A review by trintrin
Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark 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? Yes

5.0

Something can be imperfect and still be loved.
Do I know this book is mostly just a fan service? Yes. Do I still love every bit of it shamelessly? Absolutely.

Oh. My. God. I loved the way the different POVs didn't really align with each other but made sense in the grand scheme of things. And obviously, I loved the characters so much. That's where Leigh Bardugo's at her strongest. Genuinely had to hold myself back from squealing at some of the turn of events and I'm still thirsty for more Grishaverse content.

The plot was so much better than King of Scars. Like there's actually something going on in every chapter and I could feel the tenseness of the war.
The whole Saints thing that I wasn't too fond of in KoS made a little bit more sense here but I still don't like it. I wanted to see more of Nikolai's charm and his ruling skills and we got it. I wanted to see how Alina and Mal were doing and we got it. I wanted to see more of Hanne and Nina and goshhh we got it. I wanted to see more of my current otp Zoyalai and we got it. I wanted to see more of the Crows and whatever shenanigans they were up to and we got that as well. I couldn't be any more happier. But-

There he comes, the man who can't let anyone be happy for once, the Darkling. Why in the name of all Saints and their mothers was he brought back? Really, it only seems like he was resurrected to give something to the Darkling stans and also to conveniently stash an immortal in a tree for world peace. This book could've done away with his plot and the rest of the Saints thing too, for that matter and still have been gripping. He was a good villain, and he should've been allowed to rest as all good villains should be once their story is over. Resurrection is pointless. And I'm not sure how I'm supposed to be feeling towards him too? Like are you trying to reinforce my point that he is a bad guy and cannot be redeemed for his sins or are you trying to portray him as a victim and that everything he did was for the love of Ravka all along?

Anyways, forget about the Starless One, let's talk about my Crow babies. A cheap party trick to pull in more readers, I know. I love it. Literally the whole Titanium subplot and the mini heist weren't needed for any reason other than to give the Crows some screen time. I missed them. Honestly, a needed refreshment after the very sad scene before all this *cough* David *cough*. Man I forgot just how much I loved and missed Kaz. The Jesper/Wylan dynamic was sooo adorable but I really don't know what purpose they served to the plot. I wish we got more of Inej Ghafa, my queen, my wife and the love of my life, but that ending points towards another Crows book so we'll see. Fingers crossed it won't just be another fan service.

Zoya Nazyalensky, you've successfully occupied the place in my heart that was reserved only for Nikolai Lantsov, how do you feel? Was Zoya terribly overpowered and borderline breaking the laws of Small Science with the thunderstorms and stuff? I'm gonna overlook that because I freaking adore this woman. Hanne Brum, you've occupied the vacancy left by Matthias Helvar both in my heart and Nina's and there could be no one better suited for the job. Genya Safin, I will always keep wanting more and more from you, I can't help it you're so cool. And Alina... idk she felt a little out of character in this one, but I missed her and love her nonetheless. And Tamar and Nadia, and even Mayu and Ehri as well. All in all, GRISHAVERSE WOMEN>>>>>>>>

I loved the way war didn't just mean destroying the enemy until they are powerless and then sign a peace treaty. The moral dilemma of what is right and what is taking it too far, the constant where does it end? question raised throughout the book, and wondering who the actual monster is here. I know I'm contradicting saying the Darkling was included as a fan service and yet loving the Crows for the same reason, saying the Darkling's crimes cannot be forgiven and yet not minding the countless innocent lives taken away by the "good side" using the missiles. But that man was fine with a child being raped over and over I cannot vouch for him ever


TDLR; amazing book if you're a mega fan of the Grishaverse, else probably best to skip it. 
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