I previously read the Six of Crows series, and LOVED it. So I researched and saw that there was a precious series. It turns out that this series was prior to Six of Crows, but it can be read after if that's how it happens.
This novel introduces the reader to Alina Starkov, the cartographer and orphan, and her best friend Mal Oretsev. From the get-go, the reader knows that Alina is in love with Mal, and Mal either doesn't know or pretends to not know. Alina and Mal are a part of Ravka'a First Army, and are traveling with their regiment across the Shadow Fold, a black void that contains horrible monsters called Volcra. While in the Fold, Alina discovers a hidden power within her, one that she has been buried her whole life. Taken away from Mal, the regiment, and the Fold, Alina is sent to the Little Palace. There she is trained with the Grisha, the magical persons of Ravka, and under the command of the Darkling. However, nothing is as it seems, and Alina must quickly decide how she wants to use her powers: as a weapon or as a sign of hope.
I dislike Alina with a passion. I wouldn't say hate, because there were moments I related to her, but she was super whiny and I can't handle whiny. I related when she lamented about not being good at anything, or being plain Jane. I even related when she spoke of being in love with Mal but it being unrequited. Then she believed every word out of the Darkling's mouth, and played the damsel in distress the entire time she was at the Little Palace. I liked the plot idea, but I really want Alina's relationships to change. I also really need Alina to grow up.
Beyond Alina's character, I liked everything else. It was a good beginning to a series as it introduced everyone and the different countries. It didn't really hit on the prejudices of Grisha versus Fjerdans like Six of Crows does. It did, however, show how certain classes are affected by war. I liked the different cultures and how each reacts to Grisha, and thought that it was relatable to our own world history. I just hope that Siege and Storm develops all the character's more and gives the reader something to look forward to. 4 out of 5 stars.
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