Shadow and Bone
4/5
()
About this ebook
See the Grishaverse come to life on screen with the Netflix series, Shadow and Bone -- Season 2 streaming now!
Discover the adventure that started it all and meet Alina, Mal, and the Darkling in Shadow and Bone from #1 bestselling author, Leigh Bardugo.
Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Orphaned and expendable, Alina Starkov is a soldier who knows she may not survive her first trek across the Shadow Fold—a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic not even she knew she possessed.
Now Alina will enter a lavish world of royalty and intrigue as she trains with the Grisha, her country’s magical military elite—and falls under the spell of their notorious leader, the Darkling. He believes Alina can summon a force capable of destroying the Shadow Fold and reuniting their war-ravaged country, but only if she can master her untamed gift.
As the threat to the kingdom mounts and Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten all she loves and the very future of a nation.
Welcome to Ravka . . . a world of science and superstition where nothing is what it seems.
A New York Times Bestseller
A Los Angeles Times Bestseller
An Indie Next List Book
This title has Common Core connections.
Read all the books in the Grishaverse!
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy
(previously published as The Grisha Trilogy)
Shadow and Bone
Siege and Storm
Ruin and Rising
The Six of Crows Duology
Six of Crows
Crooked Kingdom
The King of Scars Duology
King of Scars
Rule of Wolves
The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic
The Severed Moon: A Year-Long Journal of Magic
The Lives of Saints
Demon in the Wood Graphic Novel
Praise for the Grishaverse
“A master of fantasy.” —The Huffington Post
“Utterly, extremely bewitching.” —The Guardian
Editor's Note
Enter the Grishaverse…
“Shadow and Bone” plays plenty of tropes straight — it features a literal battle between light and dark, and two childhood best friends, Alina and Mal, who have romantic eyes for no one but each other — but that’s really part of what makes it so unputdownable. The twists and turns come quick and ramp up fast, and you’re always left needing to know how Alina and Mal will manage to get out of their current jam.
Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and the creator of the Grishaverse (now a Netflix series) which spans the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, The Language of Thorns, and the King of Scars duology—with more to come. Her other works include Wonder Woman: Warbringer and Ninth House (Goodreads Choice Winner for Best Fantasy 2019). She lives in Los Angeles and is an Associate Fellow of Pauli Murray College at Yale University.
Read more from Leigh Bardugo
Miss Marple Mysteries
Related to Shadow and Bone
Titles in the series (3)
Shadow and Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Siege and Storm Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ruin and Rising Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related ebooks
Siege and Storm Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ruin and Rising Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Six of Crows Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5King of Scars Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Crooked Kingdom: A Sequel to Six of Crows Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Rule of Wolves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Red Queen Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Cursed Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5These Violent Delights Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Legendborn Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Summary of The Lives of Saints by Leigh Bardugo Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5To Kill a Kingdom Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dance of Thieves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Scythe Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Hazel Wood: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Caraval Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Wicked Deep Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5We Hunt the Flame Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Endgame: The Calling Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Queen of the Tearling: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Starless Sea: A Novel by Erin Morgenstern: Conversation Starters Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Cinder: Book One of the Lunar Chronicles Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Heartless Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Thief Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Our Violent Ends Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sky in the Deep Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Night Country: A Hazel Wood Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
YA Fantasy For You
