A review by mybookishdelights
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

[Second Read - 2021 - 4 stars]
Heat Level: Medium
non-graphic sex scene


There was a lot that I didn't remember from this one. Like almost all of it. I remember
the Darkling dying
, but almost none of the specifics to that whole scene. I'm not sure if that's an insult to the book or to my memory. 

So it was good, but not amazing. I enjoyed the writing well enough to keep on reading, but the plot felt a bit all over the place and there were something that didn't seem necessary.
The whole events that happened to Nikolai felt pointless. Maybe it was set up for his own duology later, but when this book came out and even when I read it, that hadn't happened yet.


I can't really think about anything else to say. I was more on board with Mal and Alina this go round. I guess that's it.

CAWPILE Score: 7.14 = 4 stars
Characters: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Writing: 8
Plot: 6
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 7
Enjoyment: 7

*********************************

[First Read - 2017 - 4 stars]
I really liked this final book. It's the ending I predicted in regards to the romance, but I was hoping it would be something different. :( The ending of the story itself was interesting and had a surprising twist that, honestly, I didn't understand at first. I had to read it several times to get a good idea of what happened. I still love this world and this series. 

Challenges:
2017 Goodreads Challenge
2017 MMD Reading for Growth - Three books by the same author (3/3)
Expand filter menu Content Warnings