SIEGE AND STORM & RUIN AND RISING BY LEIGH BARDUGO (BOOK REVIEWS)

In this post, I shall review both the second and the third novel in the Shadow and Bone trilogy written by Leigh Bardugo. In my last post, I published a pretty detailed review of the captivating first novel in the trilogy.  On overall, I'll do my best to avoid spoilers, but as this review will include some quotes, don't expect it to be completely spoiler free. Moreover, since the plot in the sequel follows directly on the first novel, you'll be able to figure out some things, such as the protagonist Alina and Mal obviously surviving. I don't think that's much of a spoiler anyway.  As I explained in my last post when I reviewed Shadow and Bone, I had a bit mixed feelings about the first novel in the series. I loved Shadow and Bone for its simple and engaging writing,  as well as a well constructed plot that was paired with a wonderful building, but I struggled connecting with the characters on a deeper level and was mildly irritated by some genre stereotypes.

Like in my last review, the location for my photography is Buna river near Mostar. I've also made some collages with the images from Netflix adaptation of the Shadow and Bone trilogy. I haven't actually watched the series, but I like their aesthetic. So fans of the show might enjoy the visual aspect of this book review. The book does differs from the show, especially when it comes to the ending, but despite reading the summary of all the episodes, my lips are sealed. As I said, no major spoilers! Scroll down to read my review of the second and the third novel in this young adult fantasy trilogy!

SIEGE AND STORM , A NOVEL BY LEIGH BARDUGO 4 /5

What to say about the second novel in the trilogy? Where to start? Well, maybe by saying that it was better than I expected. Sequels can be disappointing, but this one didn't disappoint. The story continuous where it stops, and there never seems to be a dull moment. 

 Siege and Storm was actually a wonderful read. The transition between the novels is almost effortless. As I said, I'll avoid spoilers. I did try to do that in my first review as well, focusing on the first chapter and speaking about the novel in general. That's what I'll do here as well, yet some things will have to be shared. Obviously, Mal and Alina are alive. I won't elaborate on what they relationship is like in the sequel, but they are on friendly terms again. In fact, you could say they are runaways. 

 The official site of the author explains it with these words:  Alina Starkov’s power has grown, but not without a price. That's certainly one way to put it. There was a lot of talk of power in the first novel, and as the second one starts, we see a braver Alina, one with more power, and one more determined to claim her power. 

Another thing that is emphasized is that her abilities come with a price. The more powerful she gets, the more enemies can she potentially have. As the site says: " She is the Sun Summoner—hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Shadow Fold. But she and Mal can’t outrun their enemies for long."

Alina and Mal seems to make a good team, but with everything stacked against them, how long can they run? 

The author's site also says and I cite: "The Darkling is more determined than ever to claim Alina’s magic..."  and then it goes into more detail but I'll leave that part out because it's kind of a spoiler. What you need to know is that Darkling and Alina's relationship is complex. They are both unique in the sense they both posses immense power. In some sense, only the Darkling can understand what kind of need Alina feels for her power. 

What else does the author's site says? It gives us more details about this book: "With nowhere else to turn, Alina enlists the help of an infamous privateer and sets out to lead the Grisha army. But as the truth of Alina’s destiny unfolds, she slips deeper into the Darkling’s deadly game of forbidden magic, and further away from her humanity. To save her country, Alina will have to choose between her power and the love she thought would always be her shelter. No victory can come without sacrifice—and only she can face the oncoming storm."

As the blurb indicates, Alina is set on an adventure. There're a lot of new characters added and they are if a bit cliche at times, wonderfully memorable. Is there any new character that really stands out? Well, I really liked the addition of the character Nikolai. I felt he was particularly well written and credible, becoming possibly perhaps my favourite character in the books so far. Leigh Bardugo really put some effort into creating Nikolai. He has some of the best lines in the book. Creating a bastard prince who is fabulously witty and charming certainly adds to the book, especially as the royal family of Ravka is basically a group of cardboard villains. 

“Watch yourself, Nikolai,” Mal said softly. “Princes bleed just like other men.”
Nikolai plucked an invisible piece of dust from his sleeve. “Yes,” he said. “They just do it in better clothes.”

---

“I took a breath. “Your highness—”
“Nikolai,” he corrected. “But I’ve also been known to answer to ‘sweetheart’ or ‘handsome.”

