Ruin and Rising
Ruin and Rising is the concluding novel in Leigh Bardugo's popular Grisha Trilogy, a young adult fantasy series set in a world inspired by Tsarist Russia. The story follows Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner, as she leads the fight against the formidable Darkling and his shadow army to save her war-torn nation, Ravka. This installment delves into Alina's arduous quest to find the mythical firebird, the last of Morozova's amplifiers, while navigating complex alliances and intense personal sacrifices. The book is characterized by its high-stakes plot, blending elements of high fantasy, adventure, and romance. It explores themes of power, destiny, identity, and the moral ambiguities of war. While primarily aimed at a young adult audience, the narrative addresses mature subjects and concludes the primary love triangle central to Alina's journey.
Concerns
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and occult themes are central to the fantasy world, manifesting as 'small science' abilities such as controlling light, darkness, or causing physical harm like exploding hearts. The main antagonist, the Darkling, wields dark magic and creates shadow monsters, driving much of the conflict.
Characters possess 'supernatural abilities referred to as small science', which include 'gathering light or darkness or causing someone's heart to explode without touching them'. The Darkling, as the primary antagonist, 'controls monsters made of darkness that can only be killed by Alina's abilities'.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe book features a confirmed minor same-sex romantic relationship between two female characters. This representation includes physical affection such as kissing and is explicitly noted as appearing in this final installment of the trilogy. While not central to the main plot, it is portrayed as an open relationship within the narrative.
Two minor female characters are in a romantic relationship. One scene depicts a girl grabbing a scarf and pulling another girl in for a kiss, which confirms an open homosexual relationship between them.
Violence
MediumThe narrative contains significant fantasy violence, including battle scenes, perilous situations, and descriptions of deaths. References to torture are present, and the Darkling commands monstrous creatures of darkness. The intensity of violence is noted to be greater than in previous books in the series.
The book includes 'some battle violence and situations of peril' and 'references to torture'. 'Some brief, graphic descriptions of battle' are present, and 'Two people are stabbed in the heart'. Deaths are described as 'brutalistic and somewhat disturbing', and the Darkling controls 'monsters made of darkness'.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic relationships are a significant part of the plot, including kissing between heterosexual couples and between two girls. The book also contains implied sexual activity and a specific sex scene described as vague and brief, with characters discovered in bed together. There are references to sex, but no explicit sexual acts or graphic nudity.
There is 'kissing between boy and girl' and 'kissing between two girls'. 'Two characters are discovered in bed together', and a 'sex scene; the in-act description is vague and brief'. There are also 'references to sex' within the story.
Profanity
MediumThe book includes occasional instances of mild and moderate profanity. While not pervasive, parents should expect to encounter some curse words used by characters within the dialogue.
The content includes 'a couple instances of mild profanity'. Additionally, there are 'occasional uses of mild language and several uses of moderate language sprinkled throughout the book'.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe story features scary and intense content, including battle violence, dangerous situations, and references to torture. The presence of the Darkling and his shadow creatures creates a constant sense of peril, and the narrative explores dark themes and high-stakes conflicts that can create a tense atmosphere.
Content includes 'battle violence and situations of peril', and 'references to torture'. The Darkling, as a powerful and menacing antagonist, wields dark magic and commands frightening creatures.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumDisrespect and rebellion are key elements of the plot, as the protagonists actively defy and fight against an oppressive government and powerful antagonist. Characters exhibit attitudes of defiance, particularly against unjust authority figures.
The main characters lead a rebellion against the Darkling's rule and the established powers of Ravka. Mal, at times, displays short-tempered behavior and pushes Alina away, stemming from feelings of inferiority in their dynamic.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe fantasy world incorporates religious-like elements, where the protagonist, Alina, is worshipped by zealots as a 'Saint' (Sankta Alina). Characters frequently use 'Saints' as exclamations. While this reappropriates religious terminology within a fictional context, there is no explicit mockery or direct criticism of traditional Christian beliefs or symbols.
Alina is revered by some characters as a 'Saint' within the fictional world, reflecting a religious fervor. Characters use phrases like 'Saints, Alina' or 'Oh, for saints' sake' as exclamations.
Substance Use
LowThe book contains brief and incidental mentions of social drinking. There is no focus on illegal drug use, heavy intoxication, or addiction within the narrative.
The content notes indicate 'some social drinking' occurs.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Recommended for ages 14 and up, due to mature themes including significant fantasy violence, references to torture, romantic relationships, and the presence of mild to moderate language and occult elements central to the magical system. The content is consistent with typical Young Adult fantasy.
Additional Notes
Ruin and Rising concludes the original Grisha Trilogy, and content intensity, particularly regarding violence and the introduction of LGBTQ representation, escalates compared to the previous books. Parents should be aware that while the core themes remain consistent, the stakes and character challenges intensify.
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