My Thoughts: Rule of Wolves by Leigh Bardugo

Rule of Wolves
(King of Scars #2)
by Leigh Bardugo

Publication Date: March 30th 2021
Publisher: Imprint
Pages: 592
ISBN: 9781250142306
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy
Source: Own

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The Grishaverse will be coming to Netflix soon with Shadow and Bone, an original series!

The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall. (Goodreads)

Rule of Wolves, the second and final book in the King of Scars duology by Leigh Bardugo, was one of my top 3 most anticipated reads for 2021. I am so thrilled to have read the book, but let me tell you, it was bittersweet.

I loved King of Scars when I read it last year for so many reasons... One being that Nikolai is probably my most favorite character in the Grishaverse... and also because I really like Zoya Nazyalensky... AND also because I just really enjoy the story and the Grishaverse world! I can't seem to get enough of these books, so if Leigh wanted to write more, I would totally be down with reading them.

So we get the final book in Nikolai’s story with Rule of Wolves, (seriously, why can’t there be more?!), and this book was just great. It did not take the route that I expected it to take, but the ride was fun nonetheless. The book picks up where King of Scars leaves off, and takes you for another great adventure as you turn the pages. I loved it. I also loved getting to see a few characters from the previous books again! (Cameo appearances are my favorite!) I’m not going to mention who, so read the book for yourself to find out.

I do have to say that finishing the book left me with more than a few questions that I would love to have answers for. Things wrapped up nicely, but it also felt like there might be more to come in the future. I have SO Many Questions about this! Maybe I am just reading what I want to read, but it feels like we might see more, and I really hope we do.

Overall; I very, very much enjoyed reading Rule of Wolves, but I am also SO sad to see this series come to an end. I definitely want more from these characters, and I hope that we will see another spin-off or some kind of continuation with them in the future from Leigh. I would definitely read whatever she writes about them! If you haven’t yet read this book, but love the Grishaverse series, then do check this, (and King of Scars), out if you haven’t already!

Waiting on Wednesday: Chain of Iron and Rule of Wolves

Chain of Iron
(The Last Hours #2)
by Cassandra Clare

Expected publication: March 2nd 2021
by Margaret K. McElderry Books

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade.

But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace.

Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.

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Rule of Wolves
(King of Scars #2)
by Leigh Bardugo

Expected publication: March 30th 2021
by Imprint

The wolves are circling and a young king will face his greatest challenge in the explosive finale of the instant #1 New York Times-bestselling King of Scars Duology.

The Demon King. As Fjerda's massive army prepares to invade, Nikolai Lantsov will summon every bit of his ingenuity and charm—and even the monster within—to win this fight. But a dark threat looms that cannot be defeated by a young king's gift for the impossible.

The Stormwitch. Zoya Nazyalensky has lost too much to war. She saw her mentor die and her worst enemy resurrected, and she refuses to bury another friend. Now duty demands she embrace her powers to become the weapon her country needs. No matter the cost.

The Queen of Mourning. Deep undercover, Nina Zenik risks discovery and death as she wages war on Fjerda from inside its capital. But her desire for revenge may cost her country its chance at freedom and Nina the chance to heal her grieving heart.

King. General. Spy. Together they must find a way to forge a future in the darkness. Or watch a nation fall.

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•     •     •

My WOW picks this week are two upcoming sequels that I can't wait to finally read! I loved the first books in both series, and I can't wait to see where the stories are going to go next!

(Though I am a little bummed that Rule of Wolves is the last book in the King of Scars series. Sigh.)

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

My Thoughts: King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

King of Scars
(King of Scars Duology #1)
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Publication Date: January 29th 2019
Publisher: Imprint
Pages: 528
ISBN: 9781250142283
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war—and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.

Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha Squaller, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried—and some wounds aren’t meant to heal. (Goodreads)

While I was SO SUPER EXCITED to finally get my hands on King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo, I was also a little bit terrified to actually read the book. Nikolai was probably my most favorite character in the Grishaverse trilogy, and while I was excited to finally have his story, I was also pretty terrified that I would, for some reason or another, not like the book. Having finally devoured it, I’m pretty happy with how the story went, and I’m super curious to see where it goes next.

