Siege and Storm Review

Title: Siege and Storm
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt
Release Date: June 4th 2013
Source: ARC for Review
Rating: 4.5

Darkness never dies.

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, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But 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.

Review:

Siege and Storm takes place not long after the events of Shadow and Bone with Alina and Mal on the run from the Darkling. Right from the very first page I got swept away again into the story the Leigh Bardugo has created in the Grisha trilogy. In 2012 Shadow and Bone was in my top ten books, and I'm sure that Siege and Storm will be in my list for 2013 it was just that good.

I already had the dilemma a picking a guy I liked better, Mal or The Darkling. Siege and Storm brings in a third  guy I couldn't help falling for, Strumhond. Thanks god I'm not Alina because I couldn't possibly pick just one. I think this may be the only series where I can't narrow down who I like, their just all great for different reasons.

As for the story; it was an epic, thrilling, heart pounding, and well written sequel that is perfect in every way. The intricate well thought of world of the Grisha is absolutely amazing and unlike anything I have ever scene. The Russian twist to the series also adds to my interest towards the book.

The only minor issue that I had with the book was with the main character, Alina. She seems to have taken to her power too well, which is good but she acts like she's superior then everyone and is the only hope for Ravka against The Darkling. Even though she is all these things I feel she shouldn't act all high and mighty I would prefer to read from her perspective much more.

All together Siege and Storm was a fantastic sequel to Shadow and Bone that was well written and had a great story with high stakes. If you enjoyed Shadow and Bone I have no doubt that you will end up falling for this one as well. Get ready for an unbearable wait for the final book, Siege and Storm is left on a bit of a cliffhanger that well definitely make you eager for more.