“The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak.”
— Alina reflects on her desires and their implications for her power.
Archivist's Choice
Siege and Storm
Leigh Bardugo (2013)
Genre
Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
540 min
Key Themes
See below
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Alina, the Sun Summoner, navigates dangerous alliances and growing powers, torn between her love for Mal, her duty to Ravka, and the Darkling's seductive darkness.
Synopsis
Alina Starkov, now known as the Sun Summoner, and her childhood friend Mal Oretsev escape to Novyi Zem, hoping for a normal life and to hide Alina's power. Their peace ends when the Darkling emerges from the Shadow Fold with new power, determined to capture Alina. He pursues them, leading to a confrontation that sends Alina back to Ravka with the help of the privateer, Sturmhond. Back in Ravka, Alina seeks the Sea Whip, the second of Morozova's amplifiers, to boost her power against the Darkling. As she hunts for it, her connection to her power deepens, increasing her isolation from Mal and her ties to the Darkling's magic. She deals with court politics, the moral costs of her expanding power, and the Darkling's attacks on Ravka. A desperate proposal for a royal wedding emerges as a strategic move. Alina must choose between her love for Mal, her duty to Ravka, and the immense power that threatens to consume her, all while preparing for a battle against the Darkling and his new army.
Reading time
540 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Epic, Intense, Romantic, Dark, Action-packed
✓ Read this if...
You want to continue Alina's journey with higher stakes, explore deeper into Grisha magic, and enjoy a significant expansion of the world.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer a standalone story or are looking for a lighthearted fantasy without moral dilemmas and escalating dark magic.
Plot Summary
Escape to Novyi Zem
After escaping the Shadow Fold, Alina Starkov and Malyen Oretsev live in Novyi Zem, trying to blend in as ordinary refugees. Alina tries to hide her Sun Summoner powers, fearing the Darkling's reach. Mal works to support them, but Alina feels a growing distance as she deals with her suppressed power and the lives she took. Their attempts at a normal life are overshadowed by the threat of discovery and Alina's internal struggle with her identity.
The Darkling's Return
Their peace shatters when the Darkling, now with enhanced powers and an army of Nichevo'ya (shadow creatures), finds them in Novyi Zem. He ambushes Alina and Mal, revealing he survived the Fold and can create new shadow monsters. He forces Alina to return to Ravka, planning to use her power. Mal tries to fight but is easily defeated. Alina is a captive again, her hopes for a normal life with Mal gone, as the Darkling makes it clear she is central to his plans for Ravka.
Aboard The Hummingbird
On their forced journey back to Ravka, Alina and Mal are rescued by Sturmhond, a privateer and captain of The Hummingbird. Sturmhond reveals himself as Nikolai Lantsov, the second son of the King of Ravka, who has been helping his country secretly. He offers his help to Alina and Mal, recognizing Alina's importance. Nikolai proposes an alliance: he will help Alina find the remaining amplifiers to strengthen her power if she helps him fight the Darkling and restore Ravka.
The Search for the Sea Whip
Alina, Mal, and Nikolai, with his crew, sail on a dangerous journey to find the second amplifier: the mythical sea whip, Rusalye. The search leads them into treacherous waters. Mal's tracking skills are vital, but the quest is tense, especially between Alina and Mal, as Alina's growing power and her interactions with Nikolai create distance. They find the sea whip in a deep-sea trench, guarded by ancient magic. Getting its scales is hard and nearly costs them their lives, testing their resolve and Alina's abilities.
The Power's Cost
To bind the sea whip's power, Alina must make a sacrifice. Despite Mal's pleas, she binds a piece of the sea whip's scales to her heart, greatly increasing her Sun Summoner abilities. The surge of power is immense, letting her summon light more easily. However, this act further separates her from Mal, who struggles to understand her connection to her power and her willingness to use it. The amplifier changes Alina, making her feel more connected to the Grisha world and distant from her past life, causing a rift with Mal.
