The Grisha Trilogy: An interesting take on YA and Fantasy

So, based on recommendations and of fellow readers on GoodReads, I opted to check out the Grisha Trilogy. Like the teeming millions across the world, I too, am guilty of nurturing a secret fondness for Young Adult novels- blame it on the adolescent "Harry Potter" years. And then, it is hard to beat down fantasy, more so in a dystopian scene post "The Hunger Games" and "Game of Thrones".
So, I  grabbed onto copies and started reading.

A Brief intro: The Grisha trilogy comprises three books written by author Leigh Bardugo. In the chronological order, they are:

1. Shadow and Bone
2. Siege and Storm 
3. Ruin and Rising 

Let me state- I started reading without any expectation. I have come to realise after a brief dalliance with the YA genres; that there are bad authors and there are really bad authors too (I hope to include The Fifty shades of Grey and its prequels in the list for the latter even while anticipating a backlash from dedicated fans).

The author Leigh Bardugo was a surprise pleasure to read. Yes, the content is easy breezy but so are most YA books on a dystopian world. and while most seem too willing to project picture perfect or not-so-perfect protagonists, this book's central character of Alina Starkov is as flawed as any character I have comes across in YA books. While I am quite fond of strong female characters (yes, even though George R.R, Martin wants the world to believe that history is a testament that women are either control freaks, vile or maidens awaiting rescue- [yes, in that line]), it was hard not to like Alina. The book series is from her POV. And it progresses quite rhythmically.

The stories' premise is in Ravka which is a kingdom torn with war resulting from a magical interference in its territory by an ancient Grisha (yes, that's what they are called in the series- people with power to manipulate the elements of nature) known as the Black Heretic; who created the Shadow Fold which is a realm of darkness that divides the kingdom into two, where light as well as life does not find its way in.

Enter our protagonist- Alina- who is an orphan and who, along with our hero Malyen Oretsev (otherwise known as Mal) is enlisted in the First Army of the Ravkan king for fighting on behalf of Ravka. Alina and Mal are childhood friends and have grown up in orphanage together. they get to join the army together too; though he as a tracker and she, as a cartographer. Mal is the more flamboyant of the two, nothing unlike the trends in the recent slew of YA series. Alina is a goofball and always needs the aid of Mal to overcome situations; in other words, Mal is always on the lookout for her; therefore she has moreorless, led a secluded life.

All that changes when it is revealed that she is the most strongest Grisha in the kingdom known as the Sun Summoner, next only to the leader of the Grisha- the elusive and intriguing Darkling. She is snatched away from her safe cocoon and set amidst the powerful Grisha who consider her a misfit because of her upbringing. How she copes with this pressure plus the pressure of the being th emost powerful Grisha in the world besides escaping the temptations of the Darkling is what makes the story a pacey one and an enjoyable read.

Oh, I forgot to mention; the Grishas form the Second Army of the Ravkan king and fight alongside the First Army to keep Ravka safe.

Characters: There are quite a few enjoyable characters. The first book introduces a few while the most are presented only by the second book. My favourite is the incorrigible Prince Nikolai for his awesome humour and his one liners. He is notorious and likeable.

Alina herself is not very un-lovable. Her situation of coping is ably justified. She first copes to blend, fit in and then, to rise to the occasion. What I like most is the fact that Alina is not shown to be an all assuming hero who known just what to do when and most of her decisions always leads to major setbacks for her friends and well wishers when it comes to fighting the menacing Darkling. Her conflict between realising her true identity, loving Mal (who for most part of the first book does not requite her love), her attraction towards the Darkling and the friendly banter with Nikolai make her human enough.

The Darkling was made out to be an elusive character but what he turns out to be at the end of the book is nothing beyond mere mortal. He is thousands of years old and is magnanimously strong.

Mal was sort of a hapless bumbling thing happening until the last book, wherein he assumes great importance in advancing the plotline. However, his storyline arc comes full circle and is represented quite well.

There are quite a few characters that I could speak about, but it will only add to the slew of names without bringing any value addition. The ending is quite relevant keeping in mind the progression of the plot. I don't want to divulge further in case you want to take a shot at it.

I especially loved the way the kingdoms were depicted and the author's story telling ability. It has humour and tragedy interwoven so as never to slacken the pace. I quite enjoyed the series as it made for a easy read without getting too involved. It is surely much better that many other series that get adapted for movies/ series nowadays and would make for a great watch on screen. Hope they turn it into a motion picture/ series soon.

Way to go, Leigh, hoping to read your latest Six of Crows soon. Keep up the good work.