Do you plan to read romance books during Love Mont Do you plan to read romance books during Love Month? 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Pretty much my entire TBR this month is just cute romances and I can’t wait to dive in πŸ“– 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Some of the titles I’m most excited about:
πŸŽ“ Begin Again by Emma Lord
πŸ“š Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
🌻 In the Weeds by B.K. Borison
πŸ’• Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these or are any of them on your TBR? πŸ“
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #valentinesday #lovemonth #romancereader #cartooncoverromance #februarytbr #romcombooks
What are your favorite high seas adventure books? What are your favorite high seas adventure books? πŸ΄β€β˜ οΈ

If I’m being totally truthful, I haven’t read that many of them BUT I just finished my reread of All the Stars and Teeth and was reminded how much I love it 😍 I need more books like this! 🌊

Give me recommendations for books with pirates, mermaids and sirens, island curses, and other high seas goodness βš“οΈ

Have you read All the Stars and Teeth? πŸ§œπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ

*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #allthestarsandteeth #piratebooks #mermaidbooks #highseasadventure #fantasybooks #duology
How would your favorite book character take their How would your favorite book character take their coffee? β˜•οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
My favorite fictional character of all time is Genya Safin from the Grishaverse 🀍 This badass Tailor has a taste for the finer things and would absolutely drink a deliciously dark roast with notes of cherry, walnut, and rich chocolate 🀀 I think she would enjoy a café au lait -- drip coffee with steamed milk -- that David prepared for her in a drip coffee contraption of his own making 🫢🏼
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Did I go way too in-depth on this just because I love these characters and coffee a little too much? πŸ™ˆ Maybe I did, but it was fun πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
How do YOU take your coffee? 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #shadowandbone #thedarkling #genyasafin #leighbardugo #perfectespressopour #coffeepour #favoritefictionalcharacter #favoritecharacter #favoritebookcharacter
What was your last 5-star romance read? ⭐️ It What was your last 5-star romance read? ⭐️

It was absolutely wonderful to end 2022 with Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez 😍 I don’t like to pick favorites when it comes to my top authors, but this adorable fake dating romance may very well be my favorite book by her! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

I’m a seriously picky romance reader, but Abby’s blend of sweetness and substance never ceases to amaze me and Yours Truly was no exception 🀎 Just like her previous novels, this one made me cry my eyes out as I saw bits and pieces of myself in each of the characters πŸ₯Ή It was just SO GOOD, y’all, and you can find the full review on my blog! 🫢🏼

Are you planning to pick up Yours Truly when it comes out in April? πŸ“– Have you read any of Abby’s other phenomenal romance novels? πŸ₯°

*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #bookreel #bookcommunity #cozyreel #cozytime #bookishreel #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #aestheticreel #coffeecoffeecoffee #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #yourstrulybook #abbyjimenez #romancereader #cartooncoverrromance #2023bookrelease #bookreview
What was the last book you read in one sitting? πŸ’

Honestly, it’s not very often that I finish a book in one day - either because I find myself too busy or I just can’t concentrate for such a long period of time πŸ˜…

BUT every once in a while, I have a weekend day where I can just fully sink into a story and enjoy it from start to finish without distractions πŸ“– That’s what I did with BEACH READ last Sunday and it was wonderful πŸ₯° I read it when it first came out, but this time, I really got to enjoy it in a new way - and I couldn’t put it down! πŸ™ˆ 

If only I could have more days like that πŸ˜‚ Have you read Beach Read or anything else by Emily Henry? β˜€οΈ

