"Shadow and bone"
By Claire Chang Feb. 12, 2025
In the kingdom of Ravka, light and darkness collide in an unending battle taking place in a fantasy novel “Shadow and Bone,” by Leigh Bardugo. At its heart is Alina Starkov, a young woman thrust into the world of the Grisha—the magical elite—who discovers her rare ability to summon light, holding potential to save the kingdom from the terrifying Shadow Fold, a vast region of darkness that divides the kingdom in half. Asides from confronting her internal power, she is forced to see beyond the deception that nearly fooled her into helping the charming Darkling, who has an insatiable hunger for power.
Although Alina starts off as an orphan and an exceptional mapmaker, she is whisked away to the King’s palace to receive training for her newfound powers and become Ravka’s savior. From the lavish splendor of the castle to the haste of the maids, I followed Alina as her newfound status and initial challenge to summon her power left her feeling out of place. Her vulnerability resonated with me, as she wrestled with her own self-doubt while striving to meet expectations. As she gradually develops confidence, trusts her instincts and embraces her strength, Alina’s growth reminds us that we as individuals have the ability to grow, change and take control of our own lives.
At first, the Darkling appears as a guide for Alina’s potential, but when his dangerous ambition to destroy the kingdom comes to light, layers of menace are added to his character. His charm becomes a mask for his true intentions, sending a chill down my spine upon realization that he was simply treating Alina as a pawn in his quest for ultimate power.
The Shadow Fold is not only mysterious and dangerous; it also stands as a metaphor for the darkness and uncertainty that Alina and the kingdom must confront. The danger of the Fold mirrors Alina’s self doubt as she grapples with her abilities, but feels unworthy of the power given to her.
While Bardugo creates an immersive and intricately constructed realm, the plot feels predictable and reminiscent of other fantasy tropes. Despite this mediocre aspect, Alina's character arc triumphed over how the events unfolded and her progression and purpose made this piece still worth the read.
About the Contributors
Claire Chang is a junior at Leland High School, and she is the Investigative Report page editor and on the media team for her second year in journalism. When she is not chatting with her friends, she can be found crafting photo collages, working out or listening to music.
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