My question is, why do people hate happy endings so much, it's just a way to wrap up a story, just because the end isn't dark or emotionally devastating; doesn't mean it cheapens the story or makes it underwhelming, necessarily.

"Someone to mourn me " and " No grave for them to desecrate " just breaks me into sobs and I'm a guy and you know it takes a lot to make a guy cry.

I'm so happy you mentioned the *character thinks they're not special BUT THEY ARE* trope because I have a lot of thoughts about how this trope is done well in the Grisha series and fits. It's suuuper important it's emphasized how lonely and insecure Alina is at the start and that she has legit reasons she feels this way (no family or friends really, overshadowed by Mal, like you said, and she's sickly and finds she can't do things she thinks she should be able to do so and puts herself down as a result) because her vulnerability is really important for the decisions she makes (and her character arc over the whole trilogy). Especially in the first book - rereading it as an adult really made it clear to me how vulnerable Alina was and some of the ways certain characters treated her really reminded me of tactics cults use to prey on vulnerable people and it's why she's gullible! and I feel like this is missed by a lot of people who call her stupid in the first book and complain about this trope! Sorry for this word vomit and I know you posted this ages ago but I've literally been thinking about this since my reread last autumn!

*SPOILER WARNING* When Alina loses her power it shows how much pain she goes through. That is the sadness. She uses her finger to play in the sunlight through the window. Or when Genya, David, and Zoya come back give her the kefta, and tell her that she will always be one of them, I sobbed, and I didn't think it was fair for her. In that same moment it was the best way to tie it off, they finally get to live an ordinarily lovely life.

I love the ending. I actually read Six of Crows first so I kinda got spoiled with the Grisha Trilogy ending (or so I thought) so I was pleasantly surprised with how things turned out. Also I really like Mal as the character and I completely don't understand the hate for him. Poor guy was toyed through all series and he also endured quite a lot just like Alina. Give him a break.

Would have loved to hear your opinion on the Darkling and his relationship with Alina. I agree with what you said and it's nice to hear someone who isn't a Mal-hater

I’m so glad to have found someone who doesn’t hate Mal! I actually supported their relationship because, yeah Mal had his moments and the Darkling was super sexy - oops - but Mal would have given up everything for her. Loved the ending!

i loved! the first book, like i completely understand why it’s so hyped because it’s just good! and the darkling? no book villain has yet to top this man. i sadly didn’t love the other two book’s as much but i still think the series is really good.

I, too, loved how this trilogy ended. I thought it was beautiful as well as sad? I remember tearing up after reading the last line. I actually hate that one particular trope that was used in the ending, but I thought it made sense for things to have happened the way they did, so I forgave it. Death isn't always the worst consequence for a main character, imo.

Daamn girl, you are doing such a good job! love your reviews. More power to you!

Thanks for all your videos in this series! I loved the series and it was nice to hear someone share my thoughts and feelings toward the characters.

I think Alina was a great character - she had female friends, struggled with her powers and her mentors were mocking her at the beginning. Hearing how she stayed in isolation was super relatable. I liked how Mal and Alina spent time talking about their feelings and how they had a history together. I think people loving the Darkling enjoyed the "unapologetically evil" bit. Not my style. However, Nikolai was a nice surprise and I wanted to keep all his lines as they are so quotable.

I started reading the Grisha Trilogy in 2013. I had just transferred to a new University and didn't know anyone so I spent all my free time between classes holed up in the library reading the first book (before I made friends). The series in general means a lot to me since it kept me company when I was lonely and I genuinely had a great time reading it! I love the characters a lot. I actually have plans to name my future daughter Alina (if I ever have one). It also made Leigh Bardugo my favorite YA author. I haven't fully reread it since my early 20s but I feel like I'd still love it (even if its just a guilty pleasure at this point).

I find it really interesting that you mentioned liking this series more the second time you read it because I actually had something similar happen to me. I read the Grisha Trilogy about 4 years ago, and when I read it I enjoyed it but didn't love it (the only thing I really loved about it was the Darkling, who I found to be one of the most interesting, alluring, and complex characters I have ever encountered). However, as time went by and I read other novels that attempted to imitate many of the tropes that were originally introduced to me in the Grisha Trilogy I began to develop a deep love and appreciation for The Series. Then I read Six of Crows a couple of months ago and now I'm totally in love with this word. And it seems that the more time pases the stronger my feelings of nostalgia and love grow.

