Name: Crooked Kingdom
Rating: 4.651972789115646 (3675 reviews)
ISBN: 9781491589267

Leigh Bardugo

Lauren Fortgang

Fred Berman

Elizabeth Evans

Roger Clark

Jay Snyder

Kevin T. Collins

Peter Ganim

Brandon Rubin

Crooked Kingdom

Mari

fc ♡

Abigail Mills

giuli

Giulia Assenza 

Kim Traas

Someone

Seleena Hillier

Sophie

Anna Stewart

vinny<3

kari <33

Her heart was a river that carried her to the sea. 

Amaia Rivero

Ivy Dena

Destiny Marley

samreen 

Annika Morf

Liz Griffin

Alessia (Taylor's version) 

Tanishi Sharda

Imzy

Lauren

Amelia

Betty

Haley

Lindsey

elena 

The Grishaverse will be coming to Netflix soon with Shadow and Bone, an original series! 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 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.

A Sequel to Six of Crows

ikkychan

I normally despise the use of a cliffhanger between a prequel and its sequel. I know it’s a much-sought-after strategy used in a wide variety of literature across all forms of media due to its cost-effectiveness. It's employed for its sheer capability to create anticipation and curiosity among readers, encouraging them to eagerly await and start the sequel right away like a clueless rabbit in a snare. Arguably, if it’s done half-heartedly as a last-minute tactic to ensure future consumers, I wouldn’t bat two of my lashes together. However, this is a whole different case for ‘Crooked Kingdom’ by Leigh Bardugo. I was completely sold, lock, stock and barrel. Pun intended. Kaz Brekker needs to rethink his life decisions. He and his crew might have just accomplished the most impossible feat of their lives and managed to escape by a hair’s breadth. Yet, he made the gravest mistake of his life by trusting a merchant’s word. They were ambushed, and Inej was taken away as an exchange guarantee for Kuwei Yul-Bo. Out of the lion's den, into an alligator's mouth—life's funny that way. Weary and beaten, they scrape together what’s left of their damaged dignity, trying to conceive another impossible feat that would deliver a fatal blow to Jan Van Eyck, Pekka Rollins, and the entirety of Ketterdam all at once, concluding their love-hatred relationship with the city. Kaz is going to make Ketterdam an offer it can't refuse. It is an indisputable fact that the way Bardugo ends Six of Crows was a masterclass in executing a cliffhanger ending. The transition between the two books felt seamless, with the prequel acting as a compelling setup for what is going to come in Crooked Kingdom. Of course, we as a reader could see Jan Van Eyck’s deception from a mile away and murmur “there’s no way this man is playing an honest game” under our breath all the time, but that doesn’t mean the ending completely put a damper on the entire story. Bardugo unfolds the conclusion to the prequel with a climactic moment that is both satisfying in its own right and leaves open the potential for further exploration in the sequel. The reader is more than willing to be trapped in a strategy that plays on human desire for closure and the need to see how a story unfolds after being left at a critical juncture. But of course, none of those would have mattered had we not invested enough to follow what happens in the next installment. What has completely sold the book to the reader and left them impatient for more of the Dregs in the continuation of the story is the way Bardugo weaves this assembly of widely different characters who fit together like a puzzle. We enjoy seeing them exchanging wit, resolve differences, fight and make peace, advance as individuals in a span of 600+ pages. The book also ensures that the unresolved elements in the prequel are directly related to the overarching storyline of the sequel. Wylan and Jesper, who didn’t receive much detailed and thorough exploration of their characters' pasts and experiences to contribute to their overall development in the first book, were given a much-needed elaboration here. This allows both of them to have a more rounded character progression, and the reader gains a better understanding of who they are as individuals and their raison d'etre. Another reason why I can't hardly put the book down is the intricate worldbuilding, a far cry from some of its contemporaries that tend to treat their setting and location as mere cardboard props in the background. Here, we are presented with a city where monetary gain is held up on a pedestal—almost as a sacred purpose (I believe their common wise word would sound like 'all's fair in copper and coin'). Bardugo masterfully showcases extensive information that builds the characteristics of the city, highlighting its capitalistic nature down to its nuances and sentiments. This includes its streets, laws, and rules; profit-oriented individuals; the city's reliance on taxes from businesses (whether legal or not) in Barrel; and teaches us the reasons behind the authorities' inability or unwillingness to address issues like street violence, theft, slavery, and the leaders of Barrel. This uncanny reflection of the world's current socioeconomic climate might teach us a thing or two about why an informed minority (Kaz) would usually win against an uninformed majority (the entirety of Ketterdam). Lastly, I would applaud Bardugo for not making the relationship between the characters the focus of the story. The portrayal of how each pairing progresses as the story goes on actually enriches the storyline instead of cheapening it or turning it into another Wattpad chick-lit, a boring excuse for a book. Sure, the dynamic between Kuwei and Jesper might seem unnecessary and more like an anecdote in the author's attempt to bring something out of the former’s flat personality, but we can all agree that it would not hold a candle to what Kaz and Inej share. The slow burn that these two experience is depicted quite vividly through every glance they exchange or the slightest touch between their skin, and later concluded quite realistically. Kaz is not the Beast who would be healed with a kiss, and Inej is not the beautiful bookworm with Stockholm syndrome arriving to save the day. On the whole, I would say this duology is one of the best (Western) YA Fantasy works in the 21st Century. Its consistent setting development, the colorful cast of characters, and the high-stakes suspense that carries the story from start to end have left a palpable pang in my heart as I close the last page of the book, knowing I would not dare open another one in the Grishaverse for fear of damaging the good grace these two stories have bestowed upon me.

