Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

If you haven't read Shadow and Bone yet, this would be the time to stop reading.

The short version? If you've read Shadow and Bone you definitely want to pick up a copy of Siege and Storm.

It's easy to fall back into Alina's world and despite there being a decent amount of traveling, it's not hard to keep up. Did I mention that there's plenty of action too? Because Siege and Storm definitely doesn't disappoint on that front. You'll already be familiar with most of the characters in Siege and Storm but you'll also get to meet a few new ones--perhaps most importantly, Sturmhond.

Honestly, if I were going to have to give you a reason to read Siege and Storm? Sturmhond would rank very, very high on the list of reasons. He's charming, adapts to the situation at hand, and you'll have to read Siege and Storm to see why I like him so much. No, really. I can't say anymore than that (and if you've read Siege and Storm already, well, you know why). On top of that, you'll get a healthy dose of Mal and the Darkling. Regardless of who you like? Well, prepare yourself.

Then there's Alina, who is haunted by what the Darkling told her and struggles to find a balance between being herself and what she needs to be for Ravka's sake. At least, that's how I'd put it. But that's all that I'm going to allow myself to tell you about Siege and Storm. There's no awkward middle book syndrome going on and the ending sets us up perfectly for Ruin and Rising which seems like it's going to be epic. (I can sense it.)

I know I'm really not touching on the plot for Siege and Storm but it definitely delivers. I just really don't want to give anything away. Not even on accident.

So there you have it! Definitely do get your hands on Siege and Storm if you haven't already; I promise you, you won't be disappointed. (You will be dying for Ruin and Rising though.)

★★★★★

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co., a part of Macmillan.

Release Date: June 4, 2013

Edition: e-ARC

Received for review via NetGalley.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

If you're thinking about reading Shadow and Bone and enjoy fantasy with a Russian flare, do yourself a favor and go pick up a copy. This is, in all actuality, high fantasy. It has Russian influences but it is not set in Russia--just thought I'd make that clear. Having said that, it's actually quite easy to follow and everything is explained in due time. As someone who often struggles with high fantasy due to overly complex worlds, this was perfectly balanced.

There are three countries (none of which get along) and two types of people in Shadow and Bone; you have the Grisha--people who practice the "Small Science"--and everyone else. The Small Science is pretty much magic--although you cannot conjure something out of nothing--and those that have the ability to use it are known as Grisha. The Grisha are treated extremely well and they want for nothing; they wear either crimson, purple, or dark blue depending upon what they can do and at that, the embroidery on their cuffs also marks what they do. So the main categories are Summoners (blue), Corporalki (red), and Fabrikators (purple). Even if this makes no sense to you now, I promise it will when you've read Shadow and Bone.

But let's talk about the characters, shall we? Our main character is Alina Starkov who was orphaned as a child alongside Mal and together they grew up in Duke Keramsov's home before joining the Second Army (together as well). She's actually had a crush on Mal for quite some time and when his life is threatened in the Fold, she does something that will change her life forever; after all, as it turns out, Alina is a Grisha. Don't fret though because it's not the last that you've seen of Mal and he reappears later on in the book.  However, it's at that point that you meet the Darkling; the only Grisha that is allowed to wear black and let me just tell you that I definitely liked his character. That is to say, I completely fell for his character and I can't tell you anything other than that but let's just say that although I still adore him... I can't say anymore than that.

The plot is definitely not overwhelmed by the romance and I really felt that they were intertwined nicely. Okay, okay, I might've squealed a couple of times due to the Darkling and a few times because of Mal too--to the point where I seriously contemplated how wise it was to read this book at night (because it's hard to freak out when everyone else is sleeping). I definitely also loved Genya who is a very unique Fabrikator known as the Tailor amongst the other Grisha. Her ability is amazing, I'd love to be her friend (this may have something to do with dark circles), and the fact that she's in love with a guy who can't peel himself away from weapons and whatnot? I feel terrible for her but at the same time, it's just too adorable!

Oh! And the library at the Little Palace? It sounds like the perfect place to curl up with a good book and wait until you read the description of the doors! Plus there's Botkin, the combat instructor for the Grisha who is hilarious and he really kicks Alina's butt into shape! On the other hand, you have Zoya who you'll meet early on and quite frankly, she's a bitch. She despises Alina and Alina is definitely not a fan of Zoya because Zoya? She's a snob.

So yes, this is me telling you that you should probably pick up a copy of Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo because not only is the cover stunning, the book itself is amazing. This is definitely one of my favorite reads for 2012 and if you've been thinking about reading it, definitely do so!

Overall Rating: ★★★★★

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company (Books for Young Readers)

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Waiting on Wednesday #48

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier

Summary via Goodreads:
Gwen’s life has been a rollercoaster since she discovered she was the Ruby, the final member of the secret time-traveling Circle of Twelve. In between searching through history for the other time-travelers and asking for a bit of their blood (gross!), she’s been trying to figure out what all the mysteries and prophecies surrounding the Circle really mean.

