boxed set books Shadow and Bone

Should I Read Shadow and Bone Book Series, before or after watching the Netflix show?

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If you love fantasy that’s equal parts heart-wrenching and unputdownable, Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone trilogy is your next must-read. This series—Shadow and Bone (2012), Siege and Storm (2013), and Ruin and Rising (2014)—is a masterclass in dark magic, political intrigue, and romance that will leave you with a serious book hangover.

Who Is This Trilogy For? Age & Reader Recommendations

While Shadow and Bone is often shelved in YA (Young Adult), its rich world-building and mature themes make it a crossover hit for teens and adults. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Teens (14+) – Perfect for older teens who love high-stakes fantasy, slow-burn romance, and complex villains. The writing is accessible but never simplistic.

  • Adults (18+) – If you think YA isn’t for you, think again. Bardugo’s storytelling has the depth and darkness of adult fantasy—think Game of Thrones lite, with less gore but just as much betrayal.

  • Not for younger middle-grade readers – Due to violence, war themes, and some romantic tension, this series is best suited for high school and up.

The Story That Hooked a Million Readers

boxed set books Shadow and BoneOrphaned mapmaker Alina Starkov thinks she’s ordinary—until she unleashes a power that could save her war-torn country from the Shadow Fold, a monstrous swath of darkness teeming with winged horrors. But power comes at a cost, and Alina soon finds herself entangled in a deadly game of court politics, betrayal, and forbidden love.

  • Dark, immersive magic – The Grisha universe’s magic system (based on manipulating matter at its core) is chef’s kiss—unique, brutal, and utterly mesmerizing.

  • A villain you’ll love to hate (or just love) – The Darkling is one of fantasy’s most compelling antagonists: magnetic, ruthless, and heartbreakingly layered.

  • Found family & fierce friendships – From loyal Mal to the witty, chaotic Grisha, the characters feel real. You’ll laugh, cry, and scream at them in equal measure.

Why the Books Beat the Show (Sorry, Netflix)

Look, the Shadow and Bone Netflix adaptation is great, but the books? Next-level. Bardugo’s prose is lush and cinematic, and you get so much more internal conflict, world-building, and emotional payoff. Plus, the original trilogy is a tight, propulsive read—no filler, just pure, addictive storytelling.

Which Edition Should You Buy?

  • Paperback – Lightweight and perfect for rereads (because you will reread).

  • Hardcover – The newer editions have gorgeous covers—total shelf candy.

  • Special Editions – If you love bonus content, hunt down the collector’s versions with maps and extra art.

Should you read the Shadow and Bone books before or after the Netflix show?

  • Reading first: Gives you richer detail, the author’s original story, and allows you to form your own interpretations without spoilers. The downside is potential disappointment with adaptations and a slower pace.
  • Watching first: Provides a visual introduction, faster pace, and can motivate you to read. The downsides are spoilers, potentially skewed expectations, and missing book nuances (plus the show blends timelines differently).

Recommendation: For the best, spoiler-free experience, read the Shadow and Bone trilogy before watching the show. However, watching first is fine if you prefer a visual entry point and don’t mind potential spoilers or differences.

Final Verdict: Read It If…

✅ You love morally gray characters who wreck your soul.
✅ You crave fantasy with stakes (no one is safe here).
✅ You want a romance that’s equal parts swoony and devastating. (Warning: This love triangle will give you all the feels…)

So, if your TBR pile is giving you guilt, just shove it aside. Shadow and Bone deserves the top spot. Trust me: once you step into the Grishaverse, you won’t want to leave.

Happy reading, and may the Saints watch over you. 😉

 

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