Shady Characters Need Love Too

Shady Characters Need Love Too

WARNING: This post contains information about character deaths and spoilers.

The villain, the shady character, the one who seems ominous and creepy... they're in every single book in some shape or form. Some of these characters are grey, neither good nor bad. Where some... well, yeah, they'll gut you in a heartbeat. Or chop you in half. So this week I shall share with you five of my favorite shady characters in books. They are in no particular order because some of these are still fighting viciously for the top spot.

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JONATHAN CHRISTOPHER MORGENSTERN AKA SEBASTIAN ~ THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS by CASSANDRA CLARE.

Of course dear Jonathan is on this list. How could he not be? He is shady on level 1000. One of the most tragic figures in YA literature that I have ever read, and certainly one of my most memorable. His story really made my heart ache and throb. While his character is an absolute piece of incest-y sh*t, he's been crafted with such great care, his story flawless and agonizing. Following his tale broke me apart. There will always be questions about him, always. What would have he been like if his father hadn't decided to destroy him so utterly? Could he feel anything? Alas, we will never find out.

"I've never felt so... Light."

Fun fact: I have a tattoo relating to him! Where? Never ask.

THE DARKLING ~ THE GRISHA TRILOGY by LEIGH BARDUGO

No shady characters list is complete without Leigh Bardugo's Darkling. He positively exudes shadow and darkness... no joke. Take the Shadow Fold for example. He's one scary yet sexy dude. The Darkling makes you walk that fine line between love and hate. It's impossible to full-on love him, yet... it's impossible to wholly hate him! (What have you done to us all, Leigh?!) And of course, he's yet another tragic and damaged figure. A man that is not eligible for redemption, that's for sure. The ending of Ruin and Rising was painful, but very necessary. I will miss the Darkling and his sexy shadiness, that's for sure.

"Fine, make me your villain."

RHYSAND ~ A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by SARAH J. MAAS

A new Shady McShadester that I discovered at the start of this year! I'm still not sure how I feel about him. His character is elegant yet sinister in a way only Sarah could achieve. His actions are both malicious at times, and helpful at others. But at the end of the day, he's certainly just looking out for himself and the Night Court. He's complicated, strangely hot and I very much look forward to reading more about him. I know I'll end up loving him eventually - this is Sarah J. Maas we're talking about here! ACOTAR 2 is certainly going to be interesting.

"Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all.”

KAZ BREKKER ~ SIX OF CROWS by LEIGH BARDUGO

Oh yes, another shady shady shady boy from the majesty that is Leigh Bardugo. Now sadly, I can't tell you TOO much about this Bastard of the Barrel because the book hasn't hit the shelves just yet. But rest assured, he will give the Darkling a run for his money when it comes to creepiness. And sexiness. He's a character, like the Darkling, that you know you should dislike, but simply can't. Plus he's the first fictional guy in a book that actually caused me to gag and very nearly throw up. And I have a strong stomach. Good luck with this guy (and book!), ladies. You'll need it.

"When everyone knows you're a monster, you needn't waste your time doing every monstrous thing."







DRACO MALFOY ~ HARRY POTTER SERIES by J.K.ROWLING

Of course Draco is here on the list. He was the first shady character I ever read. Or at least, can remember. He, his father and Lord Shady. Who doesn't know who Draco Malfoy is?! If you have never heard of his name before, his father will hear about this, make no mistake.

(Insert your fave Draco quote here)

Okay, so there's also a number six on this list. I could not help myself. And that spot goes to...

AEDUAN ~ TRUTHWITCH by SUSAN DENNARD

Aeduan is another character that only a small number of people have met, so I can't tell you much about him. But I will say that he has abs hard enough that you can bounce pennies off it. He's also a monk. NOT the kind that you're thinking about! Aeduan is a Carawen monk and he's a Bloodwitch, a type of Voidwitch. Sounds scary, right? Well... He's also called BAEDUAN by his online fans. 

Fun fact: There's a scene in TRUTHWITCH where he's wearing nothing but his tattered and ruined shirt. He's also soaking wet. Ice may be required during this part of the book.

"Claim my Aether, guide my blade."

