I think I love the second book more than the first, even though it's rare in trilogies, but Siege and Storm was more slow-paced with more depth and richer texture to the characters. If we take Shadow and Bone as an introduction to the series, this is the book we now can learn more about the characters. I think some additional love interests of Alina weren't really necessary, don't get me wrong, Nikolai might be my favorite character in this series (CAN'T WAIT FOR KING OF SCARS) but I don't picture him as having a crush on Alina, however it's understandable even if he does and that is what I love about this book. The characters' actions are justifiable by their own reasoning, even when the readers don't approve what they're doing cough Mal cough. By the way, I think Alina could have cared more about the ordinary people, the First Army and even the pilgrims. I mean the pilgrims might believe in things that are not true and even capable of hurting Alina unintentionally but also they'd give up their own life for her.
Anyway, I have final exams to study but I'm a fool so I'm going to directly move on to Ruin and Rising!!
I would like to start this review off by saying I loved reading this book! I've read the Six of Crows Duology a few months ago and has been a fan ever since, so it was high time I started reading Grisha Triology.
I had my doubts about the chosen girl trope but it didn't feel annoying or boring to read. In fact, I wasn't able to put it down despite the book's straight-forward storyline. It introduces us to the glamorous world of Grisha and the Little Palace, but we are as much a stranger as Alina is to that place, so First Person POV made this book definitely better. My one pet peeve was the impact Alina's Grisha power had on her appearance, I'd love to see a protagonist who doesn't get any prettier, but still important and with whom people fall in love with.
Lastly, it's not about the book itself but the criticism surrounding it. I've read some reviews about the inaccuracies of the book in regards to parts it took from the Russian culture and language, and sure, these are valid arguments but as someone who is interested in the Russian culture and language I had no problems with these "inaccuracies" because it is, after all, isn't Russia, but Ravka, a fictional country in a fictional world where people can control the most basic elements of the world. It isn't historical fiction, but fantasy. And it delivers what it promises: a fantasy world that is original and fascinating at times with a more than interesting story set in it.