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emilywemily6's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I enjoyed this book, I enjoyed this world! But the story was a little convoluted and had lots of moving parts, and my love for Nikolai waned throughout this book (not for any particular thing he did or didn’t do, but I lost my connection with him because of everything else going on). I loved the twists and turns at the end of the book because I really didn’t know how it would work out, and I like that the ending is open-ended for another duology/trilogy in the Grishaverse in the future. This book was definitely a culmination of the books that are already out and you see glimpses of characters (good and bad) from the other books in this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Injury/Injury detail, War, Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Drug use, Murder, Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Blood, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Religious bigotry, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Addiction, Rape, Xenophobia, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Alcohol, Body shaming, Torture, Trafficking, Lesbophobia, and Pedophilia
justinekorson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Is... is there going to be another book after this. The ending made me think so but It's been a few year since this novel was published.
Either way, I was very surprised by the contents. The way Zoya became Queen was not in the way I suspected. I was also under the impression I think from a tiktok that Zoya had given up her grisha powers to be with Nikolai. I WAS GLAD TO SEE THAT WASN'T THE CASE AND SHE'S NOT JUST MERELY HUMAN. I was so pissed when I found that out but I'm glad it's not what actually happened in the story.
It was also SO FUN to see the Crows in this novel that I nearly cried every time one of them was on page. I really do think the Six of Crows Duology is Leigh's best work.
I still HATE how the Darkling was brought back for these novels and how Zoya, at the end, wanted to find a way to release him from his prison like... come on girl, forgive and forget NOT FORGIVE AND RELEASE HIM. After everything that mans has done, he didn't deserve even the tiniest bit of redemption he received from willingly going into the thornwood. He literally said he regretted none of his actions... I agree that Yuri the priest does need a bit of saving but... the Darkling does not.
Either way, I was very surprised by the contents. The way Zoya became Queen was not in the way I suspected. I was also under the impression I think from a tiktok that Zoya had given up her grisha powers to be with Nikolai. I WAS GLAD TO SEE THAT WASN'T THE CASE AND SHE'S NOT JUST MERELY HUMAN. I was so pissed when I found that out but I'm glad it's not what actually happened in the story.
It was also SO FUN to see the Crows in this novel that I nearly cried every time one of them was on page. I really do think the Six of Crows Duology is Leigh's best work.
I still HATE how the Darkling was brought back for these novels and how Zoya, at the end, wanted to find a way to release him from his prison like... come on girl, forgive and forget NOT FORGIVE AND RELEASE HIM. After everything that mans has done, he didn't deserve even the tiniest bit of redemption he received from willingly going into the thornwood. He literally said he regretted none of his actions... I agree that Yuri the priest does need a bit of saving but... the Darkling does not.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, Miscarriage, and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Classism, Body shaming, Blood, Racism, Sexism, Trafficking, and Body horror
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Trafficking
readingelli's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Body horror, War, Blood, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Body shaming
Moderate: Pregnancy, Miscarriage, Murder, and Misogyny
injiofthebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, War, Addiction, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Torture
Minor: Misogyny, Rape, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Miscarriage, and Sexism
aisling872's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and War
Minor: Body shaming
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
If my ratings were purely based off how a book makes me feel, this would be getting a one star. However they are not, so I had to cede it one more star because there were some good, even great, parts. But mostly it just pissed me off.
I can credit Bardugo with creating a complex and layered plot. However, the only POV I truly enjoyed was Nina's, as her ambitions and methods were fascinating, and I like the romance with Hanne. Even there, however, I felt like she didn't get a strong enough character arc. I also enjoyed Mayu's POV as it was fresh and full of intrigue, but we barely got any of it. Finally, I adored where Zoya ended up. Her character development has been phenomenal across the Grishaverse. This series belongs to her.
And that's where my compliments end. The thing about this book is that it just feels like fan service. That may not even be the case, but it comes off that way. This is so disappointing, as I feel like for the most part King of Scars was setting up for Rule of Wolves to be an incredible and worthy addition to the Grishaverse - it was not. This is mostly going to be spoilers.
