Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
After a near death battle with the Darkling, Alina was spirited away from the Little Palace to the darkness of the underground White Chapel. Although she is weak, Alina is struggling with her confinement and suspects that the Apparat is keeping her locked up for his own advantage. However, after a coup, led by Mal and company, they escape the underground in search of Nikolai despite the fact they have no where he is or if he survived the battle at the Little Palace. Fortunately, Nikolai is a lot stronger, and cleaver, than anyone could have imagined so it should have been no surprise that he would rescue Alina and the others after encountering Second Army deserters. More importantly, while Alina spent months convalescing, Nikolai managed to create ever more extravagant machines, which takes our heroes to the most elaborate hideout ever: the Mountains. As Alina continues to struggle harnessing her powers, she is also battling the conflicting feelings about Mal and the Darkling. However, when Baghra tells Alina her life's history, it only makes sense why the Darkling is the way he is. Moreover, Alina is had to deal with the fact that if she succeeds, as is the Sun Summoner, she must join Nikolai, the heir to the Ravkan throne, to keep her not only keep Ravka safe, but say goodbye to the only man she has ever loved. As the group continues their search for Morozova's last amplifier (the Firebird) they set on a journey that will not only reveal the true origin of the final amplifier, but the sacrifice that Alina will have to make to earn it's power. There is a huge plot twist so get ready for the "HOLY COW" moment.

Critical Evaluation:
As much as I love this series, I was a little disappointed with how this series ended. IN many respects, I thought the story was rushed and could have used more plot development since the author actually revealed the history about Morozova, Baghra, and the Darkling. Although loved the fact that Alina and the Darkling could communicate with one another, especially when he revealed his real name and his feelings, there really is room for a fourth installment where Bardugo could expand upon Darkling's  inner turmoil. Personally, as a reader, I would prefer to have this struggle in the story because it would make his death that more memorable because, beneath the power hungry exterior, is a lost soul who wanted his country united, but went about it the wrong way. Granted, Baghra did explain that she was responsible for his ways, but I really wanted more drama and turmoil! What I did adore about this series is that all of the characters in this story have equally good and dark sides; the Darkling, at least for me, was not only appealing, but his loneliness pulled at my heart strings because, in the end, he really did love Alina and it was only natural that he would die because of her. The back story to Morozova was not only interesting, but actually deserves it's own story where readers can get the full story that not only shows how Mal, Alina, and the Darkling are connected. In my opinion, this love triangle is much more enticing than the Edward, Bella, and Jacob triangle (at least the Darkling didn't try to imprint on Alina's Child). In the end, Mal, Alina, and the Darkling where destined to meet, love, and, ultimately, experience some sort of loss and Bardugo delivered on that promise. Despite wanting more, the story ended the way it should and I was so happy to know that Alina got the happy ending she deserved. 

Information about the Author:
According to the author's website:

Leigh Bardugo is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Grisha Trilogy: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising. She was born in Jerusalem, grew up in Los Angeles, and graduated from Yale University, and has worked in advertising, journalism, and most recently, makeup and special effects. These days, she’s lives and writes in Hollywood where she can occasionally be heard singing with her band. Her new book, The Dregs, arrives fall 2015.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Steampunk

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Ruin & Rising:

• Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
• Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com

"The magic Bardugo invents will surprise and delight readers." - The Horn Book
"Readers won't be able to turn the pages fast enough to the conclusion that will generate much discussion." - Booklist

"Once again, Bardugo is a master at building an action-packed fantasy with extraordinary world-building and complex characters . . . Fans of the first two books will not be disappointed." - School Library Journal

