Member-only story

Ruin and Rising: A Shadow and Bone Novel - An Epic Conclusion to a Gripping Fantasy Trilogy

Quincy Ward

·15.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Ruin And Rising (The Shadow And Bone Trilogy 3)

5 min read

208 View Claps

19 Respond

Save

Listen

Leigh Bardugo's "Shadow and Bone" trilogy has captivated readers worldwide with its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and epic struggle against darkness. The trilogy's final installment, "Ruin and Rising," brings the saga to a thrilling climax, leaving a lasting impact on readers and fans alike.

Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy 3)

Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Book 3)

by Leigh Bardugo

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9103 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	465 pages

Plot Summary

In "Ruin and Rising," Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner, faces her greatest challenge yet. The Darkling, her former mentor and the embodiment of pure evil, has gathered an unstoppable army and threatens to plunge Ravka into eternal darkness.

To defeat the Darkling, Alina must embrace her full potential and master her powers. But as she grows stronger, so does the pull of darkness within her. With loyalties torn and allies scattered, Alina and her companions must confront their own fears and sacrifices if they hope to save Ravka and themselves.

Main Characters

Alina Starkov: The protagonist and Sun Summoner, Alina is a powerful young woman whose destiny is intertwined with the fate of Ravka. She must learn to control her powers and overcome the darkness within herself.

The Darkling: The main antagonist and a merciless sorcerer, the Darkling seeks to conquer Ravka and reshape the world in his own image. He is a complex character with a tragic past and dangerous ambitions.

Mal Oretsev: Alina's loyal friend and tracker, Mal is a steady and unwavering presence in her life. He is torn between his love for Alina and his duty to protect his homeland.

Nikolai Lantsov: The Prince of Ravka, Nikolai is a charismatic and cunning strategist. He plays a pivotal role in the war against the Darkling, using his wit and charm to rally support and rally his people.

Themes and Symbolism

Light vs. Darkness: The conflict between Alina and the Darkling represents the eternal struggle between good and evil. Alina's light-based powers symbolize hope and redemption, while the Darkling's darkness embodies despair and corruption.

Sacrifice and Loyalty: The characters in "Ruin and Rising" are forced to confront the sacrifices they must make for their beliefs and loved ones. Loyalty is tested, and the true bonds of friendship and love are revealed in the face of adversity.

Identity and Destiny: Alina's journey is an exploration of identity and destiny. She must learn to embrace who she truly is, both the light and the darkness within herself.

Writing Style and World-Building

Bardugo's writing in "Ruin and Rising" is lyrical and evocative, immersing readers in the rich and imaginative world of Ravka. The world-building is meticulous and detailed, creating a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and magic.

The characters are complex and relatable, their motivations and conflicts explored with depth and nuance. Bardugo weaves a story that is both emotionally gripping and thought-provoking.

Legacy and Impact

"Ruin and Rising" is a powerful and satisfying to the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy. It is a story that explores the enduring themes of good and evil, sacrifice, and redemption. It leaves readers with a sense of wonder and a lasting impression.

The trilogy has gained a dedicated following and has been praised for its strong female characters, LGBTQ+ representation, and exploration of social and political issues. It has also been adapted into a successful Netflix series.

"Ruin and Rising" by Leigh Bardugo is a captivating and epic to the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy. With its intricate world-building, compelling characters, and thrilling plot, it is a novel that will stay with readers long after they finish the last page. As the story of Alina Starkov and her companions comes to a close, it leaves a lasting legacy of hope, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love and light in the face of darkness.

Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Book 3)

by Leigh Bardugo

4.6 out of 5