Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo (Review #177)

WARNING: SPOILER ALERT: IF YOU HAVE NOT GOTTEN THIS FAR IN THE SIX OF CROWS DUOLOGY, STOP NOW. DO NOT READ. THIS IS BOOK 2. CHECK OUT SIX OF CROWS FOR THE REVIEW OF BOOK 1!

"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."

Review:

What an absolutely fantastic read! Our fearless team had the rug pulled out from under them, but they aren't done with the evils of Ketterdam. In the last book I talked about how much I enjoyed each member of the crew. This time around was no different, in fact it was better because we got to hear from Wylan's point of view, which we hadn't before. Each person was so complex and interesting in their own right.

There was Kaz, our fearless leader, struggling with a PTSD of epic proportions resulting in a phobia of physical touch. But his mind has never been broken because he has more schemes up his sleeve than anyone knows. By his side is his spider, The Wraith Inez. She was a shadow no one saw until it was too late. She has her own demons to contend with and along with a new rival nipping at her heels. 

We had Jesper, a sharpshooter with quick hands and even quicker wit. Damned with a gambling addiction that got Inez caught in the cross hairs. He's got guilt by the tons weighing on his shoulders. And now dear old dad is in town to collect on Jesper's debt. We also have Nina. A heartwrender who took parem for her team and now struggles to keep her new addiction in check. And with her abilities no longer within her grasp, a new power will rise to meet her. 

Wylan was the rich kid turned bomb maker for the Dregs, finding his way in a life he never thought he'd live. And even when he finally gets his footing, his past seems to have a knack for coming back to haunt him. And finally there was Matthias. I believe I said in the last review that he was my least favorite character, and I do still stand by that. However, his growth as a character cannot be denied. He entered this game with prejudice and hate, and he's come to love all that he swore to destroy. But the dogs of war call to him in his dreams and he knows they won't be held at bay for long. 

Out of everything this story had, one thing that practically oozed out of every page was love and friendship. It has carried through both books, no matter how deplorable these scoundrels may claim to be, they never once turned their backs on each other. Even when their plans fall through the floor (also literally), they did not abandon one another. 

And the ending was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I mean wow. I truly don't have the words other than, these books deserve all the hype. Read immediately!!!

Thanks so much for reading, please leave your own thoughts and feels down below in the comments! 

Want more Leigh Bardugo? Check out Ninth House and Wonder Woman: Warbringer!