A review by marley_james
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

4.0

This was my least favourite of the series only due to the fact that it was the middle book. Seeing as I’m such an impatient reader, I get distracted way too easily during middle books. My favourite part of this one however, was Alina embracing her position of power and managing to instantly use it for good. Alina stubbornly broke down social classes and superiority between other grisha, turning her tragic situation into a force for the better. And of course, the highlight of the book- Nikolai. I think that’s all I really have to say. Just Nikolai. And on top of all this, Bardugo explored two subjects I enjoyed. Alina’s dealing with her trauma while being forced into responsibilities immediately, and that of cults and false religion, along with the danger fanatic worshipping holds. As for the romance, Bardugo continues to blow me away by making me feel the pain Alina does, choosing between the love interests, something most authors don’t convey. Mal carried himself like a child which was so very frustrating, and yet I completely understand where he’s coming from and his pain as well. Alina being capable of carrying her trauma differently extenuates and worsens his childish attitude. At the same time, the toxic and terrifyingly wrong pull of the darkling was ever constant.