Return to Os Alta
With the second amplifier, Alina and Nikolai return to Os Alta, Ravka's capital, to face political unrest and gather support against the Darkling. Nikolai reveals his true identity to his father, King Alexander III, and his mother, Queen Tatiana, urging them to acknowledge Alina's role as the Sun Summoner and a leader. Alina is presented to the court, her amplified power on display, becoming a symbol of hope for Ravka. However, the court is full of skepticism and power struggles, making it hard to unite the country against the Darkling and his shadow army.
Alina's Growing Influence
Alina, now recognized as the Sun Summoner, takes a more prominent leadership role. She begins training the remaining Grisha, trying to strengthen them for battle against the Darkling. She also navigates Ravka's court politics, advised by Nikolai, and tries to gain the trust of skeptical nobles and generals. Her power continues to grow, attracting admiration but also fear and resentment. The weight of her new responsibilities strains her relationship with Mal, who feels increasingly sidelined in her powerful new world.
The Darkling's Offensive
The Darkling launches a brutal attack on Ravka. He unleashes his Nichevo'ya on towns and cities, showing his new powers. His attacks spread fear and destabilize the kingdom, hoping to draw Alina out. The destruction is immense, and the Ravkan army struggles against the shadow creatures that normal weapons cannot harm. This widespread devastation forces Alina and Nikolai to speed up their plans, knowing time is running out for Ravka and a direct fight with the Darkling is coming.
The Royal Wedding Proposal
To unite Ravka and strengthen Alina's position, Nikolai proposes marriage to her. He argues that a union between the Sun Summoner and a royal prince would bring stability and legitimacy to their cause, rallying the people against the Darkling. Alina is torn; she respects Nikolai and sees the political need, but her heart belongs to Mal. This proposal creates tension with Mal, who sees it as a betrayal and a sign Alina is drifting away. Alina struggles with the choice between love, duty, and power, understanding its implications for Ravka's future.
The Battle for Ravka
The book's climax shows Alina, with Nikolai, Mal, and the remaining Grisha and Ravkan forces, in a desperate battle against the Darkling and his Nichevo'ya army. The battle is fierce, with many casualties. Alina uses her amplified powers fully, creating light against the Darkling's shadows. Mal fights to protect Alina, while Nikolai leads with his military skill. The Darkling shows his destructive power, creating chaos. Ravka's fate hangs in the balance as Alina confronts her enemy in a powerful magical duel.
The Third Amplifier
During the battle, Alina realizes the third amplifier, the Firebird, is not a creature to hunt, but Mal himself. His lineage traces to the original Grisha who created the amplifiers. This means Mal must die to gain the Firebird's power, as his life force is the amplifier. This discovery gives Alina an agonizing choice: sacrifice the man she loves for ultimate power to defeat the Darkling, or risk losing Ravka. This revelation deeply impacts Alina, forcing her to face the ultimate cost of her destiny.
A Desperate Choice
Faced with the truth about the third amplifier, Alina refuses to sacrifice Mal. She cannot kill the person she loves, even for immense power. Instead, she finds another way to use Mal's connection to the amplifiers without ending his life. This decision strengthens her bond with Mal, confirming their love. While she does not gain the full power the Darkling wants, she finds a path that allows her to use significant strength without succumbing to the amplifiers' corrupting influence. This choice defines her character and her commitment to humanity over sheer power.
The Darkling's Retreat
Despite Alina's powerful stand and her allies' efforts, the Darkling is not fully defeated. Though weakened and his forces diminished, he escapes the battle, retreating into the shadows. He leaves destruction and a chilling promise of his return, making it clear the war is not over. Alina and her allies have won a battle, saving Os Alta and many lives, but the Darkling remains a formidable enemy, and the fight for Ravka's future continues.
