Ruin and Rising

By: Leigh Bardugo

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

The capital has fallen. 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. Ruin and Rising is the thrilling final installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy.

©2014 Leigh Bardugo (P)2014 Audible Inc.

very good, but not extraordinary

The beginning was still too love-triangle-y, which I hate; it's a lazy, unnecessary plot device that usually doesn't even help the plot at all.

The world-building and plot were very intriguing; that's the reason I wanted to read these books. If I wanted insecure relationship drama, I'd read a book about that. I wanted to read a series about cool magical (but not really) powers and saving the world. That's what I signed up for.

The ending was satisfactory but too cliche for me.

And there was STILL a ton of Mal and Alina being unbearably whiny and insecure about their relationship until like that last 20 pages. This one wasn't anywhere near as bad as the second book in that respect, but it was still annoying.

Bardugo does a good job of developing secondary characters, and a terrible job of using them. This has happened throughout all three of the book: I get attached to the characters because they're interesting, and then they just more-or-less don't really do anything to affect the plot.

I liked the twist with the third amplifier, although I wish Mal had stayed dead because that would have been more interesting and less Disney fairy tale.

Brace Yourself- I couldn't stop listening!

This series was amazing. The writing paints a picture in your mind, moments of anguish, fear, hope, or action-packed fighting- this book is beautifully written! I loved the setting of this world, unlike the world today but completely believable and relatable. The main characters weren't defined by age, which made it easy to read as a twenty-something or a teen. My favorite character was the "Too Clever Fox", with the perfect blend of humor and strength! I also loved how the Darkling, in all his evil, felt human as well. The narrator did an excellent job, maintaining every voice throughout the series. Loved this series and the ending!

Wonderful

Just a wonderful and brilliantly crafted story. And Lauren Fortgang does a spectacular job with narration.

Wonderfully entertaining, fast-paced series

Would you listen to Ruin and Rising again? Why?

Perhaps, this entire series was excellent.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ruin and Rising?

The final battle

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending with the Darkling.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, absolutely.

Any additional comments?

Lauren Fortgang was a brilliant narrator. I would listen to her storytelling any day of the week!

Don’t like the ending at all

Sad about the way the story ended. Won’t be reading this last book again. I also don’t like who Alina ended up with. 😡

What a roller coaster show down

This is the final battle.

Great afterward and great last line.

What an awesome love story. 1 girl three dudes salivating over her for 3 books and each dude gets what he deserves.

I can't wait to write about this series and the difference in the Netflix show. Find me at storyluck on all social.

The TV show made a ton of good edits season one. Can't wait for season 2.

5 Wonderful, Amazing, Beautiful Stars!

I couldn't get enough of this wonderful story or of Lauren Fortang's voice. This story was so wonderfully woven from the beginning of Shadow And Bone to the end of Ruin And Rising. Now that it's done my heart is swollen with the love of Alina Starkov and Mal Oretsev but also sad that it has ended. Leah Bardugo is a masterful storyteller.

Love, love, love this series

This was an outstanding end to the Grisha series trilogy. Narrator did a fabulous job with the accents. You must listen to all the books in the series. It does not stand alone.

Good way to end it

I was swept away by the beautiful work and I am sad it is over. I would recommend this to anyone seeking a new world to get lost in.

Perfect just Perfect

I can't imagine it ending any other way. I loved the whole series and fell in love with the characters. It made me cry, laugh, and smile. There was romance and action... IT WAS PERFECTION!!!