Shadow and Bone

“Shadow and Bone” introduces readers to a richly imaginative world with a captivating magic system, marking a promising debut for Leigh Bardugo. However, the novel struggles with pacing; about 40% of the book feels bogged down by slow-moving plots and extraneous details that may detract from the overall experience. The narrative is steeped in a distinctly young adult flavor, particularly in how quickly characters develop romantic relationships, which might not appeal to all readers. For those intrigued by the premise but wary of these issues, the television adaptation offers a more engaging alternative, trimming the fluff and enhancing the pacing to better suit the story's strengths.