*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #beachread #emilyhenry #romancebooks #romancereader #contemporaryromance #cartooncoverromance #perfectespressopour #rereading
Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“– β €β €β €β €β € Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Today is my third bookstaversary, friends! 🀎 I can't begin to express how thankful I am for this wonderful community and how it has impacted my life over the last three years πŸ₯Ή
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
As many of you know, I was a full-time fashion blogger for over five years and somewhere along the line, I found that I just didn't love it anymore πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ I wanted to find somewhere I could truly be myself and spend more time talking about fantasy novels, crisp autumn mornings, a great cup of coffee, and how to achieve the ultimate cozy lifestyle β˜•οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I joined bookstagram in 2020, thinking it would just be a fun little hobby to have on the side while I continued my fashionista hustle... and a year later, I rebranded EVERYTHING to The Espresso Edition πŸ™ŒπŸΌ I've made talking about books and coziness my full-time gig and I couldn't be happier about it 😍
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Thank you all for welcoming me to this wild and wonderful corner of the internet πŸ™ˆ Cheers to tons more bookish goodness! πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
How long have you been on bookstagram? πŸ“±
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #bookstagram #bookcommunity #bookstagrammer #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookstaversary #readersofig #booksta #bookblogger #bookishblogger #cozylifestyle #bookshelves #shelfie #readergirl #girlwhoreads #meetthebookstagrammer #facebehindtheaccount #newprofilepic
Would you take the protagonist of your current rea Would you take the protagonist of your current read for a cup of coffee? β˜•οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
There have been quite a few characters I've read about this month who I'd love to sit down and chat with over a hot bev πŸ₯°
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
However, from my current reads, I would NOT take anyone from Jade Legacy (because you never know who might end up unaliving), I'd definitely take both Kell and Lila from A Darker Shade of Magic, I'm not entirely sure I'd enjoy coffee with Katniss from The Hunger Games (since she's not the most exciting conversationalist), but I'd absolutely love chatting it up with Alina from Shadow and Bone! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of the books I'm currently reading? πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #bookcharacters #bookboyfriend #bookgirlfriend #bookcharacters #fantasybooks #yafantasybooks #adultfantasybooks
What is a spin-off series that you prefer over the What is a spin-off series that you prefer over the originals? πŸ“š

This past year, I either began or finished a few spin-off series that I found myself enjoying even more than their predecessors πŸ™ˆ The Dreamer Trilogy (the first of which is featured here) BLEW ME AWAY even though I just *sorta-kinda* liked The Raven Cycle 😱 But there I was, sobbing my eyes out at the end of Greywaren 😭 So freaking good! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

Typically I’m all about the OG series (like Shadow and Bone), but every once in a while, there’s a really great spin-off or continuation that I wind up just loving! 🀩 I’m excited to discover even more this year πŸ—“οΈ

Have you read The Dreamer Trilogy yet? πŸ’­

*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #thedreamertrilogy #calldownthehawk #theravencycle #theravenboys #fantasybooks #spinoffseries
What are some of your favorite stand-alone fantasy What are some of your favorite stand-alone fantasy books? βš”οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Crazy enough, my very favorite book of all time is a stand-alone fantasy 😱 If you don't listen to a single other book recommendation I have this year, that's fine, but *please* read Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer 🌲 It is absolute perfection! 🀌🏼
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Some of my other favorite stand-alone fantasy books:
🌿 THE NATURE OF WITCHES
✨ THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE
πŸ— THE STARLESS SEA (on audiobook)
πŸ’€ THE BONE HOUSES
πŸŒ™ WINTERWOOD
πŸ’” HEARTLESS
πŸ¦‰ WILD IS THE WITCH
πŸ•―οΈ GALLANT
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these books? πŸ“– 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #fantasybooks #standalonebooks #standalonefantasy #sffbooks #yafantasybooks #adultfantasybooks
  • Home
  • Books
    • Reviews
    • Monthly Wrap-Ups
    • New Releases
  • Lifestyle
    • Self Care
    • Food
    • Home
    • Blogging
  • Fashion
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Books
    • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • About
  • Subscribe

The Espresso Edition

Cozy Lifestyle Blog

  • Home
  • Categories
    • Books
    • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • About
  • Subscribe

Books, Most Popular · April 18, 2022

Why The Darkling is One of The Most Complex Book Characters Ever

My friend Kait helped me write this article and it reflects how both of us feel regarding The Darkling, a character from Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone. This article includes references to both the books and the Netflix adaptation. Thank you, Kait, for introducing me to the Grishaverse and fueling my obsession with this incredible world.

Photo credit: Shadow and Bone

The title of this article could easily be, “The Darkling: why the fandom should stop brushing him off as β€œjust a villain” because it misses out on a truly complex character and is a disservice to the amazing writing of Leigh Bardugo.”

*Disclaimer: I am not a Darkling apologist. This post is in no way excusing the toxic and villainous behaviors The Darkling showed in the books and show. This post is not saying he would be a healthy relationship choice for Alina or loved her in a healthy way. This post is not saying that because we acknowledge his tragic backstory or because his goals started noble that it in any way is an excuse for his later actions. 

