story should know.
1. The antagonist/part time love interest (cliché anyone?) of the "heroine" is named The Darkling. Enough said.
2. After 5 hours the author finally gets to the plot twist (a.k.a. the point of the story so far). Seriously I could have listened to the first 30-40 minutes, skipped to the 5 hour mark, and not missed anything of significance!
3. From the publisher's summary: "Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh." Learned about this in the first hour of the story, and it lasted about 10 minutes. This was the best part of the 5 hours I made it through, and was mediocre at best.
4. Also from publisher's summary "Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves her life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling." THIS IS THE NEXT 4.5 HOURS, or roughly 1/2 of the book!!! Her failure at training (which the author does not give any inkling as to why she is failing, she just is) is over an hour long. Later it is revealed that her block was self-imposed. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Oh, and by the way, her "super power" (spoiler alert) is creating light. Ultimately this was 5 hours of white noise, and is where I cry off. At this rate would take 10-20 books to complete the story. I am done.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Annette
- 08-07-2013
Interesting YA Fantasy Debut
I picked up this book for its fantasy elements – Shadow and Bone introduces us to a divided country called Ravka, besieged by the myth and magic. Leigh Bardugo’s vision for Ravka felt wonderfully cohesive – with Russian sounding place names and slang, and good explanations were offered for the Shadow Fold and other anomalies.
Alina’s ‘narration’ was full of personality and wit, and terms like “miserable oaf” leap off the page. I liked Alina although at times she lacked confidence. Mal’s character was initially presented as a womaniser and it wasn’t until the last third of the novel that I started to warm up to him.
The storyline throws you a few curveballs, which was a great surprise. These stopped the story from coming across as too sedate (despite it’s slow, plodding pace) and leant depth to the novel. I enjoyed the hints of romance and the scattering of action sequences, but it was the lack of certainty which really kept me on my toes.
I am interested to see where the sequel will take us. My ‘stab-in-the-dark’ prediction: Siege and Storm will somehow feature the King’s second son who was off training in the army during the events of Shadow and Bone…
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 19-03-2019
Not bad
A good beginning and a promising setting, but the characters are a bit feeble and something was lacking. I thought this book might be a complete disaster on the first half but I still managed to come through to the end and my impression has improved a bit. If you're looking for some light romance, then this might be to your taste.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Emma (Star Crossed Reviews)
- 28-12-2018
great start to the series
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this via Netgalley but I actually read (listened) to this on audible. I sign up to a lot of blog tours and I end up pausing some books half way through so I can meet blog tour deadlines (totally going to be more organised next year) but I have found I can listen to books while I do other things like getting ready for work, driving, washing up etc so I actually listened to this one instead of reading the netgalley copy. I was actually going to listen to Six of Crows as it had a full cast but I found out that the two series were related and this book was chronologically first. A lot of people said it was fine to listen to Six of Crows first but I'm a bit of stickler for that sort of thing so I went for this book (and the rest of the trilogy first) I am actually glad I did it that way round because there's a lot of world building that is in Shadow and Bone which I think you are expected to know when you read Six of Crows. I found Alina a realistic character for one in such a made-up world. She is your average girl. There's nothing special about her. She is in love with her best friend who doesn't realise it and carries out her day to day chores and roles. I know a lot of people don't like Alina but I found her character intriguing because she was such an average girl before she discovers that she's actually grisha. Once Alina's true identity is discovered she meets The Darkling. Essentially the leader of the grisha. I had a love-hate relationship with The Darkling. There is something so appealing about him that you want to like him but you just know you shouldn't. He's also a great character to quote. Leigh did an amazing job with the world building in this book. I believe it is inspired by Russian history. I am not big on history but Leigh did such a good job of pulling me into the world that it really didn't matter. Everything you need to know Leigh will tell you. Piece by piece. This was a great start to the series that will have you gasping in shock, sitting on the edge of your seat in suspense and screaming in anger. As soon as I finished this one I had to start Siege and Storm because I knew I had to be back with these characters again.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sam Lucas
- 18-05-2018
Pretty good but narration was weird
Very interesting world and captivating plot but at times was predictable. The Narration was weird sometimes couldn't tell when the protagonist was speaking or thinking as the narrator used the same voice. Sometimes had strange moments where they sounded like a different recording partway through narration like it's been edited. Also found it strange that a lot of the characters from the same country spoke with American accents (often the main characters) but some of the people then spoke with Eastern European accents and a lot of the words sounded Eastern European. The narrator should have gone all the way with the accents or not at all. Don't get me wrong I would read this again but I wouldn't listen to it again. I would still recommend it.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Terri Woods
- 23-10-2019
A great start to a series
The perfect narrator for such a fantastical story, Miss Fortgang gives life to not only Alina's voice but to the whole cast, I don't think I can imagine them soundig any other way now. As for the book itself, its been a long time since I've been so pushed to find out what happened next but with Shadow and Bone I simply could not devour it quick enough. The world is oddly realistic and enchanting, the characters complex and interesting. I'm looking forward to reading more from Leigh Bardugo.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 21-06-2018
Good story but performance was missing something.
I enjoyed the story...I think. I felt that the reading was lacking. I think a story that has such action needed a more dramatic reading.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rae Seak
- 25-07-2018
Great narrative and voice.
Really enjoy the story. Was hoping that each character to portray in a suitable voice or sound.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ms. G. Sneesby
- 10-01-2021
Not your average love triangle
I was a little bit put off when the protagonist declared feelings for a childhood sweetheart, only for a dark handsome stranger to appear and catch her eye. ‘Here we go’ I thought another who’s she gonna pick. But actually the descriptions of their interactions put me firmly in her mind and I wasn’t sure who I’d pick either. But then the rest of the book happens! I liked it, interesting to set it in a sort of Russia type place but with magic. I look forward to book 2 and the tv adaptation
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kathy
- 30-12-2020
A Wonderfully Constructed World
Bardugo has created an intriguing and absorbing world. I loved the imagery of the Little Palace and the Grisha and the magic system was interesting too. The romance elements were predictable but not awful and the story kept my attention well after the first couple of chapters. Alina, the protagonist, was a fairly standard YA young female lead but enjoyable none the less. I hope to learn more about the world and it's magic in the next book. The narrator's performance was well done and complimented the story being told.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- sacha Thorne
- 27-12-2020
Would recommend
I listened to this book in a day I was hocked on the story. There where parts where I wanted to put it down but overall it was good.
16 Best Audiobooks by Aboriginal Authors
Across genres, there’s no shortage of brilliant titles from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers of Australia.



25 Best Celebrity Audiobooks
It’s always a pleasant surprise to pick up a familiar story and find an unexpected famous friend in the narrator’s booth.



Best Audiobooks of 2020
We've crunched the numbers, heard from our listeners and gotten expert opinions to round up the best listens of 2020.


