Reviews: Shadow & Bone, A Monster Calls

I’ve recently decided that, instead of doing an End of Year Book Review which is both a hassle to write on my end and a hassle for you to read because it’s obnoxiously long, I’m going to review the books as I read them so that they are more fresh in my mind and more accessible to you, the invisible reader. I’ll start, I think, by reviewing the most recent books I’ve read and going back from there in reverse order. I’ll start with 2 today. I will do my best to give no spoilers.

CAUTION: I’m not the best reviewer of books, but hopefully I’ll get better in time. 

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Anyone looking for a Russian fantasy? This book is set in its own country of Ravka with certain people called Grisha being magicians of sorts who are highly regarded in the society. Along with that, there is a dangerous divide between the two parts of the country called the Shadow Fold that is almost impossible to cross due to the beasts within. Alina is a poor orphan who is discovered to be a Grisha much later than normal, and not only that but her powers are, you guessed it, unique. Suddenly, the most powerful people in the kingdom take an interest in her and her childhood friend, Mal, is left behind.

The set-up is good, though not without a few forgivable clichés. Being a reader of many fantasy books, I learned a long time ago that its not whether a book borrows ideas, but whether it steals (or makes the idea or concepts their own). The magic within the world has its original concepts and adds some tweaks to it that make it feel unique. I enjoyed the fact that some minor characters had personality to them and were treated as if they could be major characters, given the chance. The main characters had their flaws, but I never got upset at their way of thinking; it didn’t feel forced. Another part I enjoyed was that the final romantic interest of this book wasn’t always clear, even if at times it appeared to be. And speaking of endings, I’m also glad that I didn’t see the twists near the end coming.

This being an honest book review, I don’t mind speaking of flaws either. I enjoyed the romance and I enjoyed the characters, but at no point was I moved emotionally in a strong way. Don’t get me wrong, the book had good moments, but I know what it is to be emotionally invested in a book or a series and this book hasn’t managed it. Now, it’s part of a trilogy, as is the popular thing these days in YA fiction, but that doesn’t excuse it; I know books that achieve it. Also, I sort of wish there was more details to it, more moments to revel in that were detailed out; some details are more glossed over without detailed descriptions.

So what are you looking for in a book? If you’re searching for the next thing literary critics will be talking about, this isn’t it. Most books have good and bad and the battles between them, but fantasy primarily stretches the imagination and attempts to open the door to a different reality to make you think. That this book fulfills. In the end, I enjoyed this book thoroughly and I am looking forward to the sequel.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

This next review is short and so is the book. Patrick Ness is the great writer of one of my favorite trilogies ever, The Chaos Walking Trilogy. Content-wise, this book is nothing like those books, primarily because it is set it modern day reality. This book deals with a 13-year-old English boy whose mother is sick and the troubles this boy goes through both with his family and at school and how it takes a monster visiting him to help him face his fears. The concept is fresh and the execution is terrific. This is a book that mixes visuals with the literature to a wonderful effect. I admire any writer’s willingness to effectively implement art into his or her book. This book is a short and powerful read that leaves you with life lessons. It took me about 4 hours to read and I read it straight. For what this book seeks to do, it achieves it effectively and convincingly and it’s hard to find fault in it. And speaking of books that pull at the heartstrings, this does it. Find the book and read it. Or ask me to lend it to you if you’re nearby.