Hi Elliot, i think you do an excellent job of explaining trilogies in a non spoilery way. Of course people will like to harp on something that's popular. Could be because they don't understand some things. Alena sounds like a very relatable character that i feel everyone can emphasize with. To see her grow into a more confident woman who becomes a hero sounds fun. I'm very interested in this Trilogy and i might try the first book to see how i feel. Job well done on this video and i wish you the best day 💜

A very interesting insight on one of my favourite series. Thank you :)

Wow. Gorgeous and loves to read epic fantasy. Plus you're introducing me to new fantasy. Awesome

I actually loved this trilogy a lot. I was so intrigued by the first book (which definitely ended up being my favourite in the series) and still loved the second and third books but not quite as much. I loved Alina so so much and thought she was a really interesting character. I liked Mal and how he and Alina ended up together. The Darkling was an amazing bad guy. He was so compelling honestly... NIKOLAI! Omg he is so amazing 🤩🤩 loved his character and personality so much 🙈. Overall I really did love this trilogy :)

I bought shadow and bone two years ago and never read it cause the reviews got to me. Yet I still bought six of crows and king of stars... haven’t read any of them. Now you’ve made me want to pick them up

The ending made me happy and I felt good about it, but I just think Leigh Bardugo chickened out and didn’t follow through with her own premise. She set up the end as a trolley problem but then let Mal survive getting run over by the trolley, so the whole ethical dilemma was turned into nothing. Maybe if it was more clear that her power was traded for Mal’s life? But the book says that Mal survived because he basically has two lives.

I added this series to my TBR, because my friend also really enjoyed her reread and i like reading things that have rereading potential :) I find it adorable that the author herself is pronouncing names from her own book incorrectly :)

"If everybody likes it, there must be something wrong with it." 😆

i love your introduction!

I love that you like this trilogy. It gets so much unnecessary hate

I just fell in love whit the Darkling! He was an amazing character!the connection between him and Alina was soo good. I completely understand that it wasn't an ideal relationship, because he used her. But I couldn't help ... I just want to see the two interacting all the time. ( sorry if I misspelled something... still learning English).

I always see The Grisha Trilogy as Leigh Bardugo's version of the 'Hobbit', a good prelude for the main books (Six of Crows, King of Scars etc that are obviously written for an older audience) while the Grisha trilogy is almost more a kids version of the events. It is written very simple and almost storytelling-like. A huge contrast with the other books in this series.

I just finished this series last night, and I LOVED the ending! It’s exactly what I wanted, I loved Mal and I hoped he got everything he wanted.

I actually just read this trilogy for the first time last month. I agree with everything you said. I think this is a sad, fairy tale type fantasy, and while not for everyone, is actually really good. I thought the ending was perfect and fit the story.

I agree with you. At first I was mad at the ending too. But now watching this review and thinking back on it, I realise that you make very valid points. Also I think that you should check out Annette Marie's books. Her books are free on Kindle Unlimited and they're awesome with great characters and world building. I know this is getting long, but I just wanted to add that I recently read Warbreaker based on your recommendation and I absolutely loved it!!!

I read the trilogy for the first time back in December and I really enjoyed it. I loved the end. Dont want to give spoilers. I would have been so sad if it hadn't ended that way. I highly recommend!! 📚😊

I am halfway through the 3rd book and I am somewhat disappointed. I came looking for reviews to see if others had similar feelings, but it seems not. I started reading the series after seeing the first season on Netflix, so maybe my expectations were too high. My issue is with the repetitiveness: Alina escapes from the Little Palace and then is kidnapped by the Darkling, then she escapes and gets kidnapped again. She is freed by Nicolai but then is kidnapped by the Apparat. She escapes and then is kidnapped by some people who want to deliver her to the Darkling. Another major issue I have is with all the buildup with her leading the Second Army, so many pages dedicated to how she rebuilds and plans an attack but in the end nothing mattered because of Vasily's stupidity, almost all remaining Grisha were killed and the mirror thingy had no real use. Maybe the purpose was to show how she is starting to feel confident and become a leader, but it still feels like a massive Chekhov gun. I feel like a lot of effort was put into creating the world but not so much in the story.