Shatter Me Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Ignite Me Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Once Upon a Broken Heart Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Destroy Me Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Giver: A Newbery Award Winner Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Soul as Cold as Frost: The Winter Souls Series, #1 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Hobbit Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Red Queen Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Shadows Between Us Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Wizard of Earthsea Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Selection Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Caraval Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5City of Ashes Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Crooked Kingdom: A Sequel to Six of Crows Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bone Witch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dance of Thieves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Monster: A Printz Award Winner Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Legendborn Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Sorcery of Thorns Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Legendary: A Caraval Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Little Prince: New Translation by Richard Mathews with Restored Original Art Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Finale: A Caraval Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Rule of Wolves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Bloodmarked Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Heartless Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Alanna: The First Adventure Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Foul Lady Fortune Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Winter's Promise Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for Shadow and Bone
1,069 ratings199 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I was so scared going into this because of all the mixed reviews, and I am so happy to say that this book worked out very well for me. In fact, it worked out so well that it is now going on my "favorites" shelf. I didn't expect it to be a single first person narrative, but I found myself enjoying that it was. Alina's point of view was perfect for telling the story. An orphan who never felt as she belonged anywhere was basically thrown into a whole new world. The way she was trying to navigate that new world, grudgingly, was quite hilarious to read at times. I also thought that she had the perfect amount of a whiny teenager in her - she wasn't good at anything, but she tried; she whined and cried and complained, but in the end she always sucked it up and did what was asked of her. And she was blunt and sassy! So what if she acted vain when she got to enjoy a hot bath by herself, or when a beautiful silk dress was made for her. For an orphan and an army girl that can be completely pardoned. I found the Grisha world to be absolutely fascinating, and I did feel that the book needed more explaining on how Grisha work their magic! But since this is a trilogy I am giving it a benefit of a doubt and hoping for more information from the next 2 books. All of the Slavic cultural references warmed my soul. However I found it funny at times how some words (mostly Russian) were taken and turned into a different word for a ravkan language. I heard some people say that the pace was slow, and the events were dull, but I didn't feel that way at all, I guess it's all the matter of a perspective. For a moment there I was afraid that it was turning into an insta-love story, but no, thank goodness it didn't take that route. The Darkling turned out to be a very fascinating character, his persona and his power were mystique and bad-ass. But as of this point I don't like him much - to me he seems like an ancient evil creature who likes to seduce young girls to get what he wants. BUT, I can tell that there is more to him, and that the human in him is still there (deep,deep,deep down) so I foresee some kind of redemption for him in my eyes. Also that twist - pretty darn good, I was just as surprised as Alina herself. If there were problems with this book, I didn't notice, for I was so entranced with the beautiful and witty writing. And I am also afraid at this point that Bardugo can do no wrong in my eyes, so my points of view on her books are becoming quite biased.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Not your typical coming-of-age story by a long shot, this tale takes place in an alternate world. Alina and Mal grow up as best friends in an orphanage, but life takes them in different directions when they are older. Though Mal has talents as a tracker, Alina has a special power. This book, the first in a trilogy, follows their paths as they separate and they cross again. Of course, there is a powerful villain who causes much trouble not only for Alina and Mal, but also for the world he is trying to conquer. Action-packed with a touch of romance, this novel will keep you turning pages. The author does a good job of world-building and of setting up the next book in the series.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I LOVED this book and I couldn't stop reading it although I had a huge exam today!! My heart stopped when the Darkling put the collar around Alina's neck but thank gods she found a way out. It reminded me of the scene in Queen of Shadows where Arobynn put the ring on Aelin's finger and I had a heart attack... I honestly thought she was going to be controlled by his forever... I also thought Mal was going to die and I'm so glad he didn't. Although I don't love him as a character yet (I certainly don't dislike him. it's just that I feel he hasn't developed much as a character) but I can't wait to get to know more about him in the next book. At first I shipped Alina with the Darkling because I thought they would make a great couple with both of them being extremely powerful Grishas and MY HEART WAS SHATTERED IN PIECES WHEN THE TRUTH WAS REVEALED!! Darkling, how dare you betray me like that!! I believed in you!! Even though I knew you would turn out to be a villain!! I still don't own the second book and I'm going to go insane if I don't get it soon!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I read this book super fast. I literally could not put it down. I loved the main character, Alina, so much and despite the fact that the book is written in first person (which is sometimes a turn off for me and very rarely results in me becoming attached to any character), I stayed engaged for the entire novel.The action is ongoing, the relationships between Alina and the Darkling and Alina and Mal are complex and the mystery of the Fold along with the politics in her country, make the story intriguing.This is the first book in a trilogy and I will definitely be reading the others in this series.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It this is the first and it is as good as I thought it would be, can't wait for the other two !!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Rounding up from 4.5 stars :)
