Siege and Storm

By: Leigh Bardugo

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's 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.

©2013 Leigh Bardugo (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Interesting story to a certain degree

Interesting enough to have me backing up to relisten parts I think I missed something important. I didn't. There are no twists and I don't really feel connected to the characters. No tugs at my emotions and I'm an easy cry. Could be me, but I doubt it.
The narrator...I had to speed up the pace. In some dialogs, I couldn't tell which character spoke. It was distracting. In book 1, it seemed like the accents & inflections were different. Idk, she did an okay job, I've heard worse.

Soo goood

I love it my family loves the book s not the series on Netflix thanks

Riveting! A Must Listen

There is no "middle book syndrome" here. This one was amazing! I loved the new characters, the action and all the plot twists and turns along the way. I don't want to give away any spoilers here, so I will just simply say this sequel was awesome! The narration was brilliant as well.
This is a must listen and totally worth the credit. Just be sure to read Shadow and Bone first (you won't be disappointed)

5 *huge* stars!!

Second Book Syndrome

The story goes fast, slooooooooow, ends fast. I will still read the third but I understand what the reviews were saying. I honestly still don't know who her final love interest will be which is a good thing I guess, but I also don't like the options rn. Plot has seemed entirely like a set up for the third book, not much happened just mainly focused of relationship development.

I've liked the narrator in other books, but I did not prefer some of her tonal decisions. The main character already comes off a bit complainey and she could have helped reduce it, but instead she leaned into the whiney tones and it made the main character seem even more immature. she has a bit of sibilance as well, so if that bothers you just be aware. Her overall read however is still very decent.

Leadership is a Lonely Job

If you could sum up Siege and Storm in three words, what would they be?

Strife, yearning, and uncertainty.

What other book might you compare Siege and Storm to and why?

It builds from the first book; I can't think of another book to use for comparison. Same world, same evolving characters, additional capabilities and concerns.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was the last encounter between Alina and The Darkling - it was an unexpected twist. Additionally, that encounter caused Mal to finally realize what Alina had been experiencing during the book, and how Mal's actions had left the door open for the Darkling to move in.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was interesting, but I broke the listening up into a couple of sessions.

Any additional comments?

The world of Ravka and the Grisha is mesmerizing...can't wait till the next book is released. There are so many shades of gray - people that do evil yet have some good in them as well and vice versa. What finally happens to Alina...the Darkling...Mal? Do her remaining friends survive? What happens to the country? Will the Prince reemerge?

Great Ending

There are a number of cool things that happen in this book. Also, good twist at/near the ending of the book.

great listen!

Really enjoyed the book even though it feels like the story is progressing at super speed sometimes.
love the narrator!

I'm a sucker for the Politics!

Coming from Six of Crows, the first book really wasn't my style (never loved love triangles). This book was far more my style with plot points centering on political maneuvering through factionism and growing into your own power. It isn't perfect, but the hate is largely from the shift between the first and second book. If you love stories like the Witcher, Game of Thrones, and Six of Crows, this will be your favorite book in the trilogy.

Good for a second book.

This was good for a second book. If this was the first book I probably would not have continued. But since I'm invested in the characters I will most likely read the next in the series. All in all I enjoyed the book. I would have liked more action and excitement but hopefully that will come in the next of the series as this book seemed to be a transition with focus on character building.

4.75/5

Oh. My. God.

This book was such a journey from start to finish! I was so worried this would be one of those second books that just followed the characters through the middle part of their plans and not have a whole lot going for it. The beginning was little confusing and the ending was a little lack luster but I cannot wait to finish the trilogy!