A review by brimelick
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

5.0

First thought, Stunning. I love everything about Leigh Bardugo's writing and the Grishaverse is one of my top five fictional worlds. I really liked how she was able to finish the story in a way that didn't rush it and left you feeling like you know what will happen after but there is also room for thinking. I'll be the first to admit that I usually go for the villainous and morally gray characters and as much as I simp for Ben Barnes I think that Alina really did need to end up with Mal. I was not his biggest fan until I re-read the series a few times and now that I'm 23 and not in middle school, he's grown on me. Absolutely love David and Genya's characters in this book and I really started to like Zoya more this time I read it. But let's be honest, Oncat is the best character in the book hands-down. I know a lot of people are not huge fans of Alina losing her power and leaving the world of the Grisha entirely but I honestly think it was the best choice that Leigh could've made. I think she would have been miserable if she had to stay and lose Mal in exchange for keeping her power and staying with Nikolai (as much as I love him). I just wish she would've been able to keep some of her powers. All in all, this is a fantastic book. Amazing conclusion to a wonderful story and I cannot wait to re-read the Six of Crows duology and begin the King of Scars series.