Leigh Bardugo

Download the first chapter of Ruin and Rising, the highly anticipated conclusion to the Grisha Trilogy! 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:

The Grishaverse will be coming to Netflix soon with Shadow and Bone, an original series! Enter the Grishaverse with Book Three of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy by the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. Soldier. Summoner. Saint.The nation’s fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army. The Darkling rules from his shadow throne while a weakened Alina Starkov recovers from their battle under the dubious protection of the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Now her hopes lie with the magic of a long-vanished ancient creature and the chance that an outlaw prince still survives. As her allies and enemies race toward war, only Alina stands between her country and a rising tide of darkness that could destroy the world. To win this fight, she must seize a legend’s power—but claiming the firebird may be her ruin. A New York Times Bestselling Series A USA Today Bestseller This title has Common Core connections. Read all the books in the Grishaverse! The Shadow and Bone Trilogy (previously published as The Grisha Trilogy) Shadow and Bone Siege and Storm Ruin and Rising The Six of Crows Duology Six of Crows Crooked Kingdom The King of Scars Duology King of Scars The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic The Severed Moon: A Year-Long Journal of Magic Praise for the Grishaverse “A master of fantasy.” —The Huffington Post “Utterly, extremely bewitching.” —The Guardian “The best magic universe since Harry Potter.” —Bustle “This is what fantasy is for.” —The New York Times Book Review “[A] world that feels real enough to have its own passport stamp.” —NPR “The darker it gets for the good guys, the better.” —Entertainment Weekly “Sultry, sweeping and picturesque. . . . Impossible to put down.” —USA Today “There’s a level of emotional and historical sophistication within Bardugo’s original epic fantasy that sets it apart.” —Vanity Fair “Unlike anything I’ve ever read.” —Veronica Roth, bestselling author of Divergent “Bardugo crafts a first-rate adventure, a poignant romance, and an intriguing mystery!” —Rick Riordan, bestselling author of the Percy Jackson series

Ruin and Rising

shrey

“you’re all I ever wanted, you are the whole of my heart”

Enter the Grishaverse with Book One of the Shadow and Bone Trilogy by the number one New York Times-bestselling author of Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Sarah J. Maas. Soldier. Summoner. Saint.The nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army. The Darkling rules from his shadow throne while a weakened Alina Starkov recovers from their battle under the dubious protection of the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Now her hopes lie with the magic of a long-vanished ancient creature and the chance that an outlaw prince still survives. As her allies and enemies race toward war, only Alina stands between her country and a rising tide of darkness that could destroy the world. To win this fight, she must seize a legend's power - but claiming the firebird may be her ruin. Praise for the Grishaverse: "Utterly, extremely bewitching." The Guardian "There's a level of emotional and historical sophistication within Bardugo's original epic fantasy that sets it apart." Vanity Fair "Unlike anything I've ever read." Veronica Roth, bestselling author of Divergent "This is a great choice for teenage fans of George R.R. Martin and J.R.R. Tolkien." RT Book Reviews Read all the books in the Grishaverse! The Shadow and Bone Trilogy (previously published as The Grisha Trilogy) Shadow and Bone Siege and Storm Ruin and Rising The Six of Crows Duology Six of Crows Crooked Kingdom The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic

Julia Rutgers

He did not see the moment the girl ceased to bear her weakness as a burden and began to wear it as a guise.

kari <33

“Alina,” he said and kissed the scar on my palm, “I remember everything.” 

Loss. This was the price the world had demanded for balance. 

“Loss is loss,” Mal said. “You have the right to grieve.”

I could feel the ache of absence where my power had been like a phantom limb. 

“I am surrounded by fools,” Zoya said, but she was smiling. 

“If he gets any more charming, men and women may start lying down in the street for the privilege of being stepped on bt the new Ravkan King.”

How had he found me? Stupid question. Mal would always find me. 

Well, if I’m going to be a monster, I might as well be king of the monsters. 

The Unsea always felt like the end of everything. It wasn’t only the dark, it was the terrible isolation, as if the world had disappeared, leaving only you, the rattle of your breath, the stuttering beat of your heart. 

It was all we needed. It was all we would ever have have. 

“You’re all I’ve ever wanted,” he said. “You are the whole of my heart.”

“Just tell me this isn’t goodbye. That’s the only vow I need.” 

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 (serious.)

Then he drew back, searching my eyes. “I wanted more for you,” he said. “A white veil in your hair. Vows we could keep.” 

I kissed him then—with grief and need and years of longing, with the desperate hope that I could keep him here in my arms, with the damning knowledge that I could not. 