 Leigh Bardugo, Siege and Storm

The first part of the novel is particularly well written. Our orphans end up escaping on a ship.  I enjoyed seeing Alina and Mal finding their way into the heart of a crew. While Bardugo doesn't draw detailed portraits of the members of the crew or studies their psychological motivations, she does manage to create memorable characters. 

“Keep your elbows in!" Sturmhond berated Mal. "Stop flapping them like some kind of chicken."
Mal let out a disturbingly convincing cluck.
Tamar raised a brow. "Your friend seems to be enjoying himself."
I shrugged. "Mal's always been like that. You could drop him in a camp full of Fjerdan assassins, and he'd come out carried on their shoulders. He just blooms wherever he's planted."
"And you?"
"I'm more of a weed," I said drily.
Tamar grinned. In combat, she was cold and silent fire, but when she wasn't fighting, her smiles came easily. "I like weeds," said said, pushing herself off from the railing and gathering her scattered lengths of rope. "They're survivors."
I caught myself returning her smile and quickly went back to working on the knot that I was trying to tie. The problem was that I liked being aboard Sturmhond's ship. I liked Tolya and Tamar and the rest of the crew. I like sitting at meals with them, and the sound of Privyet's lilting tenor. I liked the afternoon when we took target practice, lining up empty wine bottles to shoot off the fantail and making harmless wagers.”

Alina learns a lot in this book, as she navigates the challenges of politics. Alina in the first book was charming, but very insecure. Alina in the sequel is a lot bolder, but also wise. As a reader, you can literally see Alina growing in front of your eyes. I'm really trying to avoid spoilers here, but I'll say that in this book she has to learn how to embrace her power and how to be a leader. Alina shall also need to learn to make sacrifices. The question of the responsibility of power, especially as a ruler or a leader, is explored in both the second  ( Siege and Storm) and the third  (Ruin and Rising) novel in the trilogy. 

“You’re mad,” I said. “You know what he can do. No prize is worth that.”
Sturmhond grinned. “That remains to be seen.”
“The Darkling will hunt you for the rest of your days.”
“Then you and I will have something in common, won’t we? Besides, I like to have powerful enemies. Makes me feel important.”
Mal crossed his arms and considered the privateer. “I can’t decide if you’re crazy or stupid.”
“I have so many good qualities,” Sturmhond said. “It can be hard to choose.”

I really enjoyed the way this novel examines what it means to be a ruler and a leader. In a sense, it can be said that Nikolai is Alina's mentor. They are learning to rule together.

“The less you say, the more weight your words will carry.
Don’t argue. Never deign to deny. Meet insults with laughter.

“You didn’t laugh at the Fjerdan captain,” I observed.
“That wasn’t an insult. It was a challenge,” he said. “Know the difference.”

Weakness is a guise. Wear it when they need to know you’re human, but never when you feel it.
Don’t wish for bricks when you can build from stone. Use whatever or whoever is in front of you.
Being a leader means someone is always watching you.
Get them to follow the little orders, and they’ll follow the big ones.
It’s okay to flout expectations, but never disappoint them.”

The whole Mal and Alina's romance left me a bit unimpressed. I mean I understand why they mean so much to one another, and it makes sense that they want to be by each other's side, but I don't see them as a truly convincing couple. Love is a choice we make every day, and not just a feeling of general belonging. I didn't really see Mal and Alina grow as a couple in this novel. They seem to be stuck in that 'best friend to the point of feeling like siblings' sort of feeling and vibe. Neither did I really see the Darkling and Alina as potential lovers.  As I was reading this book, I could really picture Alina with anyone. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.  One does wonder why this romance aspect of the trilogy is there, and why being there it has to be so predictable and written with seemingly little effort. 

“I've seen what you truly are," said the Darkling, "and I've never turned away. I never will. Can he say the same?”

....

“Why won’t you leave me alone?” I whispered one night as he hovered behind me while I tried to work at my desk.

Long minutes passed. I didn’t think he would answer. I even had time to hope he might have gone, until I felt his hand on my shoulder.

“Then I’d be alone, too," he said, and he stayed the whole night through, till the lamps burned down to nothing.”

Mal and Alina are constantly separated by circumstances, and even when they are next to one another, they cannot be together for a variety of reasons. I understand that this novel focuses more on Alina, and her coming into her power and becoming a boss girl and a potential ruler (not to mention the plot and everything), so there isn't that much space to explore their relationship, but still I think some details could have been there. Something to make us feel like they were the soulmates they are implied to be. However, this novel is perhaps meant to question that. Still, having read the final one as well, I have to say things don't improve that much.

