YA Fantasy Book Review - Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Book Review - Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Just finished "Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo and I've got to say, it's a real page-turner. The setting is this incredible fantasy world called Ravka, shrouded in darkness and danger thanks to the Shadow Fold. Enter Alina Starkov, our main character, who discovers she has a power that could be the key to saving her country. Watching her transform from an overlooked nobody to a powerful Grisha was pretty awesome. The romance in this book? It's got just the right amount of heat and tension. The Darkling, a major character, adds a layer of mystery and complexity to the plot. He's charming yet enigmatic, and you're never quite sure what his true intentions are... until you do? One of the best parts of this book is the magic system – it's unique and well-explained, setting the stage for some really cool scenes. I loved learning about the Grisha and immersing myself into that magical world. Overall, if you're into fantasy with a good mix of action, a bit of romance, and some really cool magical elements, "Shadow and Bone" is definitely worth a read. It's an engaging story that's perfect for anyone looking to dive into a new world for a bit, but still easy enough to follow without an overwhelming amount of world building in the beginning. I can't wait to dive into book two!

Finding Your Groove: Balancing Multiple Passions

Hey there, fellow multi-passionate friends! 🌟 Ever feel like you've got a bunch of interests, and you're just trying to keep it all together? Totally get you. As someone with multiple jobs, who gets really into multiple hobbies and side hustles, I'm on that same rollercoaster. So, let's chat about how to rock it without burning out.

1. Roll with the Flow (and Time Block)

Okay, so here's the deal: time blocking can be your buddy. It's like having a loose game plan for your day. But don't let it box you in too tight. Leave some room for spontaneity. If you wake up one morning and the creative vibes are flowing, go ahead and dive into your design project. Flexibility is your secret sauce.

2. Mood Matters

Imagine this: you wake up, and it's like a creativity thunderstorm in your brain. You've got to write that blog post or work on a DIY project, like, now. Listen to that vibe! Don't force yourself into a hobby just because it's on your schedule. Your best work happens when you're pumped about it.

3. Hustle-Free Zone

We live in a world that's all about the hustle. But being multi-passionate ain't about grinding 24/7. Take breaks, my friend. Chill with a new LP, bury your nose in a good book, or sip your favorite tea. You don't have to be "on" all the time. Rest is your superpower.

So, in a nutshell, finding your groove as a multi-passionate soul is about owning your interests and staying true to yourself. Time blocks are cool, but overdue it. Follow your passions but remember to draw the line between being passionate about your interests and being a victim of hustle culture.

Your interests should light you up, not stress you out. So, go explore them, one awesome moment at a time. 🌈✨

Embracing the Multi-Creative Journey: Celebrating Your Passionate Soul

Hey there, fellow multi-creative enthusiasts! Welcome to my blog! I want to start my blogging journey by chatting about something near and dear to my heart – the beautiful, ever-evolving journey of being a multi-passionate hobbyist.  

If you're someone like me, who finds joy in exploring a plethora of hobbies, from painting to coding, fitness to reading new genres, welcome to the club!

For the longest time, I viewed my tendency to dive headfirst into various hobbies as a drawback. The fleeting nature of my interests sometimes made me feel like I lacked commitment or focus. However, I've come to realize that being multi-passionate is not a flaw, but rather a unique and wonderful aspect of my personality.

Being multi-creative means having an insatiable curiosity and a genuine love for learning.

It's about embracing the ebb and flow of interests, allowing yourself to explore different realms of creativity without the pressure to stick with one thing forever. This dynamic approach to life opens doors to endless possibilities and keeps the flame of passion burning bright.

One of the most beautiful aspects of being multi-passionate is the diverse skill set you acquire along the way. Each hobby brings its own set of challenges, allowing you to develop a broad range of skills – from problem-solving to time management, and from patience to resilience. It's like building a personalized toolbox that you can draw from in various aspects of your life.

Moreover, being multi-creative fosters a sense of adaptability and flexibility. You become comfortable with change, seeing it not as a hurdle but as an opportunity for growth. This mindset can be incredibly empowering, especially in a world that is constantly evolving.

So, how can we fully embrace our multi-passionate nature?

First and foremost, let go of any self-imposed judgments. Your ability to explore different interests is a strength, not a weakness. Celebrate the fact that you have a passion for learning and a genuine love for the creative process.

Create a space for all your hobbies to coexist harmoniously. Instead of viewing your diverse interests as distractions, see them as interconnected facets of a beautifully intricate mosaic that is your life.

Lastly, share your journey with others. Connect with fellow multi-creative souls who understand the thrill of discovering something new and the joy of immersing oneself in a creative pursuit. You'll be surprised at the wealth of inspiration and support that comes from building a community of like-minded individuals.

In conclusion, being a multi-creative hobbyist is a testament to your passion for life and the endless possibilities it holds. Embrace the diversity of your interests, celebrate the skills you've gained along the way, and relish in the constant journey of self-discovery. After all, life is too short to limit yourself to just one hobby – I'm excited to share all of mine with you and hopefully I can inspire you to step out of the box society may have put you in!

✌Living For The Love of It All,

Bianca

Follow me on instagram: @livefortheloveofitall