Reviewed by shannonmiz on
I resisted reading this book for quite a long time. I haven't done so well with high fantasy in the past, and frankly, was certain I wouldn't like it. But, when it was the Kindle Daily Deal awhile ago, I figured I should buy it "just in case", since I'd heard so many great reviews.
Fast forward a few months, it still sat unread. But then Ruin and Rising was set to be released, and no matter where I turned, I could not shake this series. So, I caved and started reading it. By the first couple chapters, I'd ordered Siege and Storm. I was simply that captivated by the world that Leigh Bardugo created.
My problem with high fantasy generally is that often, I know that what I am reading is fantasy, and my logical mind can't let me just enjoy it. But with The Grisha series, Bardugo made me feel such a connection to Alina that I didn't need logic, I didn't care that the world didn't actually exist, I just knew that I needed to read more about her story and the world she lived in.
First, Alina is such an incredible main character. Not only is she likable and relatable, her growth throughout the story is stunning to read. It is so believable, even in a completely unbelievable world. And can we please talk about Mal for a minute? I need more Mal in my life. He is not your "typical" love interest (though their circumstances certainly make a romantic collaboration seem plausible). He isn't spending his time pining away, he is his own person, and it is really quite refreshing. The Darkling.. well, I have no idea if I'll end up loving or hating him, and I did some of both during this book. But the characters were written so amazingly well, even the secondary characters, that it made me unable to put this book down.
The story moves so nicely and is so captivating that I simply had to know what was happening next to these beloved (or in some cases, loathed) characters. The fantasy concept quickly became a moot point as I was completely propelled into the world that Bardugo had created. It all just felt like it belonged. The Grisha, the strange world, these characters, as much as they were fantasy-driven, when they came together, it all just worked. I would like to know a bit more about Ravka and the world around it, but since there are two more books, it wasn't really a problem for me.
Bottom Line: As if my gushing weren't enough, if you'd had any reservations about this series, simply stop having them, and read it. I am so, so glad I did. Thank you, book community, for peer pressuring me into this series!
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 25 June, 2014: Finished reading
- 25 June, 2014: Reviewed