Tuesday 18 September 2012

Review - The Gathering Dark By Leigh Bardugo

"The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.
"
taken from Goodreads

I'd been hearing wonderful things about The Gathering Dark for ages and have been eager to read it myself.  Recently I'd lost my passion for reading and hoped this would be just the book to get me back in my groove.  I'm happy to say that this was 100% Successful!!

The cover is stunning.  Everything from the setting, the girl, the scrolls, its all stunning and absolutely fitting to the story.  My only tiny gripe is that the girl seems to be wearing a cape, when really is should be more robe like with sleeves (kefta).  Like I say tiny gripe!!

On starting this I was instantly grabbed by the plot, the characters and the setting.  I instantly wanted to know where the story was going and even found myself plotting out how the story could go (I was completely wrong by the way)

The story turns in a way that lead character Alina ends up meeting new people and going to new places.  I found myself completely relating to Alina and how she felt about new friendships.  Its plain to see that Alina questions why she is being treated different to how she has ever been treated before.  Also she see's the cattiness of girls and wonders what goes on behind her back.  I have totally been in this situation and to be honest I still don't know how to overcome it, so to read of how Alina deals with it was actually helpful!!

Another thing that we deal with in everyday life is the feeling of wanting to be special, to stand out on doing something or having a amazing talent.  I found it quite refreshing to read about a character learning of their special skill and instead of it making them the most popular person, it has a somewhat reverse effect.  I guess for me the story showed that the grass most definitely isn't greener.

Looking back now I see I shouldn't have been shocked but the turn of events of this story had me absolutely shocked.  I was actually pretty saddened that things didn't go quite as I envisaged.  I now see that everything goes as it should and just maybe my judgement should be questioned!!

The conclusion left me incredibly excited and desperate to see what will happen next.  Why is part two not out already??  While I wait for the release I shall be on the hunt for my very own kefta that I can wear, whilst I wait to my next instalment of Alina and the gang

Rating 5 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Indigo Books

This Can Be Purchased HERE and from good book retailers

3 comments:

  1. I've heard really wonderful things about this book and now especially after reading your review, I'm really quite excited to read this one! I hope they have it in the library.

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  2. I really want to get my hands on a copy of this one! I've seen it on loads of blogs this year, and every review I read makes me more excited to read it. Great review!

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  3. I know what you mean, I loved this one and need book two already!! /)

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