After the Dragons
Cover of Shadow and Bone

Fantasy · Young adult

Shadow and Bone

by Leigh Bardugo

3.7 out of 5, from 1,742 ratings from Hardcover readers

A mapmaker in an army regiment discovers she has a rare power that could free her country from a dark, monster-filled expanse of shadow. She is swept off to the royal court to train with the elite magicians, among them a charismatic leader.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2012
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
411
Format
Book 1 of 3 in The Shadow and Bone Trilogy
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Read this if you want a young-adult fantasy with a Russian-inspired world, a clear chosen-one arc and a brooding love interest.

Skip this if you want fresh twists on the chosen one, since this is the more conventional start to the series.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • War

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Animal death
  • Toxic relationship
  • Murder
  • Death of parent
  • Slavery
  • Sexual assault
  • Blood
  • Eating disorder

Quick answers about Shadow and Bone

What is Shadow and Bone about?
A mapmaker in an army regiment discovers she has a rare power that could free her country from a dark, monster-filled expanse of shadow. She is swept off to the royal court to train with the elite magicians, among them a charismatic leader.
Who should read Shadow and Bone?
Read it if you want a young-adult fantasy with a Russian-inspired world, a clear chosen-one arc and a brooding love interest. Skip it if you want fresh twists on the chosen one, since this is the more conventional start to the series.
How long and how fast is Shadow and Bone?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 411 pages, first published in 2012.
Does Shadow and Bone have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, War.
Can I borrow Shadow and Bone for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Shadow and Bone; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Shadow and Bone?
Readers who liked it often move on to Six of Crows, Throne of Glass, Red Queen.

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