SIEGE AND STORM (B PB): THE GRISHA BOOK 2 (Shadow and Bone)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Thrilling, Action-Packed Masterpiece! "No Sophomore Slump Here!" Siege and Storm is the rare second book in a trilogy that actually outshines the first. Leigh Bardugo takes everything I loved about Shadow and Bone and turns the stakes up to eleven. From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and I absolutely could not put this book down. Character Growth & The Ultimate Showstopper: Nikolai Alina really steps into her role as the Sun Summoner, transforming from a scared girl to a powerful, complex leader. Watching her navigate her growing powers, her dark connection to the Darkling, and her fractured relationship with Mal made for such an emotional journey. And can we talk about Nikolai Lantsov? His introduction as Sturmhond is pure magic! He is charming, witty, and brings a much-needed breath of fresh air and sass to the darker moments. He is easily one of my favorite characters in the entire Grishaverse now. Intense Plot & Dark Fantasy The world-building expands beautifully in this book, introducing us to new, fascinating corners of the Grishaverse and bringing in higher-stakes politics and war preparation. The Darkling is more menacing and complex than ever, and his new, forbidden powers are terrifying. The ending was so intense that I had to immediately start the next book. Final Thoughts If you loved Shadow and Bone, this book is a must-read. It is a brilliant, emotional, and action-packed continuation that sets up the finale perfectly. A solid 5/5 stars—I am officially obsessed! Key Highlights: ✅ Nikolai/Sturmhond: The best addition to the series. ✅ Alina's Agency: She grows into a real leader. ✅ Pacing: Thrilling, with high-stakes action. ✅ World-Building: Deeper and more expansive.

Siege and Storm was enjoyable sequel to Shadow and Bone that revolved around Alina and Mal’s life on the run, their struggling relationship, Darkling on their tail, and Ravka’s situation making things complicated. The story was about politics, power, love, friendship, betrayal, accepting power and strength, and not let anyone change who you’re. Writing was fabulous, vivid, engaging and fast paced. It was written in first person narrative from Alina’s POV. Author sure knew how to keep her reader engaging from the very first page. Plot was interesting and like most readers said it was like cat-and-mouse game with miscommunication or rather lack of proper communication trope. Book started few months after the end of first book. Alina and Mal travelled the True Sea and were living in slum area of one of the cities of Novyi Zem but they were being hunted and circumstances brought Alina back to where everything started- once again prisoner of Darkling on famous pirate/Privateer’s ship, Darkling looking for a way to gain control over Alina’s power of sun summoner. However, just when Darkling was about to take control over Alina’s power, she and Mal escaped with help of Privateer. Alina’s power was growing but it wasn’t enough against the horrifying change in Darkling and his forbidden magic. Alina’s only way to stop running for their life and take the responsibility of what happened on the Fold in previous book was to lead the Grisha army against Darkling and find a way to grow her power even more. But power and victory doesn’t come without sacrifice. I was curious to read how Alina’s power would affect her and Mal’s relationship, what Darkling was planning, could Alina lead remaining Grisha army and would they follow her, who she could trust and who would betray her, and how arrival of second prince would change things in Ravka. Characters were interesting, flawed, complex and no character was black and white. It was sad to see Darkling only in first and last few chapters. It was like he was in background in most of the book. I wanted to know more about his power and what forbidden magic he was using. I guess that will be revealed in next book. We see in this how far he could go and what horrible punishment he could inflict with his mysterious power. He was so evil but really interesting character. Nikolai was my most favourite character in the book. I could see why he was everyone’s favourite. He made Alina and Mal’s exhausting relationship bearable, gave fresh breath this book needed. It was pretty easy to guess who he was, but the way it was revealed made me smile. He was charming, witty, clever, ambitious, brilliant leader, and a little like Darkling but with conscience. He knew difference between right and wrong and he had principles. I don’t get why Alina felt frustrated around him, she should think about Mal and herself. Alina was okay. I liked how she was understanding her power and loved using it and it was great to see her changing a little in good way by learning from Nikolai and leading Grisha. I felt for her for what happened in Fold. I could understand her guilt and need to take responsibility, her feelings towards religious fanaticism and politics and feeling torn between her responsibilities, power and love of her life. I was glad at the end she could at least voice that she couldn’t part from her power, she would never let go of her Grisha gift but at the same time I was mad at her for feeling low or feeling guilty and taking blame over her head for increasing gap in her and Mal’s relationship. Mal was my least favourite character. I was bracing for that. First half the book wasn’t bad, he went along with whatever happened but in second half, he was being total idiot and jerk. I haven’t seen any hero so insecure and jealous. He basically ignored Alina his whole life, went after other girls leaving her unnoticed. And now that Alina had men wooing her and people noticed her, he was feeling jealous! He knew power made her happy and healthy and yet he wished she never had those power and never used it! He claimed she was his nation and everything in the world, his love was eternal so how could he not accept her for what she was, along with her power, not respect her wish, not help her accomplishing in her mission!! And then blaming her for all his fault, childish sulk, not understanding his feeling and not keeping in mind his need and happiness! Argh, really! I was so ready to push him in Fold and urge and cheer Alina to go out with Nikolai. World was best part of the book. I enjoyed reading more about world outside Ravka, more details on Ravka’s border, religion and belief, stories of saints, tales of Ravka, and other amplifiers. Royal politics was interesting. I still don’t understand what apparat wanted but I hope to have more clear idea on it in next book. Apart from world, what I enjoyed most was banter between Nikolai, Alina and Mal, conversation between Alina and Nikolai, the way Alina made changes at Little Palace, and action scenes. There wasn’t exactly much romance in the book. It was more about change in Mal and Alina’s relationship and how Alina’s power and responsibilities was affecting it. Some twist and turns I could see coming but that climax surprised me. It was brilliantly written and I loved Nikalai’s dialogues in that moment. Everything from that moment was tense, action packed and adrenaline filled. I enjoyed reading what happened before end. End was so gloomy and made me more anxious. I’m itching to read next book. Why 4 stars- Do I have to write it? I would have easily given this book 5 stars if it wasn’t for Mal and Alina. I just wanted to bang their heads and put amplifier on them that could give them power of sense. As I said they made middle part of the book exhausting. Overall, Siege and Storm was captivating, fast paced, and action packed Tsarpunk (I’m taking author’s word from Q&A) fantasy with fabulous writing, interesting characters and engrossing world. If you enjoyed first book, are fan of author’s writing, interesting secondary characters and villain, and love Grisha world, I sure recommend this book (all I say just ignore Mal and you’ll enjoy this).

