About the Book
This is a free excerpt release, the first five chapters of Siege and Storm, the second book in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy. It's a promotional sampler rather than a complete listening experience, intended to give readers a taste of the story before committing to the full audiobook.
The story picks up after Shadow and Bone, with Alina Starkov and Mal on the run, trying to build a quiet life abroad while hiding Alina's identity as the Sun Summoner. That fragile peace doesn't hold. The Darkling, the antagonist from the first book, has survived and returned with new capabilities. These opening chapters re-establish the world, the central conflict, and the tone before the larger plot of the second book takes shape.
If you haven't read or listened to Shadow and Bone, starting here won't make much sense. This sampler is aimed squarely at fans of the first book who want to preview the continuation before purchasing the full audiobook.
Narration & Audio Performance
Lauren Fortgang narrates the full Grisha Trilogy and brings a consistent, composed delivery to Bardugo's first-person prose. Her voice suits Alina well, measured and slightly guarded, which fits a character who has learned to conceal herself. She handles the tonal shifts between action and quieter emotional moments without overcorrecting in either direction.
Fortgang's character differentiation is competent, though not especially dramatic. The Darkling, Mal, and the new privateer character introduced in Siege and Storm each get distinct enough readings that you can follow dialogue without confusion, though listeners who prefer highly theatrical multi-voice performances may find her range on the restrained side.
Since this is a five-chapter excerpt, the sample on Audible effectively gives you the same preview as this release. If you're on the fence about the narration style, listening to those opening minutes on the Audible product page will tell you what you need to know before committing a credit to the full audiobook.
The Audible Verdict
This isn't really a standalone audiobook, it's a promotional excerpt. If you're a fan of the first book and want to confirm the narration style before buying the full Siege and Storm, this sampler serves that purpose. But there's no reason to spend a credit on five chapters when the full audiobook exists. Use this release to preview Fortgang's narration, then apply your credit or free trial to the complete book.
Listen on AudibleIs This Book a Good Fit for Audio?
The Grisha Trilogy is a solid audio fit in general. Bardugo writes in a close first-person voice that translates naturally to narration, and the world-building leans on dialogue and action rather than maps or diagrams that would be lost in audio format.
That said, five chapters is a narrow window. You get enough to assess the narrator and the prose rhythm, but not enough to settle into the world or the plot. For the full audio experience, the complete Siege and Storm audiobook is the right choice rather than this excerpt release.
Popular Listener Questions
Is this the full audiobook?
No. This is a promotional release containing only the first five chapters of Siege and Storm. The complete audiobook is available separately on Audible.
Do I need to listen to Shadow and Bone first?
Yes. Siege and Storm is the second book in the Grisha Trilogy, and these chapters pick up directly after the events of Shadow and Bone. Starting here without the first book would be disorienting.
Is Lauren Fortgang the narrator for the full trilogy?
Yes. Lauren Fortgang narrates all three books in the Grisha Trilogy, so this excerpt gives you an accurate sense of what the full series sounds like in audio format.
Should I spend a credit on this excerpt?
Probably not. The Audible sample on the full Siege and Storm audiobook covers similar ground. Save your credit for the complete book.
Similar Audiobooks
The first book in the Grisha Trilogy, required listening before this excerpt makes sense.
The third and final book in the Grisha Trilogy, also narrated by Lauren Fortgang.
Bardugo's duology set in the same Grishaverse, often recommended to readers who want more of the world after the original trilogy.
Sabaa Tahir's fantasy series shares the Grisha Trilogy's mix of high-stakes politics, magic systems, and YA sensibility.
The Cruel Prince
Holly Black's Faerie series appeals to a similar YA fantasy readership interested in morally complex antagonists and political intrigue.
Audiobook Details
| Title | Siege and Storm: Chapters 1-5 |
|---|---|
| Author | Leigh Bardugo |
| Narrator | Lauren Fortgang |
| Genre | Young Adult Fantasy |
| Year | 2013 |
| Publisher | Henry Holt and Company (BYR) |
| Abridged | Unabridged |
| Cast | Single narrator |
| Author-narrated | No |
Ready to listen?
The full Siege and Storm audiobook is available on Audible, a reasonable choice for a free trial credit if you're ready to continue the Grisha Trilogy.
Open on Audible