Warning: Spoilers for the final book in the Grishaverse trilogy,Ruin and Rising.
Summary
Even though theShadow and Bonebook trilogy ended almost 10 years ago,I’m still not over its ending or what happened to Alina. It’s hard to overstate how quickly I fell in love with theShadow and Bonetrilogy and the Grishaverse Leigh Bardugo created. Considering she’s sold millions of copies and Netflix made aShadow and Boneshow based on the books, I’m not the only one. The books are absolutely beloved, and not just the original trilogy, but also theSix of CrowsandKing of Scarsduologies. The world is rich,theShadow and Bonecharacters complex, and the magic system unique and thoughtfully created. The writing is also elevated - lyrical and lush.
That’s why it was so disappointing that the original trilogy ended in such a frustrating way, at least for Alina’s character. I often wonder if Leigh Bardugo would go back and rewrite the ending of theShadow and Bonebooksif she had a choice. Of course, readers should never dictate what an author creates. Still,I’m hardly in the minority in being unhappy with how theShadow and Bonetrilogy wrapped upinRuin and Rising. It was so close to being perfect, but the heroine of it all, Alina, deserved so much better.
Shadow & Bone Show vs Book: Netflix’s Biggest Differences Explained
The Netflix adaptation of Shadow & Bone changes a number of things from the books; here are the biggest differences between the books & show.
I’m Still Upset About The Shadow & Bone Trilogy’s Ending, 10 Years After Ruin & Rising
It Was So Close To Being Perfect
Look, don’t get me wrong, there are some very cool elements toRuin and Rising’s story and how it concluded the trilogy. In particular,the Darkling’s ending and death were really well done. His terror of being alone and his vulnerability in his final moments were some of the best writing of the entire trilogy. But overall, I’m just not thrilled about the way the trilogy’s story concluded, and I’m not alone –Ruin and Risinggets quite a bit of flak among readers for its ultimately disappointing ending, especially for the way it resolved Alina’s story so inadequately.
Why Ruin & Rising’s Ending Is So Disappointing (Especially For Alina)
Alina Deserved Better
I sincerely think Alina deserved better than the ending she got inRuin and Rising. I personally thought it would have been a perfect ending to Alina’s journey with her powershad she been able to keep her powers after transferring them to others in the fight.Alina creating an army of Sun Summoners after (temporarily) killing Mal was a genuinely powerful moment that made me want to cheer. Unfortunately, it was immediately undermined by the revelation that she’d been stripped of her power and could no longer summon sunlight - for good. It was incredibly frustrating that, right as Alina was starting to embrace her Sun Summoner powers, she lost them forever.
Just as disappointing was that she ended up with Mal. The forbidden relationship between her and the Darkling was hot, but she obviously shouldn’t have ended up with him. But I wasn’t happy that she ended up with Mal, either; theshow improved someShadow and Bonecharacters, and he was one. In the books,Mal was way more of a jerk to Alina than he was in the show,which tamped down on the more problematic parts of his personality from the books. Alina deserved better than both the Darkling and Mal. Ultimately, it felt like her romance with Mal wasn’t because he was worthy of her, but simply because he was literally the only man she’d ever known before the Darkling.
Shadow & Bone: What Happens Next To Each Character (Based On The Books)
Shadow and Bone had a thrilling season one finale, leaving several loose ends. Here is what happens next to each character according to the books.
Alina Disappearing From The Grishaverse Makes Her Shadow & Bone Fate Even Worse
She Faded From Memory And The Story Itself
After Alina and Mal’s intertwined story comes to an end, they essentially retire to their old hometown to take over the orphanage where they were raised, as explained by the epilogue ofRuin and Rising. After that, they’re mentioned a few times in theKing of Scarsduology, but only in passing. Instead,Alina takes on an almost mythical aspect in the books,with people referring to the Sun Summoner from time to time, but otherwise, life goes back to normal for everyone and Alina and Mal fade into obscurity.
While it was Alina’s and Mal’s personal decision together to disappear from the public eye and live a quiet life,I thought it was still disappointing to not see them in theShadow and Boneworld after.It’s clear Leigh Bardugo felt Alina’s story was done and over, which is fine. But even the Darkling came back to play a part in the later duology, which just drove home further for me how odd it is that Alina went from being the savior of the land and main protagonist to barely an afterthought. After her being the beating heart of theShadow and Bonebooks, it would have been nice had her story’s ending hadn’t been so unremarkable.
Shadow and Bone
2012
Siege and Storm
2013
Ruin and Rising
2014
2015
2016
2019
2021
