Shadow and Bone

The first in the Grisha trilogy introduces the once great nation of Ravka, which is slowly being engulfed by the mysterious Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness. Orphan Alina lives a quiet life working as a trainee cartographer, until a dangerous journey through the Fold exposes her unique and remarkable powers, and transforms her life forever. Parted from her beloved childhood friend Mal, and thrust into the lavish, elegant and confusing world of the kingdom's magical elite, the Grisha, who are led by the powerful and charismatic Darkling, Alina struggles to understand and control her new abilities.

Gradually, she realises that those around her believe that she may be the key to banishing the Shadow Fold for good, and setting Ravka free. But how can she unlock the full power of her gift - and what does the Darkling have planned for her?

In this richly-imagined and beautifully-written novel, Leigh Bardugo has created a vivid fantasy world drawing on Russian traditions and folklore. With unexpected twists and turns, and plenty of action and romance, this is a pacy and exciting adventure, but also a multi-layered story of self-discovery, with an intelligent and compelling heroine in Alina.

[This book was previously published under the title The Gathering Dark.]