“But no matter who or what I was, I would have been yours.”

And if I was honest with myself, I envied their faith. If I could believe I had been blessed by some divine purpose, it might make the hard choices easier. 

“I know you don’t believe as Tamar and I do,” he said, “but no matter how this ends, I’m glad our faith has brought us to you.”

It was stupid. It was dangerous. But Ana Kuya used to tell me that hope was tricky like water. Somehow it always found a way in. 

You were meant to be my balance. What I felt for Mal was messy and stubborn and might leave me heartbroken in the end, but it was also human. 

Easy to read trilogy, interesting premise. Overall it's a fun read with a good moral and it holds to it without making exceptions for the good characters which is nice. A few really strong emotional moments. 

I wouldn't recommend it as a literary marvel but I would recommend it as a fun and easy fantasy series. 

Liam Richardson

Easy to read trilogy, interesting premise. Overall it's a fun read with a good moral and it holds to it without making exceptions for the good characters which is nice. A few really strong emotional moments. 

I wouldn't recommend it as a literary marvel but I would recommend it as a fun and easy fantasy series. 

For use in schools and libraries only. 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.

Ruin and Rising is the powerful conclusion to Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy, a fantasy series set in the war-torn, magic-filled kingdom of Ravka. This final installment brings Alina Starkov’s journey full circle as she faces her greatest challenges—both on the battlefield and within herself. Emotional, action-packed, and full of difficult choices, Ruin and Rising wraps up the trilogy with heartbreak, hope, and heroism.

Following the devastating events of Siege and Storm, Alina is left weakened and hidden underground with the Apparat and his loyal followers. Cut off from her powers and haunted by the events of the past, she must recover and regroup before the Darkling tightens his grip on Ravka. Her only hope lies in finding the third and final amplifier—something that could grant her ultimate power, but at a terrible cost.

As Alina and her allies set out on a final quest to stop the Darkling and destroy the Shadow Fold, secrets come to light, alliances shift, and Alina must make a choice that could determine the fate of Ravka—and her soul.

Alina is at her most complex in this book. We see her struggle deeply with power, loss, and purpose. Her growth—from an insecure orphan to a powerful, decisive leader—is complete and compelling. Mal also steps up in this book, with his role becoming more central and meaningful. His connection to Alina deepens in a way that adds emotional weight to the climax.

The Darkling, as always, remains a fascinating villain: tragic, terrifying, and strangely human. Sturmhond (a.k.a. Nikolai), returns with charm and leadership, adding levity and strategy to the grim events. Bardugo skillfully balances all the characters’ arcs, giving each a satisfying resolution.

The world of Ravka continues to be rich and evocative, moving from underground cathedrals to ruined cities and the eerie landscape of the Shadow Fold. The atmosphere becomes more urgent and somber as the final battle looms. The fantasy elements remain well developed, especially the lore around Morozova, the amplifiers, and the Grisha’s history.

What makes Ruin and Rising memorable is its emotional depth and bittersweet ending. Bardugo doesn’t go for easy answers. There are sacrifices, unexpected twists, and a strong sense that power comes with consequences. The conclusion is both tragic and hopeful, and while it may not please every reader, it’s consistent with the themes of the trilogy.

The pacing is solid, with a mix of introspective moments and intense action. The romantic subplot finds more balance, and the final confrontation with the Darkling is both epic and deeply personal.

I really enjoyed Ruin and Rising for its satisfying conclusion and the emotional growth of its characters. It’s darker than the previous books, but also more rewarding. The themes of sacrifice, identity, and the meaning of power are handled thoughtfully. While some readers may have hoped for a different fate for certain characters, the ending felt earned and honest.

This book is perfect for teens and young adults who’ve followed the Grisha Trilogy and want a meaningful, dramatic conclusion. It’s suitable for fantasy fans who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and complex world-building. Readers of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Shadowhunters, or The Hunger Games will likely appreciate this trilogy.

Keisi

Ruin and Rising is the powerful conclusion to Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy, a fantasy series set in the war-torn, magic-filled kingdom of Ravka. This final installment brings Alina Starkov’s journey full circle as she faces her greatest challenges—both on the battlefield and within herself. Emotional, action-packed, and full of difficult choices, Ruin and Rising wraps up the trilogy with heartbreak, hope, and heroism.

Following the devastating events of Siege and Storm, Alina is left weakened and hidden underground with the Apparat and his loyal followers. Cut off from her powers and haunted by the events of the past, she must recover and regroup before the Darkling tightens his grip on Ravka. Her only hope lies in finding the third and final amplifier—something that could grant her ultimate power, but at a terrible cost.