I think this novel would be better if it either left out the romance part, or focused on it. I felt like the romance is part of the plot, but then not really developed. So, it should have been either more explored or ignored. Some aspects of the Mal and Alina romance are just cringe.  At the start of the book, Alina feels that strangers stare at her and Mal, wondering how she ever ended up with someone so handsome. I thought this was kind of weird. How insecure can you be? Why would random people even think about that? Besides, maybe it's my culture but I don't think of men as beautiful. For me, men are attractive if they are smart, I never really considered handsomeness of some guy based solely on psychical appearance. I don't understand how people do it either. Alina and everyone else seem to be really focused on Mal's looks for some reason. I get that Mal has other qualities, like being brave to the point of reckless, loyal without a flaw and generally charming, but his looks seem to be referenced a lot and it's annoying.

I feel like Mal being handsome is some kind of young adult or romance trope, where the female protagonist is always plain but then the most handsome guy in school falls for her. There were little moments in the books when I felt like I was watching one of those cringe Hollywood movies where there is a struggle between an unpopular and popular girl.  Nevertheless, sometimes we witness some playful banter that is genuinely funny, like the one between Mal and Alina, and Mal and Nikolai. 

“And there’s no way I’m leaving you alone with Prince Perfect.”
“So you don’t trust me to resist his charms?”
“I don’t even trust myself. I’ve never seen anyone work a crowd the way he does. I’m pretty sure the rocks and trees are getting ready to swear fealty to him.”

There were also moments when Nikolai and Mal seemed to be pinned one against another, while being buddies at the same time, and that was a bit odd.

“I want to kiss you,” Nikolai said. “But I won’t. Not until you’re thinking of me instead of trying to forget him.”

Nevertheless, Siege and Storm is an enjoyable read on the whole. We learn a lot more about this world, and it all ties up pretty nicely. Alina manages to make new friends, and keep some of the old ones. Memorable Grisha characters such as Genya reappear, and it's up to Alina to organize Grishas loyal to her. Alina has to not only keep everyone loyal to the same cause together, she has to inspire and lead them. New characters that Alina has encountered on her voyage, such as fierce twins, stay by her side. Alina needs to navigate her saint status, and learn how to be a true beam of hope for people.

“You know the problem with heroes and saints, Nikolai?” I asked as I closed the book’s cover and headed for the door. “They always end up dead.”

Siege and Storm ends with a determined Alina: “So many men had tried to make her a queen. Now she understood that she was meant for something more. The Darkling had told her he was destined to rule. He had claimed his throne, and a part of her too. He was welcome to it. For the living and the dead, she would make herself a reckoning. She would rise.”

RUIN AND RISING, A NOVEL BY LEIGH BARDUGO 3/5

Coming to the last book in the trilogy, I will say that I absolutely loved the beginning of it. Alina finds herself in a difficult situation, but she manages to work through it and become a leader she always had the potential to be.

She goes on another quest, and makes an interesting discovery about Mal. I liked that part, and how it ties up their fates, while at the same time making them question their tie to one another. Nikolai's character development is also well portrayed. I felt that from all the characters in the book, Nikolai was the one where his abilities (mainly intelligence) were shown, not just told. He makes for such a credible character, a natural born ruler. 

Darkling rules with fear, Alina while kind hearted relies on her magical powers a lot. Nikolai actually does the hard work of ruling, cares for his people, puts others first, sees to all the details, and manages to win against all odds without having any special powers. 

“I saw the prince when I was in Os Alta,” said Ekaterina. “He’s not bad looking.”
“Not bad looking?” said another voice. “He’s damnably handsome.”
Luchenko scowled. “Since when—”
“Brave in battle, smart as a whip.” Now the voice seemed to be coming from above us. Luchenko craned his neck, peering into the trees. “An excellent dancer,” said the voice. “Oh, and an even better shot.”
“Who—” Luchenko never got to finish. A blast rang out, and a tiny black hole appeared between his eyes.
I gasped. “Imposs—”
“Don’t say it,” muttered Mal.”

When it comes to a potential romance with Nikolai and Alina, that would obviously make sense politically, there's zero chemistry there. There are little hint that the author leaves, but she never really develops them. I don't know why those moments are even there, as it is clear that Alina doesn't have romantic feelings for Nikolai, and neither does he feel something more for her. I mean it's possible that Nikolai does, but it's not clear and I didn't believe it. 

“Maybe love was superstition, a prayer we said to keep the truth of loneliness at bay. I tilted my head back. The stars looked like they were close together, when really they were millions of miles apart. In the end, maybe love just meant longing for something impossibly bright and forever out of reach.”

