The second book in the Grishaverse was definitely a step up from the first, but it was still a very underwhelming read. While the stakes were higher, I found that much of the story felt drawn out, and certain sections could have been removed entirely without impacting the plot. The book had moments of excitement but overall, it struggled to keep me fully engaged.
The story continues to follow Alina Starkov, a Sun Summoner, as she flees from the Darkling with Mal, seeking refuge away from Ravka. However, the Darkling has grown more powerful, wielding terrifying new shadow creatures. He captures Alina and forces her to help him track the legendary sea whip, Rusalye, to amplify her powers.
With the help of the charismatic privateer Sturmhond, who has secrets of his own, Alina and Mal escape and return to Ravka, where she reluctantly steps into a leadership role among the Grisha to prepare for an inevitable battle against the Darkling. But as Alina’s power grows, so does her hunger for it, threatening her relationship with Mal and her own humanity. As the Darkling haunts her, she needs to face valuable choices not only for herself but for the future of the Grisha.
There is one final book left, and while I haven’t been completely won over by the storytelling so far, I am intrigued enough by the characters and their relationships to continue. I hope the finale delivers a more satisfying and engaging conclusion to Alina’s journey.
Stars: 3
Spice: 1
I feel you on second books falling flat. Sometimes it's just such a boring read after the first one that I'm just struggling to finish it or the author makes a decision I disagree with and then I'm annoyed the rest of the time. Fingers crossed book three is better!
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ReplyDeleteI read the first book a year or so ago and to be honest, I didn't love it enough to continue. I think the concept was there but for me similar to what you were saying, I think the storytelling fell flat. I am a big proponent of reading the book and watching the movie or show if there is one and Im not sure what it is about this series but I didn't love either of them. I think they are both good in separate ways but I wouldn't say that it is my favorite book or favorite TV show. I got the second book cause I thought it was going to get better and I actually never ended up reading it. I might try and pick it up again but yea I just never really loved the first book. Anyway, I hope the third book gets better and brings some closure to the universe and characters. Let me know how you like it!
Hi Olivia! I have really been wanting to read these books, they've been on my to be read list for so long. I watched the first season of the show with my sister and really fell in love. How do you feel about the Six of Crows series?
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I haven't read the other series! I'm not sure if I ever will just due to me not loving this series but after some research, other readers have said it is good and that it is better than the Shadow and Bone Trilogy!
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