#btw- would die for nikolai and zoya given less than a line from a poem frfr

[apple9pie]

rule of wolves utterly devastated me (AFFECTIONATE). THE ABSOLUTE GRIP LEIGH BARDUGO HAS ON ME IS CONCERNING

that being said, i gave it 4 stars, just bc the ending felt a little off? like there were some "plotholes" or things that didn't really make sense to me?

1 - they have been at war with fjerda the entire time, and now nina is essentially soon-to-be QUEEN OF FUCKING FJERDA. felt like this shouldve DEFINITELY had more focus, because it would change the dynamic between ravka and fjerda completely. LIKE. THEY HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS TYPE OF SHIT FOR SO MANY YEARS. AND WHEN WE GET IT, WHERES THE FANFARE??? ESP ON NIKOLAI, ZOYA AND GENYA'S PART???

2 - personally i was very confused with nina's decision to not only assume the position of a monarch but to also live the rest of her life basically IN THE FORM OF MILA. all i can focus on is that SHE IS STILL IN A DISGUISE. ILYA HAS NEVER SEEN HER REAL FACE???? surely this cant be such a simple, easy decision?

3 - THEY RLY BROUGHT THE DARKLING BACK FOR ANOTHER ROUND LMFAO. honestly not even complaining abt this, his chapters were pretty intriguing to read, but i do have to say, i was kinda hoping we were done with him once and for all.

4 - NOW THIS IS WHERE I REALLY AM COMPLAINING. WHY THE ACTUAL FUCK IS JARL BRUM NOT DEAD. I CANNOT TAKE THIS SHIT ANYMORE, I WANT TO SEE THAT MAN BURN ON A STAKE. AFTER SO MANY MENTIONS ABT HIS HISTORY WITH NINA ETC, WE DESERVED A BLOODY ENDING TO THAT PIECE OF SHIT. I DONT GIVE A SHIT IF HES A "GOOD" FATHER OR WHATEVER. I WANT TO SEE NINA FUCKING RIP HIS HEART OUT.

somone pls lmk if ur seeing what im seeing, bc i might be forgetting some things (esp regarding points 1 and 2). POINT 4 STILL STANDS, ILL DIE ON THAT HILL, NO MATTER WHAT.