As Alina and her allies set out on a final quest to stop the Darkling and destroy the Shadow Fold, secrets come to light, alliances shift, and Alina must make a choice that could determine the fate of Ravka—and her soul.

Alina is at her most complex in this book. We see her struggle deeply with power, loss, and purpose. Her growth—from an insecure orphan to a powerful, decisive leader—is complete and compelling. Mal also steps up in this book, with his role becoming more central and meaningful. His connection to Alina deepens in a way that adds emotional weight to the climax.

The Darkling, as always, remains a fascinating villain: tragic, terrifying, and strangely human. Sturmhond (a.k.a. Nikolai), returns with charm and leadership, adding levity and strategy to the grim events. Bardugo skillfully balances all the characters’ arcs, giving each a satisfying resolution.

The world of Ravka continues to be rich and evocative, moving from underground cathedrals to ruined cities and the eerie landscape of the Shadow Fold. The atmosphere becomes more urgent and somber as the final battle looms. The fantasy elements remain well developed, especially the lore around Morozova, the amplifiers, and the Grisha’s history.

What makes Ruin and Rising memorable is its emotional depth and bittersweet ending. Bardugo doesn’t go for easy answers. There are sacrifices, unexpected twists, and a strong sense that power comes with consequences. The conclusion is both tragic and hopeful, and while it may not please every reader, it’s consistent with the themes of the trilogy.

The pacing is solid, with a mix of introspective moments and intense action. The romantic subplot finds more balance, and the final confrontation with the Darkling is both epic and deeply personal.

I really enjoyed Ruin and Rising for its satisfying conclusion and the emotional growth of its characters. It’s darker than the previous books, but also more rewarding. The themes of sacrifice, identity, and the meaning of power are handled thoughtfully. While some readers may have hoped for a different fate for certain characters, the ending felt earned and honest.

This book is perfect for teens and young adults who’ve followed the Grisha Trilogy and want a meaningful, dramatic conclusion. It’s suitable for fantasy fans who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and complex world-building. Readers of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Shadowhunters, or The Hunger Games will likely appreciate this trilogy.

Skylar Davis

After weeks of procrastination, I finally finished reading this. I decided to first read the trilogy only because I wanted to read Six of Crows. I know we can skip over it and just read Six of Crows but I don't like spoilers, no matter how little or insignificant they are.

-Nikolai gave me a heart attack like. Almost thought that my favourite character and the most interesting one (BY FAR) was a goner.

-The final battle was... underwhelming. For it to be the climax, I would have liked something more impactful.

-Mal being the amplifier was a cool, unexpected twist for a sometimes uninspiring reading (except every Nikolai moment).

-Mal and Alina's happy ending... I would say I am radiant for them if I cared for their romance... which I don't. Not a hater, just thought that the whole love confusion/triangle/mess was unnecessary and some of its excessive moments could've been skipped. 

-I just feel like this whole story could have been better executed.

Marta

3.75 ★

After weeks of procrastination, I finally finished reading this. I decided to first read the trilogy only because I wanted to read Six of Crows. I know we can skip over it and just read Six of Crows but I don't like spoilers, no matter how little or insignificant they are.

Some not spoiler-free thoughts: 

-This book picks up on its second half. 

- Nikolai hard carried, as usual.

-Nikolai gave me a heart attack like. Almost thought that my favourite character and the most interesting one (BY FAR) was a goner.

-The final battle was... underwhelming. For it to be the climax, I would have liked something more impactful.

-The Darkling was not developed to its full potential. Not even close...

-Mal being the amplifier was a cool, unexpected twist for a sometimes uninspiring reading (except every Nikolai moment).

-Mal and Alina's happy ending... I would say I am radiant for them if I cared for their romance... which I don't. Not a hater, just thought that the whole love confusion/triangle/mess was unnecessary and some of its excessive moments could've been skipped. 

-I just feel like this whole story could have been better executed.

- Conclusion: Nikolai!

wonderful ending to this trilogy. had me in tears. 

Lauren R

Myriam Boulanger Lapointe

Jennifer Gosnell

Wow. What a conclusion. A lot of action and adventure, and I really loved the character building. 

Also. 
“You will always be one of us” absolutely broke me. It was the perfect ending. Bittersweet, and beautiful.

(3.5) This was a good book towards the end and last half of the middle part. I was so glad that the drama with the Mal stuff was over (FINALLY), it was dragging on for too long. Also, the beginning and half of the middle was just the repetition of the second book. The plot was also dragged out. I would also have liked to see Nikolai get more of a moment, and am I the only one but I kinda shipped him and Alina???? Idk I feel as if they would have been a good match.