It is no secret that there is a lot of controversy surrounding The Darkling in the book community. He is very much a controversial character and was intentionally created to be such. However, one of my main grievances with the discourse surrounding The Darkling is that a lot of those taking part don’t look at The Darkling’s character at a deeper level – or with the mindset that Leigh Bardugo created him to be seductive and intriguing and charming, which is the reality of most villains. Most monsters don’t look like a monsters, but instead are disguised as whatever it is you need them to be. That is what I’ll be addressing and looking at: The Darkling from his rise to his gloriously ordinary fall (Ruin and Rising ending only – avoiding any King of Scars or Rule of Wolves mentions due to spoilers).


related posts
3 Delicious Drinks Inspired by the Grishaverse // 100 Products Every Shadow and Bone Fan Will Love // The Best Fantasy Books of All Time

Before we start talking about The Darkling, it is important to look at the one who is mostly responsible for the man we are introduced to in Shadow and Bone: Baghra.

To avoid spending too much time talking about Baghra, the important aspects of her story for context are: she was one of the daughters of Illya Morozova, the first recorded Grisha in history. Also, the most powerful – capable of practicing all abilities within the small science… and merzost. Because of her relationship to Morozova, she witnessed first-hand the divide between Grisha and Otkazat’sya (non-Grisha). She grew up prideful and with a strong belief that she was better than those around her – not just non-Grisha, but fellow Grisha who did not have as much power as she had. So it came as a shock and betrayal to her when she witnessed her all-powerful, madman father sacrifice himself to save her non-Grisha sister. She viewed this as him abandoning her and a waste of his potential for a sister who was nothing of importance. This strengthened her belief that she was better than everyone around her and didn’t need anybody else to look out for her or vice-versa. 

This played a huge role in The Darkling’s upbringing, as she conceived him not out of love, but because she wanted a child – thus becoming a single mother. She raised him with beliefs that he was meant for so much more than this broken world that favored the scared and weak Otkazat’sya. The Darkling was raised with the belief that he was a god amongst men. So when he started to develop the same curiosity his grandfather had – to discover just how much power he could attain through Merzost, even at the expense of consequences – his pride that was so carefully built by his mother propelled his dedication to the study of this forbidden science. 

However, his original intentions were not as vengeful as they are when we are introduced to him. The Darkling always felt a deep connection to the Grisha around him and for his home country. We see this more clearly in The Demon in the Wood, a short story about The Darkling as a child that Leigh released. In this short story, we see just how lonely little Aleksander truly is. We also see how he is persecuted for his strength, not just by non-Grisha but by other Grisha. This story gives us a glimpse into Baghra’s parenting as well, as she makes it explicitly clear to Aleksander that they are better than others and that he will always be hunted, so he must do whatever he can to survive – even if that means killing others to protect his power and identity.

The story ends with Aleksander making a promise to himself that he will see his home country and his fellow Grisha free. Not just free, but prosperous. This is through the innocent lens of a young boy with noble goals, but because of his immortality, Aleksander’s once-noble goal was twisted into the vengeful plan we see with The Darkling. Due to his immortality, The Darkling was able to see just how persecuted his Grisha were, no matter how they helped or how peacefully they lived their lives. He was also able to witness first-hand the many trials of Ravka, the one place he was able to truly feel at home. 

His immortality gives us a unique perspective into the evolution of his goals and methods. If Leigh were to write a book from his perspective at his early stages, he would be a hero, not unlike those we read about in YA fantasy. He would be Aelin (Throne of Glass), fighting to reunite her country and save her kind from persecution. He would become Rhysand (A Court of Thorns and Roses) who is willing to do and withstand anything to protect his people. He would become Malik (A Song of Wraiths and Ruin) who makes a deal with the devil to save his loved ones. However, while those beloved YA heroes and heroines achieve their goal after two years – or in Rhys’ case, fifty – The Darkling constantly loses his battle and his loved ones over and over again for thousands of years. He becomes even more desperate, even more willing to cross the line between honorable and villainous in order to save his country and his people, to create a safe home – not just for himself but for all those who were persecuted.

Of course, as we know, once you take one step towards β€œthe dark side,” it becomes increasingly easier to justify any and all actions. We see this with The Darkling’s use of Merzost. While he may have gone into it with selfless and honorable intentions, the use of Merzost changed him and twisted his goals. Once he tasted that power he only wanted more. He still had the goal of saving Ravka and the Grisha, yes, but now it became β€œat whatever cost” and β€œonly if I am the savior”. Merzost turned him into someone who takes what is not given and who will do whatever it takes to bring Grisha to full freedom and Ravka back to its former glory.

Photo Credit: Netflix Life

While this fall is, in itself, a tragic story, it becomes even more tragic when we see the betrayal of his mother.

