So I'm kind of mad at myself for being so late to read this, but I am very happy I finally picked it up because HOLY.SHIT. 
 THAT WAS AMAZING. 
 I'm going to separate this review into three chunks: the characters, the world-building, and the plot itself. Let's get to it! 
 The characters- I don't know how Leigh Bardugo does it, but every character she creates is a jewel. Alina is a wonderful protagonist; she has the qualities you'd expect of a teenage girl but is so strong while still holding on to her vulnerability. I wasn't expecting that side of her and I enjoyed it. Not sure how I feel about Mal yet. I think that's mainly because of the Darkling, though. Oh GOD the Darkling- I hate that I love him. He was built up to be misunderstood and wanting the best for Ravka, and then BAM! plot twist that I should've expected, but completely caught me off guard. I cannot wait to see what has become of him in the next book! 
 This book's world-building was phenomenal. I was immersed from the first page and was never confused about what was going on. I love the concept for this world, and I especially love the map at the beginning of the book. I don't know what it is, but I seriously love books with maps. I love the Grisha. Their powers, the lives they live, and the idea of them being feared in society completely engages me. I flew through this story, and that was mostly due to Bardugo's awesome world that she has brought to life within these pages. 
 The plot was flawlessly executed. The perfect ending to set up for the next story. I love how the beginning back story in third person ties into the ending, it gives it an even more magical quality, like it's a story being told to you. The story starts of with Alina and Mal, leading completely normal lives until one day when faced with mortal danger Alina reveals a dormant power that she was unaware she had. She is then thrust into the world of Grisha and the Darkling, and just as she begins to feel at home a revelation is made that sets the climax into action and presents even more danger to Alina as well as the whole of Ravka. It was beautiful, eloquent, and thrilling- unlike anything I've read before. 
 Ok, deep breath Addi. In case my message is still somewhat muddled: READ THIS BOOK. Now, please excuse me while I go dive headfirst into Siege and Storm .