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acedimski 's review for:
Rule of Wolves
by Leigh Bardugo
I had been on a rollercoaster of emotions before I even got to read this book, and the ride didn't end once I've started it ... or finished it.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This review contains spoilers for the Shadow & Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology, as well as for King of Scars since this is its sequel
Rule of Wolves definitely managed to do the one thing no other book has and that's putting me in a reading slump before I even read it. Why? Let me tell you. First, I was eager to return to the Grishaverse, and see how the story of [b:King of Scars|36307634|King of Scars (King of Scars, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525110825l/36307634._SY75_.jpg|57978319] continues. But then I've been confronted with spoilers. While this surely hasn't been the first time, it definitely was one that stayed with me and had an impact on me. Reading that spoiler did nothing to fuel my excitement. On the contrary, I somehow felt the need to forget the existence of this book, and instead happily watched the Netflix adaptation Shadow and Bone or any memes dedicated to it. I wasn't even able to focus on any other book, and just felt the need to scream.
So what happened when I finally picked it up?
Not what I was expecting, and let's thank the saints for that.
Rule of Wolves is probably Leigh Bardugo's strongest book in regards of worldbuilding. While we got glances at certain regions, languages and customs in the previous two series within the Grishaverse, this installement really ties the threads together and gives the readers a bigger picture. Why is Ravka at war with Fjerda? What part play the people from Shu Han? On which side stands Kerch? Who is an ally, who is the enemy? If you've been reading the [b:Shadow and Bone|10194157|Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1339533695l/10194157._SX50_.jpg|15093325] and [b:Six of Crows|23437156|Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618531219l/23437156._SY75_.jpg|42077459] series, there surely is already an understanding of all the elements that make the world so grand and epic it is. However, we for once get to truly explore the relations between the countries, and most importantly, see them for ourselves. I have always had a particular strong interest in the world of the Grishaverse due to the countries being based on real life places and cultures, and was always eager to see them set in a bigger picture. And especially as someone who is always keen to learn more about the worlds all the books take place in, I simply enjoyed the way the story wasn't limited to one or two places, but really took the time to show us all. The fact that this was possible due to the decision to let Nikolai and Zoya as well as Nina tell the story from two different locations is a major factor.
Just as in [b:King of Scars|36307634|King of Scars (King of Scars, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525110825l/36307634._SY75_.jpg|57978319], I adored the POV chapters of Nikolai and Zoya. As a long-time fan favorite, Nikolai surely had to meet high expectations, and he did. It doesn't suprise me at all that I loved reading his chapters. However, similiar to the first book in this duology, Zoya yet again stole the show. This probably is a result of my very own expectations. Both, Nikolai and Zoya are perfect characters. You laugh with them, you cry with them, you worry for them, and mostly you're rooting for them. And together, you just can't do anything but ship them. The fact that Zoya's character totally took me by suprise back in King of Scars already is what crowns her my favorite. She exceeded my expectations, whereas Nikolai "just" met mine. This shouldn't mean I enjoyed Nikolai any less. In fact, I do think what made each of these two so special is the relationship they find themselves in. The tension, the bickering, the banter, the trust, and hope they convey doesn't give you permission to not love them.
What completely changed in this book as opposed to in King of Scars is my perception of Nina. The heartrender was one of my favorite characters in the [b:The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set|30327173|The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set (The Six of Crows, #1-2)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1465540122l/30327173._SX50_.jpg|50821452]; however, I was not at all able to enjoy her chapters in the first installement of this duology. The reasons behind this were that I was not able to understand her, let alone feel with her. The main problem that caused that was simply her quickly overcoming the grief over Matthias, only to seemingly fall in love with a girl that was too similiar to the deceased drüskelle. The pace of the chapters felt odd, I didn't really feel any excitment, nor did I find myself interested in the mission she had in Fjerda. But do I adore it when things turn around. In this book, I couldn't decide which chapters I liked more - Nikolai's, Zoya's or Nina's. I loved the mission Nina set herself onto, and how much more of an insight we got into the workings of Fjerda. Also, Nina's relationship to Hanne took two steps back in terms of pacing, and I felt the time they took to develop the bond between them was realistic and natural this time around. This came even to the point where I actually wanted Nina to find her happy ending with Hanne, and didn't see her anymore as an annoying copy of the past love interest. We actually get to see more sides of Hanne, and overall I really came to love the story, setting and character development in Nina's chapters. From the beginning to the very end, I just adored to follow this storyline, and especially a certain element that was introduced brought me joy.
This is not where the narrative perspectives end, though. Leigh Bardugo introduces more point of views in the sequel, and while I was not happy to see the names on the chapter headers, I very much appreicate the additional storylines after finishing the book. It takes some warming up to them, but in the end, they did not slower the pacing, but really had a purpose in terms of expanding the world and allowing the readers to understand the Grishaverse better. However, there is one particular character I do want to talk about, and it's no other than the Darkling.
