Editors Reads Verdict
The middle volume of the Grisha trilogy broadens the world considerably. Nikolai's introduction is the highlight — one of Bardugo's most beloved characters arriving fully formed — and the military politics of Ravka add texture to what was a more intimate first book.
What We Loved
- Nikolai's introduction is one of Bardugo's finest character arrivals — fully formed, impossible to entirely trust, immediately beloved
- Ravka's military politics and expanded world-building give the setting real weight and consequence
- The love triangle is handled as competing visions of Alina's future rather than mere romantic competition
- The ending sets up Ruin and Rising with genuine urgency and thematic clarity
Minor Drawbacks
- The middle-volume structure is apparent — the book functions as a bridge and sometimes feels like one
- Pacing slows noticeably in the middle third before recovering for the final act
- Alina's decision-making can frustrate readers who want a more proactive protagonist at this stage of the story
Key Takeaways
- → The most interesting love triangles are not about who the protagonist loves but about who they want to become
- → Power attracts people who want to use it — a person who gains influence must decide what they will protect it for
- → The middle book of a trilogy succeeds by expanding the world's stakes rather than simply advancing the plot
- → A charismatic secondary character can reshape a series' emotional landscape across multiple books
| Author | Leigh Bardugo |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Henry Holt and Co. |
| Pages | 435 |
| Published | June 4, 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Magic School Fantasy |
Siege and Storm Review
Siege and Storm picks up immediately after the first book, with Alina and Mal fleeing across Ravka’s borders. Bardugo wastes little time establishing the new status quo: Alina’s power is growing, her relationship with Mal is under strain, and the Darkling — presumed dead — is building something new from the remnants of his power.
The most significant addition to the series is Nikolai Lantsov, the prince travelling incognito as the privateer Sturmhond. Bardugo clearly delighted in writing him — he is witty, strategically brilliant, and impossible to entirely trust — and his introduction reshapes the series’ political landscape. The love triangle that emerges is less about romantic competition and more about Alina’s competing visions of what she could become.
What works: The expansion of Ravka’s politics and military structure gives the world real weight. The amplifier mythology deepens. Nikolai is an instant series highlight — readers who fall for him here have two books of significant page time to look forward to.
What to expect: The middle-volume structure is apparent — this is a bridge book, and it feels like one at times. The pacing slows in the middle third. The ending, however, sets up Ruin and Rising with genuine urgency.
Verdict: A solid second volume that serves the series well. The introduction of Nikolai alone justifies the read.
Series Reading Order
- Shadow and Bone
- Siege and Storm ← you are here
- Ruin and Rising
The Six of Crows duology is set in the same world but follows different characters and can be read independently after completing this trilogy.
Reading Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Siege and Storm" about?
Alina Starkov is on the run from the Darkling — the powerful Grisha commander who wants to use her light-summoning abilities to control all of Ravka. Seeking safety at sea, she instead discovers a new amplifier and a privateer named Sturmhond whose motives are far more complicated than they appear.
What are the key takeaways from "Siege and Storm"?
The most interesting love triangles are not about who the protagonist loves but about who they want to become Power attracts people who want to use it — a person who gains influence must decide what they will protect it for The middle book of a trilogy succeeds by expanding the world's stakes rather than simply advancing the plot A charismatic secondary character can reshape a series' emotional landscape across multiple books
Is "Siege and Storm" worth reading?
The middle volume of the Grisha trilogy broadens the world considerably. Nikolai's introduction is the highlight — one of Bardugo's most beloved characters arriving fully formed — and the military politics of Ravka add texture to what was a more intimate first book.
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