jomarie's reviews
314 reviews

3.0

adventurous challenging tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Following Shadow & Bone, I thought the second book in the trilogy was much more engaging. Action was finally happening. It also introduced who I think might be my favorite character: Prince Nikolai. There are plenty of other character I adored throughout the series - in particular I loved the depth that Bardugo brought to her secondary character like David, where they became more solid the more Alina got to know them - and Nikolai just seemed like a character perfectly crafted for this world of the Grisha and the Fold.
In fact, Leigh’s character work is what brought on the climax of the novel, making it hinge on a character flaw of a secondary character that wielded tons of in-world power. I can see how the way it played out being annoying to some people, but I loved it.

The only part I didn’t like was how it played into the way there were SO many people throwing themselves at Alina. I get it from a power struggle dynamic when it comes to the Darkling and Prince Vasily, but in total there is just too. many. suitors.

Also, hot take: but the only reason the Darkling is anyway suitable for a romantic interest is because of Ben Barnes. On paper, he’s not even dark enough to be dark romance bait.

In the first book, Alina struggled to embrace her power, holding herself back. In Siege & Storm, she fully stepped into her power, both as The Sun Summoner and as someone who has a duty to the people of Ravka. That transformation was necessary for Alina to stand any sort of chance against the Darkling in the final book of the trilogy.

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

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adventurous lighthearted reflective fast-paced