*The Grishaverse will be coming to Netflix soon with Shadow and Bone, an original series!* The stunning sequel to SIX OF CROWS, this is GAME OF THRONES meets OCEAN'S ELEVEN in a fantasy epic from the number 1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Leigh Bardugo. Welcome to the world of the Grisha. Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts 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. As gripping, sweeping and memorable as the Grisha trilogy - SHADOW AND BONE, SIEGE AND STORM and RUIN AND RISING - this novel is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Laini Taylor, Kristin Cashore and GAME OF THRONES. Winner of the Teen Choice Book Award for Book of the Year.

Book 2

Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows Book 2)

I didn't think I would finish the Six of Crows duology in the span of six days when I first picked up the book. It was so well written and built so beautifully I could escape into a whole new world just by turning the pages. I loved reading the details, it was written as to make it feel the reader already belonged to that place, like you're familiar with the setting. Definitely will be recommending this to everyone I come across.

rumitumi

Ashley Denktas

I didn’t think the second book could top the first but it’s so good. 

An amazing book that has all of the strengths of six of crows and then more the development the main six go through feels so natural and well written i found myself crying several times through the book especially (spoiler warning) when matthias died the characters were so easy to get attached to that i couldnt help but cry at several different points. A very very good book that i would recommend to anyone 

