Can't Wait Wednesday: Queen of Ruin

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.

A fierce sequel full of sisterhood, heart pounding action, betrayal, and intrigue in the royal court in a series that "breathes new life into the feminist story of oppression and resistance" (Publisher's Weekly). 

I thought Grace and Fury was FANTASTIC! Sooo...I canNOT wait to read more of Serina and Nomi's story! I only put a small snippet from the synopsis to avoid spoilers--to read the entire thing head on over to Goodreads! 
What are YOU waiting on this week!?

Shadow and Bone Audio-Book Review

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company 

Release Date: June 5th, 2012

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

I’ve tried to start this book at least 5 or 6 times over the past couple of years but, for whatever reason, I could never get past the first chapter. So, I decided to give the audio book a shot and I’m super glad that I did!  

The world was unique, magical, and well-crafted. The characters were likable, intriguing, and complex. I definitely enjoyed this one!   

Alina was an easy character to connect to. She is strong-willed, resilient, and intelligent. I was rooting for her from the prologue.  But, this poor girl. I feel like she’s tossed from one unsavory environment to another. I’m hoping she gets her happy ending! 

Then, there’s Mal—I adored this boy. I thought he was charming and sweet and yes Alina needs to be with him. I personally thought he was an incredible friend to her! I’ve read things saying that he only became interested in Alina based off of her power, but I find that hard to believe. They have a super intricate and personal history—I TOTALLY SHIP IT. Their banter was my favorite! 

As for the Darkling—I definitely get the appeal. I do. I don’t ship him with Alina but I do appreciate him. Even if he does have a little bit of an Edward Cullen Complex. 

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed the world that Leigh Bardugo built!