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theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Going into this sequel, I had low expectations. Not because I thought it would be terrible, but because I wanted to be extra pleased if it was extraordinary. I was really happy with the fact that it didn't have "middle book syndrome" in the slightest.
This story picks up immediately where the first left off, which made it easy to get into. There's very little lag on the world-building in this trilogy and I sincerely appreciate that. I want to be immersed and fully aware of my surroundings when reading a book like this. Bardugo does an excellent job of being detailed without explaining too much so that you're surprised when you need to be but also not confused about what's happening or why.
My friend described these characters as nesting dolls and I can understand why. They're little onions, with lots of layers and each time you think you've gotten them figured out, they show a new side to themselves that has you intrigued and wanting more.
I hate Mal. Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I don't really care. I hated him in the first book and I hate him even more now. He's manipulative, whiny, and childish. He makes Alina feel bad for things outside of her control and doesn't treat her as any kind of equal - suddenly interested in her when she came into power. Some might think The Darkling is the toxic one, but at least he displays his toxicity on his sleeve. Mal hides it beneath a "soft" exterior. Bleh.
This story didn't lack anything, in my opinion. I'm just looking forward to the finale book even more now!
This story picks up immediately where the first left off, which made it easy to get into. There's very little lag on the world-building in this trilogy and I sincerely appreciate that. I want to be immersed and fully aware of my surroundings when reading a book like this. Bardugo does an excellent job of being detailed without explaining too much so that you're surprised when you need to be but also not confused about what's happening or why.
My friend described these characters as nesting dolls and I can understand why. They're little onions, with lots of layers and each time you think you've gotten them figured out, they show a new side to themselves that has you intrigued and wanting more.
I hate Mal. Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but I don't really care. I hated him in the first book and I hate him even more now. He's manipulative, whiny, and childish. He makes Alina feel bad for things outside of her control and doesn't treat her as any kind of equal - suddenly interested in her when she came into power. Some might think The Darkling is the toxic one, but at least he displays his toxicity on his sleeve. Mal hides it beneath a "soft" exterior. Bleh.
This story didn't lack anything, in my opinion. I'm just looking forward to the finale book even more now!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Body horror and Torture
horizonous's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
.. yeah.. 😐
Am I still going to read the third book? .. yes.
Am I still going to read the third book? .. yes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Alcoholism
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Unfortunately, I think this book suffers from second book syndrome. I had a hard time staying focused by the end, but maybe that's because I'm in the mood to read more YA queer rom-coms. Anyway! There are a lot of characters introduced in this book, which makes it difficult to follow at times.
Of course, there's still a cliffhanger ending which means I'll definitely be reading the third book. And still watching the show! I have hopes that the third book will make up for the issues in the second one. Interested in seeing how this all plays out!
Of course, there's still a cliffhanger ending which means I'll definitely be reading the third book. And still watching the show! I have hopes that the third book will make up for the issues in the second one. Interested in seeing how this all plays out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Torture and Toxic relationship
rrovezzi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Toxic relationship
kris386's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Suicide attempt
rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
'Siege and Storm' by Leigh Bardugo is a fantastic sequel to 'Shadow and Bone' as it builds upon the characters and world first presented in the first installment. There is very little I can discuss around the plot without getting into spoilers but I will say that I think it did an excellent job on showing us new sides to familiar characters and exploring more about Ravka and its history.
In this book, I particularly like how Bardugo discusses religion and what it means to be considered a living saint. From where this book ends, I believe we will be seeing even more of this in the final book. One of the things I appreciate about this trilogy is that Bardugo allows Alina to be a messy, flawed character. The decisions she makes are hard to agree with at times but her complexity also makes her more believable. This is true of the characters she is surrounded by as well.
We see a lot of tragedy in this book and it is very hard to witness. I fear there will be even more to come in the next installment though I also have hope. I trust Bardugo and her storytelling to deliver a satisfying ending. I cannot wait to pick up 'Ruin and Rising.'
In this book, I particularly like how Bardugo discusses religion and what it means to be considered a living saint. From where this book ends, I believe we will be seeing even more of this in the final book. One of the things I appreciate about this trilogy is that Bardugo allows Alina to be a messy, flawed character. The decisions she makes are hard to agree with at times but her complexity also makes her more believable. This is true of the characters she is surrounded by as well.
We see a lot of tragedy in this book and it is very hard to witness. I fear there will be even more to come in the next installment though I also have hope. I trust Bardugo and her storytelling to deliver a satisfying ending. I cannot wait to pick up 'Ruin and Rising.'
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
kindra_demi's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Blood
piper_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Violence
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Blood
a_novaturient_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
justcallme_d's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship