Booktalk Thursday--Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Drawing from Russian and Slavic myth, this tale weaves a spell over readers…

Alina is in love with Mal. She’s loved him ever since they were small, ever since they met after being orphaned in the Border Wars. Together, they work for the army—Mal as a soldier tracker and Alina as a cartographer. When the army crosses a stretch of land called the Fold—a dark place inhabited by monsters—they’re attacked. Something very unusual happens to Alina—a strange feeling surges through her and light explodes all around her.
Suddenly the kingdom is all a-buzz with news of the event—Alina is summoned to become the protégé of the Darkling (a young handsome wizard) and live and train at court. She’s the person they’ve been waiting for, a Sun Summoner, who may be able to fix the threat of the Fold. While she trains, the Darkling spreads soldiers wide in search of a special stag whose antlers will amplify Alina’s powers. Anyone in control of this amplified magic could do lots of damage, indeed. Is there anyone at court worthy of Alina’s trust? The court can be a deadly place.

This debut novel is certainly making an impact—fans are raving and can’t hardly wait for the second book in the trilogy to come out.
While you’re waiting try:

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta
Sabriel by Garth Nix
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman