Crooked Kingdom

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. - excerpt from book

Ending with much suspense, this book continues right where Six of Crows ended. Kaz and his crew have to fight for their life and freedom. The game is not in their favour as they were outplayed by Wylan's father. As they struggle to get out of the pinch, a new heist is planned. Leigh has done a good job capturing my attention and knowing that this is the last book, I was so excited to finish it. There were so many things that I did not expect at all. With multiple character viewpoints just like the first book, you never want one character's part to end just yet.

We're pretty set with who these crew of people are, but there were quite a bit of the past revealed and not to mention the notorious Kaz has more of his revealed. I absolutely enjoyed how each character look at the situation and how they perform the task needed without too much questioning portraying their trust and loyalty to Kaz. There's also some growth for the characters as the incidents slightly changes their fate. I love their interactions with each other, especially Kaz and Inej, Nina and Matthias. Their relationships really gets you emotional because you'll be rooting for them strongly. I can never get enough of the scenes between them and wished for so much more. I find that the one that surprised me would be Wylan as there's so much revealed compared to his mysterious background in the first book. Leigh really does an awesome job when it comes to tying all the characters together with their personalities that compliments the story.

Don't get me started on the plotline, it was absolutely amazing! From the start till the end it's a whirlwind of action, plotting and much much thrill. I cannot put down the book as from one chapter to another chapter it usually ends as a suspense for that character and we'll have to move on to the next waiting to know what happened to the previous one. That endless change of viewpoint definitely works for Leigh Bardugo's writing. This style pushes the importance of the characters, sure Kaz is the main character but then everyone else is just as important to keep the story moving forward. I personally love how it seems one character drives the story but without it's supporting characters we would have nothing at all. As the plot thickens, you'll never want the book to end. All those twists and turns have answer coming together at a timeline that maintains the thrill of the book.

To conclude, this was such a great book although there is something that I didn't agree with but I won't say as it's a spoiler but nevertheless I am satisfied with how it ended. I am sad and happy with such an ending that I'm pretty sure if I've read this duology again in a year's time I would still love it. I know that many did not enjoy The Grisha Trilogy but I love that series as well, I would say that it was good, this one was awesome. Leigh Bardugo makes you feel attached to the characters and it is hard to let them go. If you are a fan of Russia setting, magic, heist or you just love young adult fantasy, this is a must read and collect series!!!