As I mentioned above, Nikolai has always been one of my most favorite characters. I just love everything about him, and I couldn’t wait to read more of his story with this new novel. He definitely has an interesting backstory, and I feel like a lot of this were explained in this new book. (And, yes, I definitely love him even more now than I did before.) Besides Nikolai, we also get to see quite a few characters from the previous books, and it was so fun to catch up with them! I can’t wait to see more of all of these characters in the next book.

One thing I loved the most about the book was being back in the Grishaverse world. It’s been a few years since the events of the first three books took place, and it was nice to kind of get an update on what had happened since the last book ended. I’m really glad I re-read the original series before starting this one, but I also wish that I would have taken the time to re-read the Six of Crows series as well, as there were a few things referenced that I don’t seem to remember from those books. Otherwise, the storyline for this book was interesting, thought it almost feels like there are two storylines, and I’m having a hard time figuring out where one of those fits in to the story. (I feel like I’m missing something with it.)

And lastly, I want to say that this book ends with a pretty MASSIVE cliffhanger, one that I TOTALLY DID NOT SEE COMING, and which definitely left me wondering what in the world just happened! I need the next book, like, NOW. The wait for the next book is going to take FOREVER, but at least that will give me time to re-read ALL of the books before the next one is released.

Overall; though I was kind of terrified to read King of Scars, I am SO glad that I did! I really enjoyed the story, and being back with the characters I love, and I’m super curious to get my hands on the next book to see what’s going to happen next! Leigh Bardugo fans are really going to enjoy this newest book, and if you haven’t yet started the series, YOU TOTALLY SHOULD!

My Thoughts: Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Ruin and Rising
(The Grishaverse #3)
by Leigh Bardugo
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Publication Date: June 17th 2014
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 422
ISBN: 9780805094619
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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The capital has fallen.

The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for. (Goodreads)

One of my main goals for 2018 was to *finally* finish all the books in the GrishaVerse trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, and now that I've finally done so, I don't know what to do with my life now! Seriously though, Ruin and Rising was a great conclusion to this fascinating series, and even though I didn't want the series to end at all, I'm pretty happy with the way things came together in the end.

Like the previous books, Ruin and Rising had a great storyline, and was filled with a lot of action, as well as twists and turns that will keep you completely captivated as you turn the pages. I really didn't know what to expect from this ending, but the adventure the characters set upon in this story was absolutely addictive, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen next. I was so bummed when I turned the last page of the story, as I wasn't ready to let these characters go, but all good things must come to an end, they say. Sigh.

One thing that I have loved the most about this series has been the characters. There are really so many characters in this book to love, including the main character, Alina, who grew SO much over the course of the series. It was quite an inspirational thing to watch. I also loved Mal for always being Alina's rock when she needed him, (even though he did make me a bit mad at him in book two). Nikolai quickly became my most favorite character in the book, and I really wish we had been introduced to him sooner, so we could get more of his story. (If Leigh were to write a series around Nikolai, I'd totally read it.) I even had a few feelings for The Darkling by the time the story came to an end, and I was really hoping for better things for him by the end. Alas, that was not to be. Seriously, so many well written characters in this series, and I loved them all.

(Edited to add: I just discovered that Nikolai IS getting his own story! King of Scars)

Overall; Ruin and Rising was a great conclusion to this wonderful, fascinating series, and though I hated to see it come to an end, I couldn't have asked for a better ending. I don't get too attached to series very often, but when I do, it's super hard to let go, and I'm definitely having a hard time saying goodbye to this one. Lucky for me, I still have Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom to read, and even though they aren't part of this series, I do believe they are set in the same world, so maybe that will ease the pain of letting go. *grin*. If you're looking for a great series to read, do check out the GrishaVerse trilogy by Leigh Bardugo, and I hope you love it just as much as I do!

