Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Ruin and Rising summary
Brief summary
Ruin and Rising is the thrilling conclusion to Leigh Bardugo's Grisha trilogy. It follows Alina Starkov as she faces the Darkling in a final battle to save Ravka and discover the true extent of her power.
Topics
Table of Contents
Ruin and Rising
Summary of key ideas
Struggling to Rise from Ruin
In Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo, we find Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner, imprisoned by the Darkling, a powerful Grisha who seeks to use her powers for his own gain. The story picks up with Alina and her allies, including her love interest Mal, planning their escape from the Darkling's clutches. They manage to flee, but not without significant losses, leaving Alina feeling guilty and burdened by the responsibility of being the only one who can stop the Darkling's destructive plans.
As they regroup, Alina and her friends set out on a quest to find the third amplifier, a mythical creature known as the firebird, which is said to enhance the Sun Summoner's powers. Their journey is fraught with danger, and they face numerous obstacles, including betrayal from within their own ranks. Alina's relationship with Mal is also tested as they struggle to come to terms with their changing roles and the sacrifices they must make for the greater good.
Confronting the Darkling
As they draw closer to their goal, Alina and her friends face off against the Darkling and his forces in a series of intense battles. The Darkling, now more powerful than ever, is determined to use Alina's powers to create a world where Grisha rule over non-magical humans. Alina, on the other hand, is equally determined to stop him, even if it means sacrificing herself in the process.
Throughout these confrontations, Alina grapples with her identity and the weight of her powers. She fears becoming a tyrant like the Darkling, and the idea of sacrificing her humanity for the sake of power terrifies her. Meanwhile, the Darkling's motivations and his complex relationship with Alina are revealed, adding depth to his character and making him a more sympathetic antagonist.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
In the climactic final battle, Alina and the Darkling face off one last time. Alina, armed with the power of the firebird, manages to defeat the Darkling, but not without a heavy cost. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mal, now revealed to be a powerful amplifier himself, sacrifices his life to destroy the Darkling once and for all.
Devastated by Mal's death, Alina makes the difficult decision to give up her powers and the chance to rule as a Grisha queen. She chooses to live a simple life, free from the burden of her extraordinary abilities. The story ends with Alina and her surviving friends, including the former Grisha general Nikolai, starting anew in a world forever changed by their actions.
Conclusion: A Bittersweet Ending
In conclusion, Ruin and Rising is a bittersweet conclusion to the Shadow and Bone trilogy. It's a story of sacrifice, love, and the struggle to rise above one's circumstances. Alina's journey from a lowly mapmaker to a powerful Sun Summoner, and ultimately to a woman who chooses a simple life, is a poignant exploration of power and its costs. The book leaves us with a sense of closure, but also a lingering sadness for the losses suffered along the way.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Ruin and Rising about?
Ruin and Rising is the third and final book in Leigh Bardugo's captivating Grisha Trilogy. In this thrilling fantasy novel, Alina Starkov must gather all her strength and courage to face the Darkling and save Ravka from destruction. Filled with magic, romance, and epic battles, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Ruin and Rising Review
Ruin and Rising (2014) is a captivating conclusion to Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- It delivers an epic and satisfying conclusion to an engrossing fantasy series, providing closure to the beloved characters and their stories.
- The book is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats, ensuring a thrilling and unpredictable reading experience.
- With its rich world-building and complex relationships, the book offers a deep exploration of power, sacrifice, and redemption.
Who should read Ruin and Rising?
- Readers who enjoy fantasy and magic
- Fans of young adult fiction
- Those who appreciate strong and complex female protagonists
- Individuals looking for a captivating and immersive series to delve into
Categories with Ruin and Rising
Book summaries like Ruin and Rising
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Ruin and Rising FAQs
What is the main message of Ruin and Rising?
The main message of Ruin and Rising is a thrilling conclusion to the Grisha Trilogy that explores sacrifice, love, and the power of hope.
How long does it take to read Ruin and Rising?
The reading time for Ruin and Rising varies from reader to reader, but it generally takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Ruin and Rising a good book? Is it worth reading?
Ruin and Rising is a captivating read that will leave you breathless. It's definitely worth reading for fans of fantasy and adventure.
Who is the author of Ruin and Rising?
The author of Ruin and Rising is Leigh Bardugo.
What to read after Ruin and Rising?
If you're wondering what to read next after Ruin and Rising, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher