Crooked Kingdom the highly anticipated sequel to Leigh Bardugo’s thrilling #1 New York Times-bestselling Six of Crows.Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As … is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team’s fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.
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This is the second book in the duology that started with Six of Crows. I have read Leigh’s other Grisha series and really enjoyed them, but this new pair of books is even better. The characters are so interesting and complex, I love the world building and the plot moves along at a very engaging pace. Highly recommend.
Crooked Kingdom is the sequel to Six of Crows, one of my favorite reads from last year. I adored this amazing, painful, gutting, awesome final installment. I wish this series was longer. I started Bardugo’s related series in the same universe hoping for another fix of this magic, and I do plan to finish it, but it didn’t get into my skin like Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom. Young adult fantasy is always my jam, as you’ll notice if you follow these posts at all, but the particular world of these books really spoke to me. I might even re-read them, which is something I rarely do in my 40s. (So many books so little time!) Absolutely recommend for fans of Young Adult fantasy.
“Fear is a phoenix. You can watch it burn a thousand times and still it will return.”
What can I say about this book that I didn’t already gush about in my review of Six of Crows? With these two books, I’ve officially become a Leigh Bardugo fan.
It’s not often you get a novel that is so intensely character-driven AND has an action-packed plot. I already ache for the characters. I’ll definitely reread the duology for intricacies I missed the first time through. A little dark, a little sad, a little hopeful, and deeply satisfying. Highly recommend.
An even better heist book than its predecessor with an ensemble cast that will remain my favorite long after the last page is turned. No one writes thieves quite like Leigh Bardugo.
The books starts pretty much where the last one left off. The crew is still recovering and shaken by the events at the end of book one.
I thought the last book was great but this one was epic.
I don’t want to say too much to not spoil it so I will make it a short review of this book.
Okay, like I said they are still recovering from the blow of the last book, but if you know Kaz from the last book you know that he has like five plans already made to get them back on track and the crew back together.
In this book we learn so much more about all the crew members, their past, their plans for the future, they hope and dreams and is a sad realty. Relationships are strengthened but there is always the question of who they can really trust. Who will betray them next? Which is a big part to each of them but also as a crew as a whole. Plus some people still fault others of the crew for the events that took place and are holding a pretty big grudge.
There are some big twists in the book, which I mostly loved. I loved the twists just maybe not the outcome.
There were some quite brutal scenes in this book that not only showed how far some crew member would go but also some of the things they have endured in their past. But to even it out there were also some pretty sweet moments in the book, as well some heartbreaking ones. I shed tears a few times throughout the book.
The end was epic and perfect (almost) for all the crew members. It was bittersweet and a little sad.
I know I will miss all the characters in this duology, It is hard to connect to some characters in books sometimes but to love every single one of them in one book or series is pretty freaking rare. And I did. I loved the entire crew that shared this epic journey, they were super engaging and made it almost impossible to not only love one but almost all. If I had to choose some of my favorite it would be Nina and Jes, but really I liked then all , each of them for something different.
I highly recommend this series.
Overall great book, lots of twist and turns, action, sorrow, great suspense, plus love and we get a little humor.
I rate this book a full 5
I’m completely in love with this series! I’m sure I raved enough in my review of “Six of Crows” to cover this one. In “Crooked Kingdom”, the rabbit hole deepens, readers are treated to more details about this intriguing group. The settings, the dialogue, the mission-everything is rich and nothing is ever what it seems. Bardugo’s writing is thoroughly entertaining, her characters deliciously flawed and I enjoyed every bit of it!
No mourners
No funerals
After finishing Crooked Kingdom this morning I realised 2 things:
1. My own headcanon is the only thing that’s keeping me going today.
2. I wish I read this sooner – so I would have recovered by now!
After finishing Six of Crows a few weeks back – my plan was to jump right in to Crooked Kingdom. I knew I would love it, so I held off reading it in a bid to savour it.
It certainly lived up to my expectations (though SoC is my fave).
There were times when I thought the plot was too slow and nothing was really happening. But – overall I think that help build the tension for the climax at the end. I certainly wished I could flip back a few pages and stay in the safety of the previous chapters, before Leigh Bardugo ripped my heart out and squeezed every last bit of hope out of it.
I laughed out loud at Jesper’s and Nina’s banter with the rest of the gang. It was needed in an other wise fairly bleak to and fro between everyone.
