Crooked Kingdom is the explosive sequel to Six of Crows, delivering a complex revenge plot wrapped in fantasy heist thrills. Leigh Bardugo's second installment follows Kaz Brekker and his crew as they navigate the aftermath of their previous job, facing betrayal, political machinations, and personal reckonings in the canal-riddled city of Ketterdam.

This book excels at character development, particularly in exploring the romantic tensions between Kaz and Inej, Nina and Matthias, and Wylan and Jesper. Bardugo skillfully weaves together multiple POVs, giving each crew member distinct voices and compelling personal stakes.

The magic system remains grounded and integral to the plot rather than decorative, while the world-building continues to impress with its gritty, lived-in feel that blends Flemish architecture with criminal underworld politics. The pacing builds steadily toward a satisfying climax, though the middle section occasionally gets bogged down in political maneuvering that may test some readers' patience.

Bardugo doesn't shy away from real consequences—characters face genuine loss and trauma, making victories feel earned rather than given. The dialogue crackles with wit and banter, particularly from the sharp-tongued Kaz and the loyal-but-sarcastic Jesper.

However, this is definitely not a standalone novel. Readers jumping in without Six of Cows will be completely lost, as Bardugo assumes familiarity with complex relationships and prior events. The book also requires tolerance for moral ambiguity—these are criminals, not heroes, and their methods often reflect that reality. Some romantic subplots feel rushed compared to the central Kaz/Inej relationship, and the sheer number of moving pieces occasionally makes the plot feel overly complicated. Young adult readers who enjoyed the first book will find this a worthy conclusion, while adult fantasy readers seeking sophisticated character work and morally complex protagonists will also find much to appreciate. Skip this if you prefer straightforward good-versus-evil narratives, dislike multiple POV structures, or want fantasy that focuses more on epic quests than urban intrigue.