Aftermath and Reconstruction
After the battle, Ravka begins to heal and rebuild. Alina, though exhausted, continues to lead and inspire, working with Nikolai to stabilize the kingdom. Her relationship with Mal strengthens from their shared ordeal and her refusal to sacrifice him, but the challenges of their different paths remain. The threat of the Darkling's return lingers, reminding everyone that their victory is temporary. Alina must now prepare for the coming confrontation, knowing her power and leadership will be crucial for Ravka's survival.
Principal Figures
Alina Starkov
The Protagonist
Alina transforms from a fugitive suppressing her power to a leader embracing it, learning to wield her abilities while navigating complex political and personal choices.
Malyen Oretsev
The Supporting
Mal struggles to find his place in Alina's powerful new world, eventually accepting his unique role and reaffirming his unwavering love for her.
The Darkling
The Antagonist
The Darkling returns with enhanced, terrifying powers, demonstrating his unwavering resolve to dominate Ravka and control Alina.
Nikolai Lantsov
The Supporting
Nikolai transitions from a mysterious privateer to a revealed prince, becoming a crucial ally and potential political partner for Alina, showcasing his strategic brilliance.
Zoya Nazyalensky
The Supporting
Zoya moves from a resentful rival to a fiercely loyal, albeit still sharp-tongued, ally of Alina and Ravka.
Genya Safin
The Supporting
Genya continues to heal from her past trauma, becoming an even more steadfast and supportive friend and ally to Alina.
David Kostyk
The Supporting
David remains a brilliant and indispensable Durast, slowly growing in confidence and developing a quiet affection for Genya.
King Alexander III
The Mentioned
The King struggles to assert leadership amidst the crisis, often swayed by court politics and his son Nikolai's influence.
Themes & Insights
The Corrupting Nature of Power
This theme explores how power, even for good, can corrupt. Alina struggles with the allure of her amplified abilities, fearing she will become like the Darkling. Her increasing strength isolates her from Mal and makes her question her humanity. The Darkling embodies this theme, having fully succumbed to his power and desire for control. The choice Alina faces with the third amplifier directly addresses this, forcing her to choose between ultimate power and her love for Mal, highlighting the moral cost.
““The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak.””
Identity and Belonging
Alina's journey is a constant search for belonging. She first tries to deny her Grisha identity to live a normal life with Mal. As her powers grow, she is drawn into the Grisha world and Ravkan politics, feeling more distant from her past. Mal also struggles with his identity as he feels less important in Alina's powerful new life. Nikolai, as Sturmhond, also deals with his dual identity as a prince and a privateer. All characters grapple with how their roles and abilities define them.
““I was a mapmaker, not a solider. I was a Grisha, not a saint.””
Love vs. Duty
Alina is constantly torn between her love for Mal and her duty to Ravka as the Sun Summoner. Her growing power and the political alliance with Nikolai, including a marriage proposal, force her to confront this choice. Mal feels threatened by her duty, believing it will pull her away. This theme is most clear when Alina discovers the third amplifier's true nature, forcing her to choose between sacrificing Mal for power (duty) or protecting him (love). Her decision profoundly impacts her character and the story.
““I will not be a pawn in your game. I will not be a sacrifice.””
Hope and Despair
Ravka is a nation on the verge of collapse, facing the Darkling and his Nichevo'ya. Alina becomes a symbol of hope, her light contrasting the Darkling's shadows. However, despair is evident, with widespread destruction and fear gripping the land. Characters like Mal and Nikolai experience moments of hopelessness. The story balances these opposing forces, showing human resilience even in overwhelming odds, while also acknowledging the impact of loss and fear.
““Hope was a dangerous thing. It was a beacon that drew the Darkling’s eye.””
War and Sacrifice
The book is set against an escalating war for Ravka's survival. Characters constantly make sacrifices, both personal and strategic. Soldiers die, cities are destroyed, and individuals like Alina make difficult choices with heavy emotional tolls. Sacrifice is central to acquiring the amplifiers, as each demands a price. The ultimate sacrifice, Mal's potential death for the Firebird amplifier, highlights the brutal realities and moral dilemmas of war, where personal cost often conflicts with the greater good.
