Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo (Part 2 to The Grisha Trilogy)

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
Published June 4th 2013 by Henry Holt and Co.
Genres: High Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Dystopia, Romance, Adventure, Young Adult
Page: 299
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina

Synopsis

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.

Review

I feel for Mal and Alina so much. They want to be together but things are driving them apart. What I enjoy most is their pure unadulterated love. There wasn't pettiness, revenge, or anger. It was so genuine and breathtaking. There were times when I doubted Mal's love but I think they will eventually find their happiness together.

I debated between 4 or 5 stars. 4 stars because I felt the majority of the story was focused elsewhere. The pair met a privateer named Sturmhond. Through their friendship, they discover he is actually the younger son of Ravkan empire aka Prince Nikolai. They formed an alliance to gain favors of the people and aim to defeat the Darkling. They have yet to win the trust and loyalty of the kingdom when disaster strikes.

Such a pity Alina didn't get the chance to lead the second army. While the power play and love triangle made a good story, I'm disappointed she didn't learn to use her new power. The attack happened so fast.

5 stars because the wrap up of the story was fantastic. The ending!!! It was brilliant! I feel sorry for the bad things that happened to the Grisha; even when inevitable. I want her to succeed!

Now pet peeves
Thinking back, I have a hard time imagining the power of the Sun Summoner. Don't you think it is pretty comical? Swirving light in giant arcs and waving arms around. And where is the light coming from? Her chest? Her arms?

Conclusion

Pretty amazing book 2 to the Grisha Trilogy. It didn't have that book 2 slump and the possibility of the world outside Ravka is endless. It carries a little bit of mystery at the end which prompts you to jump into book 3 right away.