The first warning bell was the return of the Darkling. This completely undermines the impact of the Shadow and Bone trilogy and Alina and Mal's sacrifice. And then his presence wasn't even USED properly?? He wasn't in character, did nothing important throughout the WHOLE of the book and decided to sacrifice himself as penance, while declaring he was repenting nothing? Make it make sense. I know Bardugo said that the Darkling did not deserve redemption, but she kind of gave it to him anyway?? And then Zoya has her idea to replace the Darking with the heart of Sankt Feliks anyway, so what was the point of this whole storyline?? You can't say to make Nikolai's demon make sense, as it stayed when the blight vanished. And you can't say the blight created a source of tension, as it really didn't - it was barely referenced throughout the whole of the book. You literally could have had the obisbaya performed at the end of King of Scars, it being successful, and one problem from Nikolai's life being removed, without reducing the impact of Rule of Wolves. Plus it required the involvement of Mal and Alina, whom I did not think had realistic reactions to the Darkling returning. It also meant their neatly tied up ending at the end of Ruin and Rising was frazzled. Their appearance felt like fan service, and was the second warning bell for me. Overall for this part, it would have been more interesting had Yuri (whom we don't see a proper end for, either), leading the Starless Saint's cult, having become a force to be reckoned with, perhaps involved with the Apparat in some way.
The second main part which felt like fan service was the involvement of the Crows. While this was much more logical to me, given Nikolai's need to steal something, the whole episode was so brief that the Crows felt like shadows of themselves. We literally barely see Jesper and Wylan, despite their involvement in the heist Nikolai is a part of. It kind of felt like it could have happened behind the scenes without Nikolai's involvement, so that they were still referenced in the story without being rushed.
The third part was David's death. I could see no conceivable reason why this occurred. It literally doesn't make sense and felt like Bardugo did it for shock factor, not for the sake of dismantling plot armour. If the latter was the case, it would have been more logical for someone like Tolya, Tamar, Nadia, Adrik or Leoni to die, who are exposed to much more dangerous things than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Furthermore, doesn't it contradict the ending of Ruin and Rising, which describes how the Triumvirate visit Mal and Alina for years to come? It's only been three years?? Make it make SENSE.
Aside from these concerns, there were other aspects I didn't like. For example, my disconnect from Zoya and Nikolai's POVs. I was somewhat expecting this from Nikolai's, as I had felt it during King of Scars, but was upset it happened with Zoya, too, considering I adored her POVs from the previous book. I think it's because Nikolai and Zoya conceal their plans from the reader a LOT during this book, which is good for the element of surprise, but as it was overused it ended up with me not being able to tell what they were thinking or feeling, hence the disconnect. I also wished that Zoya's POVs explored her newfound power more and learning about how to be open from a much earlier point. With Nikolai, I was frustrated that we were told how much he wanted to heal Ravka, but not why. Finally, I struggled with getting on board with Nikolai and Zoya's romance. Logically it makes a lot of sense, but I didn't feel the emotion behind it. I could tell they cared deeply about one another, but for the most part it was hard to believe this was in a romantic way.
The final thing that made me frustrated and angry was the disability rep in this book.Prince Rasmus is chronically ill, and this makes him sour, evil and violent which he indulges as he gains strength. As a chronically ill person, it was simultaneously upsetting and infuriating that this was the path Bardugo chose for her only chronically ill character, and as such I couldn't fully get behind on the ending, dependent as it was on Prince Rasmus being evil and then being killed. This is especially so seeing as it seemed Bardugo handled disability rep well in her other books, such as in the character of Kaz.
I am honestly so disappointed that what is allegedly the finale of the Grishaverse disappointed me so greatly. I wish I had had a different experience but such is life.
I can credit Bardugo with creating a complex and layered plot. However, the only POV I truly enjoyed was Nina's, as her ambitions and methods were fascinating, and I like the romance with Hanne. Even there, however, I felt like she didn't get a strong enough character arc. I also enjoyed Mayu's POV as it was fresh and full of intrigue, but we barely got any of it. Finally, I adored where Zoya ended up. Her character development has been phenomenal across the Grishaverse. This series belongs to her.
And that's where my compliments end. The thing about this book is that it just feels like fan service. That may not even be the case, but it comes off that way. This is so disappointing, as I feel like for the most part King of Scars was setting up for Rule of Wolves to be an incredible and worthy addition to the Grishaverse - it was not. This is mostly going to be spoilers.