Maybe you screamed of joy, maybe you wanted to rip apart the book, maybe you ranted on Twitter, or prayed for a redemption arc. Whatever your reaction was, one thing we all have in common: seeing the Darkling's comeback at the end of King of Scars was emotional, and raised many questions. Bringing back a character that had gained so much popularity and controversy in this universe is a bold move, and one that shouldn't have been decided on lightly. Whether you hated him or loved him, one thing is sure, and that The Darkling's impact on the original trilogy is one not to be messed around with. So why bring him back? I would lie if I didn't say I was very thrilled to see where Bardugo is heading with this decision, as much as I was afraid to see what she could do to a character of such complexity. And there was one thing I knew I wouldn't and couldn't accept: another death. The Darkling's ending in [b:Ruin and Rising|14061957|Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #3)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1392398530l/14061957._SX50_.jpg|19699754] is monumental. You can't deny that there is true beauty in the way Alina whispers his name, him being buried alongside someone tailored to look like his soulmate, equal, opponent. To kill him off again was out of question for me because I knew nothing could beat the emotional ending The Darkling meets in the last book of the trilogy. But if not death, what shall await him? As much as I love the Darkling, I can't deny that he is the villain. What kind of redemption would actually justify his actions? And shouldn't a redemption actually involve the one person everything started with - Alina? But then again, this is most of all Nikolai's story, so where is the connection aside that both have a vision of Ravka? My head was filled with theories and questions. And as much as I tried lowering my expectations, I still found myself rather unsatisfied with his storyline. I do think the duology would have worked pretty well without his presence, and felt to some parts his character to be inconsistent. I can see what Leigh was trying to tell, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. Whereas I appreciate the final moment we see of the Darkling, I just wished it was executed differently. Just as much as I wished that Bardugo took more of her time with him.
Other than that, there are definitely some more moments that will bring fans joy, just as much as heartbreaks. But it wouldn't be a Bardugo book if there weren't any of them. This book really specialized in tying all the lose threats together, and giving means to each character, place, and their position within the Grishaverse.
At this point, it's no secret that there is an untitled third Six of Crows installement on Goodreads as you can see here: [b:Untitled|40228844|Untitled (Six of Crows, #3)|Leigh Bardugo|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|62480640]. And after devouring Rule of Wolves, there is no doubt that I can actually see Leigh Bardugo pulling this off. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to see more of the crows?
Bardugo achieved something that can't be find elsewhere: a whole universe involving a vast cast of characters that have found their ways to our hearts. In no other world have I ever felt more at home, and I'm eager to see when and how this adventure will continue because this surely hasn't been the last time we've been in the Grishaverse.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This review contains spoilers for the Shadow & Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology, as well as for King of Scars since this is its sequel
Rule of Wolves definitely managed to do the one thing no other book has and that's putting me in a reading slump before I even read it. Why? Let me tell you. First, I was eager to return to the Grishaverse, and see how the story of [b:King of Scars|36307634|King of Scars (King of Scars, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525110825l/36307634._SY75_.jpg|57978319] continues. But then I've been confronted with spoilers. While this surely hasn't been the first time, it definitely was one that stayed with me and had an impact on me. Reading that spoiler did nothing to fuel my excitement. On the contrary, I somehow felt the need to forget the existence of this book, and instead happily watched the Netflix adaptation Shadow and Bone or any memes dedicated to it. I wasn't even able to focus on any other book, and just felt the need to scream.
So what happened when I finally picked it up?
Not what I was expecting, and let's thank the saints for that.
Rule of Wolves is probably Leigh Bardugo's strongest book in regards of worldbuilding. While we got glances at certain regions, languages and customs in the previous two series within the Grishaverse, this installement really ties the threads together and gives the readers a bigger picture. Why is Ravka at war with Fjerda? What part play the people from Shu Han? On which side stands Kerch? Who is an ally, who is the enemy? If you've been reading the [b:Shadow and Bone|10194157|Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1339533695l/10194157._SX50_.jpg|15093325] and [b:Six of Crows|23437156|Six of Crows (Six of Crows, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618531219l/23437156._SY75_.jpg|42077459] series, there surely is already an understanding of all the elements that make the world so grand and epic it is. However, we for once get to truly explore the relations between the countries, and most importantly, see them for ourselves. I have always had a particular strong interest in the world of the Grishaverse due to the countries being based on real life places and cultures, and was always eager to see them set in a bigger picture. And especially as someone who is always keen to learn more about the worlds all the books take place in, I simply enjoyed the way the story wasn't limited to one or two places, but really took the time to show us all. The fact that this was possible due to the decision to let Nikolai and Zoya as well as Nina tell the story from two different locations is a major factor.