No, not the betrayal of her ruining his chances to “get it on” with Miss Alina Starkov, but the betrayal of her not originally taking ownership in the role she played in his downfall, and instead treating him as a lost cause. We see this more in Ruin and Rising, when she admits to Alina that she was scared of The Darkling and what she did to set him on that path – but she was also too scared to look inward and take ownership. She was too full of pride to reach out to him, and it was easier to push him away and paint him as a lost cause than it would have been to reach out as a mother and accept her mistakes. Aleksander Morozova was an incredibly lonely boy, cut off from forming any long-lasting relationships by the walls his own mother put around him.

All he wanted was to belong and to be accepted. Through all this, he knew he had his mother. No matter how harsh her lessons, she was there for him and would always come for him. So when he was at the tipping point of his villain arc, instead of helping him or trying to stop him, Baghra closed herself off emotionally to her son. She viewed him as greedy, evil, and unnatural. While Baghra had her reasons (as stated in her backstory which I mentioned above) and while her actions may not have changed the trajectory of his actions on a grand scale, I think the harm he did out of loneliness would have been lessened, as well as his sense of complete and utter betrayal. He has witnessed absolutely everyone in his life betraying him which has forced him to do things on his own regardless of others. He lost that last piece of compassion when the one who taught him that he didn’t need anyone turned her back on him.

An interesting aspect of the Netflix adaptation’s portrayal of Baghra and The Darkling, is that in the show, we see Baghra telling Alina that The Darkling’s β€œlonely boy” act was just that: an act. We also hear her tell Alina that The Darkling created The Fold intentionally and wanted it as a weapon because he was overcome with greed. However, it is important to note that in the show’s backstory of The Darkling, we see a story that completely contradicts Baghra’s claim. The Fold was an accident and wasn’t made from a desire for power, but from having no other weapon to protect the Grisha and his mom. We see The Darkling confidently walking towards the soldiers, but when they mention how they will kill his mother, he hesitates. He hesitates because this hits a cord with him as his mother is the only one who has truly been with him through it all, and that makes him even more resolved to destroy the soldiers and protect her.

While he only intends to make the soldiers his own, we see that the cost of Merzost makes his soldiers into monsters and then creates The Fold as a by-product. Neither the monsters nor The Fold were The Darkling’s original intent, as was mentioned by Baghra. However, the corruption of the Merzost’s use (as visualized by the dark veins we see creeping up his neck) opens up a new hunger for power within The Darkling. As even mentioned by Alina in the books, the Small Science is addicting, the power seductive. Once you’ve had a small taste then it is not enough until you get it all.

β€œI’ve been fighting this war alone for so long.”

This leads into the last part of The Darkling’s character that I found so intriguing and heartbreaking – and one that is often overlooked or written off as another manipulation. That is his loneliness. While Baghra told Alina that it was just an act, I believe it was not an act at all. We’ve already seen it in The Demon in the Wood, and when looking at the context clues of his character throughout the trilogy, it is clear that he was also looking for an equal while Baghra constantly told him that there was none. While his greed and descent into tyranny may have warped this loneliness, it is still there. When he meets Alina his main goal is to use her power, yes, but he still sees himself in her as well. He sees his loneliness echoed within her. He sees her strong desire to belong and to find herself and it reminds him of himself. While his desire for Alina is not a healthy one and is obsessive, he truly does develop feelings for her. She is the one person who can bring balance to his life. The one person who will understand the weight of eternity and never leave him behind.

Most of the fandom brushes away his seduction of Alina as just another manipulation act, but I think by doing so, it completely disregards a key part of his character. While yes, he does use his seduction as manipulation (ex: kissing her in the adaptation of Shadow and Bone, when she starts asking questions about the amplifiers), it is more than just manipulation to him. We see this in his famous line, β€œthe problem with wanting is that it makes us weak”. There is vulnerability in that one line. We see that same vulnerability many times throughout the trilogy as Alina gets close to destroying him – closer than anybody has. He is constantly underestimating her and letting her get closer because of his desire for her – and because his desire to not be alone for eternity clouds his judgment. He hesitates with taking her life while he normally wouldn’t. Now, it’s definitely not because he loves her in an unselfish way and wants the best for her. It’s a selfish love born from a fear of continued loneliness. He wants her to be his, not her own. This aspect of loneliness and a desire to be seen is such a core human desire that it is heartbreaking and jarring to see this so strongly in a villain as dark as The Darkling. It is equally tragic knowing that if Alina came sooner – before he was shaped into the hardened, power-hungry villain who takes whatever he wants – that maybe she could have been the light that kept the hope burning. And perhaps, even more heartbreaking than that, is the potential of what could have been had The Darkling not chosen the path he did. The potential for two equals in every way, searching for the same things, finding each other, and achieving all those goals and more.

