The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the Rule of Wolves Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on April 24th and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 04/24
April 24th: Chapters 1-4
April 25th: Chapters 5-7
April 26th: Chapters 8-10
April 27th: Chapters 11-13
April 28th: Chapters 14-17
April 29th: Chapters 18-20
April 30th: Chapters 21-24

Week of 05/01
May 1st: Chapters 25-28
May 2nd: Chapters 29-32
May 3rd: Chapters 33-36
May 4th: Chapters 37-42
May 5th: Chapters 43-46
May 6th: Chapters 47-49

PARTICIPANTS
~ Juliane
~ Edith
~ Bopeep

I’m joining this buddy read. I bought this book awhile ago and this is my motivation to pull it off the shelf.

I would love to join if still possible, just finished King of Scars today. I wasn’t sure I’d finish in time for start date, but I did!

You're both welcome, ofc!
I finished yesterday and I was SO tempted to start rule of wolves at that instant hahaha

Hi everyone, the more the merrier :-)

Very interesting to read the King of Scars-discussion in the parallel Buddy Read.

Going to try to keep this message spoiler free for those not yet finished with KoS.

I look forward to reading Rule of Wolves together especially as I am quite torn about KoS for two reasons:

1. For me the book felt like two very different stories that in my opinion would have deserved their own books. Really felt like once I developed a connection with the Nikolai/Zoya part I was ripped out of that into the Nina parts of the book. Also the more we got to know Nina the more I enjoyed her story in comparison to Nikolai/Zoya and would have loved to read more point of views in Ninas story, like Hanne or Leony.

As a result I thought that both main story-lines of the book at time lacked depth, which considering the length of the book is rather surprising. Also considering the books title I find it a bit strange that Nikolai did not feel like the main character in what was kind of supposed to be his own book.

2. I rather despise the ending of KoS. 😅 Like seriously we have proper saints in the book and this is what we get as a continuation into Rule of Wolves? Unbelievable 😄

Such a long message before the Buddy Read even starts and it does not sound especially positive, my apologies, I blame the passion I have developed for this universe and its characters 😁

Basically I have a huge amount of questions and expectations for Rule of Wolves lol

your definitely not alone, i did not appreciate certain parts of the ending at all.

So excited to start this one based off of everyone's comments. It seems I'm the outlier that hasn't finished KoS lol. I feel like everyone has varying opinions about the ending. My reading game is off this month (sorry about not commenting on theories bopeep lol) but I'll try to chime in when I'm caught up decently enough :)

Well, I think Bardugos idea to do two different plots in one book is nice, because if it was two different books... I probably wouldn't buy Nina's book since I didn't enjoy her character much in Six of Crows.

I don't understand why you didn't like the ending, so can we speak with spoilers?
(view spoiler)[I was super sad with Isaak's death. I quite enjoyed the character, but he was innocent and didn't notice that Ehri could be a scam.

I'm curious about what Zoya will do with her new powers. Will she use them or will she hide them so she can surprise her enemies?

Maybe I'm the only one here that enjoyed Nikolai's plot? Haha. I'm still confused what he did wrong with the ritual, but it seems we will still have a monster in this book... Or it's just the imposter syndrome inside of him?

Nina's story was so stressful to me. I really hate the fjerdans for doing so many experiments with these innocent girls... And let's see what will happen now in the Court of ice, but it will be a stressful part for me again haha

And well, the Darkling. In @Edith's words: what the fuck. Really, this was super weird. He is back, but does he have his dark powers with him?

I was surprised how Elizavetha craved power, we have all been fooled by her. I liked Juris though (one of those cranky but brave characters), and I'm sad he didn't became mortal as he wanted. (hide spoiler)]

I agree that i do not know if I would have bought a separate Nina-book before reding KoS but afterwards I just wanted to know so much more about what was happening in her part of the world.

Regarding my problems with the ending
(view spoiler)[

To me the Darkling showing up again feels like a huge step backwards in the story. I really felt after Ruin and Rising that his story was finished and while I feel Bardugos writing has gotten much better since the first trilogy and I am interested in seeing how she develops his character now I really just have the word unnecessary running through my head when I think about his return.

