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A review by baknata
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
**spoilers ahead**
This book took me by surprise. I figured, being a sequel, it wouldn't measure up to the first book. I was so wrong, other sequels should take notes from this one, it was exactly what a sequel should be. Undoubtedly, the best part of this book was the character development. I praised the first book for creating such awesome characters, and this book only got better. It kept the authenticity of the characters from the first book while developing the characters in important ways. One of the most obvious changes was Nina. Nina lost a fundamental part of her character, her powers, and had to learn to move on from there. Her discovery of her new abilities didn't feel like a cop-out like it could have. She learned to have strength and power without her abilities and then learned how her new abilities weren't a punishment but rather another new tool for her to use. Seeing Nina develop throughout was inspiring. It was also interesting to read about how Matthias dealt with the woman he loved going through so much pain. I loved seeing him be more comfortable and trusting of the group without compromising his fundamental character traits. His ending had me so shaken I was crying for a long time whenever I thought about him. Another character that had the waterworks going, Wylan. Wylan is probably my favorite character, and the scene with his mother and that whole reveal had me literally tearing up at work! I just loved seeing Wylan be more confident in himself and comfortable with his insecurities. When he openly told Genya about his inability to read, I almost started crying again. The end of Wylan's story was so perfect and I was so happy for him. I especially loved the story of Wylan and Jesper. From just about the moment we meet Wylan I was rooting for him and Jesper to get together. I was so emotional during the whole piano kiss scene, and then it was Kuwei!!! I just about died! But when they actually ended up getting together, I was so happy for them, it was perfect. I also liked seeing Jesper interact with his father, and I think the use of his father in order to develop Jesper's character was really smart. Jesper admitting he had a problem and fitting his nature was inspiring too. It was a compelling portrayal of addiction and how it isn't a choice that is made, it is a compulsion that cannot be easily fought. I think it was admirable that it wasn't just made to be a joke or used to belittle Jesper. His friends deeply cared about him and knew he wasn't purposely trying to hurt others. I also thought seeing Inej on her own was super powerful. After the first book, to the audience, it is quite obvious how much Kaz and the rest of the group appreciate and care for Inej. It was hard to see Inej doubt Kaz and believe that he wouldn't come for her. It goes to show that just because you feel like you are alone and uncared for doesn't mean that others don't care for you deeply. Inej is still a superhero in my eyes, and this book only proved that further. I also found it so impactful to learn more about her past and her experience both learning the highwire and her time at the Menagerie. It just adds to how powerful Inej is, that she went through so much in her life and lost so much and is still fighting and protecting others. I thought the development of Inej and Kaz's relationship was interesting. I wish Kaz had told her about his whole story, but it makes sense that he didn't during the events of this book. I liked seeing Kaz having to rely on his crew more in this book. Overall, Kaz is a genius that constantly shocks me with how complex the plans/schemes he creates are.
In terms of plot, I think this one was harder to get into than the first book. This one doesn't have an obvious overarching plot so you don't really know where the book is going. Once you get into what going on though, it is impossible to put down. So much happens in this book and you never know if things are going terribly wrong or if it's all part of the plan, so you have to keep reading to find out. The end was unbelievable. When the scheme was revealed and everything started coming together I started freaking out. The plot was so well together that which made the reveal amazing. Every tiny detail played a part in the plan, even the random comments you thought weren't important.
Overall, this book was incredible and the duology as a whole is top-tier writing. Highly recommend this to everyone!
This book took me by surprise. I figured, being a sequel, it wouldn't measure up to the first book. I was so wrong, other sequels should take notes from this one, it was exactly what a sequel should be. Undoubtedly, the best part of this book was the character development. I praised the first book for creating such awesome characters, and this book only got better. It kept the authenticity of the characters from the first book while developing the characters in important ways. One of the most obvious changes was Nina. Nina lost a fundamental part of her character, her powers, and had to learn to move on from there. Her discovery of her new abilities didn't feel like a cop-out like it could have. She learned to have strength and power without her abilities and then learned how her new abilities weren't a punishment but rather another new tool for her to use. Seeing Nina develop throughout was inspiring. It was also interesting to read about how Matthias dealt with the woman he loved going through so much pain. I loved seeing him be more comfortable and trusting of the group without compromising his fundamental character traits. His ending had me so shaken I was crying for a long time whenever I thought about him. Another character that had the waterworks going, Wylan. Wylan is probably my favorite character, and the scene with his mother and that whole reveal had me literally tearing up at work! I just loved seeing Wylan be more confident in himself and comfortable with his insecurities. When he openly told Genya about his inability to read, I almost started crying again. The end of Wylan's story was so perfect and I was so happy for him. I especially loved the story of Wylan and Jesper. From just about the moment we meet Wylan I was rooting for him and Jesper to get together. I was so emotional during the whole piano kiss scene, and then it was Kuwei!!! I just about died! But when they actually ended up getting together, I was so happy for them, it was perfect. I also liked seeing Jesper interact with his father, and I think the use of his father in order to develop Jesper's character was really smart. Jesper admitting he had a problem and fitting his nature was inspiring too. It was a compelling portrayal of addiction and how it isn't a choice that is made, it is a compulsion that cannot be easily fought. I think it was admirable that it wasn't just made to be a joke or used to belittle Jesper. His friends deeply cared about him and knew he wasn't purposely trying to hurt others. I also thought seeing Inej on her own was super powerful. After the first book, to the audience, it is quite obvious how much Kaz and the rest of the group appreciate and care for Inej. It was hard to see Inej doubt Kaz and believe that he wouldn't come for her. It goes to show that just because you feel like you are alone and uncared for doesn't mean that others don't care for you deeply. Inej is still a superhero in my eyes, and this book only proved that further. I also found it so impactful to learn more about her past and her experience both learning the highwire and her time at the Menagerie. It just adds to how powerful Inej is, that she went through so much in her life and lost so much and is still fighting and protecting others. I thought the development of Inej and Kaz's relationship was interesting. I wish Kaz had told her about his whole story, but it makes sense that he didn't during the events of this book. I liked seeing Kaz having to rely on his crew more in this book. Overall, Kaz is a genius that constantly shocks me with how complex the plans/schemes he creates are.
In terms of plot, I think this one was harder to get into than the first book. This one doesn't have an obvious overarching plot so you don't really know where the book is going. Once you get into what going on though, it is impossible to put down. So much happens in this book and you never know if things are going terribly wrong or if it's all part of the plan, so you have to keep reading to find out. The end was unbelievable. When the scheme was revealed and everything started coming together I started freaking out. The plot was so well together that which made the reveal amazing. Every tiny detail played a part in the plan, even the random comments you thought weren't important.
Overall, this book was incredible and the duology as a whole is top-tier writing. Highly recommend this to everyone!