Siege and Storm (Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo
To be published by Henry Holton June 4, 2013
Source: ARC borrowed from Around the World ARC Tours and then Macmillan sent me my own. Thanks :)

Warning: very minor spoilers ahead for book one in the series, Shadow and Bone.
Summary (from Goodreads:) 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.
Review of Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
As Siege and Storm begins, Mal is perfectly happy in the new "normal" life that he and Alina are attempting, while Alina is wracked with guilt as she remembers the part she played in the events of book one. Alina and Mal try to lie low, but Alina is who she is and … yeah, that's just not going to work. Not using her power makes Alina feel weak and diminished and she's wearing a massive amplifier. Then, our couple crosses paths with a roguish privateer, a guy named Sturmhond, and things start to get really interesting….
I think sequels and later books in series should always introduce new characters who change the dynamics of the story. Sturmhond is a fantastic addition. He's gruff and mercenary, willing to sell his soul to the highest bidder. I love, love, love him. We also meet the dynamic duo of Tolya and Tamar, a pair of fraternal twins. And … excuse me? Oh, right. You're worried that I haven't mentioned the Darkling.
Our fates are intertwined, Alina, and there's nothing either of us can do about that. -- The DarklingNever fear, everyone's favorite Hot Bad Boy does play a role in this book. A different role than he played in the first book, but he'd definitely a major part of the story. The Darkling is such a charismatic character -- sinister and world-weary and yet so utterly compelling. Alina doesn't really feel that she can trust him, and yet he's the only person who really understands the nature of her power. She realizes that she has a mysterious link to him, a fact she decides to hides from Mal.
In another interesting twist, Alina has become famous after the events in Shadow and Bone. There's a sort of Sun Summoner cult that's led by the Apparat. Thus, Alina also has to learn to deal with other people's ideas about her, ideas that will confuse her, pressure her, and confound her. As the people of Ravka and beyond begin to look to her for leadership, she'll have to overcome both her lack of self-confidence and her guilt. She'll have to decide if she can trust those who betrayed her -- and get others to trust her.
Anything worth doing always starts as a bad idea. -- SturmhondAlina also discovers a clue in Lives of the Saints that will lead her on a new quest, a way to possibly increase her power. To my complete delight, this also incorporates a well-known Slavic folk tale.
I can't wait for the third book, Ruin and Rising. Will we find out more about Alina's parentage? Are things going to work out with Mal and Alina? Is the Darkling redeemable? Can Sturmhond get any more awesome?
I'm thrilled to be part of the Siege and Storm Blog Tour -- Leigh will be stopping by to answer a few questions on Sunday, May 26 -- plus, Macmillan is sponsoring an amazing giveaway!
Things better work out with Mal-his beautiful speech of love was my favorite part of book one!
ReplyDeleteI love this nail polish! I saw the author at a book signing and got some gray for Shadow and Bone but this blue is much much prettier.
Mal did turn out to be an eloquent guy. I have no idea what is going to happen, but in Siege and Storm things get …. pretty interesting!
DeleteI get giddy when I see people enjoying a second book in a series instead of viewing it as mere filler.
ReplyDeleteI still need to start this series but it sounds incredible.
Yes -- this is the way a series should be done. Each book has a complete story arc, and the whole thing has a PLAN.
DeleteI didn't read your review since I haven't read the first book. I really need to read this series. I have heard nothing but awesome things!!
ReplyDeleteREAD IT!!!!
DeleteI am reading this very soon and I can't wait!!! I really loved book one. This is such a wonderful series....
ReplyDeleteKate @ Ex Libris
You will love S & S. It's just so good!
DeleteOh Jen, I love what you say about how sequels should introduce characters that change the dynamics of a story! Sturmhond (and T&T) were such a big part of why I loved this sequel so much, and I'm glad you loved the book, too.
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
They were great additions and I think I read in your interview that there will be yet another guy? Be still my heart….
DeleteSo this Sturmhond guy sounds like a good time. And I love bad boys... why have I not read this before? I'm going to go put a hold on the first one at the library right now. O.o... like seriously, that quote, I love it. I may take it as a lifequote.
ReplyDeleteHe is hilarious and you will love him. These books are so emotionally intense that I sometimes forget that they're also funny. And the author is a HUGE fan of your favorite series, GoT….
DeleteCool! I'm so excited to read this book!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for everyone to read it!!
DeleteYes, definitely get hold of that paperback. The blog tour stops should also be offering up giveaways, so you should be able to enter to win both books :)
ReplyDeleteUgh, I'm so mad at myself for not reading the first book when it initially came out. I want to read this series so bad.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds great, and that I would fall for the resident bad boy
ReplyDeleteI've changed teams...y'all can have The Darkling...Sturmhond is MINE!!! :) Hoping to get my review up on Thursday, but even now, I can't stop fantasizing about ole Sturmy. Like, my review is seriously still sitting at this stage: Jen + Sturhmond = <3. :D Can't wait to read your interview!
ReplyDeleteI can hardly wait for this one! I can't believe it will be released in two weeks! It seems like it took forever, but now it's coming fast. Can't wait to get to know the new characters. I don't normally read reviews for books I will read and review soon, but I couldn't help reading yours anyway. I'm looking forward to the interview!
ReplyDeleteI just went and listened to the song. Very cool. I like the harmonies and instruments used. How fun for Leigh!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to read my copy! I agree that sequels are always better when they introduce charismatic new characters, all while still giving you ample time with the ones you've grown to love. Lovely review! :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, Yes, YES! LOVED this book! And Sturmhond, WHOA, talk about a fabulous addition! I loved, loved, loved him too! I can't WAIT for the next book and it's such a long wait!
ReplyDeleteCan Sturmhond get any more awesome? Goodness, I hope so. He is definitely the star of this book. LOVE how Bardugo keeps introducing elements that change the playing field. This book surprised me in several moments, which I wasn't expecting. Bring on #3!
ReplyDeleteFirst off: you included quotes so that right there tells me how much you love this book. Secondly: YES, Sturmhond CAN get more awesome and I predict he WILL. And lastly: everyone needs to back the eff off because I called him first--Sturmhond is all MINE. ;)
ReplyDelete