Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo Summary: 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.
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Source: I purchased a copy for Kindle
Review:
Siege and Storm was full of action, twists and turns, and character growth, especially for Alina. I loved it!
Alina struggled with a lot of different things in the second book. Whereas she was getting used to her power in the first book, in Siege and Storm, she struggled with wanting the power too much and balancing herself. She was also careful not to wind up being used as a tool for more powerful people after her mistake with the Darkling. And in this installment, Alina is more powerful than anyone would have imagined.
There were some new characters in this sequel, mostly from a boat that Alina and Mal found themselves on close to the beginning of the novel. Sturmhond was the most interesting character and I liked him a lot. Part of what I loved so much about the Darkling was the complexities of his personality and Sturmhond was much the same way. The Darkling was unfortunately absent for much of the novel, which was a bit disappointing. I really like his character and I have a hard time trying to hate him as much as everyone else.
The only thing I really dislike about the series is Mal. I just don’t like him. I think he’s plain, uninteresting, and unfair to Alina. I think I’m supposed to like him and feel the love that Alina feels for him, but I don’t. I never want him around because he holds her back and doesn’t understand her at all. I don’t like the way he wishes to box her back up into her awkward and insecure old self. And maybe that’s why I really love The Darkling. He may have been, you know, evil, but he was always more than willing to push Alina and make her confident in her abilities. I guess I have a soft spot for guys who don’t underestimate girls. The whole Mal dynamic bugs me. Just go away. I just want him to die or something so Alina can grieve and then move the heck on. I hope she doesn’t end up with him because I just have issues with love interests who prefer their women to be quiet and obedient and fear the powerful ones.
As far as the plot and scenery, I think The Grisha Trilogy is beyond amazing. I love the way the world is set up and it is such a refreshing take on fantasy. I’m intrigued by the patriotism, the Grisha, the army, the King, and the fate of the world. The fold, The Darkling, the battle of power, and the way the peasants worship the Sun Summoner are so interesting and twisted. I can’t wait for the next installment!! I already preordered the next book, even though I have 4 months to wait!
