Siege and Storm
by Leigh Bardugo
Publisher – Indigo
Release Date – June 6th 2013
Buy – Amazon | Book Depository
Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.
As the read-along of the
Grisha series continues with the lovely ladies, Glass and Tanja, of
Ja čitam, a ti? I am once again entranced by this beautifully written YA fantasy. We all know that we suffer with the sequel syndrome, when it doesn’t quite live up to the debut in the series, and lacks any plot-line and character development. My time in reading I can probably only count on one hand how many series have totally lived up to my expectation and that of the series too, I am pleased to say that
Siege and Storm has passed with flying colours.
Together we have discussed and created a group review, which you will be able to see Glass & Tanja’s review here.
What do you think of atmosphere and pacing change in this book?
When we entered into the magical realm of Ravka, in Shadow and Bone I was truly awed and transported into an entirely new dimension. However, Siege and Storm still held that atmosphere but at a controlled pace if that makes. The novel itself was more focused on the character development and the introduction of new characters Reading them together as a trilogy, I don’t stray away from this new world, so changing the focus really progressed the novel as a whole. Siege and Storm is driven by the intense power and Alina’s survival from the Darkling!
Your thoughts on Sturmhond?
Oh Sturmhond or Nikolai, whomever you are, you are just a joy to read. The multiple personalities was somewhat refreshing for the novel. You could say that the character relationships are quite serious when it comes to the likes of Mal and Alina (more on that in the nest question). So having Nikolai on board brought some fun and humorous side. If I was to pick between the ‘Privateer’ or ‘Prince’ then personally I prefer Sturmhond.
The development of Mal and Alina’s relationship.
I found that the relationship between Mel and Alina grew more frustrating and fragmented as the plot-line went one. Granted I did agree to some extent that Mal was right in some situation when it came to Alina’s power driven focus of the amplifier and the Darkling. However, I did feel that they couldn’t catch a break either. At times I wanted to scream at Mal and Alina, or bash their heads together to see some sense at least. Given that I niggled about them individually, I felt that this sequel provided us with more insight into their lives and hints of their childhood and parentage.
Love-triangle. Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe/Yes. (Can I choose two, girls!?) If I’m honest I somewhat expected it. With the likes of Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. Although I felt this wasn’t a problem, actually rather enjoyed it as a distraction of Alina’s focus.
Which book did you love more?
Shadow and Bone. A very strong sequel but the introduction to a new magical fantasy, I loved more.
Describe Siege and Storm in one word?
(Can’t think of one apart from) A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
What do you expect from Ruin and Rising?
An embrace of power, love and glory!
Rating – 4.5