The book itself is great but you know what.. I'm not fond of Malina and the book at the beginning was really fast and good but... As i went on i just find it tooooo slow. The only thing that keeps this book alive for me personally was Nikolai!. I just like his character very much. The lack of darling in this book was just kind of a slow down for me. The shadow and bone was just AMAZING! but i just felt like this book lagged behind. But uk it's still a good buy

Brought this as a birthday present and am very happy with the condition it came in. Generally books from Amazon come is bad quality but this time every book was in perfect condition and in sturdy packaging. Since I bought it as a present im not sure how good the book actually is but the cover is beautiful that’s for sure.

I loved the first book but this one just wasn't that great. The writing was good, (You could really feel the character's emotions and there were many unexpected turns to immerse the readers) plus, Nikolai is a FANTASTIC character (definitely my favourite). On the other hand, Alina's character went downhill in this book, she didn't seem like a strong character, she just seemed really harsh and hungry for more power while also making some bad decisions and crying quite a bit... oh, and on top of that, she and Mal kept bickering throughout. I like Mal's character but in this book it felt like he was being disregarded by the author. He only got well involved at the start of the book and then there were just a lot of arguments and he wasn't doing well. I enjoyed the rest of the plot but unlike the first book it didn't provide a satisfying finish. Even though it's a series and theres more to the story, it felt like a bit too much was missing, but hopefully the last book can finish off the story well .

An amazing sequel to Shadow and Bone. I lived the way characters have grown in this story. Besides the new characters coming to the picture, the old ones are freshly crafted too. No one is the same, except for the superb storyline and narration. Heading to the third book now!

Sorry but I’m not a huge fan of malina. I was so excited when I though darklina had some potential at the end of the book but… anyways it is a well written book and I will recommend it to anyone who liked the first book in the series

Every page is interesting and suspenseful. There are some boring passages which you will quickly forget once you keep reading.

I didn't like it as much as the first book. It was a little slow paced and I was really annoyed by Mal. Just get over your sorry self already, puh-leaase... Also I found it a shame that the Darkling wasn't there in most of the book. I'm-sorry-not-sorry, but he is one of my favourite characters. Nikolai made up for most of that loss. Prince and Privateer, who wouldn't say yes to that. I do thought that Alina's last stand was kinda epic and even though all the negative stuff I just said I really am curious for the last installment.

Agradável

The book arrived in great condition. The story is also amazing! Amazing sequel to Shadow and Bone. Could not put it down!

