Fresh from a stunning defeat at the hands of the evil Darkling (in Siege and Storm, rev. 5/13), Alina the Sun Summoner and her small band of rebels have one hope: if they can track and kill the Firebird, a near-mythical beast, its magical bones can be used to break the Darkling's chokehold on the kingdom of Ravka. But then the Darkling attacks crown prince Nikolai (who has asked Alina to become his queen if they survive the battle) and turns him into a nichevo'ya, a cannibalistic winged abomination. With one of her allies beyond reach, Alina must rely on her childhood friend and love interest Mal, whose preternatural tracking ability will take her to the Firebird but whose devotion to her is doomed by their difference in stations. In this concluding volume, Bardugo emphasizes the strength of fellowship among the comrades-in-arms, allowing Alina the comfort of loyal supporters but threatening her constantly with their loss. The longstanding theme of "power corrupts" is developed organically, while the magic Bardugo invents will surprise and delight readers with its lateral thinking and earned promise of a happy ending. anita l. burkam (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy comes to a thunderous conclusion.If opener Shadow and Bone (2012) was a magical coming-of-age story and middle-volume Siege and Storm (2013) was a political thriller, then this third book is an epic quest. Together with faithful childhood friend and would-be lover Mal and the last few remnants of the rebellious Grisha who aided her in the failed rising against the Darkling, Alina leaves the dubious protection of the Rasputin-like Apparat and the zealots who hail her as a saint to go looking for tsarevich Nikolai and for the fabled firebird. They seek Nikolai as the last political hope for Ravka's future and the firebird for the third amplifier that will make Sun Summoner Alina invincible against the Darkling and powerful enough to unmake the Unsea that divides Ravka in two. Neither quest is easy or obvious, as Bardugo places obstacles both physical and emotional in Alina's path at every turn. She is most successful at delineating Alina's internal conflict as she struggles to balance love for Mal against both pragmatism and fondness for Nikolai, desire for peace and justice against naked lust for power. Secondary characters truly come into their own here, particularly the ragtag band of Alina's Grisha, in whose friendship she finds salvation. Every time readers may think she's written herself into a corner, Bardugo pulls off a twist that, while surprising, will keep them turning pages furiously.Triumphant. (Fantasy. 13 up) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

In the concluding volume of the Grisha Trilogy, Alina, chafing at the Apparat's enforced protection in the underground White Cathedral, decides it is past time to break free and seek the Fire Bird, the last of the three amplifiers of her power. Battling across a land ravaged by the war with the Darkling, Alina's band is rescued by Prince Nikolai and taken to his hidden headquarters, where the group of allies plans for the dangerous journey into the Fold. There, Alina must reconcile her country's need for her to be Nikolai's queen with giving up her lifelong love for her childhood friend Mal. A psychic connection with the Darkling heightens the tension as they struggle for control of Ravka. An intriguing plot twist adds an unexpected new element, requiring an unthinkable sacrifice. Readers won't be able to turn the pages fast enough to the conclusion that will generate much discussion. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Since the first title in the trilogy, Shadow and Bone (2012), hit the New York Times best-seller list and film rights were sold this series has been big news. Top-level marketing plans will ensure it stays that way.--Rutan, Lynn Copyright 2014 Booklist

Gr 9 Up-In the culmination of Bordugo's trilogy, Alina is fighting the Darkling and searching for the Firebird with a small group of supporters who are tortured and tested every step of the way. This series offers an escape from reality into a world of magic powers, grief, romance, and adventure. Alina Starkov has lost her parents, almost loses her friends, and is put through unspeakable torture and suffering, but she continues her quest in spite of all she endures. Lauren Fortgang narrates the series and does an excellent job of distinguishing each character with different accents and personalities; the listener always knows who is speaking. The book does not have much introductory description to the different characters, and listeners would benefit from following the series from the start. The many twists and turns in the plot can be hard to follow if the audiobook is listened to in short spurts. The ideal solution would be to take a long car trip and settle in for at least two hours at a time.-Ellen Frank, Flushing High School Library, NY (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.