Katie's Book Blog!!

Siege and Storm, the second book in the Grisha trilogy, will not disappoint fans of the first book at all. In fact, readers just might be surprised to find that Siege and Storm takes things to the next level and is actually even a little better than Shadow and Bone. I know, who would have thought that was possible?Things pick up right after the end of Shadow and Bone and don't take long to get back into, at all. Mal and Alina are on the run from the Darkling, hiding out across the sea but it doesn't take long for them to get pulled back into the madness. Alina is growing even more powerful and she knows that she is the only person who will ever be able to stop the Darkling. She just isn't quite sure how yet. And she's also not sure where exactly Mal fits into it all. Alina is a character you can't help but love but also just kind of want to slap at times. She's stubborn, smart, resourceful, and kind but she can't always see what's right in front of her face. She and Mal need each other but with Alina's power growing out of control, she's not sure how she can be the Sun Summoner and be with Mal. Mal takes a bit of a back seat in Siege and Storm which really disappointed me. He's changed a lot since the first book, having had to desert his post in the army to be with Alina. He's very lost and confused and I just wanted to hug him. He's still just as funny though and seeing a more vulnerable side to him made me love him even more. As for the Darkling, just wow. Leigh Bardugo is a master at crafting such a sinister villain but one that readers will still like, even if it is just a little bit. I truly don't know what to feel about him. Oh and there's a new guy introduced, making things even more interesting for Alina's love life. Seriously, this is no longer a love triangle, it's a love square. Sturmhond may be the frontrunner for me right now. He's devious and smart and brave and funny. I dare you guys not to like him.The story is super quick and while the book may be close to 500 pages, you won't be able to put it down. It's not going to take readers long to get through this one. There were so many times when I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails to the cuticles, hoping for the best but expecting the worst. Leigh Bardugo is brutal. I went through the whole spectrum of emotions with this book. And let me tell you, the ending will leave you dying for the next book! Things are tied up pretty well but you still won't want to wait since it's just such an addicting story. Overall, Siege and Storm is a must-read for everyone who read Shadow and Bone. Ruin and Rising just shot to the top of my wishlist. Get your hands on this one as soon as possible and join me in the wait for the final book!