 

At least Gwen has plenty of help. Her best friend Lesley follows every lead diligently on the Internet. James the ghost teaches Gwen how to fit in at an eighteenth century party. And Xemerius, the gargoyle demon who has been following Gwen since he caught her kissing Gideon in a church, offers advice on everything. Oh, yes. And of course there is Gideon, the Diamond. One minute he’s very warm indeed; the next he’s freezing cold. Gwen’s not sure what’s going on there, but she’s pretty much destined to find out.

-----

 

Why am I looking forward to Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier? Because I loved Ruby Red! I will, however, admit that I liked the original US cover for Ruby Red over the new cover style that they're using for Sapphire Blue. 

 

Sapphire Blue by Kerstin Gier is published by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), a part of Macmillan, and its expected publication date is October 30, 2012. 

What are you waiting on this week?

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The Night She Disappeared by April Henry

There are several points of view in The Night She Disappeared and admittedly, that always makes reading a bit difficult for me--it's rare to see me pick up a book with more than two points of view. You have the following points of view: Gabie, Drew, the kidnapper, and Kayla's. There are also articles about Kayla's disappearance and transcripts for a talk show and a radio show. And yes, it's a lot to take in. However, if you're able to get about seventy-five pages in, I do feel that the story improves--although I think I would've liked it if it had been told completely in third person and if the pacing had been a bit quicker as well.

Told mainly from Gabie and Drew's perspectives, The Night She Disappeared tells of Kayla's disappearance and the effect that it has on those that worked with her, went to school with her, and everything that is done in an effort to locate her--or her body. Gabie feels like she should've been the one abducted; after all, if the man who called asked to see if she was delivering that night. Drew on the other hand feels like he's somehow responsible; he's the one who was working with Kayla that night and he's the one who took the order from the man to begin with. Both of them feel guilty for Kayla's disappearance and Gabie feels like Kayla might still be out there, alive, but even if that's true, she's probably running out of time.

Although I liked The Night She Disappeared, I will admit that it didn't grab me quite like I hoped that it would and admittedly, the numerous points of view might've had something to do with it as well. It's a book that I'd encourage you to form your own opinions on and hopefully you'll enjoy it more than I did if you do choose to pick up a copy.

Overall Rating: ★★★

The Night She Disappeared by April Henry

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. Books for Young Readers

Release Date: March 13, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Ruby Red
Author: Kerstin Gier (translated by Anthea Bell)
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Release Date: May 10, 2011
Edition: Hardcover
* Purchased on my own.

Summary from GoodReads:
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era! Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon, the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

My Thoughts: 

Gwyneth Shepherd has always believed that it would be her cousin, Charlotte, who would possess the time traveling gene that runs in their family. You can only imagine her surprise when it is she that ends up traveling back in time. The Guardians protect the time travelers and supposedly, their motives are pure; however, Gwyneth's mother doesn't believe this is the case, nor do two other time travelers who attempt to thwart the Guardians by stealing one of only two chronographs in existence. So, just who can Gwyneth trust? The Guardians? Her best friend, Lesley? Gideon, the male time traveler? Or perhaps she can't trust anyone at all. 


I didn't expect to like Ruby Red as much as I did, to be honest. My biggest worry? The translation. Yes, Ruby Red was first written in German and sometimes things don't come across in the same way that they would in their original language. I have to say, the translation wasn't a problem at all and I found that I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting. 


The prologue comes across as a bit confusing though (at least to me), as it starts in without giving the names of the people in the prologue nor really explaining what the chronograph is. I can, however, promise you that it will all make sense as you read further into Ruby Red. Even the title is explained--although I'd feel as if I'm giving a bit away if I fill you in on it now. 


There were times that I found Gwyneth to be a bit annoying in the beginning--although she did grow on me as the story progressed. Lesley, her best friend, was a bit of a character too--always relating things to movies and looking up information for Gwyneth online. Charlotte's role was rather small in Ruby Red, and although I couldn't help but feel a little bad for her, I wish that she'd been more supportive of Gwyneth, though again, I can understand why she'd be so angry. Next there's Gideon, who started off a bit snooty and well, seemed to ignore Gwyneth at first. Happily, they grew on one another. Finally, the only other character that I'll mention in this post is Count Saint-Germain, who I know we'll be seeing more of. He's intimidating and has a knack for getting others to do as he pleases; because of this, Gwyneth is a bit wary of him (though Gideon doesn't see the Count as such). 


My favorite part about Ruby Red? Our time travelers have a wardrobe mistress! A woman who makes all their clothes and is big on authenticity--although no whales were harmed in the making of Gwyneth's corset. How cool is that!? Better yet, it's not just the 1800's that they travel to and let's just say that the ability to speak several languages fluently comes in handy--as does the ability to fence. A majority of Ruby Red takes place in the present--though that isn't to say that the trips back to the past aren't important, because they're really important. Then there's the plot, which moved along at a steady pace and has really left me looking forward to Sapphire Blue which is due out in spring of 2012. It continues along, gaining speed, and eventually leaving off with the ending--and a tidbit from Sapphire Blue.


If you're intrigued by the plot, enjoy time travel, or if you're looking for something different to read, I'd recommend Ruby Red to you. Also, yes, there is a bit of romance in Ruby Red. It's certainly not the focus of this particular book, but it's definitely there.


Overall Rating: ★★★★