Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Siege and Storm (The Grisha, #2)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Henry Holt and co.

Publication date: June 4th, 2013

Genre(s): Young Adult (Fantasy)

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

Pages: 435

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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.

I have read many reviews for this book, and all were very positive. Some even said that it was better than the first. Shadow & Bone being one of my top 2012 reads (You can read review HERE), I was literally spazzing over this one.  Shadow & Bone was definitely a fantastic read, and there was one of the best world building I have ever read. Unfortunately, this wasn't as great. I honestly don't see how people can think of this as better than the first. I mean, overall, it's a great book. Just not as good as the first, so definitely not better. We start off with Alina and Mal, and their escape from the city of Ravka and the Darkling. I don't know if it's just me, but I wanted MORE of the Darkling!! I loved him in the first book, and I was very upset that there wasn't much of him here. I also did not like how the story started off pretty slow. 

I don't want to write any spoilers in here, but I did like how Alina changed to be. Those who read the book will probably think I'm crazy for her power seeking, but I'm talking about her determination to do anything to save Ravka. Alina showed us her very strong and powerful side here, and I found it very hard to be in her position, in these certain circumstances. I liked the twist towards the middle of the book, and I did grow on liking the Prince who I don't want to mention but yea. There was some intense fighting in here which I totally loved, and it was great to see a girl who was stronger than the guy. Alina grew on me even more, and she's a great character. I did hope for a better romance story, because I just find Mal to be so.. bleh. I just don't find him interesting enough, and I was hoping for another competition to be added or something. I guess I'm just not a fan of Mal.

Overall, Siege and Storm was a great book, but it was still disappointing compared to the first. I didn't find the ending much of a cliffhanger, but I'm still excited to see how this series will come to an end. I definitely recommend this to all readers out there, especially those who are big fans of fantasy!

Other books by Leigh Bardugo:

Shadow & Bone (The Grisha, #1)