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A review by rorikae
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
'Ruin and Rising' is a disappointing final chapter in the Grisha trilogy.
My favorite aspects of this trilogy has been the worldbuilding, particularly the magic system and mythology. Where I felt the other installments did a good job of fleshing out the world as we learned more about the Grisha's power and the mythology of Ravka, a lot of that felt dashed in this last book. Certain explanations just didn't quite make sense and the ending felt wrapped up in an undeserved bow. So much hinges around Mal, despite him being the most frustrating and least interesting character in the series. I also think that the pacing in this book was off. The first half of the book felt on pace with the other installments, steady progress as we moved toward the big battle at the end. Then the second half of the book felt too fast while also feeling like too little happened. This is a book that suffers because of its focus on the love story instead of the plot.
Though I'm happy to have read the series and to get the base understanding for the rest of the Grishaverse, the end does really bring down the whole. I am glad that this is widely regarded as the worst series because I do really like the world and can't wait to see it explored more in Six of Crows and King of Scars. As Nikolai was one of my favorite characters in this series, I am very excited that he gets his own duology.
My favorite aspects of this trilogy has been the worldbuilding, particularly the magic system and mythology. Where I felt the other installments did a good job of fleshing out the world as we learned more about the Grisha's power and the mythology of Ravka, a lot of that felt dashed in this last book. Certain explanations just didn't quite make sense and the ending felt wrapped up in an undeserved bow. So much hinges around Mal, despite him being the most frustrating and least interesting character in the series. I also think that the pacing in this book was off. The first half of the book felt on pace with the other installments, steady progress as we moved toward the big battle at the end. Then the second half of the book felt too fast while also feeling like too little happened. This is a book that suffers because of its focus on the love story instead of the plot.
Though I'm happy to have read the series and to get the base understanding for the rest of the Grishaverse, the end does really bring down the whole. I am glad that this is widely regarded as the worst series because I do really like the world and can't wait to see it explored more in Six of Crows and King of Scars. As Nikolai was one of my favorite characters in this series, I am very excited that he gets his own duology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, and Body shaming