“You have to remember that Shadow and Bone' was the first book I sold. And it was, in fact, the first book I ever finished writing, despite many attempts before that to finish a novel. And when I was writing it, I didn't know if anybody was going to buy one book, let alone all three.”

Leigh Bardugo is an American author of young adult and adult fantasy. She is best known for her Grishaverse series, which includes *Shadow and Bone* and *Six of Crows*, blending intricate world-building with morally complex characters. Her work explores themes of power, identity, and rebellion.