The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the Siege and Storm Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on April 10th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 04/10
April 10: Prologue/Before - Chapter 3

Week of 04/11
April 11: Chapters 4-6
April 12: Chapters 7-9
April 13: Chapters 10-11
April 14: Chapters 12-14
April 15: Chapters 15-17
April 16: Chapters 18-19
April 17: Chapters 20-22

Week of 04/18
April 18: Chapter 23-Epilogue/"After"


PARTICIPANTS
~ Sophie
~ Amanda

I'll start this off by saying I didn't like Shadow and Bone when I read it. Honestly, Shadow and Bone felt a bit unpolished and immature. I read Six of Crows first, so I came into the trilogy looking for that gritty atmosphere right off the back, but I found it lacking. I also am not a fan of first-person perspective books, and I didn't think Shadow and Bone did it all that well.

That being said, I've finished today's reading and I have to say Siege and Storm has already proven itself to be improved. I feel like that feeling I got from Shadow and Bone that I label as immature has started to recede (although I can't say it's gone), and I am starting to understand the characters more. While I'm still not ready to commit to anything, I think this book will be more of a hit for me than the first book.

I'm not sure how I feel about the hunt for Rusalye being so early in the book. My copy literally has the sea whip on the front cover, and I feel like that means it should take longer to get around to it. I'm afraid it might be rushed, and that would be a shame.

Also, questions: what are your feelings on the Darkling? Everyone I have heard from about this series seems to really like the Darkling, but I just can't bring myself to do that. Am I missing something?

Okay, I'm off to read ahead some. I'm finding it pretty easy to read so far.

I'm the complete opposite haha. I did also read six of crows first, but it the first ever fantasy book I had ever read and I'm not gonna lie it did confuse me a little. When I read Shadow and Bone I found it a lot easier to read, probably because the writing is a lot simpler.

To answer your question, I did like the Darkling around the beginning of s&b, but I did feel as though something was going to go awry. I honestly don't see a redemption for the Darkling coming at any point in the series, but I could be wrong considering how much others like him.

I feel like maybe the reason people like the Darkling so much is because he personifies the 'bad boy' that it always seen in non-fantasy books, whereas Mal personifies the 'boy next door' or childhood friend.

Question- How do you feel about Sturmhond??

I struggle with characters like the Darkling, so I guess that might have been the issue from the start. I'm not so into the "bad boy personified" type characters; I can do with a little bit of a bad boy streak, maybe a risk-taker or a bit of angst, but I'm more into the earnest, strategic, "good boys" (that last one was a description from a friend who believes that all of the characters I like have halos hanging over their heads in comparison to their own favorites). I find myself liking Mal quite a bit, but I don't hear much about him... I don't think the Darkling could redeem himself for me, but my copy of Ruin and Rising does have his prequel story (The Demon in the Wood) included in the back, so maybe that will change my mind when I get around to reading it.

To answer your question about Sturmhond, I'm not quite sure how I feel yet. I will admit I like the description of him as fox-like, but that is more because foxes are my favorite animal and I like the traits typically associated with them. However, as a character, I don't have a lot of confidence in how his character will develop down the line, and story-wise I don't think I would trust him if I was Alina or Mal.

From an outsider's perspective, he's intriguing. Mysterious and resourceful are both attractive traits in a character for me, and he has both right now. That being said, and I could be wrong, but fox-like characters are tricksters and I have trouble with those types of characters. I often find myself liking them at the beginning or getting attached to them and then finding that I am not as thrilled with their portrayal down the line. He seems intriguing, but I am cautious to let myself really get too interested in him. I know little about him, and while that is probably one of his best features right now, it is also his worst.

I reserve judgment, but despite how what I've said, I will remain hopefully optimistic about him going forward. Maybe he'll be one of the good ones. How about you?

From reading and finishing before chapter 7, I find Sturmhond to be a very honest character in terms of his intentions and how he presents himself, however saying that, it's the way he words things is where the dishonesty will appear. I do believe in the end that he will betray them as I view him as someone who can always be bought. I think Alina and Mal will become attached and then the rug will be pulled from under their feet.

I do find Tolya and Tamar to be quite intriguing. I'm curious to see how far their loyalty to Sturmhond would go if things were to go wrong. I can see Tamar and Alina forming a friendship.

I don't know if Alina and Genya's friendship will ever be repaired. Genya appears to be quite deep uund the Darkling's spell. She almost shot Alina. I really liked Genya in S&B so it's quite sad to see in this book.