Especially because I really liked most parts of the story including the journey Nikolai and Zoya have now been through. For example I also felt really that Isaaks death was such a sad moment I just wanted for him to be happy.

I just saw so much potential for development, conflict and antagonism arising with the scenes and characters we already had that I did not think a kind of "Big Bad" in the form of the Darkling was really needed.

Would have loved to see more development of the 3 Saints and I think Elizaveta would have made a great Foil after we found out her true intentions. Also Juris and Zoyas interactions where so interesting to read about.

Just as much as the monster (seemingly completely? am also not quite sure what went wrong with the ritual) remaining inside Nikolai or the developments of Zoyas power, not to mention that Ravka now seems to be inevitably headed towards war with Shu Han and/or Fjerda, made even more insteresting now that we seem closer to charaters directly from both countries with Jarl Brum and Princess Ehri, also whatever the Cult of the Starless Saint is planning because I do not believe that they are just going to fade into obscurity even if the Darkling hadn't returned.

Also I might of course totally be wrong and worried for no reason and maybe the Darkling will not play as big a role or even a completely different one than we are used to, I am curious and excited to find out.

(hide spoiler)]

I absolutely loved 98% of King of Scars, everything with Nikolai and Zoya's story, same with Nina's especially when Hanne was introduced.
The one thing i found very annoying about the ending (view spoiler)[ was the Darkling's return, I also feel it was very unnecessary, I was ready for a new antagonist introduction so I was definitely disappointed to see yet again the same villain.
I definitely thought that him entering Yuri was a cool way to re introduce him I was just truly excited for a new villain, and disappointed that we are yet again dealing with the darkling.
I was so sad that Issak died especially when the girl who he started to have feelings for (while he was Nikolai) was also not royalty and they very well could have been together.
I'm so excited to see the tension between Nikolai and Zoya, and how Nikolai's engagement with princess Ehri goes, with Nikolai 100% having feelings for Zoya.
Especially excited to see how Zoya's new power goes especially because I loved Juras, I found his moments with Zoya so interesting.
I'm really hoping Trassel finds his way back to Nina, I absolutely LOVED him rescuing Nina from the other wolves in KoS. (hide spoiler)]

Lots of questions going into RoW, hoping they all get answered and that the Grishaverse gets an amazing ending. Because wow is it ever a fantastic series.

Has anyone started this?

I've read 3 chapters so far, but I'm so curious about what's happening with that Darkness. Will there be a Shadow all around the place right now, including Fredja and Shu Han?

BTW, I'm excited to know more about Shu Han since its the region we know less about at the moment~

@Bopeep I've started, I've read 9 chapters so far.

(Will not spoil for anyone who has not started or has read less)

I'm also super interested in whats happening with the darkness.
Also super excited for more about Shu Han, and hopefully we get more about Novyi Zem as well.

@ains You're fast! I will now be 100% reading this, so I will catch up with the schedule soon ^^

Chapter 6

(view spoiler)[Gah, I just hated the reunion with the Kerch merchant. "We are a neutral country! We will just sabotage and destroy the Zemeni boats to get rid of all the other merchants in the world" ... Uggh -.-

Luckily, Nikolai thought about that. He's really a good strategist, and I didn't expect the Zemeni to appear, but I'm super glad they did! I like the zemeni <3

Also, I liked when Jesper was mentioned without a name, I love when they do that! <3 (hide spoiler)]

Hey how is everybody doing?

I'm also unfortunately a bit behind but have now managed to get to chapter 9

I am very intrigued where all the the story points are going and sometimes meeting unexpectedly. The little Jesper-shoutout was great :-)

Spoiler includes points up to the end of chapter 8.

(view spoiler)[ I laughed out loud when it turned out that Nikolai had tricked the Kerch with the whole reigning the sea but not the air ploy. Am afraid it might backfire but I totally agree with the hatred for the Kerch. Like yes, we get it you only care about money, now please get lost in the depths of hell ^^ Therefore cheering even more for the Zemeni showing up to save the Ravkans for now.

Also I can't remember, is this the first time a creature like vampire was mentioned in the Grisha-universe? I understand it is mostly used as a metaphor for now for sucking the life out of something but I find it quite interesting that they might also have the kind of like Vampire-horror-stories especially considering how many real monsters the people already had to face.

