Latest Read: Ruin & Rising (The Grisha, #3) by Leigh Bardugo

Ruin & Rising (The Grisha, #3) by Leigh Bardugo
Publication date: June 17, 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy
Source: Purchased
Summary: The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne. Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army. Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives. Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for. (Adapted goodreads.com)

My Thoughts

I knew I wanted to read Ruin & Rising without any interruptions. Which is why I waited ONE WHOLE WEEK to read this absolutely wonderful book. It was worth it though because once I was back in Leigh Bardugo’s world of The Grisha and reunited with Alina and Mal, I did not want to stop reading or the book to end! Ruin & Rising starts off with the series’ signature girl and boy story, which I adore, and then delves right back into the thick of things: Alina weakened from her previous fight with the Darkling, the fate of her powers, the Darkling and even Nikolai unknown. What was she to do? And who was going to stand beside her? I really had no idea what to expect and I flew through the pages eager to see what they would do (plus I wanted my Alina/Mal swoonworthy scenes!).

Alina is heroine that doesn’t nearly get enough attention (from myself included - shame on me!) and I think it’s because her strength and fierceness is quiet. She doesn’t have this personality that’s in your face and she certainly didn’t ask to be The Saint that everyone in Ravka is turning to for salvation but here she is. She is determined to save them all and she does it with such heart, intelligence and unexpected humor. I forgot how snarky she can be! Ruin and Rising reminded me why she’s one of my favorite heroines and seriously, she should be on everyone’s favorite list. Bardugo writes her character in a way that is so human in spite of her fantastical situation. She’s just a girl who is ultimately struggling with who she is and wants to be, wants her friends to be happy and safe and in love with a boy she’s known all her life.

Speaking of — Mal. He’s another character who tends to drift to the back of my mind when I’m not reading the series but how I love him. Again this book reminded of me that and reinforced it. He’s quiet and reserved with his more playful side coming out mostly around Alina. He gets a lot more dialogue and scenes in Ruin & Rising which were much-needed. What always strikes me about him is the depth of his love and loyalty to Alina. Their bond as two orphans who found a family, friendship and love in one another. Their scenes have this underlying subtle passion that really strikes a chord with me. I can’t even explain why, but it does.

But in general, all the characters get more depth and some amazing lines in this book (Genya has this one line that gave me chills!). I loved seeing the relationships Alina has been slowly growing with each of these people throughout the series and how much they’ve stuck with her throughout this battle. How much they will continue to stand by her, even when it seems like they will fail. Everything that has been building up since Shadow & Bone came together beautifully and the conclusion of the series was just perfect. I laughed, I cried and I was completely immersed in what I was reading. Seriously - it was perfect!

Do I recommend?

Yes! This is up there on my list of best series enders for sure. If you’re a fan of this series but haven’t read the last book yet, READ IT NOW. And if you’ve never read this series before, READ IT NOW (x2!).

Happy reading!