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Summary: Alina grew up with Mal, two orphans in the Duke's household. Now that they're older, they've both joined the army - Mal as a tracker, and Alina as an assistant cartographer, neither nearly as powerful or important as the Grisha with their magic abilities. Alina has started to see Mal as something more than just a lifelong friend, but he remains oblivious. Together, their regiment is sent across the Shadow Fold - a strip of unnatural darkness populated by terrible monsters, that cuts the country of Ravka off from the sea. When the monsters attack, in order to save Mal, Alina unleashes a great power - the ability to summon light - that she didn't know she possessed. As this ability is extraordinarily rare, Alina is spirited away from her regiment and taken to the royal court, where she will be trained as a Grisha. The Darkling - the mysterious man in charge of the Grisha - is particularly interested in her training, and Alina finds herself strangely attracted to him... feelings which he, unlike Mal, seems to return. But as Alina gains more and more control of her power, and becomes more and more attracted to the Darkling, she learns that all is not what it seems in Ravka, and the secrets she discovers have the potential to destroy not only those Alina loves, but the country itself.Review: Although the a lot of the blurbs on the covers talk about how unique and original this book is, I didn't entirely agree. On the one hand, I have not read much (any?) fantasy set in a Russian-inspired setting (except for Russian fairy tales, obviously). That element of the story, I really enjoyed. However, on a plot level, I found this book to be fairly predictable. Fun, and engaging enough to keep me reading, but not particularly original, compelling, or ultimately all that memorable. I had a pretty good handle on at least the broad strokes of the plot from pretty early on, both in terms of some of the emotional beats, but also in terms of what the "shocking" secrets and betrayals etc. that Alina uncovers were going to be. I did appreciate that even though this book is the first in a trilogy, it has a pretty good story arc all on its own. Towards the end it was looking like it was going to leave it on a cliffhanger, which is not out of keeping with the genre, but it wound up coming to a pretty satisfying conclusion. Not everything is resolved, of course (although the answers to some of the unresolved questions are pretty obvious; see above re: predictability), but there's enough sense of closure to make this book satisfying on its own. 3.5 out of 5 stars.Recommendation: I enjoyed this book well enough to be interested in reading the sequels, but not enough to move them to the top of my list. It's a solid entry into the (admittedly crowded) realm of YA fantasy trilogies, and the unique setting might give it a little bump if you're tired of medieval-European-based stories.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5In Ravka, there are two types of people - regular people, and Grisha who have special abilities such as healing, creating or controlling the physical environment. Alina and Mal are orphans who grew up together, and now serve in the first army - the king's human army. Until they are attacked, and Alina's special ability manifests itself, bringing her to the attention of the Darkling, the leader of the Grisha.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Fun read. I love the magic and the world building was great. Can’t wait to read book 2
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The storyline was well put. I loved all the twists and turns. Loved how the darkling came off one way and bam things change. I mean come on his name is a given. I definitely can’t wait to read the next book and see what Alina will experience next.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Entertaining. Good flow of action though the main character is, at times, annoying.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5One of my first reads from the YA fantasy genre, I really loved it but it would have been much better without the love triangle trope. The story is captivating & I loved the world building, it does have some slow parts but generally, the pacing was good.
Personally, I wished it had more grey areas. It is mostly good vs evil in a clear way & I love having some characters that are caught in between.
Anyways it was an enjoyable read and quickly finished the whole series. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Though I wasn't a huge fan at first of the sort of love-triangle feeling that began with the book, it quickly turned into something much darker. The whole world-building aspect of this first book was so grand, I can't wait to continue the rest of the series!
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5This is the first book I’ve read by Leigh Bardugo, and it was phenomenal. I now want to read every book she has out. This book has definitely joined my favorites!
