REVIEW: Ruin and Rising (Leigh Bardugo)

Book: Ruin and Rising

Author: Leigh Bardugo

My rating: 3.5/5.

Premise: The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne. Alina has 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.

I've been saying it for the other two books, but yet again I'm a sucker for this series. Leigh builds on her world, giving some history and also visiting other bits of Ravka. I feel like Alina really came into her own in this book. She starts to understand the politics of leading and how to manipulate situations to her advantage. I loved her relationship with the Darkling. She stands up to and provokes him, but there are also some tender moments between them. I still don't like Mal and the romance part of the plot was predictable. What annoys me with Mal is his attitude towards Alina's power - he makes it clear they can't be a thing while she uses her powers rather than accepting all of her. The ending made sense even though I wish bits were different. Overall I'm a huge fan of this series and this world. I can't wait to read more from the Grishaverse and for the Netflix show to come out!