Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
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 left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew 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 magic in the Grisha world.
I started this pretty much immediately after finishing Six of Crows. I just could not wait to start reading the next book.
I really enjoyed Crooked Kingdom, but ever so slightly less than Six of Crows. The stakes are higher for the crew in Six of Crow.This book has more heartbreak, but also more redemption. The action is good. The characters are still just as good. But there were more places where the writing just didn’t quite work for me. But overall, a great wrap-up to this duology…if it truly is the end. I was kind of doubtful if this is truly the end of the duology based on the ending. Also, I could see a few characters getting their own spinoff books….particularly Nina and Inej.
I definitely want to read Leigh Bardugo’s earlier series in the Grisha world. Hopefully I’ll acquire the first book in that series, Shadow and Bone, later in the year. I really need to read some of what I have first…I have literal waist-high piles of books that don’t fit on the shelves. There are worse problems to have though.
One more note on this book…the edges of this book are red!!
