One-line Summary:

In “Crooked Kingdom,” Kaz Brekker and his crew face new challenges as they navigate the dangerous streets of Ketterdam in a thrilling sequel filled with twists, betrayals, and high-stakes heists.

The Plot:

In “Crooked Kingdom,” the second book in the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo, Kaz Brekker and his crew find themselves in even deeper trouble than before. After successfully pulling off a daring heist in the previous book, they are double-crossed by Jan Van Eck, a wealthy merchant who has kidnapped Inej, one of their own. Now, Kaz and his crew must outsmart Van Eck, rescue Inej, and exact revenge.

As they navigate the dangerous streets of Ketterdam, the crew faces numerous challenges and obstacles. They encounter rival gangs, corrupt officials, and a powerful Grisha who threatens to expose their secrets. Kaz, known as the “Dirtyhands,” must rely on his cunning and strategic thinking to outmaneuver their enemies and protect his crew.

The Characters:

The crew consists of Kaz Brekker, the mastermind behind the heists, who is driven by his desire for revenge and his traumatic past; Inej Ghafa, a skilled acrobat and spy known as the “Wraith”; Jesper Fahey, a sharpshooter with a gambling addiction; Nina Zenik, a Grisha Heartrender with a complicated past; Matthias Helvar, a former soldier and Fjerdan who struggles with his feelings for Nina; and Wylan Van Eck, a demolitions expert and son of the man who betrayed them.

Throughout the book, the characters face personal growth and development. Kaz confronts his fears and learns to trust others, Inej grapples with her traumatic past and finds her own strength, Jesper confronts his addiction and learns to accept himself, Nina deals with her grief and the consequences of her actions, Matthias reconciles his beliefs with his feelings, and Wylan discovers his own worth and abilities.

The Themes:

Trust and Betrayal: “Crooked Kingdom” explores the complexities of trust and betrayal, as the characters must navigate a world where loyalties are constantly tested and alliances are fragile. They learn to trust each other and rely on their unique skills to overcome challenges.

Resilience and Redemption: The book delves into the themes of resilience and redemption, as the characters face their past mistakes and strive to make amends. They learn that even in the face of adversity, they can find strength and redemption.

Friendship and Family: The crew forms a tight-knit family, relying on each other for support and protection. Their bond grows stronger as they face danger together, and they discover the true meaning of friendship and family.

Key Takeaways:

• Trust is a fragile but essential element in any relationship.
• Redemption is possible, even for those with a dark past.
• Friendship and family can provide strength and support in challenging times.

“No mourners. No funerals.” – This quote, repeated throughout the book, serves as a reminder to the characters to rely on themselves and not to expect pity or mercy from others. It encapsulates the resilience and self-reliance of the crew.

In “Crooked Kingdom,” Leigh Bardugo delivers a thrilling and action-packed sequel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and themes of trust, resilience, and friendship, the book is a must-read for fans of fantasy and heist stories.