Review : Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Title : Crooked Kingdom
Author : Leigh Bardugo
Genre : YA fantasy
Series : Six of Crows #2
Release Date : September 20th, 2016
Publisher : Henry Holt

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When you can't beat the odds, change the game.

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.

To be frank, I've no idea how to write this review except to say THIS BOOK IS CAPTIVATING AND INTRIGUING, YOU DEFINITELY SHOULD READ IT. I'm sure you've heard this a thousand times, but Crooked Kingdom is truly one amazing book. It's not something I could explain in a review, but rather something you'll understand when you read the book, and that's why I'm going to keep this review simple.

After pulling a seemingly impossible heist in Six of Crows, they're back to Ketterdam, but not to live a luxurious life like they originally expected. Instead, they have to plan another heist, one that's more dangerous since they're surrounded by enemies who know them well. I have to say that I miss the gang, eventhough I just reread Six of Crows back in January! In here, the characters are developed, be it their acts, their thoughts, and their feelings, without losing their uniqueness. Kaz is still as genius as ever, Nina is still witty, Inej is still being queen, Jesper is as funny as ever, Matthias is still serious and thoughtful, and Wylan is still being smart and innocent (though he's no longer THAT innocent, thanks to Jesper). Since we got 6 POVs here, I feel like I know each characters well, that by the end of the book, I'm actually teared up a little because it feels like I'm saying goodbye to my own friends.

If you're afraid that the plot won't be as captivating as Six of Crows, you needn't worry. In Crooked Kingdom, the stakes are higher, the heists are harder, and the prizes are grander. I often lost track of time when reading this, and if I didn't go out a lot with my friends, I would've finished it way sooner. Everytime the crews are in deep shit that I thought there's no way out, something genius (and yet make sense) happened. Leigh truly know how to keep her readers interested.

As for the relationship, like you all know before, there are 3 SHIPS that's ship-able. They all made "progress" in this book in their own way. What I mean is, it's really different than how romance usually resolved, but I think it's perfect and fit their personality well. Also, have I mention that some characters from The Grisha appear here? Including one that's everyone begging a series for (which is also my favorite. I think it's pretty obvious who 😏)

In the end, Crooked Kingdom is just as magnificent and stunning as Six of Crows, if not more. It is the best way to end a series, though I have a feeling we are not truly done with these characters.