Anna 

the last book of shadow and bone series was similar to the previous two books, so the review is going to be similar as well. 
I did enjoy it, I read it quickly and started to care for some of the characters (ehm ehm nikolai) plus I fell in love with the grishaverse in general. I still didn't really like alina and mal but I got over it and it didn't really bother me anymore. I had some problems with the ending, didn't really want it to end so... normally? I don't know, probably expected something more interesting, but that's okay. 
so yeah, I really like the series. don't ask me why and how when the main character was literally punchable all the time, I just fell in love with ravka (and mainly nikolai) :)

yousr abu sboulah

poor nikolai he must have severe back pain from carrying the whole series on his back 😳

wow…. absolutely beautiful malina i love u forever 

Shaq H

clau☁️

Helena

** spoiler alert **
           i truly don’t know how I feel right now but I’ll try to put it into words so at least I can go back to this later.

This book... I hated it, then it made me so excited and then I just didn’t understand why Leigh would ever end it like this.

1. I couldn’t connect with Alina since the first book, she’s never been a good mc for me, but specially in this last book she was so annoying to me. Maybe it’s because it’s written in her pov and she’s so confused all the time but i just couldn’t understand her actions or personality.

2. Mal grew on me in this book, I have to say. Maybe it’s because I love when characters are willing to die for the greater good and he was so sure about giving his life to save Ravka and Alina, but i thought he was way better than the jealous annoying Mal in the first books.

3. The Darkling’s ending..... I pity him. Why did no one give him a chance? I feel like he saw in Alina an opportunity to complete his mission, but deep down she meant so much more to him, being his equal. I feel like if Alina had had a little bit more compassion towards him, maybe even tried to convince him of destroying the fold together and tried to ‘bring him to the light’ (star wars speaking), he wouldn’t have hesitated that much. At the end, he wanted a better country, and a better place for Grisha. So maybe if they had giving him other options, specially if he had had the support of Alina, I think he could have gotten a good redemption arc. But they merely dismissed him as the villain and nothing more, nobody cared about the Aleksander behind the Darkling, and Alina could have been the one to make that change in him. 

4. Nikolai was just the star of the trilogy for me. My favorite character no doubts, and I think what happened to him in this book was.... interesting. I can’t wait to see more of him in the next books. 
Also, how could someone ever reject him ??????
See, I’ll never understand Alina.

5. I also loved Misha and Zoya so much in this book. Genya and David were cute and I like them better now. I really enjoyed Genya’s character development.

6. Finally, Alina and Mal loosing their powers..... I just won’t comment on that. But the scene where they bring her the blue kefta to the orphanage made me emotional.

Hanna Rybchynska

This was an amazing end for this series! 
I will miss so much Alina and Mal... And something is really wrong with me because I love Darkling...

Ruina y ascenso

hemera

el mejor libro de la trilogía, de verdad. hacía tiempo que una trilogía no me dejaba así, desde los juegos del hambre. me encanta cómo escribe legih berdugo, la forma que tiene de narrar los sentimientos y todo. las escenas de dolor y de felicidad, increíble.


(los días 16 y 17 de julio no pude leer. total días lectura: 4)

Ill be honest, I read it so I can peacefully read Six of Crows. Ot wasn’t perfect, I would prefer it to go different way a lot of the times, but the characters grew on me and I was mourning every loss. I absolutely hate Mal, tho. And Nikolai was definitely the best part of it all.

karo

Auf random nur das letzte Drittel gelesen und freu mich, dass Alina und Mal endgame sind. Jetzt weiß ich zum Glück auch, dass Darkling noch einen normalen Namen hat und, dass Genia und David finally zusammen sind <3

Leon

Christine

*raises both eyebrows*

W H Y DO PEOPLE SHIP DARKLINA I'LL DIE MAD ABOUT IT WHY

Meg Ma. Guerrero 

at long last im done with this series lmao

first half was a snooze save for all the nikolai moments because we love the man and he deserves all the rights. only when i was like ...3/4 into it did things get more fun (that's a lie, there were parts earlier in the book that were interesting but still) lmao

don't wanna get into detail because i have No Thoughts always but i enjoyed it, i'm more or less happy with the ending and i'm just glad i can move on to crooked kingdom now and king of scars

gülefşan 

i'm gonna defend darkling until my last breath.

Julie Rubens

Not my favorite series ever, but definitely excited for the Netflix show!!

Ruin and Rising:

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