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A review by thebookishmel
Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
4.0
Reread 2/2/2019:
ALRIGHT, 2018 Mel has it all wrong because this is definitely a 4-4.5 star read! I'm so surprised with myself to see that I was so bored in such an important time to really relish on the story and character developments. Nikolai stays a favorite, but I have some changed opinions on Mal and Alina, both together and individually.
Mal reacts the way anyone would when you see the one you love changing before your eyes. His actions are a little rash at times, yes, but I don't hate him for it. I can see how broken he is. Alina's character is obviously going through some HUGE changes, and so her reactions are totally warranted! She's going through both an internal struggle with understanding who she is/what she's becoming, and who she needs to be for Ravka.
Leigh has done it again, and although the final scene at Nikolai's birthday was noted in my first review, the scene in the chapel at the end was done SO powerfully! She takes the symbolism of the church and turns into something new and dark, but still gives Alina a sort of reverence with how she behaves [not to get too spoilery :)]. Loved this the second time around for sure.
3.5-4 (i literally switched my rating 4 times as i was writing this review :))
Oooookay I have been back and forth on my review of this book. This was such a difficult sequel for me to get through which is so odd! Normally I’m ready to jump back into the world and continue the story, but I had no desire to continue.
When looking back at my progress updates, the boredom was real because so many moments in this book were just so slow for me. I was definitely disappointed to see the Darkling so little! He’s easily one of my favorite characters because he is so maniacal and this series NEEDS that.
I continue to dislike Mal. That is all on that subject.
STURMHOND/NIKOLAI IS MY EVERYTHING. I think I love his character more than the Darkling. He is literally such a dynamic character. He has a leader in him, he’s often comedic relief, and I prefer him over anyone else. His banter shows his strength so clearly and effortlessly, and he really has an amazing mindset. He’s so patient but also is so restless for doing whats right and what he loves.
The final scene at Nikolai’s birthday party with the argument with Vasily was done SO well! It built up the tension to the explosion perfectly and I could just feel the action rising. Seriously, so, SO good!
Overall, I did have a hard time getting through anything Alina would say. I loved her character in Shadow and Bone but she just got so annoying, and her and Mal are so toxic together it actually drove me crazy. But there were other characters, especially the one’s who came with Sturmhond like Tolya and Tamar that really gave me hope for a good character arc.
ALRIGHT, 2018 Mel has it all wrong because this is definitely a 4-4.5 star read! I'm so surprised with myself to see that I was so bored in such an important time to really relish on the story and character developments. Nikolai stays a favorite, but I have some changed opinions on Mal and Alina, both together and individually.
Mal reacts the way anyone would when you see the one you love changing before your eyes. His actions are a little rash at times, yes, but I don't hate him for it. I can see how broken he is. Alina's character is obviously going through some HUGE changes, and so her reactions are totally warranted! She's going through both an internal struggle with understanding who she is/what she's becoming, and who she needs to be for Ravka.
Leigh has done it again, and although the final scene at Nikolai's birthday was noted in my first review, the scene in the chapel at the end was done SO powerfully! She takes the symbolism of the church and turns into something new and dark, but still gives Alina a sort of reverence with how she behaves [not to get too spoilery :)]. Loved this the second time around for sure.
3.5-4 (i literally switched my rating 4 times as i was writing this review :))
Oooookay I have been back and forth on my review of this book. This was such a difficult sequel for me to get through which is so odd! Normally I’m ready to jump back into the world and continue the story, but I had no desire to continue.
When looking back at my progress updates, the boredom was real because so many moments in this book were just so slow for me. I was definitely disappointed to see the Darkling so little! He’s easily one of my favorite characters because he is so maniacal and this series NEEDS that.
I continue to dislike Mal. That is all on that subject.
STURMHOND/NIKOLAI IS MY EVERYTHING. I think I love his character more than the Darkling. He is literally such a dynamic character. He has a leader in him, he’s often comedic relief, and I prefer him over anyone else. His banter shows his strength so clearly and effortlessly, and he really has an amazing mindset. He’s so patient but also is so restless for doing whats right and what he loves.
The final scene at Nikolai’s birthday party with the argument with Vasily was done SO well! It built up the tension to the explosion perfectly and I could just feel the action rising. Seriously, so, SO good!
Overall, I did have a hard time getting through anything Alina would say. I loved her character in Shadow and Bone but she just got so annoying, and her and Mal are so toxic together it actually drove me crazy. But there were other characters, especially the one’s who came with Sturmhond like Tolya and Tamar that really gave me hope for a good character arc.