You know that feeling when you finish a book and just sort of stare at the wall for twenty minutes? That’s the "Bardugo Hangover." If you’ve touched the Grishaverse, specifically the masterpiece that is Crooked Kingdom, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Honestly, it’s not just a sequel. It’s a 500-page adrenaline shot that somehow manages to be both a gritty heist thriller and a devastating character study.
Ketterdam is a dump. It’s rainy, smells like dead fish and bad decisions, and is run by merchants who make sharks look like goldfish. This is where Leigh Bardugo drops us back in. When we last saw the Crows, they were basically in the gutter. They’d pulled off the impossible heist at the Ice Court, but instead of getting paid, they got double-crossed. Inej was kidnapped. Kaz was fuming. The vibe was bleak.
Why Crooked Kingdom Leigh Bardugo Isn’t Your Typical Fantasy Sequel
Most sequels just try to do the first book but bigger. More magic! Higher stakes! More explosions! While Crooked Kingdom has all of that—especially with the jurda parem threat looming over everyone’s heads—it’s actually a much more personal story. It’s about the "found family" finally realizing they actually are a family, even if they’d rather die than admit it.
The plot is a tangled web of "plans within plans." Kaz Brekker, the "Bastard of the Barrel," is at his absolute peak here. You’ve got him running cons that involve fake plagues, rigged auctions, and literal graveyard showdowns. But the real meat of the story is the trauma. Bardugo doesn’t shy away from the messy stuff. We get deep into Wylan’s history of abuse and his struggle with dyslexia, which is handled with so much empathy it hurts. We see Jesper’s gambling addiction for what it is—a destructive compulsion, not just a "quirky" character trait.
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The Characters That Own Our Souls
Let’s talk about the Crows. If you’re here, you probably have a favorite, and if it’s not Inej Ghafa, we might need to talk.
- Kaz Brekker: He’s cold. He’s calculated. He wears gloves because he can't stand the touch of human skin. In this book, we see the cracks in his armor. His revenge against Pekka Rollins isn't just business; it’s the scream of a ghost named Jordie.
- Inej Ghafa: The Wraith. She spends a good chunk of the start of the book being held by Van Eck, but once she’s out? She’s a force of nature. Her struggle to reconcile her faith with her life as a killer is the moral heart of the series.
- Nina and Matthias: Their "enemies-to-lovers" arc reaches a peak that is, quite frankly, illegal. Nina is dealing with the horrific withdrawal from parem, and Matthias is busy unlearning a lifetime of Fjerdan hate.
- Wylan and Jesper: "Wesper" is the sunshine in a very dark room. Their chemistry is effortless, but their individual growth is what makes the romance work. Watching Wylan stand up to his father, Jan Van Eck, is one of the most satisfying moments in the entire Grishaverse.
The Brutal Reality of Ketterdam
Ketterdam isn't a place for heroes. It’s a city built on the Church of Barter, where the only thing sacred is a profit margin. Bardugo uses the setting of Crooked Kingdom to tear apart the idea of the "noble merchant." Jan Van Eck is a monster in a silk suit. He’s worse than the gang leaders because he pretends he has the moral high ground while trying to murder his own son.
The "No Mourners, No Funerals" mantra isn't just a cool catchphrase. It’s a survival tactic. In a world where you’re likely to end up face-down in a canal, you don't plan for the end. You just hope you don't leave anyone behind to pay for your casket.
That One Death Everyone Is Still Mad About
We have to talk about it. The ending. If you haven't finished the book, stop reading this second. Seriously.
Matthias Helvar’s death is a polarizing moment. Some fans think it was unnecessary—a "random" death by a nameless Drüskelle boy. But if you look at it through the lens of the story's themes, it’s a tragic symmetry. Matthias died defending the very people his culture taught him to hate. He died a "barbarian" in the eyes of his people but a hero to his friends. It’s messy and unfair, which is exactly what life in the Barrel is like.
The Lasting Legacy of the Dregs
Since its release in 2016, Crooked Kingdom has become a cornerstone of modern YA fantasy. Why? Because it’s smart. It treats its readers like adults. It handles topics like disability, queer identity, and systemic corruption without ever feeling like it’s checking boxes. It’s just... real.
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Even with the Shadow and Bone Netflix show being canceled (RIP), the love for these characters hasn't faded. Fans are still holding out hope for a Six of Crows spin-off or a third book. Bardugo has teased a potential "Book 3" for years, but honestly? This duology is so tightly written that it almost doesn't need it. The ending gives us a sense of closure while leaving the doors just wide enough for the characters to keep living in our heads.
How to Dive Back Into the Grishaverse
If you’ve just finished Crooked Kingdom and you’re feeling that void, here’s the best way to keep the momentum going:
- Read King of Scars: This duology follows Nikolai Lantsov, but more importantly, it continues Nina Zenik’s story after the events of Ketterdam. It’s essential if you want to see her heal (and kick more ass).
- Check out The Lives of Saints: It’s an in-world book that gives you the background on the various "Saints" the characters mention. It helps flesh out the mythology.
- Listen to the Audiobook: The full-cast narration for the Six of Crows duology is genuinely one of the best audio productions out there. Each Crow has their own voice actor, and it changes the whole experience.
The world Leigh Bardugo built is vast, but it’s the six outcasts from a basement in the Barrel that really made it feel like home. Whether you’re a Kaz stan or a Nina devotee, there’s no denying that this book changed the game for heist stories.
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Go grab some waffles, pour some Zemeni coffee, and maybe—just maybe—don’t get into any debt with a guy carrying a crow-headed cane.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking for books with a similar "found family heist" vibe, check out The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi or Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch. They won't replace the Crows, but they'll help with the withdrawal.