I do definitely feel that there is a third amplifier "a bird circled a towering stone arch". If only she had read the book the apparat gave her!!!

Do you think there is a third amplifier? Do you think it's the bird or something else?

I think there is a third amplifier out there but I feel like there is too much hype around the bird, so I am inclined to think that it isn't the firebird but something else. What that could be? I have no clue.

I'm a little unhappy with how quickly Rusalye's arch was there and done. It happened so soon after the opening of the book and seemed a bit rushed for my taste. The search for the stag took longer, and based on the fact that the firebird is featured on the cover of my copy of Ruin and Rising, the firebird arch gets more attention too! I feel it was given too little space to play out. Did you have feelings one way or another about the Rusalye plot?

I like how clever Sturmhond is even if I can't trust him or get too comfortable with his character. I don't know if I think he will necessarily betray Alina and Mal, but I do think he'd use them to achieve his own ends. Whether those ends would be beneficial or, at the very least, benign... I don't know if it matters to Sturmhond much. We'll have to see.

I like Tolya and Tamar, and I do think they have the potential to become friends with Alina. I'm interested to see how that goes.

I will admit that I just didn't connect with Genya in Shadow and Bone, so I can't say I'm sad to see how her betrayal is playing out (hot take... sorry). I did have trouble connecting with most of the characters in Shadow and Bone, though, so I won't hold my first impressions of her against her going forward. I'm open to how she will develop, but I just didn't find her that interesting in the first book.

I'm just dropping in to say that I love this BR. It's such a nice discussion, and I'm just enjoying the fact that I know the things that'll happen while I reading your thoughts.

Ok so, Sturmhond is Nikolai, (I can't lie I forgot he existed...oops). I honestly have no theories as to what his intentions are at this point, because him being a completely different person threw me off guard.

Mal being jealous of Nikolai and his propositions towards Alina made me laugh. I'm curious to see how Alina would utilise the second army and how difficult it's going to be for her to do so.

I don't know how long it's going to be until the Darkling finds them, but I am intriguied to see how he is going to react to Nikolai being Sturmhond. I do wonder what their relationship was like prior to Nikolai leaving if he felt the need to disguise himself.

What are your thoughts??? :) :) :)

I kind of adore Mal, not going to lie. I thought his jealousy was adorable, too. It's kind of weird how much I like him because all things considered I don't know much about him in the grand scheme of things. Most of what I know about him is that he's an orphan, grew up with Alina, and is in love with Alina... and can track things... Not a lot, but I still kind of love him. I am looking forward to seeing him develop as we go along!

I honestly forgot Nikolai existed too, so... Where does that leave us? I still think that what I said about him using Alina (and to some extent Mal) to his advantage stands true, even if his goals do not align with theirs and may not end well for them. I like his portrayal so far (he's a pretty good flirty trickster character), but I'm not sure how I feel about him as a character within the plot and in relation to other characters. He's still new though, so I guess I'll keep an open mind.

I'm not sure I think the Darkling will see Nikolai as much more than a nuisance, to be honest... I don't really feel like the Darkling thought much of him outside of him being a member of the royal family that he had to work around and undermine. He may have noticed that Nikolai disappeared, and maybe he was suspicious or annoyed because what you can't see might come back to bite you even if it doesn't kill you. I think Nikolai disappeared quietly, without the Darkling paying him too much mind.

How did you feel about Nikolai taking Alina and Mal into the fold with little to no warning? I personally felt that was a bit too risky, and if I were either of them I would have been seriously upset and looking for blood (maybe figuratively, maybe literally). The Fold is dangerous, especially when you go in unprepared and not at your best...

Out of curiosity, do you have a favorite character in the series? Also, how do you feel about first-person POV? (Unrelated, I know, but I'm curious. Feel free to ignore me...)

Sorry for replying so late, I've been busy with schoolwork.

I think because Nikolai disappeared without much notice and has been portrayed a certain way because he is a royal, a lot of people have and still do underestimate him. Taking Alina and Mal into the Fold without notice was extremely dangerous so I feel as though Nikolai knows a lot more than he's letting on, things that could possibly aide Alina in her endeavours.

Baghra :( I loved her in the first book! Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she's not dead, but she's also definitely a character who is content living in pain or living a life that has been altered so dramatically- such as being blind. I hope she plays another significant role in this book but I'm honestly not sure if she will.