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Crows were my favorite part of the TV series, and it was nice to gain further insight into the world I experienced first on Netflix.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I can't really say enough good things about Shadow and Bone. It has amazing characters, fascinating ideas and wonderful storytelling. And I loved the world building. The author really does some cool things with the "young people with super powers" genre, making it feel fresh and unique. I'm hooked, and starting book 2 as soon as possible.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Sorry to disappoint but this was the most YA book ever and not in a good way. Read Six of Crows instead.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5I have read this story a dozen times. Plucky "ugly" girl with hidden all-powerful talent to save the world from the (handsome and sexy) bad guy.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I just finished this book and I am very ready to read the sequel (darn library holds!). It actually took me a little while to get into the story, but about half-way through I was hooked. I am fascinated by this world and I very much want to know what is next for Alina and Mal.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5After telling myself not to read any more YA fantasy because there is so much out there where you wonder who thought it was worthy of publishing, the advert for this series looked interesting enough to make me pick up the first book. And rather to my surprise I enjoyed it quite a lot. It has the YA romance tropes but they are done in a bearable way. And there is enough of an interesting central fantasy plot to carry the reader along. And it is a very easy read along with that. I enjoyed it enough to get the 2nd book straight away.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Reread this book in a day lol, what can I say.Might be a little biased because it’s nostalgic for me, but I love all this universe even after reading the later books (which I will admit are better). Still, I’ll always have a soft spot for this book in particular and it’s imagery. If there’s one thing Leigh Bardugo can do well, it’s making words sound pretty together :)
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Pandemic read. I'd read another book by this author recently and liked it, so when I heard this has been opted by Netflix, I thought I might give it a try. Interesting story, and promising television watching in the future. I'll go on to read the next in the series.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A new spin on the fantasy worlds I've grown to love. It wasn't too dense and was surprisingly easy to follow, even with all the unique names for locations, skill sets, etc.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5Annoying to read. Whiny, over anxious, emotional main character who is still somehow the desire of every male character… dumb
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Cover: Stunning
Rating: 5 Stars
Overall: Beautifully written
Characters: Love them to bits!
Plot: Suddenly swept up into a world of danger and intrigue, Aline must find where she stands, and who she can trust.
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Source: Library
Review: Loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed this book every step of the way! Steamy romance, strong characters, and epic fighting, Shadow and Bone had it all! I wasn't sure about the book starting out, I had heard good things, but most were vague, so I wasn't sure what I was getting into! (And now I know why!) The less you know about this one, the better, as it's fun to discover the story along with Aline! - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Unrelated to this book, Goodreads was going to let me say I'd read it on Feburary 31st. THAT IS FANCY. Related to this book, I liked Alina an awful lot and I deeply regret not checking the sequel out yesterday because now I have to wait until next week to read it. Boo!
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This was pretty good. I liked Alina. Having the whole book in her first person point of view was actually nice because of it. The magic wasn't exactly different, but I did like the kind of structure to it and I like the names for everything. It wasn't just your old strange names with lots of apostrophes and confusion.
The plot was pretty interesting as well. I wasn't necessarily surprised by the twist but I hadn't be expecting it either so it was an interesting surprise.
All in all, a good book. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5What can I say? This book is impossible to put down. It was just really beautiful fantasy. Shadow and Bone has a great heroine, nice world building, terrific use of magic and fast paced action. What more can you ask of a fantasy? Oh, yeah, pronounceable names (although that does seem to be the trademark of good fantasy). I can't believe I left this book sitting on my TBR pile for so long. What's worse is I don't have the second book in my possession!
Oh well, I guess that'll be something to look forward to. In the meantime, I suggest you pick this book up and give it a try. - Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I enjoyed this book for a quick easy read. It isn't the best YA I've read but I did like reading it. I thought the world was very interesting though I'm not sure I fully understand all of it yet. I'm also not wholly taken with the main characters at the moment but I definitely hate the main villain which does make the story a bit more compelling. I own the next two books so I'm sure I'll pick them up soon because I am curious about where the story is going but while I did enjoy this book it felt very much like set up for the next book. I wasn't entirely always interested in the plot of this book for that reason. There was a lot of exposition and while it was interesting to read about this world I felt like I was waiting for the climax thorough the whole book. Overall I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes and I hope I like the characters a bit more in the next book.
- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5DNF.
I was bored by Alina because of the narrative voice sounds like that kinda YA protagonist first person POV (know it when you see it), but I loved Six Of Crows and wanted to continue on before the Netflix show came out. But I DNF'd when Alina thought she couldn't be Grisha because she's not pretty enough because she has brown hair and brown eyes. It was then I learned Emma Watson and Natalie Portman aren't pretty.
Book preview
Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo
CHAPTER 1
STANDING ON THE EDGE of a crowded road, I looked down onto the rolling fields and abandoned farms of the Tula Valley and got my first glimpse of the Shadow Fold. My regiment was two weeks’ march from the military encampment at Poliznaya and the autumn sun was warm overhead, but I shivered in my coat as I eyed the haze that lay like a dirty smudge on the horizon.
A heavy shoulder slammed into me from behind. I stumbled and nearly pitched face-first into the muddy road.
Hey!
shouted the soldier. Watch yourself!
Why don’t you watch your fat feet?
I snapped, and took some satisfaction from the surprise that came over his broad face. People, particularly big men carrying big rifles, don’t expect lip from a scrawny thing like me. They always look a bit dazed when they get it.
The soldier got over the novelty quickly and gave me a dirty look as he adjusted the pack on his back, then disappeared into the caravan of horses, men, carts, and wagons streaming over the crest of the hill and into the valley below.
I quickened my steps, trying to peer over the crowd. I’d lost sight of the yellow flag of the surveyors’ cart hours ago, and I knew I was far behind.
As I walked, I took in the green and gold smells of the autumn wood, the soft breeze at my back. We were on the Vy, the wide road that had once led all the way from Os Alta to the wealthy port cities on Ravka’s western coast. But that was before the Shadow Fold.
Somewhere in the crowd, someone was singing. Singing? What idiot is singing on his way into the Fold? I glanced again at that smudge on the horizon and had to suppress a shudder. I’d seen the Shadow Fold on many maps, a black slash that had severed Ravka from its only coastline and left it landlocked. Sometimes it was shown as a stain, sometimes as a bleak and shapeless cloud. And then there were the maps that just showed the Shadow Fold as a long, narrow lake and labeled it by its other name, the Unsea,
a name intended to put soldiers and merchants at their ease and encourage crossings.
I snorted. That might fool some fat merchant, but it was little comfort to me.
I tore my attention from the sinister haze hovering in the distance and looked down onto the ruined farms of the Tula. The valley had once been home to some of Ravka’s richest estates. One day it was a place where farmers tended crops and sheep grazed in green fields. The next, a dark slash had appeared on the landscape, a swath of nearly impenetrable darkness that grew with every passing year and crawled with horrors. Where the farmers had gone, their herds, their crops, their homes and families, no one knew.
Stop it, I told myself firmly. You’re only making things worse. People have been crossing the Fold for years … usually with massive casualties, but all the same. I took a deep breath to steady myself.
No fainting in the middle of the road,
said a voice close to my ear as a heavy arm landed across my shoulders and gave me a squeeze. I looked up to see Mal’s familiar face, a smile in his bright blue eyes as he fell into step beside me. C’mon,
he said. One foot in front of the other. You know how it’s done.
You’re interfering with my plan.
Oh really?
Yes. Faint, get trampled, grievous injuries all around.
That sounds like a brilliant plan.
Ah, but if I’m horribly maimed, I won’t be able to cross the Fold.
Mal nodded slowly. I see. I can shove you under a cart if that would help.
I’ll think about it,
I grumbled, but I felt my mood lifting all the same. Despite my best efforts, Mal still had that effect on me. And I wasn’t the only one. A pretty blond girl strolled by and waved, throwing Mal a flirtatious glance over her shoulder.
Hey, Ruby,
he called. See you later?