So now this blight has shown up in 4 major countries might they all have a bigger enemy then each other in the end? Although something tells me the animosities will be to big to actually find a way to fight this together.

The ending of chapter 8 was gruesome. It of course brings us in a first full circle to the chapter of Queen Makhi and her having a hand in trying to kill both Ehri and Nikolai, we already knew from her POV that she is ruthless but this was even bleaker than I expected.

Also by my count it seems that even if Ehri might survive this crosses out all the plans made by Ravka as the main idea and all its dependencies for the war against Fjerda seemed to depend on Nikolai managing to convince Princess Ehri towards a marriage. Notwithstanding Makhi probably double-crossing them anyway of course.
(hide spoiler)]

Things are getting intriguing very fast...

Spoilers for chapters end of 4 - end of 7

(view spoiler)[ I was absolutely shocked when the new Wellmother knew Nina's real name so I had to keep reading to find out why, I was panicking for sure, especially with her stuck on the White Island. Thankfully it was another Hringsa operative I don't know what would have happened if it was a loyal Fjerdan. (hide spoiler)]

Spoilers for chapter 5 - end of 8

(view spoiler)[ The entire encounter with Zoya and Kirigan was so funny, absolutely love Zoya and her being brazenly open about not wanting to go on any type of 1 on 1 anything with Kirigan. Same with the entire thing with the merchant council, and them thinking they are destroying the Zemini, when Nikolai yet again out thought all of them. So funny. (hide spoiler)]

Spoilers for chapter 8 - end of 9

(view spoiler)[ I was honestly not surprised at the Tavgharad's stunt for Queen Makhi, but I loved how Nikolai jumped in to save Ehri smart politically, and just kind in every way. But the part where his burns are being treated and he kept asking for Zoya, telling her to stay, her saying she smelt bad and him saying she always smells like wildflowers, him asking what he could say to make her stay, her saying she would stay forever if she could... entire moment pulled my heartstrings way too much and is fully engraved in my brain. (hide spoiler)]


Spoilers for all of Chapter 11

(view spoiler)[ I was losing it when Nikolai and Zoya had that moment in his room while he showed her him as part of the demon, vise versa. The tension had me screaming I need them together ASAP! (hide spoiler)]

I also don't quite remember the Jesper hint, if someone could remind me would appreciate that a ton! <3

Hope everyone is enjoying the book!

Hello all! Bit more behind than I’d like, just finished chapter 7. Love that the beginning of the book has quite the action to set up the rest of the story. Nothing much of note for me that hasn’t already been said though. Anyone else get creeped out by Brum’s advances towards Nina during the ceremony?

@ains, the Jesper hint was during the battle scene against the Fjerdans. I believe it was a small paragraph describing who helped in the creation of the parem antidote. “…David, Kuwei, and a young boy who grew up on a farm that mentioned his mother used it as balm….etc” to paraphrase :)

Okay, I've caught up enough to be able to read the spoilers finally (lol), and a bit more. Thoughts so far:

Chapters 11-12
(view spoiler)[ @ains, I agree! the Zoya/Nikolai moment was so intimate, I kind of wished it was written from Nikolai's perspective instead of zoya's. I want to know what went through his head when the demon plucked the blue ribbon from her hair!!! T___T
Also, I think it was genius of Nikolai to let Ehri and Mayu talk face to face and turn the tables in his favor! Such a gamble on his part, but it was worth the risk. it's also a little jarring seeing the triumvirate deliberating on building mass destruction weapons and the possible outcomes of them being used. im glad that Bardugo included that scene because it humanizes the protagonists in a way the darkling could not be, as well as the struggles of staying morally "pure" in times of war. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14
(view spoiler)[ my wishes came true!!! all the same though, I do feel bad that Alina has to make an appearance in this book. she fought so hard for her freedom from the darkling, and now that she's here again, it feels so wrong. and the way that chapter ended in a cliffhanger was SO unfair!! I loved seeing appearances from Mischa and ONCAT though <3 Mal.....eh. lol (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15
(view spoiler)[ I'm so glad we're finally seeing a Genya/David wedding!!! it definitely wasn't the wedding we were expecting but it was not disappointing in the least! and I'll say it here once and for all...Makhi is a b*tch! I CANNOT stand her character, ugh. it was great seeing her duped by Nikolai though. Time and time again, the king continues to surprise us lol (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

I've read chapter 15 and... Why does Nikolai ALWAYS surprises me? Really, I didn't expect that turn at all.

