Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2)
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.
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Rating: 5/5
"I would have come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together—knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that's what we do. We never stop fighting."
There is little I can say about this one that the rest of the world hasn't already said, and that speaks to how great it was. It absolutely lived up to the expectations set by Six of Crows, which was a tall order! Even though I knew twists and turns in the plot were coming, I never could have predicted what they would be. It kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing the entire time. That ending!!! And ugh, my heart! SO, so good.
The thing I loved best about Six of Crows was the characters, and I was not disappointed in their development in Crooked Kingdom. Bardugo's skill is absolutely undeniable, and the chemistry between couples is off the charts. There are very few outright romantic scenes—you might call them almost romantic—but it is so much better that way. She gives us just enough to understand the depth of these characters' emotions, the desperation of their hearts. And that's all we need. Hands down, Jesper and Wylan were my absolute favorite, and I found myself thinking about their scenes even when I put the book down. And that scene with Inej's shoulder?? Bardugo. is. brilliant.
I may or may not have bought a weekend-long ticket to BookCon in NYC in June just because she's going to be there.