When you’re fed crumbs of hope on one page and then given a slap in the face back to reality on another – your emotions take a battering. By the end, I was flustered and frizzy haired.
As most of you know – I love a good romance. And, although I couldn’t say that the main ‘romance’ in this is even that – the bitter sweet affection that could be something more in time is the only hope I have. I’m filling in the gaps myself.
Through all the scheming, distrust and harsh reality of life in the barrel – whether Kaz would ever admit it or not – he is the reason that all of them came together and he was used as a buffer as they all bonded. He’s the reason for their friendships/relationships and I bet that just makes him feel all warm and fuzzy lol.
I truly hope that one day we get another story from the Barrel because I’m not ready for this to be the ending.
Review Oceans Eleven meets mystical powers, meets Oliver. What a wild ride this short series was. Two books, who just writes two book series anymore ? It’s be great if the books sucked but they were funtabulous and I wanted more. I took a whole day off from work, family, drank a whole pot of coffee and nearly stopped eating to finish this one up. The characters were so well developed, each had their own chapters, their own stories told through their eyes. Usually this style doesn’t work for me, it breaks the story, but this author did it so well it flowed naturally. The ups the downs, the plotting, the edge of my seat intense action, the search for a life worth living, oh so good.
You betcha I’ll be reading more from her, already ordered some. She just happens to have a series that has ties to this world. Woot Woot !
“What did you like about this book?” BookBub asks me.
“Everything,” I reply, tears flowing from my face as I even think of this book months later.
Do yourself a favor and just read everything Leigh Bardugo, honestly
I had so much fun reading this book. In fact, the duology stepped from the last book. I actually liked how the action built up and the fact that all countries were in the same city made it even more intense. I also liked the fact that I got to see more of the city of Ketterdam and how dark and grim it is. It made me think of the show Gotham or even Starlight city from Arrow combined. I also liked how leigh also had more Grisha elements in the book as well. I have a feeling that I should read the Grisha Trilogy after this.
Starting off Kaz who I pretty much think is the most interesting character has developed so much in the book. I also like despite being a cruel, and smart person he has many sides of him. I also like seeing a part of him that actually cares for his team. I mean when someone is in trouble or down he will actually give a look. But at the same I also like how Leigh didn’t make a 180 change for Kaz. It was more realistic and gradual which help keep the character we know.
For Inej, I think she is one of the most strongest characters. I like how regardless of her past and the situations she knows how to take care of herself. She is tough, and very smart. I also like the fact she and Kaz share this bond where they work well with each other. I hope another book comes out so I can see if they actually get together.
On to Wylan and Jesper. In the book you get to know more about the characters and their backstory. I also liked Wylan especially because in the first book I thought he was a whiny kid who just wanted to rebel. But throughout the book I got a new respect for him. And Jesper he is just funny.
Lastly, I think the way it ended was perfect and it gave more open possibilities of more books. Like maybe spin-offs for the characters and maybe another series featuring the characters because I think it would totally fun to explore. I also would’ve liked to see how the characters who evolve as well.
Action pact, emotional edge of your seat fantasy read that had it all! The characters are all unique with their own set of problems and reasons for pushing through the obstacles Ketterdam throws at them. Enemies are everywhere and their the only ones that can save themselves from the danger that surrounds them. I wish there was more!
Leigh Bardugo cut out my heart and stomped on it.
i have no words after finishing this
i can now say that i completely understand the hype around these books they are just so good. the characters are amazing and the plot is just as good. actually so sad to say goodbye to them. this book TORE me apart. chapter 40??? that was a lot of damage. chapter 26?? kanej will be the reason for my downfall. anyways i really liked the ending and i think it was really fitting for all the characters, and i will be waiting for book 3 if it ever does happen.
I love the characters and relationships in this book!!
I stayed up until two am last night to finish the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo, published by ORION Children’s Books. If you’ve read my Six of Crows review, you know I loved it. Its sequel, Crooked Kingdom, continues the story of the Crows after the impossible heist and the enemies that double crossed them. Kaz, though, will not be broken and defeated. He will fight. That’s what he does.
Though I think I preferred Six of Crows, I still loved Crooked Kingdom. There were so many twists and turns in the book. So many chapters left me gripping the cover because I thought the characters were done for. Again, the story looks through multiple perspectives so you always see limited knowledge of the job and events going on before jumping to someone with the other puzzle piece. It was really well done.
