Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Description

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo is the second book in the Six of Crows duology, set in the Grishaverse, a dark and gritty world filled with danger, magic, and high-stakes heists. This fantasy novel picks up right after the events of Six of Crows, continuing the thrilling journey of a ragtag group of outcasts who are trying to survive in a brutal, corrupt world. The story follows Kaz Brekker, a brilliant and ruthless leader, and his team of misfits: Inej, the quiet and deadly acrobat; Nina, a heart-wrenching Grisha with the power to control hearts; Jesper, a sharpshooter with a gambling problem; Wylan, a genius engineer; and Matthias, a former soldier who’s caught between duty and his growing feelings for Nina. In Crooked Kingdom, the group faces new challenges after their last heist went awry. They’re now on the run, pursued by enemies and facing internal betrayals. Kaz, always the schemer, is forced to use his intelligence and manipulation to stay one step ahead of those who want to take him down and claim the riches they stole. As the stakes rise, alliances are tested, loyalties are strained, and the team must come together to pull off their most dangerous plan yet: reclaiming what they lost and exacting vengeance on their enemies. Themes of revenge, loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and friendship dominate the story. Crooked Kingdom is a character-driven novel where each member of the crew is deeply developed, and their struggles—both internal and external—are explored with depth. The book dives into the characters’ personal journeys, including Kaz's trauma, Inej's past, and Nina and Matthias' complicated relationship, adding emotional weight to the action-packed plot. Leigh Bardugo’s writing is sharp, witty, and full of twists, with a mix of fast-paced action and heartfelt moments. The stakes are higher in this book as the characters face ever-greater dangers, making it a thrilling conclusion to the duology. The world-building is also rich, with the Grishaverse being fully expanded upon, providing even more depth to the universe. Crooked Kingdom is a must-read for fans of heist stories, found family dynamics, dark fantasy, and morally complex characters. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy books with high-stakes adventure, twisted plotlines, and emotional growth set against a backdrop of magic and betrayal.