I just love him 😍

(view spoiler)[
@Edith yep, totally creeped out by Brum. I don't think he really wants to really flirt with Nina but uugh D:
In other chapters, Nikolai said he hated when Zoya had her hair tied like that, so it was just the demon getting his (wild) wishes haha

I was super glad to see Alina and Zoya reunited! I had a smile on my face while I read that part. I think the darkling will flee, but I don't know what will happen with the others :(

I expected the wedding to be a trick, but I didn't expect that Ehri and Mayu went back to Shu Han to kick out Makhi? I hope it all goes well with them. (hide spoiler)]

Yesterday I've read 100+ pages, but couldn't do more because this whole situation stresses me out! Heeelp! xD

I haven't been able to put the book down the plot is thickening..

Chapter 14 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ @Edith I was also SO excited we saw Misha and Oncat, didn't realize how much I missed them until I read chapter 15. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 15 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ Nikolai is the absolute best political man in Ravka. And a David and Genya wedding, he really knew what the readers wanted. Also love Tolya being sassy to Makhi using his poem quotes, way too funny. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 16 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ The Fjerda plot gets really interesting during this chapter, you see prince Rasmus's true nature with how he treated Joran. Not to mention the fact that Brum has Magnus Opjer locked up... raises some questions with Fjerda saying he's supporting Vadik Demidov's claim to the Ravkan throne... (hide spoiler)]

End of chapter 18 - end of 19 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ Nikolai was absolutely amazing when he was fighting the Fjerdan air attack alone. Especially when he decided to let the demon take control, how it was Nikolai thinking but his demon acting, it was amazing to read. When he left the one guy alive to go tell Fjerda what he had seen... "Tell them the demon king rules Ravka now" I LOVED it!
I was so relived when Nikolai was thinking that everyone was safe in the dormitories of the Little Palace, until Tolya and Genya were crying looking for David I was horrified. I had to keep reading to find out if he made it out alive. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ The first line of chapter 20 is heartbreaking, but little did I know it would get worse... Listening to Genya not be able to speak and Zoya speaking so truthfully actually made me cry, especially when Genya pulled out David's little notebook 'Ideas for compliments' I completely lost it at that point. Despite the saddest chapter ever, I am really excited for Nikolai (and hopefully Zoya) to go to Ketterdam because it sounds like they are going to visit Kaz! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 21 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ I think its cool that we get a Darkling perspective, and its so funny that he's forced to have some sort of conscience because of Yuri.
But I'm generally mad that he's back, I get super annoyed thinking about the fact after the whole first trilogy and everything that happened he's just back. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ Nina pretending to have 'trances' and what not in front of the Fjerdan queen has me lauging so hard, I wonder how that whole manipulation will turn out, and if she will be able to sway the queen with her little trick... If yes, that's even more hilarious. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ I LOST MY MIND! Reading this and the tension, the way both Nikolai and Zoya are thinking the same things but neither one of them will say anything. It's driving me insane.
I loved this chapter though, Zoya's garden that she's been planting for all her dead friends made me so sad. "I'm running out of room" was heartbreaking. Her actually crying in front of someone was shocking but I'm so glad it was Nikolai. Their characters get really vulnerable this chapter, with someone else, which we almost never see... I loved it. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 24 spoilers
(view spoiler)[ I was so excited for Tamar, Mayu and Ehri to expose Makhi, and then she showed up and my stomach dropped. The kebben bond between Mayu and Reyem seems gone for him. And the way Tamar watched the whole interaction while being away from Tolya was so sad, because she was definitely thinking of him. I'm so scared for both of them. Mayu being forced to fight her twin brother... I need them both to be okay. (hide spoiler)]

I finally managed to get some reading in and catch up a bit and I can honestly say that I am loving the way the relationship of Zoya and Nikolai is developing. It is so good to see how they can open up to each other and be vulnerable in front of each other in a way they cannot with anybody else.

Also the general banter between all the characters is again really fun, I quite enjoy the mix of lightness and drama in the book so far especially considering all the talk of war and possible horrible endings for everyone in Ravka.

