Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo is a bestselling fantasy author and creator of the Grishaverse, best known for Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows, and King of Scars. Her work blends rich worldbuilding, political intrigue, and morally complex characters.

Leigh Bardugo is a globally bestselling fantasy author renowned for creating the Grishaverse, a richly imagined shared universe that spans multiple series and genres. She first rose to prominence with Shadow and Bone, a YA fantasy trilogy that introduced readers to a world of elemental magic, political tension, and war-torn nations inspired by Tsarist Russia.

Bardugo’s work is celebrated for its immersive worldbuilding, sharp characterisation, and exploration of power, trauma, and moral ambiguity. While Shadow and Bone established the Grishaverse, it was the Six of Crows duology that broadened her appeal, delivering a darker, more character-driven heist narrative featuring morally grey protagonists and complex found-family dynamics.

She later expanded the universe with the King of Scars duology, which blends political intrigue, royal drama, and mythic elements, further deepening the lore of Ravka and its neighbouring nations. Across these interconnected series, Bardugo explores themes of identity, loyalty, corruption, ambition, and the cost of leadership.

Beyond the Grishaverse, Leigh Bardugo has also written adult fantasy and contemporary works, showcasing her versatility as an author. Her writing often challenges traditional fantasy archetypes, presenting flawed heroes, antagonists shaped by trauma, and worlds where good and evil are rarely clear-cut.

Common tropes in Bardugo’s work include chosen ones, criminal ensembles, forbidden magic, political power struggles, found family, and redemption arcs. These familiar elements are elevated by emotionally grounded storytelling and richly layered character relationships.

With her stories adapted for television and a global fanbase, Leigh Bardugo has become one of the most influential voices in modern fantasy. Her books appeal to readers seeking immersive worlds, morally complex characters, and interconnected fantasy storytelling with lasting emotional impact.