Ruin and Rising is the thrilling conclusion of The Grisha Trilogy. And yes, you must read the other two books first. Why wouldn't you want to? A grand and epic story like this one doesn't come around every day. Leigh Bardugo manages to weave the tangled skein of plots and legends and deception into a satisfying (although often disturbing) conclusion to her saga. The kingdom is battling inconceivable horrors and the champions fighting to save their country seem to fail with every attempt. More than once the situation seems hopeless. Thank the Saints that there are heroes willing to put their lives on the line to restore the nation. And thank Leigh Bardugo for giving birth to this spectacular vision. These books are going to be a tough act to follow. I almost pity the next book that I pick up since I know that The Grisha trilogy is an incomparable accomplishment. These books deserve to be shelved with the Lord of the Rings trilogy in terms of world building. But they are much more fun to read.