Sunday 12 May 2013

Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

GoodReads 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, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But 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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Expected publication date: 07/06/13 (UK)
It's rare for a sequel to outshine its predecessor, but Leigh Bardugo's Siege and Storm managed to do just that!

Alina has the weight of the world Ravka on her shoulders. She is faced with many challenges, all of which take a toll on her emotionally and physically. As well as trying to bridge the ever expanding gap between herself and Mal, she must learn to hone her powers if she wants to set Ravka free from the clutches of darkness. Alina's character truly leaves a lasting impression in Siege and Storm. Her courage and strength are admirable qualities, and while I did not always agree with her actions I definitely gained more respect for her.

A new character is introduced in Siege and Storm, and boy has he won me over. Witty and charming,  Sturmhond brought some much needed comic relief to the story. He also kind of reminded me of Roar from Under the Never Sky in that they both have charismatic personalities, and are the very definition of well developed secondary characters.

I know some might consider Mal, Alina, and the Darkling a love triangle, but to me it doesn't read like one. The romance between Mal and Alina is breathtakingly beautiful, but it's not without its ups and downs. The two are faced with a lot of obstacles in Sienge and Storm - they share many sweet moments and just as many heartbreaking ones. Bardugo deserves a round of applause, because this is how you create conflict in a romance.

The Darkling doesn't make a huge appearance in book 2, but to my utter delight Mal does. No need to worry, though Darkling fans, because the power hungry and alluring creature still manages to make an impact.

There is no second book syndrome here, Siege and Storm is a stunning sequel that took my breath away.

“I have loved you all my life, Mal," I whispered through my tears. "There is no end to our story.” 

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18 comments:

  1. I'm really glad to hear this sequel shines even more than the first book. Can't wait to get my copy of it now! Great review!

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  2. WOO HOO RENU!!!! I'm so glad you loved this one as much as I did! I agree, I don't see the Darkling/Mal/Alina relationship as a love triangle either - maybe it was slightly in the last book, but it's Alina and Mal all the way in this book. Their relationship made my heart hurt though, I just want them to be happy! Fantastic review:)

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  3. God, I really want this book! June just can't come fast enough! (Although I should probably stop whining...) And I'm so glad there is no love-triangle - I trust Bardugo's judgement, since she wrote such an amazing book, but still... The Darkling is evil and sexy but no romance material. Unless there is someone more evil than him (unlikely).

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  4. I really want to read this series! And a Roar-like character? I'm sure to love him! I'm glad you enjoy the romance and that this sequel didn't let the first book down - I hate when that happens!

    Great review! :D

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  5. Everyone seems to truly love this series! It's rare to find a second book that is better than the first. Great review!

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  6. I am dying to read this one!! Hopefully I'll get to it soon. :) lovely review!!!

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  7. Love your review sweetie. <3 Sigh. This book was amazing :) But sobs. I have too many feelings about Mal and Alina. I just want them together all the time. <3 Mal is my favorite character :) I did love Alina as well, though ;p So glad you loved it :)

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  8. oh my God, did you say a NEW CHARACTER IS INTRODUCED???? SQUEEEELL! And you say it out shined Shadow & Bone? IMPOSSIBLE! I have an ARC of this and can't wait to start it!! Lovely review, as usual!
    - Farah @ MajiBookshelf

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  9. It's really tempting not to walk all the way to England so I could get to read this book. My copy of Shadow and Bone is still waiting cause I want to read these in a day! :) I'm so happy that you loved this one. Great review! :)

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  10. Every time I see someone reviewing this book or even mentioning it, I scream a little. I still haven't read this series (Shadow and Bone is on it's way!) and I've heard some many stunning things about it.

    Lovely review, Renu! Glad you loved it <33

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  11. This is such a great review Renu! I'm planning on starting this today and you have me so excited! I can't wait to meet Sturmhond and even though The Darkling isn't around as much, I can't wait to see the impact that he leaves! :)

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  12. Love to hear a sequel surpasses the first. Glad you enjoyed. i haven't read any in this series yet, but am interested.
    Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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  13. I didn't agree with Alina all the time here either, but I also still really admired her character. And I agree about the love triangle! It has never really felt like a true one, and I hope it stays that way in the final book. Wonderful review, Renu!

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  14. Oh wow a sequel that is better than the predecessor? That doesn't happen often. I'm happy to see that that is the case here. I still have to read the first book in the series, I have had it on my shelf since release day!

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  15. I love when I hear a sequel is even better than the first. I can't wait to start this series!

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  16. yes, i totally agree! LOOOOVED this one. it was even better than the first and i'm glad you enjoyed it as well. i didn't always agree with alina as well but i certainly felt for her.

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  17. I loved Shadow and Bone and so can't wait to read this one, Renu, especially because you thought that it was even better. I'm super excited to meet this new character who you think resembles Roar (who I adore).

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  18. Oh my, you've already read Siege and Storm???! I loved Shadow and Bone and am so thrilled for its sequel's release in June. Only a few more weeks until I get to spend more time with Mal. Happy dance!! Only that quote made me swoon:) Thanks for your review, can't wait to read it!

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