Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo has been praised for its intricate plotting, rich character development, and engaging writing style. However, some readers found the pacing uneven and the numerous subplots occasionally overwhelming. Overall, it offers a satisfying conclusion to the duology, blending action, emotion, and clever twists.

Fans of intricate heists, morally complex characters, and richly built fantasy worlds will enjoy Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo. This book appeals to readers who appreciate the cleverness and camaraderie found in novels like Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson and Six of Crows, the first in this duology.

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo follows Kaz Brekker and his crew of teenage criminals as they seek revenge and redemption in the city of Ketterdam. After being betrayed, they devise schemes to rescue their friend Inej, fight enemies including powerful Grisha-enhanced soldiers, and take down the corrupt merchant Van Eck to secure their freedom and fortunes. This book contains depictions of human trafficking, sexual abuse, physical abuse, substance abuse, and ableism.

Mysterious / Gritty / Suspenseful / Emotional / Challenging

- Crooked Kingdom features illustrations and a map created by Keith Thompson, which add an extra layer of depth and visual engagement to the world of Ketterdam.
- Leigh Bardugo's Crooked Kingdom was nominated for the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards in the categories of "Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction" and "Best Book of the Year."
- The title Crooked Kingdom reflects the central theme of deception and moral ambiguity that characterizes the heist-planning protagonists and their gritty, complex world.

Leigh Bardugo

Novel

Six of Crows

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Crooked Kingdom | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Crooked Kingdom Summary and Study Guide

Background

Crooked Kingdom Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Forsaken”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

Crooked Kingdom Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “A Killing Wind”

Part 2, Chapters 5-10

Crooked Kingdom Part 2, Chapters 5-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Brick by Brick”

Part 3, Chapters 11-16

Crooked Kingdom Part 3, Chapters 11-16 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “The Unexpected Visitor”

Part 4, Chapters 17-23

Crooked Kingdom Part 4, Chapters 17-23 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Kings & Queens”

Part 5, Chapters 24-32

Crooked Kingdom Part 5, Chapters 24-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Action & Echo”

Part 6, Chapters 33-45

Crooked Kingdom Part 6, Chapters 33-45 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Crooked Kingdom Character Analysis

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Themes

Crooked Kingdom Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Crooked Kingdom Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Crooked Kingdom Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Crooked Kingdom Essay Topics

Crooked Kingdom: A Sequel to Six of Crows

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Crooked Kingdom?

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Book Details