Baghra probably was my favourite character in S&B purely for comedic purposes, however, in this book, it's probably Mal. I feel like his character has been fully flushed out (as you said we don't know a lot about him), and I believe he could be a really interesting character, especially considering the little glimpses of his personality that we've seen. My favourite probably would've been Nikolai if only I trusted him.

I do prefer to read books in first person pov, but weirdly enough, I do sometimes like third person pov.

Whilst I am enjoying the book, I did and do prefer S&B at this point. How do you feel about Baghra?? What are your thoughts in general so far??

:) :) :)

No worries! I had class from 9 am to 9 pm yesterday, so I wasn't able to post either. School is kind of killing me right now, but I'm glad that I can still find time to read. I'm really enjoying our conversation.

Nikolai has the potential to be helpful to Alina, but I don't know if I think he would do that unless it benefited him. He may have gone rogue from the royal family but he still feels kind of self-important in such a way that he would put himself and his goals and desires above most else. I do think he genuinely loves Ravka though, so there's that (in comparison to how the rest of the royal family is described).

I like Baghra because she was funny in S&B, and I honestly understand how her character has changed. She betrayed her son who she still had hoped could be saved, and taking the punishment for that betrayal (from that same son) may seem like just recompense to her. She may not be content with how things turned out (she has lost her independence and her hopes that her son may be saved), but she may feel that she deserves what has happened to her. I don't know if I would feel the same as she does, but I see where she might be coming from.

I'm glad to find someone else who likes Mal. There is so much room to expand on his character, and I just find him to be really interesting and his emotions to feel really... real (for lack of a better term).

I tend to struggle with first-person POVs, but sometimes I find a good one. While I can get into the heads of the narrating character in first-person, I find that the single limited perspective can get to me sometimes, especially when there is action and different conflicts like in these books. I would love to see what Mal's been thinking rather than just seeing how he is acting outwardly toward Alina. I liked how SoC had personal POVs for different characters but in a less limited third-person... perspective(?). I'm not saying I don't like first-person books, but I tend to prefer third-person.

Overall, I like this book better than the first. I liked the pacing better in S&B I think, but I am enjoying how characters are getting fleshed out. Characters are always my favorite part of a story.

I'm enjoying reading S&S, but I don't think it will become a favorite. I can't put my finger on it, but something is keeping it from really becoming a great read for me. It's good and I'm having fun getting into the story, but I haven't fallen in love with it.

Thoughts on Zoya and/or Sergei?

Zoya I feel like has a really good opportunity to have a redemption. I think when it comes to her it's either going to go one of two ways; either she will become friends/friendly with Alina after some big event or plot point in this book or the next as well as her maybe becoimg more compassionate after her losing family (I still haven't decided whether I belive that story or not), or she will screw Alina and the others over. I've noticed that she, similiarly to S&B, is quite taken with Mal, and I'm happy that he has not yet entertained her. However, I do want to know what actually happened between Zoya and Mal.

When it comes to Sergei, I honestly don't have any strong feeling towards him. Obviously he's one of the antagonistic side characters like Zoya, but I don't really see him playing that significant of a role. He appears to me as a follower when it comes to the grand scheme of things so.....

I'm glad that Alina decided to bring all the Grisha together to kind of put them on an even playing filed, especially the Fabrikator's.

Alina keeps 'hallucinating' and seeing the Darkling. I think that he isn't there, however I do think that they are somehow connected on a spiritual level via the amplifiers.

Something shady is going on with Tolya but I have no idea what. Do you have any theories? How do you feel about Zoya and Sergei? Do you have any theories regarding Alina hallucinating?

Sidenote- you don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but where are you from? I'm from the UK and I'm just curious :) :) :)

I'm not a fan of Zoya, but I don't know if I think she will betray Alina or even become friends with her. I think Zoya will probably end up doing what she deems as necessary, but ultimately I think she'll find what's necessary is following/helping Alina. I don't like that she's so into Mal, but I think it may be that something between the two did happen and she's frustrated that his attention is now solely directed at Alina for the most part.

I don't really like Sergei, but I think he will have a bigger role in the long run. The fact that he has been so resistant and reluctant to work with Alina makes me think that he's going to do something. When or what? I have no idea. But I do think he'll have a role to play. How impactful it will be? Not sure yet.

I do think that Alina bringing the different Grisha orders together was a smart move. Unification against a greater evil is a common trope, and I think it was done well here. I'm not sure I like her methods (it feels too forced), but I'm not sure she could have pulled that off otherwise.

