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.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Imagine a horrific disaster, one that cases volcanic explosions, huge earthquakes not located near major faults, and hail that can--and will--kill you if you stay out in it for too long. That, is the world in which Dean and thirteen other students have been tossed.

Monument 14 focuses heavily on the group of students that have taken refuge in what I'm assuming is a local superstore and although they do get some information as to what's going on outside, for the most part, they're very, very secluded. It really focuses on how people change when they're tossed into that sort of situation and the problems that arise when you're stuck with the same bunch of people for an extended period of time--in particular, people that you didn't fit in with at school.

Dean is our main character and all of Monument 14 is told from his point of view; he's a writer and although I can't say that he felt particularly valiant to me, he seemed like a pretty good guy. Then there's Brayden and Jake, two football players from Dean's high school, and Astrid, who Dean has a crush on. But I think that for the most part, the little kids are the ones who really stole the show. Why? Because one comes from an extremely religious family, another always has crazy stories to tell because his life crazy, and a thirteen year old girl who is at the point where she wants to be treated like an adult. That's actually not all of the characters, but those are the ones that really stood out to me. 

As for the disastrous events? They were pretty crazy; however, I will admit that I wasn't thrilled about the chemical spill and the effects that it had. It felt--to me--like it could've been more than it was (if that makes any sense). Also, I think I would've liked an epilogue in this particular case; I really feel like it would've helped the ending feel more complete--I really can't say more than that about the ending and once you reach it, you'll see why.

In all, I definitely liked Monument 14 although I think I would've preferred a little more action. Would I recommend it to you? If you're interested in reading it, yes.

Overall Rating: ★★★ and a half.

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via NetGalley and publisher.

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.

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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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Waiting on Wednesday #47

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

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Summary via Goodreads:
Incapable. Awkward. Artless.

That’s what the other girls whisper behind her back. But sixteen year-old Adelice Lewys has a secret: she wants to fail.

Gifted with the ability to weave time with matter, she’s exactly what the Guild is looking for, and in the world of Arras, being chosen as a Spinster is everything a girl could want. It means privilege, eternal beauty, and being something other than a secretary. It also means the power to embroider the very fabric of life. But if controlling what people eat, where they live and how many children they have is the price of having it all, Adelice isn’t interested.

Not that her feelings matter, because she slipped and wove a moment at testing, and they’re coming for her—tonight.

Now she has one hour to eat her mom’s overcooked pot roast. One hour to listen to her sister’s academy gossip and laugh at her Dad’s stupid jokes. One hour to pretend everything’s okay. And one hour to escape.

Because once you become a Spinster, there’s no turning back.

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Why am I looking forward to Crewel? Because I love how weaving has been worked into the storyline! But honestly, the plot sounds amazing. 

Crewel by Gennifer Albin is published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux BYR, a part of Macmillan, and its expected publication date is October 16, 2012--which happens to be my birthday (which means I know what I'm gifting myself).
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