Leigh Bardugo’s Ruin and Rising delivers a thrilling conclusion to the Grisha Trilogy with compelling character development and intense action. Readers praise its emotional depth and satisfying resolution. However, some critics note pacing issues and predictable plot twists. This epic finale balances sorrow and hope, making it a bittersweet yet fitting closure.

A reader who would enjoy Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo likely gravitates towards young adult fantasy novels with strong, complex female protagonists, intricate world-building, and themes of power and sacrifice. Comparable titles include Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.

In Ruin and Rising, Alina Starkov joins her allies to defeat her nemesis, the Darkling, and reclaim Ravka's throne. She traverses underground cities, reconnects with old friends, and searches for a powerful amplifier to enhance her abilities. As the climactic battle looms, she must confront tough choices and sacrifices. Themes include loyalty, power, love, and inequality. The book contains depictions of abuse.

Suspenseful / Dark / Emotional / Adventurous / Inspirational

Leigh Bardugo

Novel

The Shadow and Bone Trilogy

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Ruin and Rising | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Ruin and Rising Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 3

Ruin and Rising Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

Ruin and Rising Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-12

Ruin and Rising Chapters 8-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

Ruin and Rising Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 16-Epilogue

Ruin and Rising Chapter 16-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Ruin and Rising Character Analysis

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Themes

Ruin and Rising Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Ruin and Rising Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Ruin and Rising Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Ruin and Rising Essay Topics

Ruin and Rising

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Ruin and Rising?

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Book Details