I will admit that I went into this book with very high hopes. I bought Shadow and Bone when out on a shopping spree with my mother. After begging her to buy it for me (since I'm a poor student and all) I will admit I felt guilty. I had seen this book a million times on my Goodreads to-read shelf and never really felt that drawn to it. I bought it on that day simply for the sake of buying a book. I went home and thought I may as well start reading it straight away. I finished it in one sitting in two and a half hours. I wanted Siege and Storm immediately!! So, impatient as ever, I bought it for my kindle app on my iPad. I couldn't even wait until the next day to buy the paperback. I finished Siege and Storm within a few hours and went onto Goodreads to find out what the next book was called. I found out what it was called, Ruin and Rising, but I was in for quite a shock. Siege and Storm had only been out for a week or so and I had to wait another year for the next book! Oh the horror of that moment! I have seriously been rejoicing and despairing equally over my choice to impulse-buy Shadow and Bone that faithful day. While I may have had the unbelievable experience of entering Leigh Bardugo's world and meeting her characters, I now have one of the worst waits I have ever experienced for a book. Each of the character's will tug on your heartstrings, make you fall in love with them (Ahem, the Darkling) or, in some cases, both. Some characters you love to hate, others are fabulously lovable and all of them realistically imperfect, especially in the choices they make. Each character has to make a choice in this novel: Alina or the Darkling. There are no evil characters in this (excepting of course the Darkling who has to be redeemed in the last novel. Right? Right?!?!), only characters that have to make a tough decision and are making the best of the situation at hand. Those who you would believe would be on one side are quite commonly on the other. The characters decisions are explainable and believable. They are fully fleshed out characters with their own reasoning. My favourite character is of course Alina. She is one of the best heroines I have ever read about and she is such a strong female character. But that is another of this series' strong points: strong female characters. Not one of the females in this story is an archetype of femininity. Each of the characters may start out as such, the bitchy popular girl, the uncommon beauty, the tomboy. But their true characters are shown throughout the course of this series. Alina, the tomboy, is such a pillar of strength in this novel. She takes over as leader of the Grisha in the Darkling's absence and does a remarkable job for a relatively new member of the Grisha. As much as I adore the Darkling, Alina is what makes this series what it is. She is the rare character that can truly hold a series on her own, regardless of the many romances and political struggles around her. As you have probably surmised I am firmly in the Darkling camp when it comes to Alinas heart. I truly believe that Leigh Bardugo will redeem him in the final book and explain his actions satisfactorily. He is such a complex character, and though he struggles to gain control over Alinas power I truly believe he cares for her. If Darklina is not a possibility then I would choose Nikolai as my second favourite. I love how brash and confident he is and how he truly cares about the welfare of his people. I will admit that I also loved his and Alinas chemistry. Under no circumstances should she end up with Mal! For some inexplicable reason I could never take to Mal. Perhaps it is because he is a part of Alinas past while I wish her to strive toward her future as a leader. Or perhaps it is because he took so long to proclaim his feelings towards her. I mean come on; they've been friends since they were kids and he waits until she has a million and one other problems before telling her? I mean, really? I would rather she end up alone, an independent leader of the Grisha than live happily ever after with Mal. I really and truly love this series and the characters in it. The plot is sublime and you are left wanting more after every page read. I haven't felt this eager to read an unpublished book in a series since I waited for each Harry Potter book to be published. If you haven't been lucky enough to read this series and think I am over exaggerating then don't take my word for it. Go to your nearest library or bookstore and get a copy of Shadow and Bone and experience what the fandom is experiencing. I promise you won't regret it.

The second book in the Shadow and Bone trilogy starts by Alina and Mal being captured by the Darkling. He forces them to track down the Sea Whip, the magical creature required for the next amplifier. Just as all seems lost, the pair are rescued by a charming – and possibly mad – pirate, Captain Sturmhond. He has been tasked with bringing the Sun Summoner to his mysterious employer. And to their horror, and admittedly slight delight, Mal and Alina are brought back to Ravka and all its dangers. Though Alina longs to be with Mal, just the two of them, but she can’t abandon her people. Now determined to stand against the Darkling, who has developed a dangerous new power, Alina must learn the extent of her own power if she hopes to stop him. The characters were entertaining, and I was intrigued to see what happened to Genya and David. We were treated to two new, brilliant characters; Tolya and Tamar. The brother and sister quickly became two of my favourites and were real badasses, easily worth a dozen men in battle. Sturmhond was incredibly entertaining, I loved his snarky comments and quips and his blasé attitude, he’s the kind of man who would see a fatal gunshot as merely an annoyance. *SPOILERS AHEAD* Now the most powerful Grisha in the Second Army, Alina becomes the commander. It was good to see her in a real leadership role, and she flourishes with the responsibility. I enjoyed seeing her amongst the characters from the first book, my favourite being David. Not only does she now command the Second Army, but Alina must deal with the increasing Saint Alina/ Sun Cult following. But with the new responsibilities, Alina draws away from Mal, which was so sad to see. They are so obviously destined to be together, despite all the complications. Even without him there, the Darkling lingers in Alina’s thoughts. She may hate him and the terrible things he does, but she is still drawn to him, he is the only person in the entire world who can understand her and the weight of her powers. This was one love triangle I actually enjoyed since there were actual reasons for her to be drawn to the bad boy (since they are the only two of their kind in the world) even though she loves someone else. Still, I longed for Alina and Mal to overcome it all and be together. A third party appears, and it was intriguing to see whether they’d be an aid or a hindrance to Alina and her friends. I loved this book and its magic system. It had some brilliant twists and turns and a great cliff hanger. I give it 5/5 and am dying to find out what happens in the final instalment of Shadow and Bone trilogy.