Ruin and Rising (Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #3) (Grishaverse, #3)

by Leigh Bardugo

[Joséphine]

Initial thoughts: I feel rather indifferent about Ruin & Rising, and The Grisha as a whole. Didn't hate any of the books but was bored more than half the time.

While I hated Mal in the second book, he became so bland in the conclusion. I wish he had stayed dead after Alina knifed him. Then at least his sacrifice would've had a more long-lasting impact. As glad as I am that Alina was significantly less whiny, I didn't care a single ounce more for her than before. The twins and Nikolai sustained the first half of the book but even they turned bland.

The plot was predictable, though I still think it took some not so convincing turns with regards to the firebird. Sadly, the prose lacked dexterity as well. Had it been clever, or markedly beautiful, then at least it might've engaged me on a linguistic level. Alas, I wasn't entertained on any level. An essay summarising the major plot points would've sufficed for me.