"Triumphant . . If opener Shadow and Bone was a magical coming-of-age story and middle-volume Siege and Storm was a policial thriller, then this third book is an epic quest. . . Every time readers may think she's written herself into a corner, Bardugo pulls off a twist that, while surprising, will keep them turning pages furiously." - Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Plot Summary:
Karou has taken the rebellion from Thiago with the help of Ziri and walks a very thin line with the rest of her comrades. Meanwhile, Eliza's past returns to haunt her and is trying desperately to figure out why the Seraphim and Jael have come to Earth. For Akiva, he has to find a way to convince the remaining Misbegotten that by joining the Chimera they will be able to end Jael's tyranny and reclaim Astrae. For Zuzana and Mik, they remain at Karou's side to help her resurrect Chimera who were slaughtered by Thiago for defiance.  When Akiva returns with the Misbegotten, tensions are high especially when they are told that chimera and serigraphs will be fighting side be side. Although Akva and Karou are holding on to their dream with both hands, things start to fall apart when insurrections arise and allies betray them. With a plan in hand, Akiva and Karou will have to go to Earth to stop Jael from bringing earthly weapons to Eretz, but with one small catch: no more blood will be shed and that proves difficult with Liraz who wants Jael's head on a platter. What should have been a rock solid plan, turns to dust when Akiva is pushed into the Earthen portal with Karou, leaving Ziri and Liraz behind to fight off the Dominion, which leaves him devastated. However, with Karou by his side, they must sneak into the Vatican to convince Jael to leave peacefully, which doesn't exactly goes to plan. Lastly, when Eliza's past is exposed, she spins out of control and the only ones who can save her are Zuzana and Mik. Who exactly is Eliza and why is she linked to all of this. Moreover, after using Sirithat, the Stelian Queen, Scarab, is on a mission to find and destroy Akiva because his powers have the ability to not only bring an end to the Continuum, but release an evil that is laying patiently in the dark. 
 
Critical Evaluation:
HOLY COW! EPIC! Thank you jury duty for keeping me locked in a room with nothing better to do than devour this final installment. I was kinds of worried, at first, that if Taylor introduced any more characters, my head would spin. However, Eliza's story is essential in tying the series together. I will also admit that I am so unbelievably happy that Eliza, whose ancestors originated from a biblical story that's only recognized in Ethiopia, is, indeed, African. Honestly, as much as love YA fiction, it's still hard to find stories where there are important characters that are of multiple ethnicity so BRAVO Laini Taylor for including a part of biblical history that readers may not familiar with. Although the characters in this story relate to Christian mysticism (angels and demons), Taylor doesn't bash readers over the head with the idea of heaven vs. hell. In fact, what she does is pose the simple question of other realms being spliced together, unintentionally, through time and space. When readers find out about the faerers and the cataclysm, everything will make sense. More important, readers will learn the real reason why the Serpahim and Chimera loathe each other and it is a bit unsettling. Although the Stelians are seen as ambivalent and selfish, they actually bear a burden that forces them to not pick a side because they are trying to pick up the mess that the Magi started thousands of years ago. I did find myself hurrying through the book because I just wanted Akiva and Karou to have a happy ending; however, Taylor's decision to include final part of the story with the Stelians I think was a great way to not leave any loose ends. Granted, readers will be left for another installment, Taylor actually leaves enough room to begin a whole new series that could easily pick up where Akiva and Karou left off. Great story and I did tear up when Akiva and Karou finally went home together. Amazing trilogy and I can't wait to see what Laini Taylor has planned next!

Information about the Author:
According to Amazon.com:

Laini Taylor is the author of the National Book Award Finalist Lips Touch: Three Times, as well as the novels Blackbringer and Silksinger. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, and their daughter.

Genre:
Teen Fantasy, Teen Supernatural Romance

Reading Level/Interest:
Grades 9 & up

Books Similar to Dreams of Gods & Monsters:

• Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
• Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Awards & Recognition:
From Amazon.com:

*In the final book of the Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy, Taylor revives the strong interweaving of reality and fantasy that gave the first story such cross-genre appeal."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"[An] ambitious, gorgeously edgy drama lit up by its coruscating characters and prose."— Kirkus

"New revelations, characters, multiple love stories, and constant plot twists and suspense will not disappoint Taylor's many fans."— Booklist

"For all the well-made trappings of fantasy and horror, the patchwork amalgamation of myth and legend, the machinations of plot, and the colorful menagerie of ensemble characters, this story remains, at heart, a romance-clear-eyed, tender, and satisfying."—The Horn Book

*"Though readers will be loath to leave this world behind, the trilogy ends with a sweet buffet of just deserts; the best balm for the bereft may be to start the series again from the beginning."—The Bulletin (starred review)