*4.5 stars* 
 I've read some reviews from people saying that they prefered the first book over this one. Honestly, I really enjoyed Shadow & Bone and Siege & Storm and liked them both for different reasons. In the first book I loved being introduced to this beautiful world that Leigh Bardugo has created and learning about Grisha. The first installment had quite some twists and turns. However, in Siege & Storm, I really enjoyed seeing Alina develop as a character and seeing how she comes to terms with her 'role' in this world. While people complain about Mal's behaviour in this book, I think the way he acts is totally understandable and makes him less 'Mr. Perfect'. One of the parts that everyone seems to enjoy about this book was actually something that interested me less: the introduction of Nikolai (view spoiler)[ I did enjoy reading about him as Sturmhond, just not in his obnoxious prince form (hide spoiler)]. He was always flirting with Alina up to a point that it really annoyed me and made it less believable. 
 I'm very interested in seeing where the story will go in the final installment! I won't be reading Ruin & Rising anytime soon though, as I am on a book-buying-ban and I don't own a copy :(