Thoughts from 9 up to chapter 21, more in order of characters than in a chronological order

(view spoiler)[
Oncat lives on woohoo ^^ I can't believe how this cat always seems to go unscathed and unbothered no matter what.
It was so nice to look in on Misha, Alina and Mal. Although I feel really bad that they have to get pulled into this mess again.

Especially the way the Darkling used them all for his own gain.
Not surprised by his deceit but his attempts at self-righteousness and trying to convince Alina to be on his side are at this point so annoying to me. I really admire Alinas calmness but I cheered when Misha tried to hit him in his fury. I really wanted Misha to succeed :-)

The plan Nikolai came up with for the agreement with the Shu was brilliant, it was great seeing them stick it to Queen Makhi and I really hope they get away with it. Can't wait to see what the next part of the plan is for Tamar, Ehri and Mayu.

It was also so interesting to read about the Twin-connections both with Tolyar and Tamars view in mind as well as Mayu with her brother still missing. Its quite hard to read about Mayus path towards her current situation I do hope something can still be done for her brother.

The dynamics between Nina and Hanne are developing quite well and it is great to see how Hanne is dealing with her powers although at times she seems rather reckless, which is probably understandable considering that she could never really work with her powers before.

It was shocking to see how Rasmus behaved around Joran I am totally on Ninas page here in being confused what kind of person the prince might be in good or bad health.

Also curious if there is more to Joran than meets the eye, there seem to be some hints to this but I'm looking forward to finding out if he has a further purpose than becoming a Drüskelle or if this is due to the erratic behaviour Rasmus seems to exhibit regularly.

I do feel Nina should have let Magnus Opjer finish his sentence^^ His reveal as a prisoner of Brum was quite shocking although it seems to make sense as just another wheel in Brums plans to gain power over the Royalty of Fjerda and invading Ravka. That man is absolutely ruthless and I am wondering if there is anything he would not do.

Seeing Nikolai fighting in his ship, his fury at the way his country and people where under attack and then the way he works together with the monster was great. I think its a good thing that there now seems to be a way for him to control the monster especially considering the talk that another attempt to drive the monster out might have only downsides.

My heart hurts for Genya and David. Their wedding was such a lovely touch and it was so nice they had such a big official event including the party. The fact that on his wedding day David has an idea for an invention and yet this also turns into his downfall is so tragic. I feel so bad for Genya after everything she has gone through and chapter 20 felt so heavy due to everybody being in understandably low spirits but it is nice to see that Genya and everyone surrounding her seem intent to still find a way out of their darkest moments.

(hide spoiler)]

It is getting so hard to put the book down ^^

Chapters 21 to 28

(view spoiler)[
@ains I quite agree with you regarding being annoyed with the Darkling and his return and behaviour now that he seems to have most of his powers back, at the same time it is absolutely hilarious to imagine the darkling striding through the world in the body of Yuri.

I think it will be interesting to see if there will arise a battle of wills between Yuri and the Darkling. I also find it funny how much the Darkling despises the Apparat and yet seems incapable of realising or acknowledging there are quite a few similarities between them when it comes to exploiting the believes of people.

Its funny to see how much Nina seems to have taken away from Kaz Brekker when it comes to making daring plans in far to little time. Both with the Queen and the Drüskelle as the danger is closing in so far Nina and Hanne seem to be keeping there wits although I am actually surprised that they have gotten away with some of their plans. I really hope it stays that way.

Nice to see where Nikolai seems to have gotten his planning skills from. :-)

I feel so bad for Mayu but also all the "volunteers" they have used for the Khergud. If I didn't already despise Queen Makhi this would have certainly been the last push.

I love everything about chapters 27 and 28 for being back in Ketterdam. How relaxed Zoya and Nikolai are with each other despite the imminent danger. Of course Kaz Brekker needed an entrance into the story in style. And how wonderful to read a bit about Wylans and Jespers domestic life esp. Wylans mom painting in the garden and the way the two of them just seem to complete each other.
Especially hilarious that Zoya knew straight away about Jespers powers but needed to get a little jab in about the fabric he was working on while also showing to the reader so much understanding for Jesper wanting to keep hiding his powers and her wanting to offer a proper sanctuary to all Grisha.