Evelyn 

Steph

First of all, how dare you, Leigh Bardugo for shattering my heart into pieces???? Matthias and Nina are my favourite duo in the book and this is how you treat them???? Excuse me???? The audacity for you to repeat the same fucking line for Matthias' intro and his last line. LIKE??? What the fucking fuck???? I'll never recover from this. This is my fucking roman empire. Back to the review. To be completely honest, I prefer the heist in Six of Crows more than this. Maybe it's because we were just introduced to the six members and we don't know about them, about their power, if they're going to betray one another. The stakes are so much higher in the first book. And the setting in the first book is so much grander too. I love what Leigh Bardugo did in this book, but I just think that the first book has a better plot, but this book has the upper hand in the emotional stuff. The last 10% of the book is just one tear-jerking scene after another. And I love that the book is conclusive, everyone kinda has their own ending. BUT JUSTICE FOR MATTHIAS AND NINA BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK. Like what Wylan said, I thought everyone was going to get out of this alive too. How naive of me to think that they're all going to be ok. I hate and love Leigh Bardugo for killing Matthias. Hate it because he's my fav! Love it cause it just adds so much more emotional nuance to the book. I think whether you're a Matthias fan or not, you're going to feel something when his character is killed off. And it was so sudden too! And by his people as well! The amount of emotional trauma Leigh Bardugo gave is astounding. I'm gonna need to get money from her for my therapy. And that last scene of Matthias with Nina. I bawled my eyes out. I thought he was going to be okay, but FUCK YOU leigh bardugo for crushing my heart. But let's move on from them (even though I can never), I love the ending that she gave for Kaz and Inej. It's the perfect fit. Inej can't heal Kaz and Kaz clearly has a lot more healing to do, but to see him taking the first step of touching Inej without his gloves on. I was so proud of him. Literally cheered when I read it. And the things he would do to make Inej happy. Ugh, just kill me already. It's even more emotional because Inej's always doubts Kaz's feelings and though that she's just another asset to Kaz. She didn't even know if Kaz would rescue her in the beginning of the book and when Kaz says that he'll always come for her, that makes me cry. And then there's Wylan and Jesper. I like that this book gives Wylan a voice and I get to explore his backstory because I was pretty much clueless about his character in the first book. I like that both Wylan and Jesper make each other a better person and would do anything to protect one another. The way Wylan steps in to cover Jesper for his dad makes me go awww. At the end of the book when Wylan's dad says he'll never succeed as a merchant cause he can't read and Jesper comes straight to his rescue is another swoon-worthy moment. They complete each other. That's all I'm gonna say. I'm just so upset that this book is over because I'd do anything to read about the crows again, but also thankful that she ended it here because any additional story will not do justice to any of the characters. So yeah, I'm conflicted. I'm torn. Hopefully I get to see some cameos in the next series. TLDR, great book, will make you cry a lot. Don't read if you don't want your heart to be shattered.

kiwi

Now I don’t know what to say ….. I can’t cry or laugh this was emotionally draining

Tiff W

This was the perfect sequel to Six of Crows. Leigh Bardugo has developed some of the most solid, fleshed-out characters I've ever read. Their relationships cater to no one but themselves. Every action is a product of their inherent traits. Everything happens for a reason, even if there was one major thing I wish didn't. This book kept me up until 2 am on school nights. I cried for all the Dregs and Ketterdam and the Grisha universe. I wish it would never end.

Il regno corrotto. GrishaVerse

Melissa Cometto

Rieccoci con i nostri Scarti, stanchi, stremati, increduli di aver portato a termine una missione impossibile e mortale. E ovviamente non hanno finito di lottare. Questo libro… Questo libro mi ha spezzato il cuore, e io non me lo meritavo Leigh, non me lo meritavo proprio. I miei compagni di (dis)avventure Kaz, Inej, Matthias, Nina, Jesper e Wyland sono ormai cuciti alla mia anima e porto un po’ di loro ovunque io vada. Ho apprezzato tantissimo che la trama di fondo riguardasse primariamente in intrighi politici e commerciali a Ketterdam, la Bardugo è stata una maestra nel far incastrare ogni tassello al proprio posto, regalandoci scene di azione, emozioni intense, colpi di scena, e lo fa condendo il tutto con dei dialoghi divini che non mancano di arguzia, sarcasmo e savoir-faire. Mi mancheranno, tutti. Dal primo all’ultimo. Il vuoto che mi ha lasciato quell’ultima pagina è… è, punto. Non so descriverlo. Posso solo dire Grazie Leigh Bardugo per avergli dato vita, li porterò sempre con me i nostri Scarti ❤️ Nessun rimpianto Nessun funerale

Surpassed my expectations! This duology is worth the read. The complexity of the characters is the highlight of the book. JESPER MY BOY! 

