Shadow and Bone

Step into a world divided by darkness where a reluctant soldier discovers she holds the key to saving her nation from a terrifying void. When Alina Starkov's regiment is attacked while crossing the Shadow Fold—a monstrous, lightless swath of land—she unleashes a hidden power that marks her as a legendary Sun Summoner. Thrust into the opulent world of the Grisha, the magical elite, she must train to master her abilities under the watchful eye of the mysterious Darkling, all while navigating a dangerous new life of court intrigue and impossible expectations.

Bardugo crafts a gritty, immersive fantasy grounded in a Russian-inspired setting that feels both fresh and richly detailed. The novel’s strength lies in its complex characters, particularly Alina, whose journey from insecure mapmaker to a figure of immense power is compellingly flawed and relatable. Readers who crave magic systems with clear rules and high-stakes political maneuvering will be instantly hooked, finding a story that balances heart-pounding action with deep emotional resonance. This is the kind of series starter that sinks its hooks in deep and doesn't let go.