Ruby giggled and scampered off into the crowd. Mal grinned broadly until he caught my eye roll.
What? I thought you liked Ruby.
As it happens, we don’t have much to talk about,
I said drily. I actually had liked Ruby—at first. When Mal and I left the orphanage at Keramzin to train for our military service in Poliznaya, I’d been nervous about meeting new people. But lots of girls had been excited to befriend me, and Ruby had been among the most eager. Those friendships lasted as long as it took me to figure out that their only interest in me lay in my proximity to Mal.
Now I watched him stretch his arms expansively and turn his face up to the autumn sky, looking perfectly content. There was even, I noted with some disgust, a little bounce in his step.
What is wrong with you?
I whispered furiously.
Nothing,
he said, surprised. I feel great.
But how can you be so … so jaunty?
Jaunty? I’ve never been jaunty. I hope never to be jaunty.
Well, then what’s all this?
I asked, waving a hand at him. You look like you’re on your way to a really good dinner instead of possible death and dismemberment.
Mal laughed. You worry too much. The King’s sent a whole group of Grisha pyros to cover the skiffs, and even a few of those creepy Heartrenders. We have our rifles,
he said, patting the one on his back. We’ll be fine.
A rifle won’t make much difference if there’s a bad attack.
Mal gave me a bemused glance. What’s with you lately? You’re even grumpier than usual. And you look terrible.
Thanks,
I groused. I haven’t been sleeping well.
What else is new?
He was right, of course. I’d never slept well. But it had been even worse over the last few days. Saints knew I had plenty of good reasons to dread going into the Fold, reasons shared by every member of our regiment who had been unlucky enough to be chosen for the crossing. But there was something else, a deeper feeling of unease that I couldn’t quite name.
I glanced at Mal. There had been a time when I could have told him anything. I just … have this feeling.
Stop worrying so much. Maybe they’ll put Mikhael on the skiff. The volcra will take one look at that big juicy belly of his and leave us alone.
Unbidden, a memory came to me: Mal and I, sitting side by side in a chair in the Duke’s library, flipping through the pages of a large leather-bound book. We’d happened on an illustration of a volcra: long, filthy claws; leathery wings; and rows of razor-sharp teeth for feasting on human flesh. They were blind from generations spent living and hunting in the Fold, but legend had it they could smell human blood from miles away. I’d pointed to the page and asked, What is it holding?
I could still hear Mal’s whisper in my ear. I think—I think it’s a foot.
We’d slammed the book shut and run squealing out into the safety of the sunlight …
Without realizing it, I’d stopped walking, frozen in place, unable to shake the memory from my mind. When Mal realized I wasn’t with him, he gave a great beleaguered sigh and marched back to me. He rested his hands on my shoulders and gave me a little shake.
I was kidding. No one’s going to eat Mikhael.
I know,
I said, staring down at my boots. You’re hilarious.
Alina, come on. We’ll be fine.
You can’t know that.
Look at me.
I willed myself to raise my eyes to his. I know you’re scared. I am, too. But we’re going to do this, and we’re going to be fine. We always are. Okay?
He smiled, and my heart gave a very loud thud in my chest.
I rubbed my thumb over the scar that ran across the palm of my right hand and took a shaky breath. Okay,
I said grudgingly, and I actually felt myself smiling back.
Madam’s spirits have been restored!
Mal shouted. The sun can once more shine!
Oh will you shut up?
I turned to give him a punch, but before I could, he’d grabbed hold of me and lifted me off my feet. A clatter of hooves and shouts split the air. Mal yanked me to the side of the road just as a huge black coach roared past, scattering people before it as they ran to avoid the pounding hooves of four black horses. Beside the whip-wielding driver perched two soldiers in charcoal coats.
The Darkling. There was no mistaking his black coach or the uniform of his personal guard.
Another coach, this one lacquered red, rumbled past us at a more leisurely pace.
