Below is the complete list of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow & Bone books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Shadow & Bone Books
About Shadow & Bone
Shadow & Bone, also known as the Grisha trilogy, is a young adult fantasy series by American author Leigh Bardugo. It consists of Shadow and Bone (2012), Siege and Storm (2013), and Ruin and Rising (2014). Set in the fictional kingdom of Ravka, the trilogy follows Alina Starkov, an orphan whose discovery of an extraordinary magical ability draws her into a conflict involving ancient powers, political ambition, and the fate of her country.
The series begins with Shadow and Bone, which introduces Alina as a young mapmaker serving in Ravka’s First Army. Alongside her childhood friend Malyen Oretsev, known as Mal, she prepares to cross the Shadow Fold, a vast expanse of unnatural darkness that divides Ravka and threatens anyone who enters it.
When their expedition is attacked by the monstrous creatures inhabiting the Fold, Alina unexpectedly reveals the ability to summon sunlight. Her power identifies her as a rare Sun Summoner, someone who may possess the means to destroy the Fold.
Alina is taken to the Little Palace, where she begins training among the Grisha, individuals capable of manipulating the physical world through a discipline known as the Small Science. There, she encounters the Darkling, the powerful and enigmatic commander of Ravka’s Second Army.
Initially drawn to the Darkling’s apparent understanding of her abilities, Alina gradually discovers that his ambitions extend far beyond protecting Ravka. Her growing awareness of his plans forces her to question whom she can trust and what responsibilities accompany her newfound power.
Siege and Storm continues Alina’s journey as she attempts to escape the Darkling’s influence while seeking the strength necessary to oppose him. The novel introduces Sturmhond, a resourceful privateer whose involvement brings political intrigue and unexpected alliances into the story.
As Ravka faces mounting instability, Alina struggles with the consequences of becoming a symbol of hope. Her increasing powers also complicate her relationship with Mal, whose desire for a simpler life conflicts with the extraordinary demands placed upon her.
In Ruin and Rising, the trilogy reaches its conclusion as Alina and her allies prepare for a decisive confrontation with the Darkling. The search for powerful amplifiers becomes essential to their plans, while revelations about the origins of the Fold reshape their understanding of the conflict.
Throughout the series, Bardugo explores the tension between personal identity and public expectation. Alina begins as someone who feels ordinary and overlooked, but her abilities transform her into a figure of immense religious and political significance. She must determine whether her choices reflect her own convictions or the ambitions of those who seek to control her.
The Darkling serves as a particularly complex antagonist. His extraordinary longevity and experiences have shaped his belief that power is necessary to protect the Grisha, yet his willingness to manipulate and sacrifice others reveals the dangers of pursuing security without moral restraint.
Mal’s relationship with Alina provides an emotional connection to her life before the discovery of her abilities. Their shared childhood and changing circumstances create tensions that reflect the broader conflict between personal happiness and responsibility.
The trilogy is distinguished by its Russian-inspired atmosphere. Ravka’s architecture, military traditions, clothing, and political structures draw upon elements of Slavic history and culture, creating a setting that differs from conventional medieval European fantasy.
Bardugo also establishes a detailed magical system organized around three principal Grisha orders: Corporalki, who manipulate the human body; Etherealki, who influence natural elements; and Materialki, who work with physical substances. These abilities shape Ravka’s military organization and its relationships with neighboring countries.
Although magic drives much of the plot, the novels remain grounded in themes of friendship, sacrifice, ambition, and belonging. Characters must confront the consequences of their choices in a world where even extraordinary power cannot eliminate suffering or uncertainty.
The recommended reading order is Shadow and Bone, followed by Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising. The three novels form a continuous narrative, making publication order essential for understanding Alina’s development and the unfolding conflict.
Shadow & Bone also serves as the foundation of Bardugo’s wider Grishaverse. The Six of Crows duology takes place afterward and introduces a largely different cast, while the King of Scars duology continues the stories of several characters from the original trilogy.
The books inspired Netflix’s Shadow and Bone television adaptation, which premiered in 2021 and incorporated material from both the original trilogy and Six of Crows.
With its atmospheric setting, distinctive magical system, and exploration of the responsibilities that accompany power, Shadow & Bone established Leigh Bardugo’s reputation as a fantasy author and introduced the fictional world that would become central to her career.