I think that Alina is seeing a projection of the real Darkling through her bond with him. The Darkling is probably enjoying making her think she's going crazy. I do think that she should mention it to Mal, Tamar, and/or Tolya. However, making the people closest to you think you're crazy? I can see why she might not be willing to do that.

Tolya definitely feels shady, but I have felt that way about both him and Tamar since they were first introduced. I don't know if I think Tolya (or Tamar for that matter) has gone bad. I think they have more than one alliance/allegiance, but it doesn't feel like they would betray Alina... which sounds really odd and a bit wrong, but that's where I'm at. I hope it comes to light soon because I'm super curious!

Switching to chapters 18 and 19...

I don't like the relationship between Nikolai and Alina to be honest. It feels quite obvious that any relationship they have would be built on necessity and would be them using the other for one reason or another. Maybe I'm just a romantic. Maybe I just like Mal too much. I just don't see Nikolai and Alina's relationship in a positive way (other than a friendship built on camaraderie against the Darkling).

I'm not really feeling too good about Vasily's party. I don't think Alina should go, especially when she's so distracted by her feelings and Mal so distant (although I have no doubt that Mal would do what was necessary).

What are your thoughts on Nikolai and Alina? Vasily's party? General thoughts?

------

I don't mind answering where I'm from. I'm from the United States. I live in the northeast.

I feel as though the way that Nikolai and Alina have been written suggests that they would be a great match romantically, however, whenever they interact it feels a little forced....almost like their personalities match too perfectly leaving little room for surprise depth within a potential relationship. Even though when it comes to Mal it can be argued that it's a little cliche with him being Alina's childhood bestfriend, we haven't really gone into depth with his character that much I feel, as he appears to be a little closed off, so it makes his and Alina's relationship a little more intriguing.

I do agree with Alina attending Vasily's party being a bad idea. I don't necessarily think it will be Vasily himself causing any of the serious trouble regarding Alina, if it is, it's most likley because he will get something out of it somehow. My best guess is that something bad will happen at Vasily's party at the of someone else.

The Apparat is very persistent when it comes to Alina being a Saint. I definitely think he knows a lot more than he's letting on. However I feel like he could be a very useful resource to Alina, essentailly and ally.

What are your thoughts and feelings when it comes to the Apparat?? It feels like not much happened the past two chapters, almost like they were filler chapters....just me??

I can't say that I disagree about Nikolai and Alina's personalities being a good match for a romantic relationship, but I think I'm so used to the fireworks and intrigue of a more emotional and/or mismatched relationship. Nikolai feels like the comfortable, stable option (although I do still think that he would do anything to ensure his own ends, but Alina would probably do that too). The mystery of Mal does make their relationship more interesting. Cliche isn't always bad in my opinion.

I think the Apparat is a bit too interested in Alina. He could be a useful ally, but he seems too... excentric to actually be that for her.

These chapters did feel like filler to me, so it wasn't just you. I think they could have been condensed into one chapter and then the plot could be allowed to move forward.

Ok so Mal kissed Zoya back......wtf. I understand that he was mad at Alina but I wasn't expecting that. I thought maybe he'd maybe give her the silent treatment, possibly argue with her a little (which he did), not do what he did. Despite that, at least we are seeing more of his personality, which is something we've talked about there being a lack of quite a bit. I'm glad that Mal does have flaws, that being the drinking and the fighting. I feel like Mal is just being faced with a whole new world, and being in a position he never dreamed of being in has kind of thrown him into the deep end f not knowing how to act.

I also think that Alina has no idea what to do right now, romantically or with her power. She seems to have a lot of conflictiong feelings when it comes to Mal, the Darkling and now Nikolai.

I will say that I'm glad that Alina told Mal about the hallucinations of the Darkling, however, his reaction was pretty underwhelming and difficult to interpret. It would've been the perfect time for their to have been a dual pov in the story so that we realy would know how Mal feels. I honestly think not having dual pov's was the biggest mistake that the author has had in these books. Even though I preferred S&B to Soc, Soc's redeeming element for me was the dual pov's.

Alina leaving the palace on her own was very dangerous as we saw. Although I anticipated Tolya being annoyed, I expected it to be directed more towards Alina rather than Mla, but I do understand why he did lash out at Mal the way he did. This may be a wake up call for Mal.

A battle has comeneced, brought on unknowingly by Vasily. It turns out Sergei hasn't played a part, being devastated by losing Marie. Zoya also seems to have stayed loyal. Alina is suspicious of Tolya and Tamar, but I honestly have no idea as to whose side they're on, I hope they haven't betrayed Alina and Nikolai.

