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
Crooked Kingdom, the breathtaking sequel to Six of Crows, showcases an intricate blend of character development and emotional storytelling. Fans of young adult fantasy can dive deeply into the lives of Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, and others as they navigate their complex world. Themes of trauma and resilience shine through as characters confront their pasts. Kaz’s heart-wrenching backstory, revealed alongside his undeniable determination, invites readers to feel deeply for him. Inej’s struggle with trauma and her journey toward healing resonates with many, providing a sense of solace for those who have experienced similar feelings. The representation of queer love between Jesper and Wylan adds another essential layer to the narrative, captivating readers through its heartfelt depiction of relationships. Moreover, Nina's warmth offers a refreshing juxtaposition to the darker angst that pervades the story, showcasing the balance of light and dark emotions. For those who appreciate rich storytelling and character arcs, Crooked Kingdom delivers not only adventure but also insight into the human experience. If you're searching for thought-provoking young adult novels that delve into serious themes while providing riveting entertainment, this book is a must-read. As many eagerly anticipate more stories from the Grishaverse, fans are keen to see their beloved characters evolve even further.
I agree so much with your head cannon because that’s the sweetest. All these characters need therapy and a cozy blanket.