I just adore how far Zoya has come in the course of this series, the garden being another point in this. I love that she really grieves for all Grisha even the ones who in the end weren't on her side. At the same time I think its hilarious that Nikolai is at least capable of acknowledging that he is behaving like an "infatuated schoolboy". I so hope there will be a good solution of the romantic tension between them, they both deserve so much to be happy, no matter the obstacles.
(hide spoiler)]

I finished the book, I couldn't help myself.

Absolutely amazing is all I will say, please keep updating as you all read!

I will join into discussion to whatever point everyone has read up to.
:))

I forgot where happens all the action, but I'm reading chapter 30, so, no more than that at this point!

About David
(view spoiler)[I didn't expect that at all! I loved David, I liked him so much. If I didn't cry during his funeral was because I had to stop in the middle of it two times.
But I like how strong Genya is, and how all the others comfort her after that.
(hide spoiler)]

About Zoya
(view spoiler)[
Her secret garden is amazing. I was so touched about that, I really love how sensitive Zoya is, but she doesn't want the others to know because she doesn't like to feel weak.
(hide spoiler)]

About Aleksander
(view spoiler)[
Oooooh I understand his point of view, because he's so narcissist he believes no one hates him, that he really did good for his country, and he really thinks all Ravka will welcome him. I like how he discovers he's not, but he doesn't believe it at all.
He doesn't understand that he has to start from zero now.

@ains @Juliane well, in a battle of wills... I'm not sure Yuri is in a good position. He worships the Darkling so much, even if he tries to do good (he tried to warn Alina when the Darkling attacked)
(hide spoiler)]

About Ketterdam
(view spoiler)[
Yay, they're back!! I was happy to see Kaz, Wylan and Jesper, and also that Inej is with her ship capturing slavers <3 I would love to read some of her adventures, it would be super nice <33
Yes to Wylan's mom!! I was super happy to see her painting in the house :')

Also, how the hell did know Kaz that Zoya was part suli? Did Inej and her met before?


(hide spoiler)]

About Magnus
(view spoiler)[
Now we know where Nikolai has gotten that clever! It's in the genes hahaha
I do believe he tried to say that the fjerdans were about to bomb Os Alta?
(hide spoiler)]

About Hanne
(view spoiler)[
I love her! And also that he seems to really be a trans character, though that's not the main plot. I hope HAnne and Nina are safe and sound at the end of the book, and far away from Fjerda.
(hide spoiler)]

About Joran
(view spoiler)[
At first I thought that he was a Grisha, but luckily (?) he just worship the saints. It seems it's all Brum's fault that the people aren't free to believe in the Saints, just Djell. It's like hes a religious and militar dictator somehow...
I was surprised that he was the one to kill Matthias O_O and that Nina really tried to kill him. But I think he would be better now and help Nina and Hanne to redeem Matthias death a little.
(hide spoiler)]

I’ve finished! I will also refrain from commenting until everyone else has caught up, but wow. I can’t believe this ride is truly over 😭

I absolutely love this book. The pace towards the end was amazingly fast and there were still so many suprises left.
Will also wait with the discussion till everyone is done.
I'm just so happy I got into this series, this was so much fun and it seems to have raced by far too quickly.

I think I'm the last one to finish, but I hope to finish it today or tomorrow, so if you want to start commenting, I'm looking forward to it

Finished!

I will write my thougts when I'm on the computer but OMMMGGGG

The last chapter was amazing, so many characters together!
And the ending... I love how this gets together with Six of Crows 3!!


EDIT: Okay, let's go little by little~

In chapter 36 I was so upset with Zoya. How could she leave the planned strategy for Nina? Fortunately, it all went well in the end.

I was sure that Hanne wasn't dead (Nina couldn't have two love interests killed, nope). I had the theory (you know that I love doing those!) that he confectionated himself, so he could escape with Nina. I didn't think that he became Rasmus lol. He was meant to be part of the royalty after all <3

Oh, yes, Zoya turning into a dragon was amazing!! She could do that, but was still stopping the power from herself. But the battle felt rushed, and it ended with that Deus ex Machina that I didn't like, but they had so little oportunities to win that only a dragon and a demon and some monsters could do anything to win that battle.

