Review: Siege and Storm

BOOK REVIEW: Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2)
by Leigh Bardugo
Publication date: 5 June 2014
Publisher: Indigo

Goodreads: The Darkling cupped my cheek with his hand, and when he spoke, his voice was almost tender. ‘This is just the beginning,’ he whispered.

Alina thought she could run from her past and escape her destiny. She can’t.

Mal hoped he’d done enough to protect the girl he loved. He hadn’t.

The Darkling, more powerful than before, is hungry for revenge. He needs Alina.

Soon Alina must choose between her country, her power, and the man she loves — or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

The first quarter of Siege and Storm was great. But after that it seemed to slow down quite a bit. A large part of the book was set up for the ending. And so it jumps right back into the action towards the end.

Alina’s developed from a weak girl who wants nothing to do with being a Grisha to being power hungry and willing to do whatever she needs to in order to get that power. The Darkling has also developed, coming across as a truly evil character. We get to see what he’s really capable of.

I really loved the new characters. They bring some much needed humour, lifting the mood of the whole book. Sturmhond is smart and funny and quick witted. I also love the twins, Tamar and Tolya.

I found that Bardugo’s writing has improved. Siege and Storm was easier to read than Shadow and Bone. The story just flowed a lot better.

Despite being slower, I enjoyed Siege and Storm and can’t wait to see how it all ends in Ruin and Rising.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Buy it from: Book Depository – Booktopia