I didn’t think that I would like the ending before reading the books because i heard so many people say it was bad but when I finished i liked it a lot

The ending does not match the tenor of the book. The foreshadowing hinted at some sort of sacrifice throughout the latter part of the series. The book felt as it would be tragic; the tone is leading to some sort of tragic event. (SPOILERS) Instead, a) the Darkling's demise is ridiculous and b) no one died and the ending kind of pastes over all the loss. It is like Bardugo wrote most of the book, could not decide how to end it, and instead decided to just give the Hallmark ending. Imo, if you give the reader hints and clues, and use extensive foreshadowing and then you decide to toss all of that out. It cheats the reader of being attentive enough to pick up the literary details. Sure there are twists, but this wasn't a twist. It abandoned the tone of the book and thus it made reading it feels like a waste of time to me. I loved the trilogy for the part, and I was waiting to see the tragic, meaningless ending it was all building to--and then it didn't. I docked a whole star off the series for that. If you absolutely do not care about the destination; it really is a great trilogy. If you do, then don't read too much into or do not read it all.

Keep safe!! Have a happy reading to u!!

I recently decided to read the Shadow & Bone trilogy after finding myself intrigued by the Netflix trailer. I had to remind myself several times that I was reading a YA series because I found myself periodically hoping that it would get quite a bit darker. I also found the ending very in line with what I would expect from a YA series, even if it still felt bittersweet. I enjoyed it overall. It was a quick trilogy, and one I think will make for a very enjoyable adaptation. If I'd been a teen reading this for the first time, I would have been absolutely obsessed with the guys in these books! 😂

i liked the first book the best which got three stars from me. the second half of book two and entirety of book three was a chore i mostly skim-read to get over with it.

I finished reading the Grisha Trilogy & the Six Of Crows duology (definitely recommend 6 of crows) Currently reading King Of Scars👌

Great video!!❤❤❤

Funny, I just finished the last book last night. I personally loved the ending. Very bitter sweet.

Great Video!!!

I actually read the Six of Crows duology before this, because I didn't know it was in the same world, so I sort of knew how this was going to turn out? Since SoC doesn't explicitly state the ending details of this trilogy, it was easy to make assumptions, so I was actually very happy when I finished Ruin and Rising! It was also interesting to read the series in the order I did, because they are written so differently, and I had definitely missed the hype about the Grisha Trilogy and was kind of expecting something terrible. So again, my expectations were exceeded. But now it's been a couple of years since picking these books up, so I'm thinking of going back for a reread of the world (partially in preparation for the eventual King of Scars sequel).

The ending is perfect for me. Like wasn't this the story of alina and mal. Absolutely love how their journey went on the triology also, mal is so patient and enduring which proves the love he has for her. Eventhough I love the darklings character this story is not abt darkling and alina it's about alina and mal and Alina figuring out her powers. Mal loves her so much anyone who reads the triology can understand that. Also loving someone doesn't mean u have to do a lot things to that person. When u can't lettgo of this someone even in hard times, wrong descisons when u want to outlook everything and just be with him or her. So for me this book clearly really well describes the love both of them has for each other, alina even in all that shit decided toand tried a lot more to Leave it all behind just to be with him. But the sacrifices mal did for malina is everything he like left his everything for alina and said she's his everything even when alina wasn't able to see a'd decide for their relationship he was there for her. There's no other person for alina in this shadow and bone. How the plot went. If she did stay back and tried figuring out the darkling that would be a whole different story and an ending for sure, but since it's about mal and alina she had to leave ot behind. Also, for me if alina try and dgot to know more abt darkling all that happened in the triology wouldn't have happened I guess. But again it was Leigh's plot it's about how Alina's newfound power came between mal and Alina's little world and exposed them to stuff when they weren't able to figure out themselves. I absolutely love the spice the darkling added to Alina's journey with her power and love for mal. Grisha triology is a great YA Fantasy book. Love it. Surely love it more after the series. 😍 Love ur review.

So the thing that bothered me when I read the book was actually the "religion" of the book. It felt like it was based on stereotypes that people have about the Russian Orthodox church but don't actually understand the inner workings of it or just how saints work. I am Russian Orthodox so I think that is why this element bothers me so much and it is less apparent in the Six of Crows Duology but reading King of Scars it just becomes more and more apparent that I don't think Leigh Bardugo actually understands the main religion of Russia. Maybe I am just more sensitive about it because it is my faith that the Ravkan religion in the books is based on.

The "praise becomes soured" occurrence has a name in Australia called "Tall Poppy Syndrome" i.e. cutting the exceptional down so they don't stand out. Interestingly the Scandinavian "Rules or Laws of Jante" are similar so yes it's a very human condition.

