Does Alina Get Her Powers Back In 'Ruin And Rising'?

Alina totally gets her powers back in 'Ruin and Rising', but it’s way more complicated than flipping a switch. She’s basically power-less for most of the book, which sucks because her abilities were such a huge part of her. When they finally return, it’s during this insane, high-stakes moment where everything’s on the line. The way it happens ties into the whole sun-summoner mythology and the Fold’s destruction—it’s not just about her getting strong again; it’s about her embracing her role in the bigger picture. The powers aren’t exactly the same, though. They feel heavier, like they’ve been through the wringer with her. It’s a cool twist because it shows that power isn’t just something you have—it’s something you live with, and it changes you.

In 'Ruin and Rising', Alina's journey with her powers is one of the most gripping aspects of the story. After losing her abilities in the previous book, she spends much of the final installment grappling with their absence, which feels like a part of her soul is missing. The way Bardugo writes this struggle is incredibly visceral—Alina isn’t just powerless; she’s hollow, and that emptiness drives much of her character development. But yes, she does eventually regain her powers, though not in the way you might expect. It’s not some grand, triumphant moment where everything snaps back into place. Instead, it’s messy, painful, and tied to the Fold’s destruction. The process involves sacrifice, both personal and cosmic, and the powers she reclaims aren’t quite the same. They’re darker, more raw, and come with a price that reshapes her destiny. What’s brilliant is how this mirrors her growth—she doesn’t just get her old self back; she becomes something new, a reflection of all she’s endured.

The restoration of her abilities isn’t just a plot device. It’s deeply symbolic. Alina’s power was always tied to her identity, and losing it forced her to confront who she was without it. When she regains it, it’s not a return to status quo but a transformation. The book’s climax hinges on this moment, blending her personal catharsis with the larger battle against the Darkling. The way her powers resurge—through connection, pain, and love—echoes the trilogy’s themes of resilience and self-discovery. It’s not a clean victory, but it’s a satisfying one, leaving her changed but whole in a way that feels earned.