“You know the problem with heroes and saints, Nikolai?" I asked as I closed the book’s cover and headed for the door. "They always end up dead.” - Alina 

Sun Summoner, Soldier, Saint. As Alina Starkov’s power grows, she and Mal are hunted across the True Sea. They struggle to keep their identities secret as rumours of Alina’s powers ripple across the world. She can’t outrun her past forever as the lives she took in the Fold haunt her and the Darkling chases them across oceans to try and get her back. He emerged from their fight in the Shadow Fold with a new and terrifying power that pushes the limits of what their magic should be.

As they track another of Morozova’s amplifiers, they work with a charming and infamous privateer and try to find a way to save Ravka from the Darkling’s wrath. As Alina’s destiny starts to become clear she becomes more entangled in the Darkling's dangerous games of forbidden magic at the making of the heart of the world. She knows eventually she’ll have to make a choice between love, protecting her destiny, and saving the country she loves.

The second instalment of Leigh Bardugo's magical Shadow and Bone series is just as thrilling and shocking as the first. As Alina continues to learn about her powers, she grows and changes so much as a character which is amazing to read about. Watching her struggle to decide her place in the world is beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. The friendships, shocking twists, and betrayals will have you staying up all night to finish the book. 

If you like this book, try the final instalment of the Shadow and Bone trilogy, Ruin and Rising, as well as the accompanying duologies (Six of Crows and King of Scars). Also try Holly Black’s Folk of the Air trilogy.