Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2) by Leigh Bardugo

MY RATING: ★★★★☆ (3.8)

Have you ever got the feeling where you’ve been hungry for a few hours but you wait to come home to get that meal. THAT ONE MEAL you were soooo looking forward to eat. Then, you go home and it’s not there anymore? HOW FRUSTRATING IS THAT. It’s my exact same feelings about this book. Six of Crows were in my top books of 2016 and I expected a lot  from this sequel. The reviews came out in Fall and most of the people love it, so my expectations were even higher.

Unfortunately, it let me down. Tremendously. Here’s why.

1. While I love a good and solid plot, (kudos for Leigh Bardugo for creating such a detailed storyline) this one was too much focused on the plot. It overshadows the feels that Six of Crows used to convey. Not enough character development. You can read 6 pages in a row about their plans and how they achieve it, then discover some twists and turns (which are brilliant) but end up feeling… nothing for the characters. The characters are the key to the Dregs team, how can you only stick to the plot? It ruined a lot characters for me.
2. Leading to my second point : the downfall of Kaz Brekker. I loved him in the first book, very unique, dark and sinister personality. In this book? He only appears TO GIVE ORDERS. Nothing more. Like a chief commander. Somehow, he’s the only smart one who can make the plan work  and thinks about everything. I realize he’s the leader but it would be nice to see some character dark side and vulnerabilities.
3. Some characters who used to play a very important role  were soo underrated (to the point where one of them died and I didn’t give a single fuck about it).
4. A feeling that I never thought I would experience in this series : the childish archetype of young adult books. Reading Six of Crows was very enjoyable for the facts that everything made sense, mature-wise. Reading Crooked Kingdom, well let’s say the mature-wise vibe was crooked. I don’t know how many times I rolled my eyes at the most stereotypical young adult scenes ever. Maybe I’m getting old.

Don’t attack me yet, I still choose to give it 3.8 stars for a reason! Some upsides made reading Crooked Kingdom pleasant:

1. Wylan’s parts were one of the most delightful parts of the book. We really get to see the development of a young boy into a responsible teenager trying to adapt in the world of criminals.
2. Nina’s obsession with food ❤  : “I am grateful you’re alive”, he said. “I am grateful that you’re beside me. I am grateful that you’re eating.”
   She rested her head on his shoulder.
   “You’re better than waffles, Matthias Helvar.”
   A small smile curled the Fjerdan’s lips.
   “Let’s not say things we don’t mean, my love.”
   ― Leigh Bardugo, Crooked Kingdom
3. The dark humour of The Dregs. Having been acquainted with The Dregs in the first book, reading stories about them is like coming home to your family. They have an unspoken bond and loyalty that no one can compete with. #SQUADGOALS
4. Spoilers: That  moving and tearful scene where Kaz took back the control of the Crows ! 

   

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