#204 Book Review: Siege and Storm [ARC]

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) [ARC]
Release Date: 26 June 2013
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Hachette Australia
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy:  Fishpond | Booktopia
More Info: Goodreads

Summary:

Darkness never dies.

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.

Cover:
My ARC copy is a bound copy of Shadow and Bone and Siege and Storm so it does not have Siege and Storm's cover but I love this cover more than the US cover of the first book! Just look at that dragon forming the title and wrapping itself around that building. Love it!

Story:

The world of Ravka is about to experience the darkness as it never had before...

If you remember reading my review of Shadow and Bone last year (or known as The Gathering Dark in the UK/AUS), I loved it and adored it to pieces. Reading the book was like stepping into a fairytale of a battle between the dark and light and a new epic fantasy world that I wish I could live in. Now the sequel, is an entire different matter. It still has that beauty Shadow and Bone has, but the sequel is not about introducing the world Leigh Bardugo has created. It's exploring this world, revealing more secrets and darkness that cloaks Ravka, Alina, Mal and even the beloved Darkling.

Siege and Storm continues directly from the ending of Shadow and Bone. Mal and Alina are on the run from Darkling but of course, Darkling finds them. But this time, Darkling has evolved. His powers are terrifyingly strong, befalling darkness in Ravka. What I loved most about this book is how Bardugo slowly unravels the mysteries behind her characters and her world. It is so fascinating and unique. Her descriptions of when Alina and Darkling use their powers are so detailed and beautiful. Now I'm sure you are curious about the romance as well and I feel like I'm a betrayer because I was Team Darkling in the first book but now, I am torn between Mal and Darkling!

Characters:
There are new characters introduced in this book and while they are really enjoyable to read about, all I want to discuss about is Mal, Alina and Darkling! Can you blame me? The thing is these 3 characters are so intertwined and complex sometimes. Well before I start, I should probably briefly introduce a new character called Sturmhond. He is loveable, charming and also often underestimated although he is a genius!

I don't even know where to begin actually. Mal and Alina's relationship certainly dominates this book although we do have glimpses of scenes between Alina and Darkling alone. It pains me to think that Alina and Darkling will never have the kind of relationship Mal and Alina has because Darkling is just too...dark now. Mal, on the other hand, proved to be a loyal, fierce companion who truly loves Alina. Their relationship gets rocky at times but Alina, Mal and Darkling are certainly not in some sort of typical love triangle. Each have their own stories that make up the entire book and that is what makes scenes between Alina and Mal, Alina and Darkling so beautiful.

Overall:
Siege and Storm is the magnificent sequel to Shadow and Bone, with its riveting story and the beloved characters Alina, Mal and Darkling. The enchanting world Bardugo has created is further explored in the sequel and although I love Shadow and Bone slightly more than its sequel, fans of the first book will definitely love Siege and Storm!

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for Siege and Storm!

Thank you Hachette Australia for the review copy!

#132 Book Review: The Gathering Dark

The Gathering Dark
Release Date: June 7th 2012
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Indigo
Source: Publisher for Review
Format: Paperback
Where to Buy: Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks
RRP: $22.99
More Info: Goodreads

Summary from Goodreads:

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

Cover:
GORGEOUS. I can't stop staring at the cover. It looks even more gorgeous in real life! The gold swirls is so pretty and Alina's dark blue kefta is perfect! I think I prefer the UK/AUS cover more than the US one!

Story:

"You and I are going to change the world."

Dear world, meet my newest favourite YA novel of the year, The Gathering Dark.

Even after finishing this book, I still get tingles reading the quote from the back cover of the book. 

"I've been waiting for you for a long time, Alina," he said. "You and I are going to change the world."

The Gathering Dark is unlike any other novels I've read before. It's a beautiful and wonderful addition to the world of YA. Leigh Bardugo's writing is simply put: enchanting. When I first read the first page, it felt like I stepped into a world of fairytale. But this world is not just a simple world where evil and good is clearly defined. This world is a clash between the darkness and the light. 

Once upon a time, The Black Heretic created the Shadow Fold. And that was the beginning to an end.

The concept of the book is truly well-written and unique. Imagine people with different powers called Grisha. Now, imagine a girl who can summon light from within her called the Sun Summoner. Then, imagine a guy who can summon darkness called The Darkling. This is the world of Ravka and Alina is about to change the destiny of this world. What I thought was particularly wonderful about this book was Bardugo's combination of darkness and light. A symbolism of good and evil which can work together towards a greater good, or towards greater evil.

I have so much love for this book. It hooked me from the first page and didn't let go until the very last page. I am already desperate for the sequel because I want to live in this world forever.

Characters: 

There was once an orphan girl and boy who have lived their whole lives together. Their destiny changed the moment the girl was discovered to be more than just who she was.

This is Alina's story. I love reading from Alina's perspective. I really connected with her and I understood what she was going through. When she was discovered to be a Grisha, she was separated from her childhood friend, Mal. I feel sad for Alina and I cannot imagine how it must be like for her when she was brought to the "Little Palace" to live a life as a Grisha and train herself to use her powers. She also found herself attracted to The Darkling although she can't forget Mal, her childhood friend. 

Onto the boys! I am in love with The Darkling. It's safe to say I'm Team Darkling. Even though I find most people love Mal, I love Darkling more. There is something about him I can't forget and I always kept looking for him when I read the book, always awaiting for beautiful scenes between him and Alina. I love his words and how fascinating he was. But Mal was amazing too. I didn't quite liked him in the beginning but towards the end of the book, I fell for him. He truly cared for Alina and was willing to do anything for her, just like what a true best friend would do. The characters are absolutely well-written!


Overall:

  

Once upon a time, a Sun Summoner was discovered. With or without The Darkling, she will change the world.

The Gathering Dark is my newest favourite YA novel of 2012. Set in the wicked world of Ravka, Leigh Bardugo has crafted an enchanting story of darkness and light with brilliant characters. A step into the world of The Gathering Dark was like a step into a fairytale story. Truly magical.

5 Forget-Me-Not flowers for The Gathering Dark!

Thank you Hachette Australia for the review copy!

Check out the book trailer below!