Review: Siege & Storm by Leigh Bardugo (Re-read)

The ox feels the yoke, but does the bird feel the weight of its wings? I read this for the first time back in 2017, and this year (2021) I'm giving this series a re-read in anticipation of the show! Reading this books again has been such a great experience so far, because I really forgot so much about them. I remember being mesmerized because it was one of the first YA fantasy series I'd ever read, but going back and reading these now after having read much more in the genre, I'm delighted to say that I still absolutely adore them. What I didn't realize the first time that I read these though, was that they're pretty romance heavy??? Somehow I just kind of ignored that, but I'm really enjoying going back and getting to see some pretty iconic scenes that I just entirely did not register the first time. - 'I want to kiss you... But I won't. Not until you're thinking of me instead of trying to forget him.' - 'I thought you wanted to go.' 'I wanted you to ask me to stay.' I understand people's criticism that a lot of Alina's problems could be solved if she just gave her love life a break, but I think her feelings are understandable in this context. She's 17, and in love with her best friend from childhood, and obviously, regardless of if those feelings were romantic or not, she would do anything to avoid losing that bond. Also, the pull she feels towards the Darkling is practically not in her control. Like calls to like, after all. The ending of this installment was perfect. It falls into a certain trope a little bit, but it's just the perfect way to bridge this book into the next. I can't wait to re-read Ruin & Rising next month, and the show in April can't come fast enough! 'You know the problem with heroes and saints, Nikolai?' I asked as I closed the book’s cover and headed for the door. 'They always end up dead.' Song I was reminded of while reading: Heart of Glass