
Shadow and Bone
by Leigh Bardugo1 of 3
Shadow and Bone is a gripping epic fantasy that transports readers to the war-torn nation of Ravka, a world inspired by Tsarist Russia where magic and science collide. Alina Starkov, an orphaned mapmaker, discovers she possesses a legendary power that could finally destroy the Shadow Fold—a terrifying strip of darkness filled with monsters. As she is whisked away to the royal court to train with the Grisha, the country's magical elite, Alina must navigate a world of opulence, political intrigue, and the magnetic pull of the Darkling, their mysterious leader.
This novel is perfect for teens who love immersive world-building and high-stakes adventure. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in stories about finding one's inner strength and the complexities of power. Fans of the Netflix series or those looking for a rich, atmospheric fantasy with a touch of romance will find themselves captivated by Alina's journey from an expendable soldier to a beacon of hope for her nation.
Highlights:
- A unique, Russian-inspired fantasy world known as the Grishaverse.
- A compelling chosen-one narrative with a relatable, growing protagonist.
- Intense action, political maneuvering, and complex character relationships.
- The first book in a bestselling trilogy that explores the cost of magic and ambition.

Siege and Storm
by Leigh Bardugo2 of 3
In Siege and Storm, the high-stakes sequel to Shadow and Bone, Alina Starkov finds herself hunted across the True Sea. As the Sun Summoner, she carries the weight of a nation on her shoulders, but her growing power comes with a heavy price. This epic fantasy adventure is perfect for readers who love immersive world-building, complex magic systems, and characters forced to make impossible choices between love and duty. Fans of the Netflix series will enjoy diving deeper into the Grishaverse as Alina enlists the help of a charismatic privateer to lead an army against the encroaching darkness.
Leigh Bardugo crafts a story filled with political intrigue and emotional depth, making it an ideal choice for teens and young adults interested in dark fantasy and high-stakes romance. As Alina slips further into a deadly game of forbidden magic, she must confront the Darkling's obsession and her own humanity. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy stories about finding one's strength in the face of overwhelming odds and the sacrifices required to save a kingdom.
Highlights:
- Introduces fan-favorite character Nikolai Lantsov, the daring privateer.
- Explores the moral complexities of power and the burden of leadership.
- Features a high-stakes romance and intense magical battles.
- Expands the rich, Russian-inspired world of the Grishaverse.

Ruin and Rising
by Leigh Bardugo3 of 3
In the breathtaking conclusion to the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the fate of Ravka hangs in the balance. Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner, is broken and hiding deep underground while the Darkling rules from his shadow throne. To save her country and defeat the darkness once and for all, Alina must lead a desperate band of allies on a quest for the third of Morozova’s amplifiers: the legendary firebird. This epic finale is perfect for readers who love high-stakes magical warfare, intricate world-building, and stories where the line between hero and saint is blurred.
Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse comes to life with emotional depth and pulse-pounding action, making it an ideal choice for fans of Six of Crows or Divergent. As Alina grapples with the cost of power and the weight of her destiny, readers will be swept away by the rich, Russian-inspired setting and the complex relationships that define this series. It is a great choice for teens and young adults looking for a sophisticated fantasy epic that explores the true meaning of sacrifice and the burden of leadership.
Highlights:
- The thrilling conclusion to the original Shadow and Bone Trilogy.
- Immersive world-building within the fan-favorite Grishaverse.
- High-stakes conflict featuring powerful magic and political intrigue.
- Deeply developed characters and a poignant, high-stakes romance.
- Explores complex moral themes of power, corruption, and redemption.
