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SHADOW AND BONE Q & A with Leigh Bardugo, Plus RUIN AND RISING Limited Edition Poster

Leigh Bardugo answered tons of fan questions about SHADOW AND BONE on Goodreads as part of the Official Grisha Trilogy Re-Read and we’ve collected some highlights! Leigh talked about her favorite scenes, Mal vs. The Darkling, glimpses into the Darkling’s past, what you can expect from RUIN AND RISING, aaaaaand… karaoke!

ON HER FAVORITE SHADOW AND BONE SCENE:

I think my favorite scene to write was the winter fete. It was like being able to throw the most fabulous party of all time. Mermaids serving oysters? Why the heck not.

ON EXPANDING THE GRISHA REALM:

Oh man, I would LOVE to see a Grisha graphic novel. Seriously that’s a huge dream. As for a fashion line… hmmm, that’s not something I’d ever pursue, but I have a serious softspot for cosplay and costuming. I’d love to see someone put up a pattern for a kefta!

ON WRITING FROM THE DARKLING’S POV:

I’ve certainly thought about it and I’ve written some Darkling POV, but for now, I want readers to see him through Alina’s eyes. That said, the prequel short story in the Barnes & Noble special edition of Ruin and Rising does offer a pretty important glimpse into the Darkling’s past.

ON THE DARKLING’S NAME:

You’ll find out in Ruin and Rising. That was one of my favorite scenes to write.

MAL SCENES VS. THE DARKLING SCENES: WHICH ARE BETTER?

Hmmm, that’s a tough question. It’s hard to quantify. All I can say is that it was REALLY hard to shift between them. I had to listen to particular songs to make the transition because I’d finish writing a Mal scene and I wouldn’t want to work on a Darkling scene and vice versa.

ON NAME MEANINGS:

Most of the names have meaning, though some are simply invented. But a lot of them have little spoilers or information buried in there. Very few people have guessed at the correct origin of Mal’s name, but I’ll tell you that Malyen is the Ravkan version of Malcolm. Sometimes there are practical considerations too, like a name needing to sound different from others, or I’ll choose something just because I like the sound.

ON WHICH QUEEN SONG THE DARKLING WOULD SING AT KARAOKE (YUP!):

Princes of the Universe: “I am immortal. I have inside me blood of kings. I have no rival. No man can be my equal.” And if you think I had to Google that, you are mistaken.

ON THE VERY QUESTIONABLE 120 YEAR AGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALINA AND THE DARKLING:

That’s a legit question. And if you remember, Baghra made a point of the power/age discrepancy to Alina.

Additionally, take a look at this wonderful look at the limited edition of RUIN AND RISING poster! Click here to find out how to get a copy by supporting independent booksellers here!

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By Kait

Kait is a New Englander, a YA book and adaptation lover, and a Slythindor, as well as a red velvet and red wine enthusiast. She likes to like things. Catch her on Twitter: @kaitmary