SPOILERS: To be honest I really really like Mal and Alina. At first, I totally shipped her with the Darkling and I do still love the bond that they have, but by the end of the series I was for sure team Mal. I get that everyone is upset because he only started to love her when he lost her and didn't really accept her for a while, but he changed a lot by the end of the trilogy. And we love character growth in dis household 😎

When Mal and Alina had nothing else, they had each other. When Mal and Alina lost everything else, they still had each other. As is evident in each prologue and epilogue, this story belongs to both of them. I love that the ending reflected that. I love the Darkling as a villain, and I loved seeing him in the third book through Alina's more empathetic lens, but I think he got the ending he deserved too, and I will die on that hill.

SPOILERS: Reasons I don't like the ending: 1. Alina ended up with Mal, who was only ever happy when she was powerless. Every time she was leading or in power, their relationship was suddenly not working or impossible. He asked her to give up her grisha life to protect his ego. When they were in a fight, he became a drunk, a violent grisha-hater, and a cheater. He didn't "belong" by her side because he could only feel useful when she was weak. (Nikolai was the only love interest who respected her and wanted her to be happy AND powerful). 2. Alina never really won a fight against the Darkling. Every time they fought, she was either too afraid to fight back (because he would hurt her loved ones) or her plans failed miserably. After all that training, running, and gathering strength, the Darkling basically was stunned when he realized that she was powerless. And then she stabbed him. Not exactly the final battle I was expecting. 3. All of her character growth did not matter in the end. In all three books, Alina fought hard to accept herself as a powerful grisha and leader. She became braver, bolder, commanded respect, and learned to bear the burden of tough leadership decisions. In the end, she had no more grisha power or leadership position, which were the only ways she had grown. She was back to square one. Actually, less than square one because she buried her identity as Alina, and lived under a fake name.

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I don’t mind this series at all. It’s pretty vanilla YA done pretty well. The character interactions were the best part. My biggest disappointment was the magic system, lord and macguffins of the beasts. They could have been so cool by they all felt like weird side pieces to the angst and tension of the characters. Pretty lame for such cool ideas of creatures.

Netflix’s shadow & bone brought me to this channel ! 😊 👍

I did enjoy the Grisha Trilogy, It was a fun read. I didn't mind the tropes that much, but what I disliked the most was the plot points, they were fragile.

I have only read the 1st one... I think I may skip the 2nd and 3rd and just go right into Six of Crows lol

I’m 29, just read the trilogy for the first time, and loved it. It really surprised me. Yes, there were tropes, but I felt that they really made sense in the world and story. And there was no instalove! (As a side note, there was a lot less romance than I was expecting, especially in book 3!). I really liked Alina and was rooting so hard for her and Mal. I don’t get the Mal hate. You can almost feel how much he loves her and how difficult it all is for him. They’re each other’s home! **SPOILERS** I thought the ending was perfect. I was sobbing because I really thought he was dead! And then my heart broke for the pieces of themselves that they lost. I personally like fairly happy endings. I don’t like everything left neat and tidy like nothing happened, but I don’t want my favorite characters dying either 🤷🏻‍♀️. So this was a great balance.

Do you think I should read Grisha trilogy before I go into six of crows? Or can I read six of crows first? What’s the smarter idea?

I will reread this a month before the series starts.

SPOILERS: So, I had an issue with the end because I don't think Mal actually deserved Alina. I don't mind Mal on his own, separate from Alina. Honestly, I would have really liked it if Alina had ended up by herself and became a stronger version of herself independently. Throughout the series, Mal brings out a lot of negative emotions for her, and he really doesn't appreciate her friendship until later. Also, like you mention, Alina is so dependent on Mal for a lot of the series, and I take issue with dependent relationships. There's a line between healthy dependency with trust and growing together, and then there is co-dependency. I felt Alina and Mal were really unhealthy. Bardugo kind of rushed the Mal 180 for me too so I never felt 100% behind their romance. Outside of the romance aspect, I actually liked the other aspects of the ending.

So I enjoyed the series, I just got frustrated with Alina a lot because I didn't always like the way she thought about things and she also made a lot of assumptions about Mal and his love for her.

I really enjoyed these books, save Alina's terribly annoying "woe is me" attitude!

It was the perfect ending for me. ❤️

is the grisha trilogy better than ninth house and six of crows?

First!!!!!!! Well maybe....

It's not for being a happy ending. I just felt the ending a little... too convenient.

Personally, I think it's an overhyped series. I recently finished it for the first time and just thought, as a series, its alright.

I hated the ending Spoilers . . . . . . There was no precedent set for resurrection and it just came out of nowhere

It's a series that is ....hm, not that bad on one side but on other it is a bit meh and bland. Didn't enjoy the style of writing that much - a sentence of just a couple of words isn't working for me and feels a bit cheap.