Friday, January 31, 2014

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo


Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Book Two of the Grisha trilogy
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication Date: June 4, 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC won from a giveaway

Summary (from Goodreads):

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. 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.

What I Liked:

What. A. Sequel. Wow. It took me long enough to read this one, right? I needed a little push, but I read it and I'm reviewing it, so that's what counts, right? But seriously, I have the worst fear of sequels - especially when the first book was SUPERB. I always think that the sequels are going to be painful (and possibly horrible) - and granted, sometimes, it happens! But the last bunch of sequels that I've read haven't been bad at all! And not too many cliffhangers, which is great.

THIS sequel is pretty amazing. I read Shadow and Bone about or over a year ago, so I'll be honest: I didn't remember too many specific things about the book. I remembered some names and roles and a few major events, but not much. I barely even remembered the climax of the book. HOWEVER, Bardugo does a fabulous job of getting readers back into the story. She actually didn't do too much of reminding readers what happened - she sort of jumped right into this book. It's definitely necessary to read book one, but if you were like me, and couldn't remember basically anything from book one, don't worry! You'll have no problems getting back into the story.

I actually think the summary is kind of vague and doesn't encompass the book very well, but I understand why - it would spoil A LOT if the summary included more general events of the book. Basically, Alina and Mal are on the run from the Darkling. But then he finds them somehow. Alina and Mal must work with a certain privateer and others in order to gather forces and fight the Darkling. But Alina must also gather power for herself, which is dangerous, as it makes her more and more like the Darkling. The stag's horns were just the beginning.

The book is long, but the plot is very active and engaging. Alina and Mal and the story don't just stay in one place. At first, they were in a town far away from the Darkling. Then they were on a ship at sea. Then they were running again from the Darkling - and they were taken to a place where they could get sufficient (hopefully sufficient) help against the Darkling. Vague, yes, but it's on purpose.

I love what Bardugo is doing with Alina. Alina is slowly becoming power-hungry, more and more like the Darkling. I feel like with fantasy novels in YA, in which the protagonist is extremely powerful, don't show this very well. Power brings about selfishness, a sense of entitlement, a sense of dictatorship. Bardugo is doing a very good job of showing this progressive change in Alina. Alina is NOT evil, and yet, as she tries to gain more power to fight the Darkling, she is becoming a little greedy with power. This makes her more like him than she realizes - until she DOES realize it.

This affects everything, including her disposition. She is sometimes cruel, and at times, enjoys the emotional pain of people that she does not particularly like. While I don't like this in Alina, I LOVE that Bardugo makes this an issue in this series. I love the Bardugo is willing to go there, to mess with her protagonist THAT MUCH.

Alina's change in conjunction to her increasing power also affects her relationship with Mal. Ah, yes, I have reached the romance. Alina and Mal are a couple, but as Alina grows stronger as a Sun Summoner, the pair seems to grow apart. Mal doesn't belong in Alina's world, but he belongs with Alina. Conundrum, no? But Alina's power, her role, her alliance with Sturmhond, it takes a toll on Mal. Their relationship is highly tested in this book, and I can't wait to see how Bardugo concludes the romance in this series.

In Shadow and Bone, one of the things I hated was that there was potential for a love triangle between Alina, Mal, and the Darkling. I didn't really see the Darkling as a love interest in book one, nor do I see him as one in this book. Now, there is another male in THIS book that could be a part of the love triangle, but I doubt it. We'll see.

I mentioned Sturmhond once? He's the privateer, and he is EASILY my favorite character of this book, and of the series. There are other fabulous characters introduced in this book, such as Toyla and Tamar, but STURMHOND. He is fabulous! He is so much more than a greedy privateer, as we find out in this book (not telling!). I really he gets what he wants, and that things work out for him. Hugs for you, Sturmhond!

Overall, I must say that this book is stunning. I could kick myself for waiting so long to read it, but at the same time, it means that I have to wait less to read Ruin and Rising! I cannot wait to see it all ends.