Plus, I think I laughed more at this book than I have at a book in a while. The characters’ banter with each other was on par and there were so many moments when a character was forced to do something out of their comfort zone that made for a funny sight. But don’t get me wrong–I also cried at the book. The ending was very bittersweet.
Some of the romances also developed, albeit horribly slowly, and it was such sweet relief when a certain two finally kissed. Other romances weren’t as happy, and I liked that. I liked the complexities with each characters’ fear and depression from the past and how that affected how they acted with each other.
There wasn’t much I wholly hated about the book or even disliked. I think I preferred Six of Crows only because the plot was a bit simpler and easier to follow. But a complex plot is a strength rather than a weakness-it shows the author’s intelligence.
I suppose if there is one thing I dislike it would be the hint of a found family parting ways after the events. If they truly became family, would they have to separate? Will they see each other again? This however was unclear, so I’m not sure if this is even a valid complaint.
I highly recommend this duology to any young adult fantasy readers! I’d give Crooked Kingdom five stars. And as you know, I don’t do that lightly.
A few trigger warnings if you want to read this duology: slavery, hints of sexual assault, PTSD, sickness, violence, kidnapping, abuse
Such a crazy ride!! The scheming is just incredible, and the way that things circle back around left my jaw on the floor! Such tiny things made such a huge impact, and the entire book is so incredibly written, I’m in love. Such an amazing story and cast of characters, and I am a forever fan of them and this world.
Reread for the TV show release! I love this duology, no matter how often I read it I’m never bored by the insanity of the heists they pull. The characters are some of my all time favourites.
“No Mourners. No Funerals.” I’m glad I got caught up on this series because I definitely wanted to be part of the “I read it first” club when the show comes out on Netflix. I had already loved the Shadow & Bone trilogy and this was just as good if not better (I really can’t decide between the two). I can say though that Kaz is probably my favorite character in this universe. He is such a disastrous scheming murder child and I love him with my whole heart. But this whole cast of characters and their various dynamics were great. I loved how this all wove together and how everything fell into place, even if it ripped my heart out in the process. I’m going to miss these characters and all of their scheming and near death escapades.
Most of the time I usually run out of words to write reviews for books I really hated. This time I don’t think I will have the right words to explain what this duology has done to me. I didn’t think I could love something this much and here we are.
This is the reward for the time I spent listening to Alina being selfish and Mal being toxic for 3 entire books. These books made the whole Shadow and Bone trilogy worthy of existing, just because they led to this masterpiece. This is by far my new favorite duology of all times and my favorite read of 2021. Without a question. Without even considering everything I am still going to read this year.
Leigh made NO MISTAKES. ZERO. NONE. AT ALL. This woman delivered. I have read 25 books in the last 3 months and this is the first time I have cried. The first time I have ever felt my palms sweating while reading certain passages, certain missions. It’s the middle of winter and I couldn’t even control my own body temperature while reading this. Kaz wanted to bottle Inej’s laughter so he could get drunk on it… I wish I could bottle this entire universe, get drunk on these characters and never have to leave this unbelievable world and all the feelings I have felt while reading this.
One of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. Not just romantic love, these books are about anything that resembles love, pain, loss and acceptance.
I have so many passages and quotes saved from these books it almost amounts to the entire thing. Unfortunately when you experience something this strong the aftertaste is always bitter. I feel empty inside. I have the worst book hangover of all times and I don’t think anything will top this.
I really really hope Netflix will do this world justice. I will shed the same tears all over again. I hope it brings me the same breathtaking experience, I hope it cures my heartache and fills the emptiness these characters have left behind. Watching the TV show will be like hugging a long distance friend after being away from them for what it seems to feel like 20 years.
My heart has sunk. I feel like I have ben shot and stabbed multiple times. I can still hear the sound Kaz’s leather gloves made when they rubbed against his cane. I can still feel Inej’s silent presence lingering in the shadows, her saints watching over me. I can hear Nina’s laugh and I can see her wavy hair bouncing right in front of me. Jesper’s guns are still reflecting the sun light. Matthias wolves howl in the distance to this day. Wylan’s red curls are as vivid as the brightest orchid. But don’t pity me for too long.
No mourners, no funerals.
Just like in the first book, Kaz Brekker deceived me in a thousand different ways, when I thought everything was going to go wrong it was just another plan of his. I’m suffering like a slut with that ending.
This book is totally worth it