Jeffrey Mabanag

A glorious Collector's Edition of New York Times bestselling, epic fantasy novel CROOKED KINGDOM, featuring: *Intricate gold iconography from the world of the book* *Seven pieces of full-color character artwork from Monolime* *A new and exclusive letter of introduction from the author* *Deep black sprayed edges* *Endpaper maps* This beautiful hardback is a perfect gift for fans, or to discover the unforgettable writing of Leigh Bardugo before the Grishaverse comes to Netflix soon with Shadow and Bone, an original series. Welcome to the world of the Grisha. Kaz Brekker and his crew of deadly outcasts 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. As gripping, sweeping and memorable as the Grisha trilogy - SHADOW AND BONE, SIEGE AND STORM and RUIN AND RISING - this novel is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Laini Taylor, Kristin Cashore and GAME OF THRONES. Winner of the Teen Choice Book Award for Book of the Year.

Six of Crow: Crooked Kingdom Collector's Edition

So many twists and gut wrenching revelations. Broke my heart so perfectly, I absolutely loved it! 

Noumbé Diop

My lord was this a long winded book. It took over a month to read. It dragged at times and I feel like 200 pages could’ve been cut. But the story was good. The character and plot arcs were nicely wrapped up in a satisfying way.

Bushra Yenice

STILL SO AMAZING just not quite as good as the first and maybe Slightly less cohesive. but she8888

vindhya

Hannah Bateman

i flew threw this book in six hours. i am at a loss for words.

everything was perfect. the last chapter left me with such a longing for more of these beautiful characters. watching them grow and learn and love was so so special. i've never felt a connection like this to a set of characters in my life.

i'm so thankful i could feel like a part of this absolutely magical journey.

kaii

oh. my. god.

i flew threw this book in six hours. i am at a loss for words.

everything was perfect. the last chapter left me with such a longing for more of these beautiful characters. watching them grow and learn and love was so so special. i've never felt a connection like this to a set of characters in my life.

i'm so thankful i could feel like a part of this absolutely magical journey.

I didn’t think the second book could top the first book but it’s so good.

xie lian fr

love love love. i think i liked this one more than the first since i was going in already loving the characters. and i finally got my wylan/jesper moment 🫶 | schemes and twists | found family | funny banter | lovable crew

callie

I think I could read about these characters endlessly and I like that their endings haven't been defined.

Sian Hutchinson 

thought six of crows was amazing, but this one is even more phenomenal. i love every bit of how the story progressed and how fleshed out the characters are. to say that the characters are written well is an understatement. these characters are real. they are alive. 40 or so chapters divided into 6 povs but leigh bardugo managed to put so much depth into these characters and bring them to life. i felt so connected to them that i find it very difficult to let go of the world this duology created. the crows are surely going to stay with me for a long time.

"i would come for you. and if i couldn’t walk, i’d crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we’d fight our way out together — knives drawn, pistols blazing. because that’s what we do. we never stop fighting."

chel

thought six of crows was amazing, but this one is even more phenomenal. i love every bit of how the story progressed and how fleshed out the characters are. to say that the characters are written well is an understatement. these characters are real. they are alive. 40 or so chapters divided into 6 povs but leigh bardugo managed to put so much depth into these characters and bring them to life. i felt so connected to them that i find it very difficult to let go of the world this duology created. the crows are surely going to stay with me for a long time.

PS. KANEJ I LOVE YOU.

"i would come for you. and if i couldn’t walk, i’d crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we’d fight our way out together — knives drawn, pistols blazing. because that’s what we do. we never stop fighting."

natalka

Jennifer Gosnell

Well, fuck. What a conclusion! I don’t want to leave Ketterdam and this band of miscreants behind!!! I loved them all so much. What a way to go out, though. A fantastic plot (although it took maybe 30% of the way in to get really hooked), I loved the new characters in this book, and everything just wrapped up so well. Ugh. Sad to be done this series.

Anna 

the crooked kingdom was just as good as the six of crows, maybe even better. 
I just love all the heist and found family and beautiful tricks kaz is able to do. I love all of the characters and will definitely reread it again. 
this series became my comfort reads, to be quite honest <3

Crooked Kingdom

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