I didn't expect her to end as a queen, but I kinda liked it?
I don't know. The reunion after the battle was rushed, and maybe Nikolai could have tried harder to be the king. Anyway, I love how he's madly in love with her, like a puppy after his mistress haha <3

The last chapter was amazing!!! I loved seeing Inej here <3 that she almost recognized Alina, and that after the party she went with Nina and non-Rasmus <3 I loved their friendship and glad they could meet one more time!

It seems Bardugo liked the Darkling so much he wanted him to be a martyr. My unpopular opinion is that he wasn't that bad after all, but the power got to his head and he was super ambitious... even if he was cruel during the last years. Also, I was super confused about why he helped them in the battle and in the reunion. I'm still confused though haha

Where to even begin there was so much of everyone^^
I agree that some of the endings felt rather rushed at that point the book could have used further development but the endings in itself for the various characters feel reather right for me.

The darkling being eternally tormented feels fitting for me altough of course he went into it with his usual arrogance 😂
@Bopeep I agree that his role in the battle seemed rather confusing, like he wanted something bigger with his own reveal but was then too surprised by the Fjerdan bells and Zoyas dragon showing up? Seemed strange and it did not feel like him to just give up his own plans so easily.

Looking at everything together though it seems rather fitting that his ending would set up some possibilities of further stories sometime in the future with everybody working together again.

I did feel that the development of Hannes powers was going a little too quickly but its great that Nina and her found such a happy ending. I love the mention that Hanne seems now able to have a life and body she can feel comfortable in. And I guess Nina would have burned the world to the ground if Hanne had been dead so that went better for everyone involved.

I also hope Joran stays by their side to protect Rasmus as he clearly knows there was something strange going on during the altercation between Hanne and Rasmus, its also a nice call-out toward being able to find some redemption for himself for killing an innocent man, maybe that would be a way Nina could arrange herself with him being around especially now that she has found her own happiness again.

Of course the assembly for finding a ruler for Ravka went much too easily for our main characters but I cheered all the way through when Nikolai came up with the idea of making Zoya queen and Kirigin backing them all the way through and I'm glad this particular Apparat was finally pushed far away from any power. There is only so many ways any person should be able to be a turncoat.

Zoya and Nikolais love story has so much potential, I am glad that they have a shot at happiness no matter how chaotic everything including the two themselves may be. I enjoyed that they both seem to be able to arrange themselves with their inner creatures/powers especially now that the power dyamic has switched between them.

@Juliane
Yep, still confused about the Darkling. Is he good? Is he bad? Will he survive the tree?

Actually, Bardugo is planning on releasing a Six of Crows #3! Which is 100% what the ending says hahaha

Yeah, Hanne's powers were so fast, but I think he really practiced at night to became a man some time each day? To feel comfortable with himself.
Nina woldn't have had any pity if Hanne was really dead hahaha Like "I'm sorry Matthias, but this is too much, I'm gonna kill them all".
Joran seems a good guy, even if he did what he did. Though Nina will still hate him for some time, I think.

Oh yeah, Zoya and Nikolai moment at the end was sooo cute! I loved it. I think what I love most of their relationship is that they don't have that passionate love story, but just a relaxed/more adult one.


And after that I kept thinking about Hanne and... I'm writing a fanfic about him haha I don't think I will post in anywhere, I just need to stop thinking about what CAN HAPPEN with Hanne/Rasmus, Nina and Joran! haha

@ Bopeep
The ending to RoW definitely explains Bardugos comments about Never say never when asked in an interview about a return to the Grisha-Verse. Good to know she intends for there to be a part 3 for Six of Crows. I had wondered before what would be a decent opening for that. And some time down the road I would love to read what she can further draw out of this universe with maybe a few years disctance from this duology.

A few days on from finishing the book I love the ending especially for Hanne/Rasmus and Nina even more. Also the idea of Nina as a royal consort in the Fjerdan court is completely hilarious to me. I can see her enjoying the parties while complaining about the food. haha

Its very cool that you're writing fanfics, good luck with this one in particular. I have spent far too much time on AO3 after Six of Crows, there are so many great ideas for stories and scenes in this universe by Fanfic writers, its great how the Grisha-verse can be (unofficially) expanded in this way.