I do believe Nikolai has true intentions, that's not me saying that he wouldn't use Alina to reach a goal, but I do believe he truly cares for her. I do really hope that he and Baghra aren't dead.

What are your thoughts??? :) :) :)

I'm glad someone else had the same reaction to Mal's little... lapse in judgment. I think he's definitely struggling with the world and life he's been thrown into, but I think he'll gain his footing again (I hope). I'm glad that I'm seeing more of who Mal is like you said. I also really like that he has flaws as well. I've come across many protagonists who are clearly designed to be ideal and near-perfect with microscopic flaws. Mal seems more real than several characters I've come across.

I'm honestly so mad that the author didn't switch up the POVs! Part of why I tend to lean toward third-person POV is because it is less limiting than first-person, and this is why. I'd love to see things from Mal's perspective... or just someone else. Frustrating...

Alina is lost, but I think a big part of that may be because she feels there is something she is "supposed to do" but isn't sure what it is or how she should do it, and probably feels she might not want to do it. She's dealing with her world falling apart from all sides, so I get it.

Mal's reaction to Alina's "hallucinations" was underwhelming, but I think Alina's past relationship with the Darkling may play a part in that. He may remember that she had a thing with the Darkling, and on top of his jealousy over Nikolai, it just might be a bit too much for him. That's just my thought. Would I have liked more from him at that moment? Yeah. But I think it might have been an expected/acceptable response.

I still think Sergei is going to play a part, more so now than ever. He was already not Alina's biggest fan and now he's lost Marie which has put him in a vulnerable and unstable position. We'll see I guess. Zoya... I think it's more grudging loyalty than anything else. She feels that Alina is the best option at present, but maybe not an option she really wants to go with.

I don't think Tolya and Tamar have betrayed Alina. Honestly, I think their loyalty is pretty steadfast. I just don't think she's their only allegiance, and that could be dangerous.

I will give it to you: I think Nikolai does have real feelings (friendly and/or romantic) toward Alina. I'm just very sure that he would do what he feels is best for him and/or Ravka (he does really love Ravka, which makes him a good prince) even if it meant throwing Alina into the line of fire/danger. I can't say I don't like him (because I do), I just like him less than Mal. I do hope he and Baghra make it out of this. I like them enough to want to see where they go from here.

Looking forward to finishing the book!

Ok so the Darkling wad contacting Alina. which I honestly think he did so to partly distract her in order to reach his goal of breking into the palace- which he successfully did.

Alina tricked the Darkling and almsot got herself killed doing so. I do wonder if the Darkling's power has dissapated similar to hers or if he still has it.

I do think that you're onto something regarding Sergei, just from reading the last chapter. I'm pretty sure Nikolai is alive from reading 'after', the final part of the book, if I am not mistaken.

Overall I will say that I did enjoy the book. There were flaws in the book (not having dual pov's). I'm not yet sure what I'm going to rate it, somewhere between the 3-4 star mark.

I didn't notice this earlier, but in my copy, there is an illustration of Nikolai that is pretty much spot on to how I imagined him, so it's nice to know I wasn't far off.

What are your final thoughts?? :) :) :)

So, I wasn't actually all that surprised that the Darkling really was contacting Alina. I just felt like it would be too obvious if she was really going insane (she's already too attached to power, she didn't need to be going insane on top of it to make her character more complex).

I think that the Darkling's power may be diminished, yes, but I think he's had more time to gather the experience he needs to gather his strength and push forward. Alina, on the other hand, I think will struggle for a while.

It would be unsatisfying if Nikolai had died seeing as he had such potential, and I agree that I think he is alive based on "After" so I guess we'll see where he goes from here in the next book.

I really liked Mal pulling Alina out of the rubble. It may just be that I'm a hopeless romantic and don't mind the cliches, but I enjoyed that scene. I just wanted to put that out in the universe.

I'm not so sure if I think Tolya and Tamar are 100% loyal ONLY to Alina. What are your thoughts?

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It did have flaws and I would have liked some different POVs, but it was a fun read. I'd give it a solid 3, but probably no more than that.

I wish my copy had an illustration of Nikolai! I'm so jealous! My copy just has the short story "The Tailor" in the back. If you haven't read it, you may want to look it up and see if you can find it. I remember you mentioned that you like Genya a while back, and the story is all about her backstory.