Book Review: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

10/2/2017

SYNOPSIS

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 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.

Summary from Indigo.ca

PERSONAL REVIEW

I’m a huge fan of Six of Crows and an even BIGGER fan for Crooked Kingdom. Although one of the storylines at the end killed me (**so many tears**), I was overjoyed to be back in this world again.

What I Liked:

Amazing Characters: It felt so good to read such strong character development, especially in Kaz. I was on the fence about him for most of the first novel, but in Crooked Kingdom he won me over. He and Matthias definitely compete for who had the most character growth, but learning about Kaz’s background tipped the balance in his favour. We really get the chance to live in his head and see all his fears – and his purpose for everything he does – which just makes me like him even more. The women are awesome (as usual) and I love that they can hold their own in a fight. No one would want to run into Inej in a dark alley. Plus, we get the added bonus of some of our favourite Grisha (and pirate) from “Ruin and Rising” making an appearance.
Heartbreaking, but Bardugo Makes Me Understand Why: Immediately after the book ended (and I was still drying my tears) I had to look up an interview with Bardugo to understand why she did what she did to one of the characters. Although I eventually came around to understanding her reasons for it, a part of me will always lament that it couldn’t be a happy ever after for everyone. I guess we knew it was bound to happen, especially with how often they say “No mourners, no funerals”… but it still hurt.
A Strong End to Every Storyline: I felt like every character finished the series with their storyline appropriately wrapped up. Although I constantly want to know more about their lives (what happens next?!), I was pretty happy about how this ended. It felt like a healthy close. But I’m ever hopeful that we’ll get to see more of the gang in other Grishaverse novels in the future (hey, we got to see some Grisha again, didn’t we?). Keeping my fingers crossed!

*SPOILER*: I absolutely love Kaz and Inej’s relationship and that we actually get the chance to see that progress a bit further. They are two characters who have the biggest trust issues, not to mention how they both hate to be touched, and they somehow manage to fight their darkest fears for each other. They just make me so happy.

FINAL RATING: 5/5