Book Review: Crooked Kingdom  

By Leigh Bardugo 

5 Stars 

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo is the sequel to Six of Crows. It follows a group of six teenagers known as "The Crows," who seek revenge against the bosses of the Barrel who wronged them, fighting to reclaim their place in the bustling metropolis of Ketterdam.  

This expertly crafted story is filled with twists, complex characters, and a rich emotional landscape. Bardugo builds a unique world within the Grishaverse, combining magical elements with themes of science fiction, politics, and adventure. She teaches rules and laws and builds a universe unlike any other.   

This sequel is told from the perspective of our six main protagonists, Jesper, Wylan, Kaz, Inej, Nina, and Matthias. We get to further explore the emotional scars the characters are still working to heal, and we watch as they develop a more intertwined relationship, using the experiences they have gone through together to create an intimate bond, becoming their own family.   

Bardugo has, on top of all other aspects, mastered the art of creating a heist and a plan that we readers only get pieces of. As a reader, we are only subject to bits and pieces of the overall plan, so as the antagonists in the story see everything unfold, we do as well. It creates for a unique atmosphere, building up the suspense and intrigue as we watch each of the characters work on their own bits of the overall plot, and see it all come together, wrapped up with a neat little bow right at the end.   

Overall, Crooked Kingdom is a standout tale, featuring deeply flawed characters in a world where survival is a privilege. It's one of the best-written stories I've read, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking adventure. 

TW: Speaks of brothels, some swearing, 
Rec: Ages 13+, high reading levels. 

Reviewed by Aasiya 

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