Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
“The ox feels the yoke, but does the bird feel the weight of its wings?”
4 stars
4 stars
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
The story builds and I’m into it, all the way. This is probably the most digestible story I’ve read in a long time. I can’t seem to put it down! There are some predictable and some cheesy moments, but ultimately it’s a good book. I said it after book one, this would be a good starter series for those trying to break into fantasy.
𝗦𝗜𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗠 𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘂𝗴𝗼 is a thrilling step up from Shadow and Bone (which I read almost two years ago), full of action, intrigue, and a cast of unforgettable new characters. Alina’s struggle with her growing power and her complicated bond with Mal create an emotional core that is both frustrating and deeply compelling. Though the Darkling’s presence feels lighter here than in the first book, his shadow looms large, and his terrifying new power raises the stakes for Ravka and for Alina’s destiny.
What really makes this installment shine is the introduction of Prince Nikolai Lantsov—charming, witty, and endlessly entertaining. His banter, charisma, and layered complexity add freshness to the story, making him an instant fan favorite. The twins, Tamar and Tolya, also enrich the world with their loyalty and fierce energy. While Alina continues to grow into her role as Sun Summoner, her self-doubt is still frustrating at times, though it’s rewarding to see her step into her strength.
The pacing is brisk, the twists engaging, and the ending delivers a jaw-dropping setup for the final book.
What really makes this installment shine is the introduction of Prince Nikolai Lantsov—charming, witty, and endlessly entertaining. His banter, charisma, and layered complexity add freshness to the story, making him an instant fan favorite. The twins, Tamar and Tolya, also enrich the world with their loyalty and fierce energy. While Alina continues to grow into her role as Sun Summoner, her self-doubt is still frustrating at times, though it’s rewarding to see her step into her strength.
The pacing is brisk, the twists engaging, and the ending delivers a jaw-dropping setup for the final book.
3,5/5.
There was something about Shadow and Bone that I didn’t like, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I still can’t, but I don’t have that feeling with this book! I liked the book, it was good and well written. It just is very obviously a book “in between”, which often happens with triologies. I can’t wait to read the last installment, so I will get right to it!
There was something about Shadow and Bone that I didn’t like, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. I still can’t, but I don’t have that feeling with this book! I liked the book, it was good and well written. It just is very obviously a book “in between”, which often happens with triologies. I can’t wait to read the last installment, so I will get right to it!
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Alina returns to the Little Palace to amass an army against the Darkling.
Ooffff this took a turn...the beginning and the end were gripping, everything in between was not. It seems like all character development, seized, or regressed really. We started out strong at the beginning with the introduction of Nikolai's wit and charm. Then we just get chapters upon chapters of reckless choices by Alina and annoying Mal. It just dragged.
It felt like a filler book. That said a few important things happen: we get the establishment of Nikolai and Alina's relationship (this feels important), the connection between the Darkling and Alina, and Alina going to the White Cathedral.
I think Mal's regression is what threw me. He went from being her biggest advocate to being a whiny, jealous brat who consistently mistreats Alina. He spend the entire book acting like a complete asshole and shaming her for wanting to literally save her country. Boy bye.
I think throwing in some different point of views would have made it more interesting. I would have loved a chapter or two from Nikolai's point of view or the twins.
I wanted to see more development with the darkling. We get snippets of him throughout the book, but I don't feel like it was very impactful.
I hope that book 3 returns is to the level of book 1 with more character development, world building, and quick moving plot.
Tropes: Magic, chosen one, quest, found family,
Ooffff this took a turn...the beginning and the end were gripping, everything in between was not. It seems like all character development, seized, or regressed really. We started out strong at the beginning with the introduction of Nikolai's wit and charm. Then we just get chapters upon chapters of reckless choices by Alina and annoying Mal. It just dragged.
It felt like a filler book. That said a few important things happen: we get the establishment of Nikolai and Alina's relationship (this feels important), the connection between the Darkling and Alina, and Alina going to the White Cathedral.
I think Mal's regression is what threw me. He went from being her biggest advocate to being a whiny, jealous brat who consistently mistreats Alina. He spend the entire book acting like a complete asshole and shaming her for wanting to literally save her country. Boy bye.
I think throwing in some different point of views would have made it more interesting. I would have loved a chapter or two from Nikolai's point of view or the twins.
I wanted to see more development with the darkling. We get snippets of him throughout the book, but I don't feel like it was very impactful.
I hope that book 3 returns is to the level of book 1 with more character development, world building, and quick moving plot.
Tropes: Magic, chosen one, quest, found family,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
I didn’t like Mal in Shadow and Bone, after reading this book I’ve come to the conclusion I hate Mal with every fiber of my body.
The book was off to a great start and the ending was good, but if you were to ask me happened in between the only answer I could come up with would be Nikolai? I'm afraid he won't be back in Ruin and Rising, because there is no way he was able to carry this entire book without obtaining damage to his back.
Nonetheless, very eager to find out how this trilogy ends and finally start Six of Crows!
________
2024: lmao i was just telling my friend this book took me forever, so i went to screenshot the dates and it was only 8 days
The book was off to a great start and the ending was good, but if you were to ask me happened in between the only answer I could come up with would be Nikolai? I'm afraid he won't be back in Ruin and Rising, because there is no way he was able to carry this entire book without obtaining damage to his back.
Nonetheless, very eager to find out how this trilogy ends and finally start Six of Crows!
________
2024: lmao i was just telling my friend this book took me forever, so i went to screenshot the dates and it was only 8 days
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
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:
Complicated