When I say that I love The Darkling, it is a statement that comes with an asterisk. I don’t love the way he treats others and I don’t disregard his behaviors either. I love The Darkling because of how complex his character is. His character is tragic and intriguing and seductive. I don’t just love his character as a phenomenally written villain, but because of the potential he could have had if he didn’t follow the path he did. I love the potential and the idea of Darklina because of how similar they were. 

While the purpose of this article was to show how interesting and well written The Darkling’s character is and why I think people should take a deeper look at his character instead of quickly dropping him in the villain box, this is in no way an argument excusing The Darkling and the choices he made. A tragic backstory or a character that starts with good intentions is not a reason to overlook or excuse the abuse and manipulation that someone inflicts. The Darkling’s character is misunderstood, but his actions are not. He is manipulative, he is selfish, and he has done unforgivable things. The beauty of fantasy is that it is not reality. We can mourn the potential that was there with The Darkling finding redemption with Alina. We can wish for a future where Alina brings the light back into his life, banishing the dark stain of Merzost, and help him reach his original goal.

We can cry over the life of a character that was not just a larger-than-life villain who was always five steps ahead, but a character that, β€œwas just a boy -brilliant, blessed with too much power, burdened by eternity.” (Ruin and Rising, pg. 384).

Have you read Shadow and Bone? Do you appreciate The Darkling’s character as much as I do?


pin for later

In: Books, Most Popular · Tagged: fantasy books, fantasy series, Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone, The Darkling, ya fantasy, young adult fantasy

never miss a post

You’ll Also Love

The Best Shadow and Bone Products I’ve Found Online - The Espresso Edition cozy book and lifestyle blog100 Products that Every Shadow and Bone Fan Will Love
hands flipping pages of fantasy books while it's laying on top of another book. muse of nightmares novel sits in a basket next to a lit candle and a mug of coffee.The Best Fantasy Books Of All Time (According to a Fantasy Fan)
Book Review: Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater

Comments

  1. Lucy says

    May 7, 2021 at 10:15 AM

    I haven’t read the Shadow and Bone but I’m intrigued to do so after reading this post! x

    Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk

    Reply
  2. K.J. Haakenson says

    May 7, 2021 at 12:19 PM

    This article is PHENOMENAL!!!!! This is *exactly* how I feel about the Darkling’s character!! I’ve never really been able to put it into words because it’s so complicated but this is it! I really appreciate how Leigh Bardugo created such a complex villain by corrupting a fallen hero’s hopes into a twisted obsession. The Darkling is one of the most fascinating villains I’ve ever read/seen.

    Reply
  3. Tara Fuller says

    May 7, 2021 at 1:50 PM

    I could not have loved this post more! This was such a beautiful and in-depth analysis of everything surrounding the end result of who he became, toxicity and all. As a mental health provider, I’ve seen first hand how multiple aspects influence someone’s personality and behaviors (subconscious and conscious). He is SO many layers! Yes, we all have free will but again, most of our childhood influences shape our choices and behaviors. Without the proper guidance or even opportunities later in life to dissect ourselves and correct our thought distortions and negative behaviors we are completely out in the woods when it comes to any chance of bettering ourselves. Maybe it happens – maybe it doesn’t. Yes he’s FULL of unacceptable qualities and could fit in an antisocial personality disorder – but he’s also without any real insight because people either fear him, worship him, or avoid him. Where’s the potential to grow or right wrongs without any of that? His only role model was Baghra, which you’ve already discussed as problematic – to say the least. I love love love this review!!!

    Reply
  4. Sam says

    May 7, 2021 at 6:31 PM

    You just wrote what hundreds of us have been thinking/feeling for YEARS.
    Thank you for understanding the magnificence of The Darkling without forgetting his faults.
    What a beautiful article!

    Reply
  5. Janz says

    May 7, 2021 at 7:17 PM

    Great analysis!

    Reply
  6. Andrea's Book Corner says

    May 8, 2021 at 11:35 PM

    I love this analysis of the Darkling because it got me to think a lot more about him from a different point of view. It’s true that every villain has a backstory and The Demon In The Wood short story seemed to give his backstory a little more of an oomph. It was also interesting to think of Baghra as the mother that gave up on the troubled child she created!

    Reply
  7. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    May 11, 2021 at 3:25 PM

    Ok. I’m bookmarking this to come back to! I haven’t read Shadow and Bone yet, which means I also haven’t watched the show! I’m finishing up a book now and then I plan on reading this next!

