Alina goes through a lot of change in this latest installment. She is no longer the shy girl that began the series. She has gained confidence and learned to control her powers. Her experience with the Darkling has made her more jaded and less trusting of others. Alina is forced to take a leadership role and this role helps her develop even more as a character. As her power grows, she discovers a darker side of herself. This darker side displays many uncharacteristic desires that directly oppose Alina’s usual demeanor. It is power-hungry and enjoys misery. Despite Alina’s attempt to fight this darkness, her personality begins to shift. This change doesn’t bode well for her relationship with Mal, who only wants Alina to return to the kind girl he grew up with.
Siege and Storm is another great installment in the Grisha Trilogy. In many ways, this latest installment is better than the first. Shadow and Bone introduced the world of the Grisha as Alina developed her powers in a calm school-like venue. Siege and Storm book is full of even more tension and fear. From the first page, the book devours you and keeps your interest through the many twists and turns. The Darkling has been acknowledged as the main antagonist and places a sense of urgency on the entire book. We see a love triangle start to develop as Alina and Mal hit many obstacles in their relationship. While romance is a good part of the plot, it is handled in a way that it doesn’t subtract form the story and the love triangle I handled in as smooth, natural way. Many new characters are introduced and that are each unique. The occasionally playful dialogue between characters adds humor to the story. I give this 432 page book 4.5 stars.