My Thoughts: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm
(The Grishaverse #2)
by Leigh Bardugo
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Publication Date: June 4th 2013
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 435
ISBN: 9780805094602
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm. (Goodreads)

I have been trying to actually finish The GrishaVerse trilogy for the LONGEST, and for some reason, I just haven’t been able to read these books as quickly as I had hoped! I originally read the first book, Shadow and Bone, a few years ago, and then I re-read it last year in anticipation of finally reading the rest of the books. Unfortunately that didn’t happen the way that I wanted to it. Part of my reading goal for this year is to read, or finish reading, all of the series that I hadn’t yet read, or finished. The Grishaverse trilogy was near the top of my list, and I’m thrilled to finally be reading it!

Siege and Storm picks up not long after where Shadow and Bone leaves off. I’ll admit that I was a little confused when I first started reading the book, because even though I just re-read the first book late last year, I’ve read a LOT of fantasy books since then, and I admittedly got my stories a little confused. BUT, the more I read of the book, the more the story started coming back in my mind, and it only took a few pages for it all to come flooding back. I didn’t know which direction the story would take in this sequel, but I was definitely ready for the ride, and that is absolutely what I got with Siege and Storm.

One of the things that I have enjoyed most so far in this series has been the character growth, and not only for Alina, but for Mal and all the other characters in the story as well! I also LOVE all the new character additions to the story as well, including Nikolai Lantsov, and Tamar and Toyla, who are all new favorites of mine. They are all seriously so great. Though I have to admit that I’m really worried about Alina and Mal, and I’m super curious to read the next book to see what’s in store for them. Also, more Nikolai in the next book would be fantastic, please and thank you.

Overall; I really, really enjoyed reading Siege and Storm! Having finally read this sequel, I can definitely see why people love this series so much. I’m also pretty thrilled that I can start Ruin and Rising right away, though I know I’m going to be SO sad when this series comes to an end. If you’ve not yet checked out these books, I definitely recommend them, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have so far.

My Thoughts: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone
(The Grisha Trilogy #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
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Publication Date: June 5th 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Pages: 358
ISBN: 9780805094596
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy
Source: Own

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Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.

Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Shadow and Bone is the first installment in Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I first read Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo way back in 2012 when the book was first released, but I never finished the rest of the books in the series, which is something that I really wanted to do this year. So when Lori and I were thinking of a book to kick off our very first Readalong /Book Club (#AlltheBooksReadalong) pick on Instagram, Shadow and Bone was one of the first books to come to mind. Since I read the book so long ago, and didn't remember much about it, it sounded like an absolutely perfect choice. And it was!!

I'm so glad that I decided to re-read this book before finishing up the rest of the books in the series, as I didn't remember much of anything about it. I kept waiting SOMETHING in the story to be familiar from reading it before, but it didn't really, which was surprising. (Thought it shouldn't be... I've read a couple hundred books since I first read this one. Ha!) This book was a really great read. I enjoyed the storyline and the awesome characters as well. When I turned the last page and closed the book, I wanted nothing more than to start Siege and Storm, the second book in the series, right away. Unfortunately I have other books that must be read at the moment, but I will definitely be working the second and third books into my TBR for the next few months.

Overall; If you haven't already checked out Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, I highly recommend that you do so! I tried to pace myself while reading the book, and I ended up flying through it instead, it was that good. I can see now why others rave about it, and I can't wait to get started on the second book to see what's going to happen next for Alina on her journey.

Waiting on Wednesday #193 - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows
(The Dregs #1)
by Leigh Bardugo
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Publication Date: September 29th 2015
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
ISBN: 9781627792127



Available for Purchase:
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Game of Thrones meets Ocean's Eleven in this brand-new book in the world of the Grisha by New York Times-bestselling author Leigh Bardugo. 

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone... 

A convict with a thirst for revenge. 

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager. 

A runaway with a privileged past. 

A spy known as the Wraith. 

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. 

 A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. 

Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first. (Goodreads)

Game of Thrones meets Oceans Eleven??
Count me in!
Ok, technically it's the Ocean's Eleven part that drew me in,
because I'm still too chicken to watch GOT. HAHA!
But, GAH, these characters already sound AMAZING,
and we haven't even met them yet!!
Also, the cover is freaking gorgeous.
I can't wait to have this book in my hands.
It's going to be awesome!!

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**