Crooked Kingdom: Better than the first, but still not my favorite.

I didn’t love Six of Crows, the first in the Six of Crows duology, but I liked the ending enough that I knew I had to read Crooked Kingdom. I went into the sequel (and finale) with lower expectations, because I knew heisty books aren’t my thing (these books are basically Ocean’s Eleven set in a fantasy world). I’d say that overall my expectations were met, and while this may not be my favorite book series ever, I can see why most people absolutely adore these books.

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 left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, 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 magic in the Grisha world.

What I liked:

• There was a bit more focus on the social/cultural aspects of the six main characters in this book. We got to learn a lot more about their history and their relationships with their families. There was also a lot more relationship building with each other. Yay!
• I really do love these characters. Bardugo did a fantastic job making them three dimensional and she gave them just enough unique qualities that they felt like real people.
• My superficial two cents: This book aesthetic is on point! The cover, painted edges and section dividers are gorgeous!

I am most definitely in the minority on this one. People LOVE these books. If you don’t mind heists, I think there’s a good chance you’d love the book, too.

See my review of Six of Crows here.

I know a lot of my book blogger friends have read this one. Anyone else not obsessed with these books? Or did you love it? If you haven’t read the series, think you’ll pick it up?

A.S. Thornton

A.S. Thornton has evolved from book blogger to author with a particular fondness for writing forbidden love in ancient deserts. When not writing, she’s caring for dogs and cats as a veterinarian. You’ll never find animals at the center of her writing, though, because those fictional worlds don’t have veterinarians and her literal brain can’t accept that the poor critters would be without parasite prevention. Thornton’s debut, DAUGHTER OF THE SALT KING is available wherever books are sold.