Synopsis:

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.

(Via Barnes & Noble)

My Impressions:

About the Author:

Leigh Bardugo is a #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Young Adult fantasy. In addition to The Six of Crows Duology, she has written The Grisha Trilogy–set in the same world of the Grisha as Six of Crows–along with a couple of kids books. According to her website, she has three more books in the works.

About the Book:

Get ready, because the action hasn’t stopped.

As a sequel to Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom hits the ground running, carrying the energy of the previous book by dropping its readers into the beginning of a new heist-in-progress, one that will determine the fate of our favorite bunch of gangsters. Kaz Brekker’s team of dangerous criminals are now outlaws and the stakes are higher than ever; even though they should be on the run, they’re out to rescue their captured friend from the clutches of a back-stabbing merchant overlord. Reeling from the successes and failures of the previous adventure and, with no resources or allies, they can only rely on each other for survival.

Just when I thought this bunch of badass misfits couldn’t get any cooler, they do. As they each capitalize on the lessons they learned in the last book, we get to watch them become a force to be reckoned with in the face of more and more danger. Tension and conflict and character development take off right out the gate so that, when I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down until halfway through, and then only because I had to sleep. Bardugo makes you think you know where the plot is going, only to draw the curtain back to reveal the hidden mirrors. You just thought, she smirks at you. Her character, Kaz Brekker, not only stays a step ahead of his enemies (for the most part), but also ahead of the readers, making for delicious twists and surprises.

The Six of Crows Duology is technically a sequel to The Grisha Trilogy. A few characters from the trilogy are mentioned and some even make an appearance (squee-worthy for those of us who’ve read both), but readers need not have read about the Grisha to enjoy this story. Bardugo seamlessly weaves their backstories in so newcomers will not be left in the dark.

This story is masterfully woven into a fast-paced tale of anti-hero justice and vengeance, clever heists, cunning tricks, and intriguing characters, all set in the beautiful 1900s-esque merchant undercity of Ketterdam. I’m especially pleased that the narrative reaches a satisfying climax for all characters involved and it takes enough time with the wrap-up to answer all lingering questions. If you’ve read Six of Crows, you won’t be disappointed with this crowning sequel. If you haven’t and you’re not quite convinced, you can read my review of the prequel before you go pick it up.

No mourners, no funerals.

Goodreads rating: 4.63 stars
My rating: 5/5 stars