Six of Crows By: Leigh Bardugo Review

Six of Crows was a little slow starting for me, but then once it picked up it kept my interest throughout. Thank goodness because I was worried in the beginning. There's been so much hype for this one and while I REALLY enjoyed it, I didn't LOVE it like most. I sure am glad that I read the Grisha Trilogy before I read this one though or else I would have been lost. Six of Crows is set in the grishaverse, but it's a separate story from the Grisha Trilogy. Well to be honest, this kind of irritates me. What if I hadn't been told it's best to read the Grisha books first? Anyway, good thing I did or I wouldn't have finished this one.

#SlowStart

I loved all of the characters!! The characters are definitely what made the book great for me. I love books with a great group of characters. Kaz is my favorite character, but I also really liked Inez, Nina, and Matthias. Those that have been following my blog for a while may know that I am a sucker for characters like Kaz. So it's not a surprise that he's my favorite. Kaz has a really good backstory, even though it's incredibly sad.  His character's personality and motivations are really intriguing to me. I am very drawn to complex characters like Kaz. It's also pretty hilarious that he is always one step ahead of everyone. Just when you think he's screwed, he has a trick up his sleeve!

#KazRules

As for the story, it was very well written. However, like I mentioned I am glad I read the Grisha series first.  I thought because these were two separate series that it wouldn't matter, but it does. It would have been so much harder to get into this one had I not read the others first. I just hate that because if I hadn't known I would have started this one first and given up in the beginning since it starts off slow anyway. I struggled enough trying to figure out what's what. I can't imagine then also trying to figure out about the Grisha as well.  I won't say you HAVE to read the Grisha series first, but I HIGHLY recommend it. 

#GrishaverseProblems

Overall Six of Crows was enjoyable, but not perfect for me. Minus the slow start the book has all of the right ingredients for a great story. It has fantastic writing, a great cast of entertaining characters that you care for, a heist, lots of action, and a touch of romance. I can't wait for the next book. I feel like that one will be even better than this one was. I WANT MOREEEEE!! 

#AlmostPerfect

I recommend Six of Crows to those who have read and enjoyed the Grisha Trilogy.

#ReadTheGrishaTrilogyFirst 

Ruin and Rising By: Leigh Bardugo Review

After finishing Siege and Storm I was in a hurry to read Ruin and Rising and finish this series. But at that time I went on vacation in the woods where there was no wifi. Since I read this series on ebooks that I borrowed from the library I had to wait till I got back home to start this one. As soon as I got back I was thrilled to finish this series and see how it all would end!

I enjoyed Ruin and Rising, but I think the first book in The Grisha Trilogy is definitely the best one. Just like Siege and Storm the beginning of the book was super slow! Luckily it didn't last as long in this book and as soon as Alina was away from the Apparat the pace really picked up. Speaking of the Apparat I can't stand him! Why are there so many characters in this series that get on my nerves?

Speaking of... I sure am happy that in this one Mal was less annoying. Hooray! He still bothers me though and I still like The Darkling and Nikolai better. I'm sad that Alina never grew on me more. I liked her, but I never loved her character like I wanted to. Whether I was annoyed by or I liked the character they all seemed a little distant to me. I never really felt connected to any of them or concerned about their well being. Maybe that's just me. Even though I didn't really connect with any of them that was okay with me. The story still kicked butt and I thought The Darkling and Nikolai were very fascinating characters.

So...the ending. I really liked it. I didn't love it. I'm happy with it, but it's not exactly what I would have wanted. I didn't expect what I wanted to happen to actually happen though so at least I wasn't disappointed. It ended how it needed to I suppose and it was a good ending, just a little predictable.

Overall I really enjoyed Ruin and Rising and The Grisha Trilogy. I'm extremely fascinated by this world that Leigh Bardugo has created. I think that the world building is the strongest part of the series. I can't wait to get to Six of Crows now!

I recommend The Grisha Trilogy to YA fantasy fans that enjoy a bit of political intrigue with a fun magical system.

Siege and Storm By: Leigh Bardugo Review

After reading Shadow and Bone I immediately borrowed Siege and Storm from the library as well. I have to admit that this one started off a bit slower for me though. I kept hoping that the pace would pick up, but it never really did until the end. The end was super exciting, but by then the book was almost over. That being said, it was the only issue I had with this book. 

Characters-

Alina: I still felt the same about her as I did in Shadow and Bone. I liked her, but I didn't love her. 

Mal: Still not loving him either and in this one I liked him even less. Mal really irritates me for some reason. 

Nikolai: I love Nikolai!! Once he came into the story this book got a lot better for me. He really brought something interesting and fun to the book. 

The Darkling: I thought the Darkling's new power was really cool and different. Plus, my inner goth chick is still rooting for The Darkling. I think that what I want to happen with him won't, but I could always write fan fic right? Ha. 

I enjoyed the plot of Siege and Storm a lot, but I just wished there had been more action in the beginning. The writing was still well done and it was still intriguing thanks to the Grisha, The Darkling's new power, and the addition of Nikolai. Oh, and the world building continues to be very well done. I can't wait to see how everything wraps up in the third book! 

Overall Siege and Storm was pretty good, just not quite as good as the first one was. I hope the last one is a bit more fast paced. Surely after the way this one ended the last one will be pretty intense!

I recommend Siege and Storm for YA Fantasy/Romance fans! 

Shadow and Bone By: Leigh Bardugo Review

I devoured Shadow and Bone in one day! The book was a little confusing at first, but luckily the world building was so great that I never got frustrated over it. I wasn't confused for long trying to figure out what's what before it all started to make sense.The writing was superb and very fast paced. Before I knew it I was already done reading the book. I couldn't believe I had gotten to the end already.

I found Shadow and Bone to be extremely interesting and unique in some ways, especially when it came to the Grisha! I read through this one so fast because I needed to know what was going to happen with Alina next. Also, I was surprised how dark this book was. I wasn't expecting that, but I loved it!

Characters-

Alina- I liked her, I but didn't love her. I really wanted her to be more badass, but she was still a good character. Hopefully she improves as the series goes on. Sometimes that's how it goes in series so that the character can have some good character development.

Mal- Sorry! I don't like Mal. He gets on my nerves. I'm not sure how I will end up feeling about him by the end of the series. He may get better, but well I have a feeling I will always root for another character.

The Darkling- I may be the only one, but I really loved The Darkling! I picture him as this really hot goth guy. He's so broody too. I like that.

Overall Shadow and Bone was pretty darn great! I just love YA books with great fantasy and magical elements. The Grisha are very fascinating and I want to know even more about the Grisha! I can't wait to finish this series and then read Six of Crows as well.

I HIGHLY recommend Shadow and Bone to all YA fantasy/romance fans! If you enjoy the genre, then I bet you would love this one.