Book Review: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Crooked Kingdom

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series/Standalone: Six of Crows Series (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, 

Pages: 561

Publisher: Square Fish

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line:  "Retvenko leaned against the bar and tucked his nose into his dirty shot glass."

"Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekeer 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."

My Rating: 5/5

When I was reading this book all I could think was, "People really think the first one is better than this one." I thought that this one outranked the first one in many ways, but this is also because I don't love books with journeys. I preferred the second one for this distinct reason. Between great characters, a fully fleshed-out city and the twists of a lifetime how could this not be a 5-star book. I adore this series and I can't wait to read King of Scars. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series/Standalone: Six of Crows Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 465

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Joost had two problems: the moon and his mustache."

"Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price- and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz Is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager

A runaway with a privileged past

A spy known as the Wraith

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction- if they don't kill each other first."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book was such a fun read. At the request of a friend (and with her helpful purchase of a boxset) I finally started this duology. And it was excellent. Leigh Bardugo does such an excellent job of setting up character dynamics and giving each character their own distinct voice. It's something I love about her work. I also loved the premise of the story, where it fell a little short for me was the heavy leaning on a relationship that I liked when there was a trope with another relationship that I liked more right beside it. It's just a matter of preference. I do plan on continuing the series and I can't wait to see how the author takes the story after such a strong ending.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny