Book Title: Demon in the Wood (Grishaverse #0)
Author: Leigh Bardugo and Dani Pendergast (Illustrator)
Published by: Roaring Brook Press
Published on: September 2, 2022
Genre: Graphic Novels, Young Adult
**I purchased this book with my own money.There was no obligation to post/give this book a certain rating.
Before he led Ravka’s Second Army, before he created the Fold, and long before he became the Darkling, he was just a lonely boy burdened by an extraordinary power.
Eryk and his mother, Lena, have spent their lives on the run. But they will never find a safe haven. They are not only Grisha—they are the deadliest and rarest of their kind. Feared by those who wish to destroy them and hunted by those who would exploit their gifts, they must hide their true abilities wherever they go. But sometimes deadly secrets have a way of revealing themselves…
Discover the start of a grand and sinister destiny in this must-have graphic novel prequel to the bestselling series and international Netflix sensation Shadow and Bone from spectacular new talent Dani Pendergast and #1 New York Times bestseller Leigh Bardugo.
Oh Darkling!! If Leigh Bardugo writes another book about Darkling, I will read it. If she writes a third book, I will make sure that I read it too. Darkling is love. So, this review will definitely be biased.
🔥🔥🔥“Like calls to like. The darkness belongs to you. As long as this heart beats, you keep fighting. Aleskander.”
The Darkling is my favorite literary villain and Ben Barnes was outstanding in the Netflix series- Shadow and Bone. And when Leigh Bardugo herself dedicates this book to the actor, you know I ain’t exaggerating one bit.
Leigh Bardugo’s Dedication:
“To the cast and crew of Shadow and Bone, especially Ben, who is one of the good guys.”
This graphic novel gives a backstory as to why Aleksander is the way he is- a sneak peek into Ravka’s greatest villain that is. So, it is the prequel to Shadow and Bone series, aptly titled Grishaverse #0.
Aleksander, our Darkling was just a normal boy who wanted to fit in, but his special powers and his mother Baghra didn’t help him be one. You get to see how he came to be this cunning, manipulative man who would do anything to ensure he has the power to make others bow to him. This little backstory made me love him even more and the singular fact that he was afraid of the dark as a child gives his character a vulnerability that makes him much more authentic and more human.
I wouldn’t say the graphics are top-notch, but I am the Darkling’s biggest fan, so I didn’t mind much.
🔥🔥🔥“No safe place. No haven. But there will be. I will make one.”
Before I forget, Baghra was one of the other main characters in this novel. It is said that she was a very pretty woman but nothing could prepare me for the visuals in this graphic novel. I also loved how sharp-tongued, intelligent, and badass she is.
And you know what? Ben Barnes narrates the audiobook and I am dying to listen to him. Maybe I will pick it up as soon as I am done writing this review.
All in all, this is a perfect gift to all Grishaverse lovers, especially if you love the Darkling.
From Leigh Bardugo’s acknowledgments of Demon in the Wood:
“Is it a hero’s origin story or a villain’s? I’ve never been able to see Aleksander [the Darkling] as purely one or the other. He is a survivor who dreams of safety for his people. He is a tyrant who brutalizes and exploits those who trust him most.“
🌟Get the Book here:
In a gist, here’s what you can expect from this book.
💫Beautiful graphics💫Darkling 💫Darkling💫and Darkling
I hope you like this book as much as I did.
Yes! Especially if you love you know who!
Have you read Demon in the Wood or Shadow and Bone series? I’d love to know your thoughts.
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You may also read:
A: All You Who Sleep Tonight ~ Book Review
B: Book Love ~ Book Review
C: The Comfort Book ~ Book Review
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Awesome! Thanks for the recommendation — I’ve added the entire series to my TBR.
Ronel visiting for D:
My Languishing TBR: D
Dichotomy of the Sasabonsam