I looked up at Mal, my heart racing from the close call. Thanks,
I whispered. Mal suddenly seemed to realize that he had his arms around me. He let go and hastily stepped back. I brushed the dust from my coat, hoping he wouldn’t notice the flush on my cheeks.
A third coach rolled by, lacquered in blue, and a girl leaned out the window. She had curling black hair and wore a hat of silver fox. She scanned the watching crowd and, predictably, her eyes lingered on Mal.
You were just mooning over him, I chided myself. Why shouldn’t some gorgeous Grisha do the same?
Her lips curled into a small smile as she held Mal’s gaze, watching him over her shoulder until the coach was out of sight. Mal goggled dumbly after her, his mouth slightly open.
Close your mouth before something flies in,
I snapped.
Mal blinked, still looking dazed.
Did you see that?
a voice bellowed. I turned to see Mikhael loping toward us, wearing an almost comical expression of awe. Mikhael was a huge redhead with a wide face and an even wider neck. Behind him, Dubrov, reedy and dark, hurried to catch up. They were both trackers in Mal’s unit and never far from his side.
Of course I saw it,
Mal said, his dopey expression evaporating into a cocky grin. I rolled my eyes.
She looked right at you!
shouted Mikhael, clapping Mal on the back.
Mal gave a casual shrug, but his smile widened. So she did,
he said smugly.
Dubrov shifted nervously. They say Grisha girls can put spells on you.
I snorted.
Mikhael looked at me as if he hadn’t even known I was there. Hey, Sticks,
he said, and gave me a little jab on the arm. I scowled at the nickname, but he had already turned back to Mal. You know she’ll be staying at camp,
he said with a leer.
I hear the Grisha tent’s as big as a cathedral,
added Dubrov.
Lots of nice shadowy nooks,
said Mikhael, and actually waggled his brows.
Mal whooped. Without sparing me another glance, the three of them strode off, shouting and shoving one another.
Great seeing you guys,
I muttered under my breath. I readjusted the strap of the satchel slung across my shoulders and started back down the road, joining the last few stragglers down the hill and into Kribirsk. I didn’t bother to hurry. I’d probably get yelled at when I finally made it to the Documents Tent, but there was nothing I could do about it now.
I rubbed my arm where Mikhael had punched me. Sticks. I hated that name. You didn’t call me Sticks when you were drunk on kvas and trying to paw me at the spring bonfire, you miserable oaf, I thought spitefully.
Kribirsk wasn’t much to look at. According to the Senior Cartographer, it had been a sleepy market town in the days before the Shadow Fold, little more than a dusty main square and an inn for weary travelers on the Vy. But now it had become a kind of ramshackle port city, growing up around a permanent military encampment and the dry-docks where the sandskiffs waited to take passengers through the darkness to West Ravka. I passed taverns and pubs and what I was pretty sure were brothels meant to cater to the troops of the King’s Army. There were shops selling rifles and crossbows, lamps and torches, all necessary equipment for a trek across the Fold. The little church with its whitewashed walls and gleaming onion domes was in surprisingly good repair. Or maybe not so surprising, I considered. Anyone contemplating a trip across the Shadow Fold would be smart to stop and pray.
I found my way to where the surveyors were billeted, deposited my pack on a cot, and hurried over to the Documents Tent. To my relief, the Senior Cartographer was nowhere in sight, and I was able to slip inside unseen.
Entering the white canvas tent, I felt myself relax for the first time since I’d caught sight of the Fold. The Documents Tent was essentially the same in every camp I’d seen, full of bright light and rows of drafting tables where artists and surveyors bent to their work. After the noise and jostle of the journey, there was something soothing about the crackle of paper, the smell of ink, and the soft scratching of nibs and brushes.
I pulled my sketchbook from my coat pocket and slid onto a workbench beside Alexei, who turned to me and whispered irritably, Where have you been?
Nearly getting trampled by the Darkling’s coach,
I replied, grabbing a clean piece of paper and flipping through my sketches to try to find a suitable one to copy. Alexei and I were both junior cartographers’ assistants and, as part of our training, we had to submit two finished sketches or renderings at the end of every day.
