It reads like an annoying side project

I can't speak for Leigh's workload but the overall impression I took away from this book was that it felt like it must have been a stressful distraction to write. All the PR on her social media is extremely netflix centric, with a trailor dropping on the day of this books release. Writing a story for Nikolai must have been a bore with all that Netflix stuff going on. Every living character in this universe was phoned in to unmeaningfully pad out what would have been a short book about Nikolai, Zoya and (spoiler) a war that wasn't. Sure it might have been shorter without caricature crows and celebrity cameos from your favourite newly released netflix show, but at least it would have been less work to read, because it really did feel like work.

If you just read the Nikolai and Zoya chapters you wouldn't miss anything vital. If you're hoping for thoughtfully developed romance you're possibly going to be disappointed. More care was taken to write the inner workings of the fan (and author) favourite Darkling than the books titular king. That aligns pretty neatly with what we've seen on Leigh's socials: the Crows and the Darkling garner the hype, so here they are, padding out and altogether interrupting what might have been a sincere exploration of the complicated and compelling Nikolai. Why bother setting him at the helm of his own books if you're so eager to write in the heads of literally anyone else?

Also, I love Zoya to absolute pieces, but wading through meaningless chapters of filler to get to her character arc robbed it if it's impact. When she reached her emotional climaxes they were rushed or unsubtle.

And sis don't get me started on Nina. Nina and her page-padding misadventures with the ghost of a better love interest and 'Plot Convenience' Brum......

Leigh is extremely gifted and she can do so much better. I hope she gives her future books more care and attention because these characters matter off screen as much as they do on it.

Please try to remember that.

2 people found this helpful

Takes a while to get into

Love the character development and the performance but the story tended to go on a little

A big plus from King of Scars

Having just Finished King of Scars and not particularly liking how the story panned out, especially with how a certain character coming back *insert eye roll*. So I will admit I wasn't expecting much from Rule of Wolves. But wow, was I wrong.

Spoilers ahead

Things I liked

✔️ Crows cameo! Ahhh... I was hoping for a Crows cameo and we got it. And we got more than I thought we would. Seeing Jasper and Wylan playing house was so adorable and Kaz... damn Kaz and his entrance was so bloody amazing and so Kaz like. I was smiling non-stop throughout it. I wished we saw more of Inej but it seems we might get more soon.

✔️ Zoya. I love a character that can make you feel hate, like, and love through an entire series. From the very start in Shadow and Bone, I didn't like Zoya, she was just terrible and we didn't understand her (mostly because it was Alina's story) but as the story went on her character arc developed and she becomes one of my favorites in Shadow and Bone. In King of Scars she saved that book for me, she is what made it. But now... wow... she is a damn QUEEN and savage. Getting to see her story and side of things was truly amazing. I can say now for sure, she is on the list of my top favorites in the Grishaverse.

✔️ Nikolai has always been my favorite character since meeting him in Siege and Storm, I adore him. I was so mad that he basically got written off in Ruin and Rising but was so happy to hear he would be getting his own story. Unfortunately, Nikolai in King of Scars, wasn't our Nikolai. I understand we had to go through that story arc to get to Rule of Wolves but, I was so bummed when the demon/darkling took over his character. In Rule of Wolves though, we have our Nikolai back. I loved reading his PoVs and loved his development arc; he can be the same with the demon and he finally came to terms that he is a great king but maybe not what everyone wants. He always needed freedom, I was so happy when he finally understood that.

✔️Nina. In King of Scars, I wasn't really invested in her story, but how that had changed in Rule of Wolves. Maybe because she was in the heart of Fjerda and her development with Hanne was getting great. I loved that Nina didn't have to lie to Hanne and Hanne was open to a better Fjerda. There ending also was amazing too, but I will be looking forward to seeing how long that lasts.

✔️I can't forget Leigh Bardugo's writing. Damn that woman can write and write well!

✔️ The ending was okay for how things turned out. It was rushed but ultimately I enjoyed it.

✔️Lauren Fortgang is amazing and captures every character.

Things I didn’t like

❌The Darkling... Ahhh... what role did he play in the plot? I was so confused why he even returned at all. But to have him do absolutely nothing to the plot?
In King of Scars, I was so annoyed about his return but thought I'd give him a chance. (for reference I found the darkling the most interesting character in Shadow and Bone, he was a favorite because we didn't know much about him and I was hoping for a redemption arc or some sort of understanding on his part. He was never born to be a villain, the world and loss he endured made him that, but the actions he took were his choices. In Ruin and Rising, I knew there was no way back for him, and he was just a complete asshole. So I hated his character arc, and I was more annoyed that we still didn't get a proper backstory for him.) So I thought at least his return had to mean something.. but it didn't and his ending of sacrifice was so out of character. It doesn't make up for everything he did. Also, his unwillingness to even accept and acknowledge what he did was wrong, really annoyed me.

Great ending to a great series

you know it has ATLA vibes. watching your characters grows as people and into who they're meant to be or forming unlikely alliances. Ending on a bitter sweet note of their adventures will likely continue but off page.
I never read adult fiction because I think its boring but Leigh has really crafted a character and world driven series. I love this universe and recommended to anyone feeling like a good coming of age story or in it for the world building.

Loved it

Loved it, has lots of unexpected twists and turns. Can't wait for the next story.

Must read

I recommend this book to people of all ages. Loved every moment of this book. Didn’t want it to end!!

Gripping listen

What an end! Loved every part of it. The twists and the journey. Can’t recommend this enough

A great conclusion

A great ending that I was ready for. After binging all of the Grisha series in a short period of time, I have to admit I was ready for the story to conclude. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it all but it was time. Having said that, I loved that the ending allowed for the possibility of another six of crows book (these were my fave of the series) but I’m glad I’ll have to wait for some time before it’s released.

WHAT AN ENDING!!!

Loved it! Excited for more! Lauren does an amazing job performing the book and i hope Leigh continues to expand the Grishaverse

Fabulous, absolutely fabulous

This was an epic end to the series. I could not stop listening to the performance as well as the development of the story. One loose end and can’t wait what will come of it. Leigh absolutely has outdone herself. For days after I kept recollecting the many links of each characters’ stories. Looove it