    Reply
  8. Raji says

    May 12, 2021 at 6:47 PM

    I love this post – it’s so well written!! The Darkling is one of the most complex and fascinating characters I’ve ever come across in fantasy and so much more than just a villain and I think you’ve analyzed that perfectly here! I’ve bookmarked this post so I can read it again later πŸ˜„ Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  9. Deborah says

    May 15, 2021 at 10:15 PM

    Interesting – I’ve actually never read the series nor watched Shadow and Bone but I’ve been curious about it and I did hear a lot of things about The Darkling in general. That said, it’s interesting to read your perspective – it seems that the character is very complex!

    Reply
  10. Jennifer Prince says

    May 16, 2021 at 2:48 PM

    I love that you both delve so deep into books like this! I tend to just read them for enjoyment and not think about them so much, but I know the author would love that you took so much for the book.

    Reply
  11. I'm All Booked Up says

    April 18, 2022 at 11:09 AM

    We haven’t read Shadow and Bone, but you’re making us want to.

    Reply
  12. Neely Moldovan says

    April 18, 2022 at 1:33 PM

    I have not read this but I am drawn to more complex character stories. I think I would like it!

    Reply
  13. Lizzie says

    April 19, 2022 at 4:25 PM

    Great article! I actually haven’t heard of this one but this character sounds really intriguing! I think studying different characters is really interesting. I love doing this with films and costume design – how the clothing relates to the wearer, how it relates to the story and the psychology behind it all. I think there’s definitely a lot to be said between the lines πŸ˜‰

    Lizzie
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

    Reply
  14. Deborah says

    April 19, 2022 at 10:12 PM

    Interesting, I’ve actually never read the series nor seen the show on Netflix but I literally just put Shadow and Bone on my watchlist on Netflix! I love a complicated villain!

    Reply
  15. Megan Elliott says

    April 26, 2022 at 7:51 AM

    Wow! I’ve never read the series or seen the show, but I am super intrigued now. I love a story with lots of layers, and a β€œgood” villain is always complicated in my opinion. Especially with the family history and story of their upbringing. I’m going to have to check The Darkling out!

    Reply
  16. Tine Mcfly says

    May 24, 2022 at 2:28 PM

    Did you edit your post since2021?

    I think it’s brillant!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Whitman says

      May 24, 2022 at 5:07 PM

      Yes, I did. Only small grammatical details here and there and new Pinterest graphics πŸ™‚

      Reply
  17. Tibby says

    October 14, 2022 at 8:44 AM

    Thank you for this article.
    I read Leigh Bardugo’s books thanks to Ben Barnes and I thank him for that. I discovered incredible characters and a thrilling Grisha story. For me, Ravka has become real. But I told myself that I didn’t see the Darkling as it is because of my fan attitude for Ben Barnes. I hadn’t finished the trilogy when I saw season 1. Your article showed me that the Darkling marked others than me. Leigh Bardugo made a complex character. Ben Barnes made him human. As the novels are written from Alina’s point of view, we don’t know much about what he does, what he thinks.
    I especially agree on Baghra. She made a child for herself (and others she abandoned like Ulla). And because Aleksander isn’t acting the way she wants, she lets him sink in. He’s a character that I don’t really like.
    Fan of readings, I’m not always satisfied with the adaptations but here I can’t wait to see what the series will develop. I imagine the scenes and hope for others on Aleksander. He will never be a Villain to me. He’s not perfect, of course, but he could have been saved. I imagine a sequel to King of Scars where this would be the case…

    Ps : I am Belgian and my English is not the best, I used a translation program, I hope it will be fine.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Next Post >

What to Wear When The Temperature Won’t Make Up Its Mind

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy lifestyle blog. Looking for book reviews, hygge home decor, or comfortable and classic outfit ideas? I've got you covered.

Bookish Shops

  • Lit Love Book Box (STEPH5)
  • Janzy Wax Co. (Discount Code: ESPRESSO10)
  • The Seasonal Pages (Discount Code: ESPRESSO15)
  • Storiarts (Discount Code: ESPRESSO)
  • Wicked Whimsy Boutique (Discount Code: ESPRESSO10)

Archives

My Rating System

Where I’m Connected

Professional Reader
Reviews Published

80%

Resources

17th Avenue - Feminine & Stylish WordPress Themes
Ad - Managed WordPress Hosting from SiteGround - Powerful, yet simple to use. Click to learn more.
PLANOLY

instagram

follow @theespressoedition

Do you plan to read romance books during Love Mont Do you plan to read romance books during Love Month? 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Pretty much my entire TBR this month is just cute romances and I can’t wait to dive in πŸ“– 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Some of the titles I’m most excited about:
πŸŽ“ Begin Again by Emma Lord
πŸ“š Exes and O’s by Amy Lea
🌻 In the Weeds by B.K. Borison
πŸ’• Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these or are any of them on your TBR? πŸ“
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #valentinesday #lovemonth #romancereader #cartooncoverromance #februarytbr #romcombooks
What are your favorite high seas adventure books? What are your favorite high seas adventure books? πŸ΄β€β˜ οΈ

If I’m being totally truthful, I haven’t read that many of them BUT I just finished my reread of All the Stars and Teeth and was reminded how much I love it 😍 I need more books like this! 🌊

Give me recommendations for books with pirates, mermaids and sirens, island curses, and other high seas goodness βš“οΈ

Have you read All the Stars and Teeth? πŸ§œπŸΌβ€β™€οΈ

*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #allthestarsandteeth #piratebooks #mermaidbooks #highseasadventure #fantasybooks #duology
How would your favorite book character take their How would your favorite book character take their coffee? β˜•οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
My favorite fictional character of all time is Genya Safin from the Grishaverse 🀍 This badass Tailor has a taste for the finer things and would absolutely drink a deliciously dark roast with notes of cherry, walnut, and rich chocolate 🀀 I think she would enjoy a café au lait -- drip coffee with steamed milk -- that David prepared for her in a drip coffee contraption of his own making 🫢🏼
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Did I go way too in-depth on this just because I love these characters and coffee a little too much? πŸ™ˆ Maybe I did, but it was fun πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
How do YOU take your coffee? 🀎
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #shadowandbone #thedarkling #genyasafin #leighbardugo #perfectespressopour #coffeepour #favoritefictionalcharacter #favoritecharacter #favoritebookcharacter
What was your last 5-star romance read? ⭐️ It What was your last 5-star romance read? ⭐️

It was absolutely wonderful to end 2022 with Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez 😍 I don’t like to pick favorites when it comes to my top authors, but this adorable fake dating romance may very well be my favorite book by her! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

I’m a seriously picky romance reader, but Abby’s blend of sweetness and substance never ceases to amaze me and Yours Truly was no exception 🀎 Just like her previous novels, this one made me cry my eyes out as I saw bits and pieces of myself in each of the characters πŸ₯Ή It was just SO GOOD, y’all, and you can find the full review on my blog! 🫢🏼

Are you planning to pick up Yours Truly when it comes out in April? πŸ“– Have you read any of Abby’s other phenomenal romance novels? πŸ₯°

*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #bookreel #bookcommunity #cozyreel #cozytime #bookishreel #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #aestheticreel #coffeecoffeecoffee #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #romancebooks #yourstrulybook #abbyjimenez #romancereader #cartooncoverrromance #2023bookrelease #bookreview
What was the last book you read in one sitting? πŸ’

Honestly, it’s not very often that I finish a book in one day - either because I find myself too busy or I just can’t concentrate for such a long period of time πŸ˜…

BUT every once in a while, I have a weekend day where I can just fully sink into a story and enjoy it from start to finish without distractions πŸ“– That’s what I did with BEACH READ last Sunday and it was wonderful πŸ₯° I read it when it first came out, but this time, I really got to enjoy it in a new way - and I couldn’t put it down! πŸ™ˆ 

If only I could have more days like that πŸ˜‚ Have you read Beach Read or anything else by Emily Henry? β˜€οΈ

