zoejenki 's review for:

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

4.0

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I really enjoyed Ruin and Rising and although I have small issues with the ending, I loved reading about the characters (particularly Nikolai. Surprise surprise). My feelings towards the Darkling's character from the beginning were that I thought of him as creepy and possessive and let's face it he still is. But towards the end of this book, he grew on me. I especially loved seeing the connection between him and Alina and learning more about his past as Aleksander. I practically fell in love with Nikolai and now just cannot wait for King of Scars. Every time he spoke I couldn't stop grinning and I just wish Alina had chosen him I'M SORRY. I am conflicted about Mal. He was a good enough character and I honestly did not see that plot twist about him at all. However, I just couldn't ship him with Alina at all. Page after page they were arguing or moping after each other and it's just my least favourite type of relationship. Tbh I wish he'd stayed dead lol