Ash’s Reviews > Rule of Wolves > Status Update

most of the side characters feel like background set dressing? their dialogue doesn't really stand out, it's snarky but not personal, anyone could have said it. the protagonists are strong the secondary characters just aren't. also lmao nikolai getting shot at by his own army wtf

i feel like bringing the darkling back had to be a fanservice thing because why else would he be here. BUT. but. 12 year old me is so happy. i am so happy. he's so crazy. i still have a soft spot for him. it's been 13 years but he's still my favorite (besides sturmhond) from the og shadow and bone series. screw alina screw mal... i want to see more darkling shenanigans

ok this is how I'm feeling so far. it's nice and descriptive and at times it makes me laugh. nina going "well even if i like her i can't be with her, I'm going to murder her dad" lmfao nina <3 <3

but. maybe this is just me. but part of me feels like this style is bardugo trying to reach the highs from six of crows again, but it's more an emulation than a branching out.
the dialogue!! it doesn't zing the same!!

NINA ZENIK. THE WAY I JUMPED OUT OF MY SKIN. CURSE THESE CLIFFHANGERS