I think Nikolai likes Alina as a friend, but wants to marry her because of political reasons. Even while Nikolai and Alina pose together as a couple, you have a feeling they don't feel anything more for one another. It's nice to see them being loyal one to another as friends, though. There are some events that will really test that loyalty, but Alina won't give up on Nikolai and seems to have genuine faith in him. 

As I said, this novel started so well, and there were some nice details and revelations. Most of them I could see coming, but there was a surprise here and there. However, somewhere along the way, things go adrift in Ruin and Rising. I felt like the plotting in the final novel wasn't particularly good. The language used is still lovely and easy to follow, but the plot is not plotting, if you know what I mean. A lot of time seems to be lost without too much going on.

Still, some side characters from previous novels get their deserved moment, such as Genya and her scientist love interest. 

“Genya—” David tried.
“Don’t you dare,” she said roughly, tears welling up again. “You never looked at me twice before I was like this, before I was broken. Now I’m just something for you to fix.”
I was desperate for words to soothe her, but before I could find any, David bunched up his shoulders and said, “I know metal.”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Genya cried.
David furrowed his brow. “I … I don’t understand half of what goes on around me. I don’t get jokes or sunsets or poetry, but I know metal.” His fingers flexed unconsciously as if he were physically grasping for words. “Beauty was your armor. Fragile stuff, all show. But what’s inside you? That’s steel. It’s brave and unbreakable. And it doesn’t need fixing.”

What we do get is the rounding up of the story of some characters. Background information about the characters is revealed, and finally it is easy to understand many of their actions and motivations.  We learn about Bahra's and Darkling's past, and naturally everything makes more sense. Besides some grand revelations about the Grishaverse, there is also a nice rounding of the central characters' stories. Nevertheless,  the ending still disappoints on more than one level.

“I never wanted him to feel the way I had as a child," said Baghra. "So I taught him that he had no equal, that he was destined to bow to no man. I wanted him to be hard, to be strong. I taught him the lesson my mother and father taught me: to rely on no one. That love - fragile and fickle and raw - was nothing compared to power. He was a brilliant boy. He learned too well.”

Everything was building up to a major confrontation and that final confrontation was a let down. Everything seemed to be going to easy for the good guys in some ways. Not that I was expecting some major catastrophes, but it doesn't make sense that things suddenly feel easy in a moment that is supposed to be the darkest hour. 

“He leaned against the window, and the gilded frame came into sharp focus. “Do you think it would be any different with your tracker beside you? With that Lantsov pup?”
“Yes,” I said simply.
“Because you would be the strong one?”
“Because they’re better men than you.”
“You might make me a better man.”
“And you might make me a monster.”

Leigh Bardugo, Ruin and Rising

There are also some conversations between Alina and Darkling that don't add much to the story. Their final confrontations are disappointing and resolved too quickly. Finally, the ending itself felt very unrealistic. The ending is written in a fairytale style, from a third person point of view. This makes me wonder whether the author wanted to leave alternative endings open. The Netflix adaptation of this series opted for a very different ending. So, maybe it's something the author is considering.

To conclude, the third novel in the series was enjoyable but it has its fair share of flaws. On overall, the ending to the trilogy felt rushed and not convincing. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading this series, the final book included. I'm willing to forgive this fantasy series some writing flaws because the universe it creates is charming indeed. 

DO YOU LIKE READING FANTASY? HERE ARE SOME MORE FANTASY RECOMMENDATIONS

The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud

ROGER ZELAZNY: NOVELS TO READ!

URSULA K LE GUIN EARTHSEA CYCLE ALWAYS DESERVES A RECOMMENDATION!

1) A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA, THE FIRST  EARTHSEA NOVEL 

2) THE TOMBS OF ATUAN, THE SECOND EARTHSEA NOVEL 

3) THE FARTHEST SHORE, THE THIRD EARTHSEA NOVEL

4) TENAHU, THE FOURTH EARTHSEA NOVEL 

BOOKS IN THE WITCHER SERIES I HAD REVIEWED

THE LAST WISH,  SWORD OF DESTINY ,  BLOOD OF ELVES, THE THIRD BOOK (BUT THE FIRST  NOVEL) IN THE WITCHER SERIES

TIME OF CONTEMPT

, BAPTISM OF FIRE,  THE TOWER OF THE SWALLOW , THE LADY OF THE LAKE! 

Thank you for reading and visiting!