Just as in [b:King of Scars|36307634|King of Scars (King of Scars, #1)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1525110825l/36307634._SY75_.jpg|57978319], I adored the POV chapters of Nikolai and Zoya. As a long-time fan favorite, Nikolai surely had to meet high expectations, and he did. It doesn't suprise me at all that I loved reading his chapters. However, similiar to the first book in this duology, Zoya yet again stole the show. This probably is a result of my very own expectations. Both, Nikolai and Zoya are perfect characters. You laugh with them, you cry with them, you worry for them, and mostly you're rooting for them. And together, you just can't do anything but ship them. The fact that Zoya's character totally took me by suprise back in King of Scars already is what crowns her my favorite. She exceeded my expectations, whereas Nikolai "just" met mine. This shouldn't mean I enjoyed Nikolai any less. In fact, I do think what made each of these two so special is the relationship they find themselves in. The tension, the bickering, the banter, the trust, and hope they convey doesn't give you permission to not love them.
What completely changed in this book as opposed to in King of Scars is my perception of Nina. The heartrender was one of my favorite characters in the [b:The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set|30327173|The Six of Crows Duology Boxed Set (The Six of Crows, #1-2)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1465540122l/30327173._SX50_.jpg|50821452]; however, I was not at all able to enjoy her chapters in the first installement of this duology. The reasons behind this were that I was not able to understand her, let alone feel with her. The main problem that caused that was simply her quickly overcoming the grief over Matthias, only to seemingly fall in love with a girl that was too similiar to the deceased drüskelle. The pace of the chapters felt odd, I didn't really feel any excitment, nor did I find myself interested in the mission she had in Fjerda. But do I adore it when things turn around. In this book, I couldn't decide which chapters I liked more - Nikolai's, Zoya's or Nina's. I loved the mission Nina set herself onto, and how much more of an insight we got into the workings of Fjerda. Also, Nina's relationship to Hanne took two steps back in terms of pacing, and I felt the time they took to develop the bond between them was realistic and natural this time around. This came even to the point where I actually wanted Nina to find her happy ending with Hanne, and didn't see her anymore as an annoying copy of the past love interest. We actually get to see more sides of Hanne, and overall I really came to love the story, setting and character development in Nina's chapters. From the beginning to the very end, I just adored to follow this storyline, and especially a certain element that was introduced brought me joy.
This is not where the narrative perspectives end, though. Leigh Bardugo introduces more point of views in the sequel, and while I was not happy to see the names on the chapter headers, I very much appreicate the additional storylines after finishing the book. It takes some warming up to them, but in the end, they did not slower the pacing, but really had a purpose in terms of expanding the world and allowing the readers to understand the Grishaverse better. However, there is one particular character I do want to talk about, and it's no other than the Darkling.
Maybe you screamed of joy, maybe you wanted to rip apart the book, maybe you ranted on Twitter, or prayed for a redemption arc. Whatever your reaction was, one thing we all have in common: seeing the Darkling's comeback at the end of King of Scars was emotional, and raised many questions. Bringing back a character that had gained so much popularity and controversy in this universe is a bold move, and one that shouldn't have been decided on lightly. Whether you hated him or loved him, one thing is sure, and that The Darkling's impact on the original trilogy is one not to be messed around with. So why bring him back? I would lie if I didn't say I was very thrilled to see where Bardugo is heading with this decision, as much as I was afraid to see what she could do to a character of such complexity. And there was one thing I knew I wouldn't and couldn't accept: another death. The Darkling's ending in [b:Ruin and Rising|14061957|Ruin and Rising (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #3)|Leigh Bardugo|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1392398530l/14061957._SX50_.jpg|19699754] is monumental. You can't deny that there is true beauty in the way Alina whispers his name, him being buried alongside someone tailored to look like his soulmate, equal, opponent. To kill him off again was out of question for me because I knew nothing could beat the emotional ending The Darkling meets in the last book of the trilogy. But if not death, what shall await him? As much as I love the Darkling, I can't deny that he is the villain. What kind of redemption would actually justify his actions? And shouldn't a redemption actually involve the one person everything started with - Alina? But then again, this is most of all Nikolai's story, so where is the connection aside that both have a vision of Ravka? My head was filled with theories and questions. And as much as I tried lowering my expectations, I still found myself rather unsatisfied with his storyline. I do think the duology would have worked pretty well without his presence, and felt to some parts his character to be inconsistent. I can see what Leigh was trying to tell, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. Whereas I appreciate the final moment we see of the Darkling, I just wished it was executed differently. Just as much as I wished that Bardugo took more of her time with him.
Other than that, there are definitely some more moments that will bring fans joy, just as much as heartbreaks. But it wouldn't be a Bardugo book if there weren't any of them. This book really specialized in tying all the lose threats together, and giving means to each character, place, and their position within the Grishaverse.
At this point, it's no secret that there is an untitled third Six of Crows installement on Goodreads as you can see here: [b:Untitled|40228844|Untitled (Six of Crows, #3)|Leigh Bardugo|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|62480640]. And after devouring Rule of Wolves, there is no doubt that I can actually see Leigh Bardugo pulling this off. And let's be honest, who wouldn't want to see more of the crows?
Bardugo achieved something that can't be find elsewhere: a whole universe involving a vast cast of characters that have found their ways to our hearts. In no other world have I ever felt more at home, and I'm eager to see when and how this adventure will continue because this surely hasn't been the last time we've been in the Grishaverse.