Ruin and rising was an extremely well written book. Just like the first two. It was completely engaging. 
 However, I found the way the story went, really sad (it's not really a sad kind of ending though, just a bit different to what I wanted) and I'm terrible when I get sad over books. Therefore I had to only give the book a 4/5. 
 *Note: you really don't want to read this spoiler if you have yet to read the book!!* 
 (view spoiler)[ I was really hoping for The Darkling to be redeemed. Just like his mother said, the potential was there. *sigh* Aleksander :( (hide spoiler)] 
 In fact, in despite of what I wanted to happen, the ending made a lot of sense. It really worked and it managed to be completely surprising. I'd be surprised if many people guessed all the details of what happened. There were not many clues. 
 Favourite quote: 
 "I will strip away all that you know, all that you love, until you have no shelter but mine."