Title: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2)

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. 2016

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages: 561

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seasonal TBR

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.

Oh yes! I was hoping for an action packed end to the story of these six misfits. And we got one. I feel even more for Kaz as he tries to rescue Inej and make the various parties pay for their crimes. I loved attempting to figure out his plan before it was fully revealed. I loved how he connected even more with many of the characters, specifically Wylan, love them together! Beyond Kaz, we finally get to see the other characters come into their own power and identity. There are plenty of heartfelt moments throughout the book that keep me emotionally connected through the various action sequences. I am so in love with the this duology. And we get a tantalizing appearance from Nikolai that should lead into his duology. It’s on my list for later this year! I am sad to leave Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Nina, and Matthias, but it was a good ending.

Six of Crows:

• #1 Six of Crows

• #2 Crooked Kingdom

Next up on the TBR pile: