Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rousing, romantic finale to fantasy set in alternate Russia.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say this book provides a compelling and emotional conclusion to a beloved fantasy trilogy, with some readers praising the writing, complex characters, and bittersweet ending. However, concerns were raised about the suitability for younger readers due to violence and brief sexual content, prompting some to caution against its recommended age rating, while others found the emotional depth overshadowed the darker themes.
- emotional conclusion
- complex characters
- age suitability
- brief sexual content
- writing praise
- violence concerns
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
RUIN AND RISING is the final book in The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. Main characters Alina and Mal continue to search for the remaining amplifier, the firebird, to increase Alina's power as the Sun Summoner. But, in the meantime, she has to deal with a group of zealots who worship her as a saint. Alina feels she's nothing of the kind, that she's just a girl on a mission to defeat the Darkling and protect Ravka from further destruction. Alina doesn't want more lives lost. She must prove to her people and her friends that she can save Ravka. But in her way stand new foes and allies, including her own feelings for the Darkling and Mal. Alina must figure out her own destiny, which could lead her either on a path of ruin or rising.
Is It Any Good?
Ruin and Rising is darker than the previous two novels in the trilogy. Alina's strength of character and fierce determination give the story its light. Ruin and Rising also digs deeper into the Darkling as a person. Even though he's the villain, readers root for him. Alina continues to battle her feelings for him and Mal. While turning the pages, readers wonder who will win her love and trust. Bardugo's characters -- from main to secondary -- are fascinatingly multilayered, particularly the Darkling.
Bardugo also does a great job of breathing life into a mystical and magical world. This series is filled with complicated and dynamic stories and characters who feel real. Nothing's ever an easy choice for Alina, Mal, and the Darkling. Whether you are Team Mal or Team Darkling, the novel is an entertaining read and gives closure to the series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ending of Ruin and Rising. Is that how you figured it would turn out? Are you happy with the ending?
What do you like best about fantasy books set in an alternate reality? Are they believable? Did you connect with the world and characters author Leigh ​Bardugo created?
How hard is it for someone to recover after being ruined, personally or professionally? Is it possible to overcome people's judgments and negativity? How can someone rise from being ruined?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : June 17, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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