Shadow and Bone
Here's what we found in Shadow and Bone. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's bestselling Grisha Trilogy, a young adult fantasy adventure that introduces readers to the war-torn, Russia-inspired land of Ravka. The story follows Alina Starkov, an orphaned mapmaker, who discovers she possesses an extraordinary power: the ability to summon sunlight. This revelation thrusts her into the world of the Grisha, magic-wielding elites led by the mysterious and powerful Darkling, who believes Alina can destroy the Shadow Fold, a perilous swath of darkness infested with monstrous creatures. As Alina trains to master her unique gift, she uncovers dark secrets and manipulations, leading her to question alliances and fight for her country's freedom against oppressive forces.
Things to Consider
Violence
The book features high levels of violence, including graphic descriptions of monster attacks, combat, and implied torture. Characters endure severe physical harm, and there are explicit depictions of death and injury.
Volcra, giant man-eating birds, attack characters, with descriptions of 'men being carried off in their claws to be eaten'. The Darkling uses his powers to brutally kill an assailant by 'splitting the man in half'. He also 'spreads darkness over innocent civilians, allowing the volcra to attack and kill them'. Mal is attacked by thieves, 'hit [...] over the head with the handle of a knife, making him bleed,' while Alina 'breaks his nose with her knee' in self-defense.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the world-building, as Grisha possess and utilize various supernatural powers. These powers are often perceived as witchcraft by commoners and involve manipulating natural elements and life forces.
Scary & Intense Content
The novel features frequent scary and intense situations, primarily due to the existence of the Shadow Fold and its monstrous inhabitants, the volcra. Themes of manipulation and life-threatening danger create a pervasive sense of dread and suspense.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
13 and up. The book contains significant violence with graphic descriptions, mature romantic themes including non-consensual kissing, moderate profanity, and a central magic system that involves manipulation of elements and accusations of witchcraft. These elements, combined with intense, frightening scenes and themes of manipulation, make it more suitable for a young adult audience capable of processing complex, darker fantasy content.
Good to Know
While the first book, 'Shadow and Bone,' focuses on Alina's journey, the broader 'Grishaverse' series and its adaptations (particularly 'Six of Crows') introduce more diverse characters and mature themes, including more explicit LGBTQ+ representation and intensified violence and substance use. Parents should be aware that content may evolve and intensify in subsequent books of the series.
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