Lara’s Reviews > Shadow and Bone > Status Update

It's official. I thought Mal was plain the first time I read this series. Now having taken a few years and coming back I can't believe how wrong I was. The Darkling has power, sure, and as Genya said, it draws in many. But what is that power in the face of character? Strength? Loyalty? I'd rather a heart of gold over a strong hand any day.

Sorry Darkling, I hope you get redeemed, but you're not boyfriend material.

It's official. I thought Mal was plain the first time I read this series. Now having taken a few years and coming back I can't believe how wrong I was. The Darkling has power, sure, and as Genya said, it draws in many. But what is that power in the face of character? Strength? Loyalty? I'd rather a heart of gold over a strong hand any day.

Sorry Darkling, I hope you get redeemed, but you're not boyfriend material.

I don't know that I like the Darkling as well as I did the first time around. He's only using Alina, and the few interactions we've seen with him he's kissed (manipulated) her to get what he wants. But there's been brief showing of his true emotions, and I'm trying to remember if his motives under it all were good. No question that he is a selfish character down to his core though.

Getting more into it now. Slowly. The descriptions, if anything are lovely at this point in the novel, and I'm getting to know the writing style better. Man, getting back into reading is such a slow process.

I think I'm in love with the Darkling, and I'm sure I'm not alone. But I'm so confused right now. He might be completely good, and people just misconceive his intentions, or he could be completely evil, and just playing Alina this whole time, or he could think he's good, and just been doing wrong things. Anyways, I'm not sure I can give my heart to this character yet… Hopefully he doesn't betray my trust.

well, I'm still trying to keep up with all the new things and new words in this world, but it's interesting so far.