The second main part which felt like fan service was the involvement of the Crows. While this was much more logical to me, given Nikolai's need to steal something, the whole episode was so brief that the Crows felt like shadows of themselves. We literally barely see Jesper and Wylan, despite their involvement in the heist Nikolai is a part of. It kind of felt like it could have happened behind the scenes without Nikolai's involvement, so that they were still referenced in the story without being rushed.
The third part was David's death. I could see no conceivable reason why this occurred. It literally doesn't make sense and felt like Bardugo did it for shock factor, not for the sake of dismantling plot armour. If the latter was the case, it would have been more logical for someone like Tolya, Tamar, Nadia, Adrik or Leoni to die, who are exposed to much more dangerous things than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Furthermore, doesn't it contradict the ending of Ruin and Rising, which describes how the Triumvirate visit Mal and Alina for years to come? It's only been three years?? Make it make SENSE.
Aside from these concerns, there were other aspects I didn't like. For example, my disconnect from Zoya and Nikolai's POVs. I was somewhat expecting this from Nikolai's, as I had felt it during King of Scars, but was upset it happened with Zoya, too, considering I adored her POVs from the previous book. I think it's because Nikolai and Zoya conceal their plans from the reader a LOT during this book, which is good for the element of surprise, but as it was overused it ended up with me not being able to tell what they were thinking or feeling, hence the disconnect. I also wished that Zoya's POVs explored her newfound power more and learning about how to be open from a much earlier point. With Nikolai, I was frustrated that we were told how much he wanted to heal Ravka, but not why. Finally, I struggled with getting on board with Nikolai and Zoya's romance. Logically it makes a lot of sense, but I didn't feel the emotion behind it. I could tell they cared deeply about one another, but for the most part it was hard to believe this was in a romantic way.
The final thing that made me frustrated and angry was the disability rep in this book.
I am honestly so disappointed that what is allegedly the finale of the Grishaverse disappointed me so greatly. I wish I had had a different experience but such is life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, War, Blood, Drug use, Drug abuse, Addiction, and Ableism
Moderate: Medical content, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Racism, Torture, Misogyny, Sexism, Body horror, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, and Kidnapping
Minor: Animal death, Alcohol, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Rape, Vomit, Miscarriage, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Confinement, Cannibalism, Body shaming, Child death, Cultural appropriation, Dysphoria, Pedophilia, and Religious bigotry
lainiereads's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Guys,,, this is the best grishaverse book!!! I gotta say it. It's SO GOOD. All of the characters are so great and have such amazing depth, and the plot kept taking crazy turns that I never expected. I had a lot of expectations for this book, because while I loved King of Scars, it felt a bit like it was just setting up for whatever was going to happen next. Rule of Wolves made up for all of that. While in KoS, Nina's chapters felt a bit slow at times, in this book they were just as exciting as the rest of the POVs. So much was happening in every part of the story, and I felt like I was being kept on my toes constantly.
Also, the ROMANCE???? Nikolai and Zoya were so CUTE!! They were just perfect and I loved getting to see their relationship develop. There were other romances that I don't wanna spoil, and they were also very cute!!
I was very satisfied with the conclusion of this duology, and while I do love the grishaverse, I hope that this will be the final book in the universe. It all just wrapped up so well and it would put all of that at risk if there were more books added.
I could probably go on and on about all of the great things in this book, but I don't want to risk any spoilers, so I will just say this: Nikolai and Zoya are both perfect. The end.
Also, the ROMANCE???? Nikolai and Zoya were so CUTE!! They were just perfect and I loved getting to see their relationship develop. There were other romances that I don't wanna spoil, and they were also very cute!!
I was very satisfied with the conclusion of this duology, and while I do love the grishaverse, I hope that this will be the final book in the universe. It all just wrapped up so well and it would put all of that at risk if there were more books added.
I could probably go on and on about all of the great things in this book, but I don't want to risk any spoilers, so I will just say this: Nikolai and Zoya are both perfect. The end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Violence, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Addiction, Blood, Death, and Fatphobia
Minor: Alcohol, Body shaming, and Miscarriage
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