Ruin and Rising – Leigh Bardugo

Alina and Mal have escaped the Darkling’s invasion of the Little Palace, and know that they need to search for the final of the three amplifiers that will allow Alina full use of her power. They think that the firebird that has that amplifier can be found in the valley where they both were born, and orphaned. But first, they have to find their way out of the underground cathedral where they’ve been sort of imprisoned by their sort of allies, and get back in touch with Prince Nikolai.

I was pleasantly surprised by how this trilogy wrapped up. Alina and Mal’s star-crossed lovers theme was starting to get a little too well developed, and I was a little afraid of where that was going to go. The big finale sort of went where I had feared, but then was able to wrap things up into a neat little bow in a way I had not expected. Kudos to the author for finding a way to stay true to her magic system, and still end with a happy ending.

I’m happy the author is still playing with stories in this world – it’s an interesting magic system and society she’s set up, and while I think it’s a good thing that Mal and Alina’s story is mostly wrapped up, I’m glad the world-building goes on.