I absolutely adored the final installment of Bardugo's SHADOW AND BONE trilogy. RUIN AND RISING picks up right where book two leaves off: Alina and Co. are deep underground, recovering from the Darkling's attack but well aware that they can't stay there long. There's a final amplifier to find and a war brewing on the horizon. 
 The mythology and legends woven into this book reminded me vaguely of Harry Potter, in the best way possible--dark family histories, mysteries, and twisty surprises abound. Nickolai, who quickly became my favorite character in book two, impresses again with his loyalty, charisma, and witty banter. The final showdown with the Darkling does not come without consequences, but Bardugo has crafted an incredibly satisfying (and un-putdownable) end to her trilogy. 
 Originally reviewed here.