What I Did Not Like:

There wasn't much that I didn't like about this book. As usual, I must say that no book is perfect. HOWEVER, I honestly cannot think of anything in particular that I did not enjoy. It's quite long, and I admit, I did skim a few times, but not often enough that it was annoying, or that I didn't understand something.

This one is getting four stars, not five stars, because this isn't a favorite book of mine, and it didn't blow me away. Granted, favorite books aren't the only books that get five stars from me. Books that are incredible amazing and totally worth the buy get five stars. I really enjoyed this one, but I'm not overcome with emotion or anything. I don't think I'm a hardcore fan like some bloggers/readers, but I am totally invested enough to read the next book.

Would I Recommend It:

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who read the first book. I was blown away by the first book, and I was nothing short of impressed with this book. I would also recommend this series in general. The debut was amazing, the sequel was astonishingly awesome, and I'm quite sure the conclusion to this trilogy will not disappoint!

Rating:

4 stars. I can't believe I waited this long to read this book! But you all know my fear of sequels. As I continue to learn, some sequels just aren't that scary! 


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

12 comments:

  1. I listened to both audiobooks this month and they were really good. I'm not a fan of the Darkling. I have nothing against him but I just don't like him for Alina. And Sturmhond was such an awesome character! Is he the character you wish was part of the love triangle? Because I kind of did too. I'm rooting for Mal but want more romance. Sometimes I wasn't sure if they were together or not. Looking forward to book 3!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so cool! And me either - he's NOT a love interest, in my opinion. I didn't want to mention anything about Sturmhond, for spoilers purposes, but perhaps... ;) Hopefully book three clears up everything!

      Delete
  2. Amazing review sweetie. <3 I'm so glad you mostly loved this book :D I did too. <3 And ahh. It's been a year since I read it! Must re-read soon :) I just loved it so much. And my favorite is Mal, hih. <3 I just don't understand why so many hates him after this book :( SO UNFAIR. I adore him. And I still don't think there should be a love triangle thingy, as I think only Mal fit together with Alina :) Just hoping it will get dealt with early in the next book. <3 Anyway. Amazing review. Thank you for being honest and sharing. <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really did! I don't hate Mal after this book! I totally see his side. And I think he is the one for Alina, but you can never be sure, with some authors. Hopefully, it works out that way!

      You're very welcome, and thank YOU, Carina!

      Delete
  3. Oh yay I'm glad that you liked this one so much compared to the first book. I loved the first one but I saw a number of negative reviews for Siege & Storm so I never ended up continuing the series although I have the book sitting on my shelf. I'm glad that you really liked this one, though, because the stuff Alina goes through sounds intense as well as the plot overall. Great review! <33

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The first book was great, but this one was superb. I actually avoided reviews of this book - I wasn't even sure if I *wanted* to continue with the series. However, I'm glad that I did!

      Thank you so much, Eileen!

      Delete
  4. I really liked this book, but somehow the second half seemed like a waiting game for the Darkling to arrive, so it dragged a bit for me. But still, I cannot wait till Ruin & Rising comes out!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you - there definitely was a bit of drag when everything became tactical and training-related. But as you said, I also cannot wait to read Ruin and Rising!

      Delete
  5. I'm planning to read this next so hopefully I'll like it as much as you did! Can't wait for Ruin and Rising!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YAY! That is awesome to hear, Laura! Glad you're excited :D

      Delete
  6. Great review! I kind of missed the Darkling in this book. He has such an intense presence, and I wished he was there for more than the very beginning and the very end. I still enjoyed reading this, though, and can't wait to read Ruin and Rising! I hope they release the cover image soon, these books have some of the best YA cover art I've seen in some time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can see what you mean - he was there in like, two scenes, physically. But mostly, he was a shadow in Alina's mind. I cannot wait to see the cover of Ruin and Rising! I thought it was already revealed, but then I looked it up, and nope! I love the cover art! It's simple yet intricate :D

      Delete

I love comments! I will always try and reply to your comments, as well as leave some comment love on your blog! :)

Also, this an award and tag free blog. While I am flattered that you would think of me, I really do not have the time to follow up. Thank you!