Ruin and Rising

Starred review from April 15, 2014
Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy comes to a thunderous conclusion. If opener Shadow and Bone (2012) was a magical coming-of-age story and middle-volume Siege and Storm (2013) was a political thriller, then this third book is an epic quest. Together with faithful childhood friend and would-be lover Mal and the last few remnants of the rebellious Grisha who aided her in the failed rising against the Darkling, Alina leaves the dubious protection of the Rasputin-like Apparat and the zealots who hail her as a saint to go looking for tsarevich Nikolai and for the fabled firebird. They seek Nikolai as the last political hope for Ravka's future and the firebird for the third amplifier that will make Sun Summoner Alina invincible against the Darkling and powerful enough to unmake the Unsea that divides Ravka in two. Neither quest is easy or obvious, as Bardugo places obstacles both physical and emotional in Alina's path at every turn. She is most successful at delineating Alina's internal conflict as she struggles to balance love for Mal against both pragmatism and fondness for Nikolai, desire for peace and justice against naked lust for power. Secondary characters truly come into their own here, particularly the ragtag band of Alina's Grisha, in whose friendship she finds salvation. Every time readers may think she's written herself into a corner, Bardugo pulls off a twist that, while surprising, will keep them turning pages furiously. Triumphant. (Fantasy. 13 & up)

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May 1, 2014

Gr 8 Up-The Darkling has finally risen, and only Alina Starkov has the power to free Ravka from his evil influence. But with her powers depleted, her best friend injured and broken, and boyfriend Mal at odds with her decisions, Alina knows her odds of finding the elusive firebird are stacked against her. As Alina seeks out the firebird amplifier that will give her the power she needs to defeat The Darkling, she learns that her ties to him may be too great for her to resist. Readers are advised to read-or even reread-the first two books before delving into this conclusion to the trilogy, as there is little backstory to remind readers what transpired in the first two books. Once again, Bardugo is a master at building an action-packed fantasy with extraordinary world-building and complex characters. Though they try to do the right thing, the characters are perfectly imperfect; they question themselves, take risks, and make plenty of mistakes. While The Darkling is a little too similar to Harry Potter's Voldemort, he is still a delicious combination of evil, cunning, and manipulation. Fans of the first two books will not be disappointed, especially with the reappearance of charismatic Nikolai/Sturmhond. Already optioned for a movie, this trilogy is a must for libraries serving teens.-Leigh Collazo, Ed Willkie Middle School, Fort Worth, TX

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2014
Grades 8-12 In the concluding volume of the Grisha Trilogy, Alina, chafing at the Apparat's enforced protection in the underground White Cathedral, decides it is past time to break free and seek the Fire Bird, the last of the three amplifiers of her power. Battling across a land ravaged by the war with the Darkling, Alina's band is rescued by Prince Nikolai and taken to his hidden headquarters, where the group of allies plans for the dangerous journey into the Fold. There, Alina must reconcile her country's need for her to be Nikolai's queen with giving up her lifelong love for her childhood friend Mal. A psychic connection with the Darkling heightens the tension as they struggle for control of Ravka. An intriguing plot twist adds an unexpected new element, requiring an unthinkable sacrifice. Readers won't be able to turn the pages fast enough to the conclusion that will generate much discussion. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Since the first title in the trilogy, Shadow and Bone (2012), hit the New York Times best-seller listand film rights were soldthis series has been big news. Top-level marketing plans will ensure it stays that way.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)