Alexei drew in a sharp breath. Really? Did you actually see him?
"Actually, I was too busy trying not to die."
There are worse ways to go.
He caught sight of the sketch of a rocky valley I was about to start copying. Ugh. Not that one.
He flipped through my sketchbook to an elevation of a mountain ridge and tapped it with his finger. There.
I barely had time to put pen to paper before the Senior Cartographer entered the tent and came swooping down the aisle, observing our work as he passed.
I hope that’s the second sketch you’re starting, Alina Starkov.
Yes,
I lied. Yes, it is.
As soon as the Cartographer had passed on, Alexei whispered, Tell me about the coach.
I have to finish my sketches.
Here,
he said in exasperation, sliding one of his sketches over to me.
He’ll know it’s your work.
It’s not that good. You should be able to pass it off as yours.
Now there’s the Alexei I know and tolerate,
I grumbled, but I didn’t give back the sketch. Alexei was one of the most talented assistants and he knew it.
Alexei extracted every last detail from me about the three Grisha coaches. I was grateful for the sketch, so I did my best to satisfy his curiosity as I finished up my elevation of the mountain ridge and worked in my thumb measurements of some of the highest peaks.
By the time we were finished, dusk was falling. We handed in our work and walked to the mess tent, where we stood in line for muddy stew ladled out by a sweaty cook and found seats with some of the other surveyors.
I passed the meal in silence, listening to Alexei and the others exchange camp gossip and jittery talk about tomorrow’s crossing. Alexei insisted that I retell the story of the Grisha coaches, and it was met by the usual mix of fascination and fear that greeted any mention of the Darkling.
He’s not natural,
said Eva, another assistant; she had pretty green eyes that did little to distract from her piglike nose. None of them are.
Alexei sniffed. Please spare us your superstition, Eva.
It was a Darkling who made the Shadow Fold to begin with.
That was hundreds of years ago!
protested Alexei. And that Darkling was completely mad.
This one is just as bad.
Peasant,
Alexei said, and dismissed her with a wave. Eva gave him an affronted look and deliberately turned away from him to talk to her friends.
I stayed quiet. I was more a peasant than Eva, despite her superstitions. It was only by the Duke’s charity that I could read and write, but by unspoken agreement, Mal and I avoided mentioning Keramzin.
As if on cue, a raucous burst of laughter pulled me from my thoughts. I looked over my shoulder. Mal was holding court at a rowdy table of trackers.
Alexei followed my glance. How did you two become friends anyway?
We grew up together.
You don’t seem to have much in common.
I shrugged. I guess it’s easy to have a lot in common when you’re kids.
Like loneliness, and memories of parents we were meant to forget, and the pleasure of escaping chores to play tag in our meadow.
Alexei looked so skeptical that I had to laugh. He wasn’t always the Amazing Mal, expert tracker and seducer of Grisha girls.
Alexei’s jaw dropped. He seduced a Grisha girl?
No, but I’m sure he will,
I muttered.
"So what was he like?"
He was short and pudgy and afraid of baths,
I said with some satisfaction.
Alexei glanced at Mal. I guess things change.
I rubbed my thumb over the scar in my palm. I guess they do.
We cleared our plates and drifted out of the mess tent into the cool night. On the way back to the barracks, we took a detour so that we could walk by the Grisha camp. The Grisha pavilion really was the size of a cathedral, covered in black silk, its blue, red, and purple pennants flying high above. Hidden somewhere behind it were the Darkling’s tents, guarded by Corporalki Heartrenders and the Darkling’s personal guard.
When Alexei had looked his fill, we wended our way back to our quarters. Alexei got quiet and started cracking his knuckles, and I knew we were both thinking about tomorrow’s crossing. Judging by the gloomy mood in the barracks, we weren’t alone. Some people were already on their cots, sleeping—or trying to—while others huddled by lamplight, talking in low tones. A few sat clutching their icons, praying to their