*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #beachread #emilyhenry #romancebooks #romancereader #contemporaryromance #cartooncoverromance #perfectespressopour #rereading
Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“– β €β €β €β €β € Why did you join bookstagram? πŸ“–
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Today is my third bookstaversary, friends! 🀎 I can't begin to express how thankful I am for this wonderful community and how it has impacted my life over the last three years πŸ₯Ή
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
As many of you know, I was a full-time fashion blogger for over five years and somewhere along the line, I found that I just didn't love it anymore πŸ€·πŸ»β€β™€οΈ I wanted to find somewhere I could truly be myself and spend more time talking about fantasy novels, crisp autumn mornings, a great cup of coffee, and how to achieve the ultimate cozy lifestyle β˜•οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
I joined bookstagram in 2020, thinking it would just be a fun little hobby to have on the side while I continued my fashionista hustle... and a year later, I rebranded EVERYTHING to The Espresso Edition πŸ™ŒπŸΌ I've made talking about books and coziness my full-time gig and I couldn't be happier about it 😍
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Thank you all for welcoming me to this wild and wonderful corner of the internet πŸ™ˆ Cheers to tons more bookish goodness! πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
How long have you been on bookstagram? πŸ“±
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #bookstagram #bookcommunity #bookstagrammer #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookstaversary #readersofig #booksta #bookblogger #bookishblogger #cozylifestyle #bookshelves #shelfie #readergirl #girlwhoreads #meetthebookstagrammer #facebehindtheaccount #newprofilepic
Would you take the protagonist of your current rea Would you take the protagonist of your current read for a cup of coffee? β˜•οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
There have been quite a few characters I've read about this month who I'd love to sit down and chat with over a hot bev πŸ₯°
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
However, from my current reads, I would NOT take anyone from Jade Legacy (because you never know who might end up unaliving), I'd definitely take both Kell and Lila from A Darker Shade of Magic, I'm not entirely sure I'd enjoy coffee with Katniss from The Hunger Games (since she's not the most exciting conversationalist), but I'd absolutely love chatting it up with Alina from Shadow and Bone! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of the books I'm currently reading? πŸ“š
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #bookcharacters #bookboyfriend #bookgirlfriend #bookcharacters #fantasybooks #yafantasybooks #adultfantasybooks
What is a spin-off series that you prefer over the What is a spin-off series that you prefer over the originals? πŸ“š

This past year, I either began or finished a few spin-off series that I found myself enjoying even more than their predecessors πŸ™ˆ The Dreamer Trilogy (the first of which is featured here) BLEW ME AWAY even though I just *sorta-kinda* liked The Raven Cycle 😱 But there I was, sobbing my eyes out at the end of Greywaren 😭 So freaking good! πŸ™ŒπŸΌ

Typically I’m all about the OG series (like Shadow and Bone), but every once in a while, there’s a really great spin-off or continuation that I wind up just loving! 🀩 I’m excited to discover even more this year πŸ—“οΈ

Have you read The Dreamer Trilogy yet? πŸ’­

*
*
*
*
*
#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bookaesthetic #booktography #bookphotography #vintagemood #bookseverywhere #hyggebookstyle #quietshadesofbrown #bookmoments #ofcosymoments #booksandcoffee #coffeeandbooks #fortheloveofreading #bookrecommendations #booksuggestions #booksonbooks #booknookstagram #thedreamertrilogy #calldownthehawk #theravencycle #theravenboys #fantasybooks #spinoffseries
What are some of your favorite stand-alone fantasy What are some of your favorite stand-alone fantasy books? βš”οΈ
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Crazy enough, my very favorite book of all time is a stand-alone fantasy 😱 If you don't listen to a single other book recommendation I have this year, that's fine, but *please* read Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer 🌲 It is absolute perfection! 🀌🏼
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Some of my other favorite stand-alone fantasy books:
🌿 THE NATURE OF WITCHES
✨ THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF ADDIE LARUE
πŸ— THE STARLESS SEA (on audiobook)
πŸ’€ THE BONE HOUSES
πŸŒ™ WINTERWOOD
πŸ’” HEARTLESS
πŸ¦‰ WILD IS THE WITCH
πŸ•―οΈ GALLANT
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Have you read any of these books? πŸ“– 
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #wintervibes #winter #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #fantasybooks #standalonebooks #standalonefantasy #sffbooks #yafantasybooks #adultfantasybooks
What is your favorite graphic novel? 🎨 It was What is your favorite graphic novel? 🎨

It was only this past year that I really discovered how much I enjoy graphic novels πŸ’₯ I’ve always liked comic books and graphic novels are just an elevated kind of comic book 🀌🏼

Even though I preordered and listened to the audiobook for Demon in the Wood (blame it on my love for Ben Barnes as a narrator), I also got myself a physical copy because it’s just too gorgeous to pass up 😍 Just like the rest of the Grishaverse books, the naked cover is breathtaking with the most perfect silver embossing on deep purple πŸ’œ I could read this one over and over again (and I probably will)! πŸ“–

Have you read Demon in the Wood? πŸŒ‘ 

*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
✎⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
*⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
#cozyaesthetic #mybeigelife #bookcommunity #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #fortheloveofreading #bookaesthetic #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #cozyvibes #cozycore #cozylife #hyggebookstyle #coffeecoffeecoffee #coffeeandbooks #bookflatlay #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations #grishaverse #shadowandbone #thedarkling #demoninthewood #leighbardugo #benbarnes #graphicnovel

Copyright © 2023 The Espresso Edition · Theme by 17th Avenue