““The world was too big for one person to save. But it wasn’t too big for one person to try.””
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Amplifiers
Mythical creatures whose physical remains can enhance Grisha power.
The amplifiers are a central plot device, driving Alina's quest for greater power to defeat the Darkling. The first, the Stag, was taken in the previous book. In Siege and Storm, Alina seeks the Sea Whip (Rusalye) and eventually discovers the true nature of the Firebird, which turns out to be Mal. These magical artifacts are not just power-ups; they represent the moral cost of power, as each requires a sacrifice or a binding that changes the wielder, forcing Alina to confront the corrupting influence of unchecked strength.
The Nichevo'ya
Terrifying shadow creatures created by the Darkling's amplified power.
The Nichevo'ya serve as the Darkling's new, formidable army and a major threat to Ravka. These creatures are made of pure shadow, nearly indestructible, and immune to conventional weapons, highlighting the Darkling's terrifying new level of power. They act as a constant source of fear and destruction, forcing Alina and her allies to develop new strategies and pushing Alina to increase her own powers to combat them. They symbolize the Darkling's corruption and his ability to twist natural magic into something monstrous.
Nikolai's Dual Identity (Sturmhond)
The prince of Ravka secretly operating as a privateer.
Nikolai's hidden identity as Sturmhond is a crucial plot device that introduces him as a mysterious, powerful ally. It allows him to move freely and gather resources outside of the rigid court structure, providing Alina with a much-needed strategic partner. This duality also showcases his cunning and resourcefulness, making him a more compelling character. His reveal as Prince Nikolai Lantsov then provides a political solution for Alina, offering a potential alliance and a way to legitimize her role within Ravka, albeit with personal complications.
The Royal Wedding Proposal
Nikolai's offer of marriage to Alina for political stability.
Nikolai's proposal of marriage to Alina is a significant plot device that creates both political opportunity and intense personal conflict. Politically, it aims to unite Ravka under a strong banner, combining the monarchy with the symbolic power of the Sun Summoner to rally against the Darkling. Personally, it creates a major rift between Alina and Mal, forcing Alina to confront her feelings and priorities. This device heightens the love triangle tension and emphasizes the difficult choices Alina must make between love, duty, and the future of her country.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“I am not ruined. I am ruination.”
— Alina embraces her new, more destructive identity and power.
“The past is a wilderness. There is no map.”
— Alina grapples with the weight of history and the unknown future.
“When you have nothing, you have nothing to lose.”
— Sturmhond (Nikolai) often uses this philosophy to justify his daring plans.
“Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane.”
— The Darkling reflects on the nature of hope and its potential for torment.
“Fear is a tool. You can use it, or it can use you.”
— Alina learns to confront and manipulate her own fears.
“The greatest enemy is not the one who stands against you, but the one who stands beside you and betrays you.”
— Alina considers the nature of betrayal and trust within her allies.
“Love is a weakness, no matter the form it takes.”
— The Darkling's cynical view on love and its perceived dangers.
“Sometimes, the only way to save something is to let it go.”
— Alina makes a difficult decision about her connection to the amplifiers.
“There are no heroes, only survivors.”
— A grim realization about the harsh realities of war and power.
“Power is a cage. It doesn't set you free. It traps you.”
— Alina experiences the burdensome nature of her growing power.
“You can't outrun your past, no matter how fast you run.”
— Mal struggles with his history and his place in Alina's new world.
“The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true.”
— A poetic reflection on love, desire, and purpose.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
At the start of the book, Alina's primary goal is to live a quiet, anonymous life with Mal Oretsev in Novyi Zem, away from Ravka and her identity as the Sun Summoner. She desperately wants to escape her past actions on the Shadow Fold and the immense pressure of her powers, even attempting to suppress them.
About the author
Biography coming soon.