So that is my top 5 (well, six!) shady characters and villains. Who are your top 5?

REVIEW: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

n March 21, 2014 by Nicola in Book Reviews, Books, Young Adult // 0 Comments

Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Grisha Trilogy #1
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Release Date: May 7th 2013
Stars: Five fat stars

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Shadow and Bone has been sat on my shelf so long it was actually starting to collect dust. The first time I attempted this book, it was not to my taste at all. 

But now, a year later, I have opened my arms and embraced the majesty that is Shadow and Bone. 

This book sounded a little odd from the back cover, but still strangely appealing.  Obviously high-fantasy from the blurb. 

Alina Starkov is an orphan. There doesn’t seem to be anything remotely special about her until a crossing through the Shadow Fold, a slice of impenetrable darkness through the land of Ravka. She and the rest of the group are attacked by a group of monstrous winged Volcra. Alina discovers a power beyond her imagination and finds herself thrust into the world of the Grisha. The magical elite with the Darkling at the top. While Alina is now known as the Sun Summoner, the Darkling is the complete opposite. A being of darkness, deception and for Alina, attraction. 

I adored Alina. She never once annoyed me, which is very rare in a YA book. She reminds me of Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass. There is an air about Alina that you also see around Celaena. 

The beginning of the book was slow, but within the slightly sluggish pages, there was a lot of important information. There is a method to the speed, one where you get to know the characters better and learn more about Alina’s home, Ravka. 

I was instantly swallowed up by Alina’s world. Once you get over the complexity of the different kind of Grisha, you really start to get into the book. Beautiful imagery too. At times during Shadow and Bone, I almost felt like I was there in Ravka. Could see the Volcra and imagine their screeching. Fascinating imagery. Really fascinating.

The characters were vibrant, alive and unforgettable. Mal we do not see much of in Shadow and Bone, but even he left his mark. Especially during the climatic ending. Wow, that was one hell of a ride.

Yes. He is next. The Darkling.  

Wow. Can I say hot? As soon as we met him, BAM! That was it. All that insta-love cheesiness. I love the Darkling’s character. He’s exceedingly intricate, mysterious and more than a little bit scary. With powers that far surpass any other Grisha in the world, he’s lethal. And he’s certainly demonstrated the extent of his powers numerous times, which horrifies Alina.

Alina cannot help her attraction to him. And I must admit, even with what happened in the end, I still ship them hardcore. But I ship Mal and Alina too.  Oh well, I will carry on shipping both ships to my hearts content. Even if one ship is named Titanic.

This book was a mass of feels and sexy strange boys and men. Quite easily one of the best high-fantasy books in this kind of style since Throne of Glass. 

Five superfat stars with a naked Darkling on top. I’m plowing through Siege and Storm at the moment, and it is not disappointing.

Book of the Week: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

It's that time of the week again! Friday. At long last. This week has crawled by on it's hands and knees.

And now, we have Book of the Week. This Friday's is...

SHADOW AND BONE by Leigh Bardugo!

And just why does this book deserve the title this week?

SHADOW AND BONE is one of the best reads I've come across this year. The book itself had been sat on my shelf since early last year until I picked it up and opened it on a whim.

High fantasy, fans of Sarah J. Maas's THRONE OF GLASS will devour this in one sitting. I know I did.

What is this story about?

Alina Starkov is an orphan. There doesn't seem to be anything remotely special about her until a crossing through the Shadow Fold, a slice of impenetrable darkness through the land of Ravka. She and the rest of the group are attacked by a group of monstrous winged Volcra. Alina discovers a power beyond her imagination and finds herself thrust into the world of the Grisha. The magical elite with the Darkling at the top. While Alina is now known as the Sun Summoner, the Darkling is the complete opposite. A being of darkness, deception and for Alina, attraction. But what about Mal, her childhood friend? Why can't she forget about him?

The sequel, SIEGE AND STORM even comes with a map!

This book has everything you could ever want in a YA fantasy and romance book. It's kick ASS. Yes, caps lock was needed then. A very easy five-stars, but it might not be to everyone's taste. 

Where can I find a Darkling of my own???