Finished Crooked Kingdom
Crooked Kingdom, along with the first of it’s series Six of Crows, was such an amazing book! It was difficult for me to set down. I fell in love with the characters immediately, along with the city of Ketterdam. I found this series to be much more entertaining and enriching than the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Mainly the characters.
(Slight spoilers? Kind of but not really)
Kaz’s trauma and backstory was so incredibly heartbreaking. I wish I could wrap him up in a warm blanket, give him some hot coffee and smooch his little forehead. I felt myself missing Jordie as if he was my own big brother, taken from my arms too soon.
Inej’s story was incredibly personal to me. Her talk of shutting down and blocking out her trauma as it happened made me feel so seen.
Jesper’s and Wylan’s relationship had me blushing, laughing, and crying all at once. Seeing casual Queer representation still pulls at my young, gay, heart strings.
Nina was the absolute sweetest. Her casual demeanor amongst the crows, never scared to give someone a quick hug or peck to the cheek was the relief the book needed along with all the angst the characters were constantly going through.
I genuinely don’t think I could write a full paragraph about Mathias without crying. (Iykyk) His love for Nina was gut-wrenching. I need a third book strictly about his wolf Trassel. I head canon Nina finding Trassel in the Fjerdan arctic and taking care of him. Nobody is talking me out of this.
I laughed. I cried. I threw up in my mouth a little. 5/5 stars.
#sixofcrows #shadowandbone #crookedkingdom #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookrec #bookrecs #queerbooks #queerbookrecommendations #grishaverse
Speaking of first impressions, have you seen the Crooked Kingdom book cover? The one with the dark, intricate crow design really pulls you in. It perfectly captures the dark, gritty atmosphere of Ketterdam and the cunning nature of the Crows. I remember picking it up and feeling an immediate connection – it just screams 'adventure and intrigue.' Sometimes, I even browse online for different special editions because the artwork in this series is just stunning. It's truly a collector's dream for any Grishaverse fan, and the Netflix sticker on some versions reminds you of the show's connection, too. For anyone wondering about diving into Crooked Kingdom, it's the second book in the Six of Crows duology, which is part of Leigh Bardugo's larger Grishaverse. While it can be read somewhat independently, I honestly can't recommend enough starting with Six of Crows first. Reading the duology in order really lets you appreciate the character development, the intricate plot, and the emotional stakes. If you go in blind, you might miss some of the rich backstory and relationship dynamics that make this series so compelling. Trust me, the payoff is worth it! This isn't just 'what is the book Crooked Kingdom about?' – it's about experiencing a world. And oh, Kaz Brekker! The queries asking about a 'Kaz Brekker Crooked Kingdom illustration' truly speak to how iconic he is. His character is just so complex and brilliantly written. From his sharp mind to his traumatic past, every layer of Kaz is fascinating. I found myself constantly rooting for him, even when he made questionable choices. His dynamic with Inej, his loyalty to his crew, and his relentless pursuit of justice (in his own way) make him one of the most memorable characters I've ever encountered in YA fantasy. It’s hard not to imagine what he looks like, his cane, his gloves – he’s just so vivid in my mind. He’s the kind of character you want to see illustrated in every possible way. What truly makes Crooked Kingdom stand out is its ability to make you feel everything alongside the characters. The way Leigh Bardugo weaves together themes of trauma, found family, and queer representation is just masterful. I still think about the witty banter between Jesper and Wylan, the unwavering strength of Inej, and Nina's fierce heart. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you breathless, this is it. It's more than just a heist story; it's a deep dive into what it means to survive and thrive against all odds. It’s definitely earned its spot on my top book recommendations list, especially if you enjoyed Shadow and Bone but crave a more character-driven plot. Give it a read – you won't regret entering the dark, brilliant world of Ketterdam. It's a reminder of why I love reading so much, and why stories like this deserve all the hype.
I agree so much with your head cannon because that’s the sweetest. All these characters need therapy and a cozy blanket.