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A review by micaelamariem
Kraai & koninkrijk by Leigh Bardugo
5.0
I stayed up until two am last night to finish the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo, published by ORION Children’s Books. If you’ve read my Six of Crows review, you know I loved it. Its sequel, Crooked Kingdom, continues the story of the Crows after the impossible heist and the enemies that double crossed them. Kaz, though, will not be broken and defeated. He will fight. That’s what he does.
Though I think I preferred Six of Crows, I still loved Crooked Kingdom. There were so many twists and turns in the book. So many chapters left me gripping the cover because I thought the characters were done for. Again, the story looks through multiple perspectives so you always see limited knowledge of the job and events going on before jumping to someone with the other puzzle piece. It was really well done.
Plus, I think I laughed more at this book than I have at a book in a while. The characters’ banter with each other was on par and there were so many moments when a character was forced to do something out of their comfort zone that made for a funny sight. But don’t get me wrong–I also cried at the book. The ending was very bittersweet.
Some of the romances also developed, albeit horribly slowly, and it was such sweet relief when a certain two finally kissed. Other romances weren’t as happy, and I liked that. I liked the complexities with each characters’ fear and depression from the past and how that affected how they acted with each other.
There wasn’t much I wholly hated about the book or even disliked. I think I preferred Six of Crows only because the plot was a bit simpler and easier to follow. But a complex plot is a strength rather than a weakness-it shows the author’s intelligence.
I suppose if there is one thing I dislike it would be the hint of a found family parting ways after the events. If they truly became family, would they have to separate? Will they see each other again? This however was unclear, so I’m not sure if this is even a valid complaint.
I highly recommend this duology to any young adult fantasy readers! I’d give Crooked Kingdom five stars. And as you know, I don’t do that lightly.
A few trigger warnings if you want to read this duology: slavery, hints of sexual assault, PTSD, sickness, violence, kidnapping, abuse
Though I think I preferred Six of Crows, I still loved Crooked Kingdom. There were so many twists and turns in the book. So many chapters left me gripping the cover because I thought the characters were done for. Again, the story looks through multiple perspectives so you always see limited knowledge of the job and events going on before jumping to someone with the other puzzle piece. It was really well done.
Plus, I think I laughed more at this book than I have at a book in a while. The characters’ banter with each other was on par and there were so many moments when a character was forced to do something out of their comfort zone that made for a funny sight. But don’t get me wrong–I also cried at the book. The ending was very bittersweet.
Some of the romances also developed, albeit horribly slowly, and it was such sweet relief when a certain two finally kissed. Other romances weren’t as happy, and I liked that. I liked the complexities with each characters’ fear and depression from the past and how that affected how they acted with each other.
There wasn’t much I wholly hated about the book or even disliked. I think I preferred Six of Crows only because the plot was a bit simpler and easier to follow. But a complex plot is a strength rather than a weakness-it shows the author’s intelligence.
I suppose if there is one thing I dislike it would be the hint of a found family parting ways after the events. If they truly became family, would they have to separate? Will they see each other again? This however was unclear, so I’m not sure if this is even a valid complaint.
I highly recommend this duology to any young adult fantasy readers! I’d give Crooked Kingdom five stars. And as you know, I don’t do that lightly.
A few trigger warnings if you want to read this duology: slavery, hints of sexual assault, PTSD, sickness, violence, kidnapping, abuse