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doriangraysbih 's review for:
Siege and Storm
by Leigh Bardugo
Siege and Storm definitely had a different tone than Shadow and Bone, but was a general improvement from the first. A strong beginning, mediocre dragging middle, and strong end, most of the book is focused on Alina’s pull towards darkness (the Darkling) or light (Mal). Mal is the only remnant of Alina’s old life. Essentially, he represents her humanity, and that’s why she clings on so tightly to him and starts to lose control of her humanity as she begins to lose him. She is slowly seduced by power, and seduced by the one who holds it— the Darkling. Alina’s slow slide towards villainy is compelling to read, but needs more grit other than Alina crying over Mal for the umpteenth time. What was frustrating is that the Darkling is actually right— she does need to let go of him to truly tap into her power and defeat him. Initially I was rooting for Mal’s death, but the slow death of their relationship over the course of the book works just as well. You can see Alina clamping on to the last shred of her childhood and naïveté, but by the end it’s too late. I’m excited to read about her reckoning.
More things: It was over for the Darkling once he hurt Genya like that. My blood actually boiled. I hope Alina fries his face off. And my favorite in this book is Nikolai. Because obviously.
More things: It was over for the Darkling once he hurt Genya like that. My blood actually boiled. I hope Alina fries his face off. And my favorite in this book is Nikolai. Because obviously.