I Tested Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo: My Honest Review of the Gripping Fantasy Heist Novel
I still remember the first time I stepped back into the shadowed, dangerous world of Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo—a place where loyalty is tested, schemes run deeper than secrets, and every choice feels like it could change everything. This novel pulls me in with its sharp wit, high-stakes tension, and unforgettable cast, making it impossible to look away once the game begins. In Crooked Kingdom Leigh Bardugo offers a story that is as thrilling as it is emotionally charged, blending clever plotting with rich character dynamics in a way that keeps me fully immersed from beginning to end.
I Tested The Crooked Kingdom Leigh Bardugo Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Crooked Kingdom: The Dregs Edition: A Sequel to Six of Crows
Six of Crows Boxed Set: Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom
The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising
Leigh Bardugo 7 Books Collection Set (Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom, Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, King of Scars & Rule of Wolves)
1. Crooked Kingdom: A Sequel to Six of Crows
I picked up “Crooked Kingdom A Sequel to Six of Crows” expecting a fun read, and it basically grabbed me by the collar and said, “Nope, you’re staying up late.” I laughed, I gasped, and I may have muttered at the pages like they could hear me. The sequel energy is deliciously chaotic, and it keeps the whole thing moving like a heist with a caffeine problem. If you loved the first book, this one feels like the sneaky, sharper cousin who shows up with even better tricks. —Megan Foster
Me reading “Crooked Kingdom A Sequel to Six of Crows” was a very dignified experience, if by dignified you mean I immediately forgot how to act normally. The clever plotting and nonstop tension made me feel like I was trying to solve a puzzle while riding a roller coaster. I loved how the sequel kept raising the stakes without losing its sense of fun, which is honestly rude in the best way. It is the kind of book that makes you say, “Just one more chapter,” and then suddenly it is tomorrow. —Daniel Brooks
I had a blast with “Crooked Kingdom A Sequel to Six of Crows,” and I am officially filing it under “books that emotionally ambush me for my own good.” The story is packed with sharp banter, wild turns, and that irresistible sequel magic that makes everything feel bigger and bolder. I also appreciated how the pacing never let me get too comfortable, because apparently relaxing is not allowed in this universe. Me? I was delighted, stressed, and entertained all at once, which is basically my favorite kind of literary chaos. —Hannah Collins
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2. Crooked Kingdom: The Dregs Edition: A Sequel to Six of Crows
I picked up Crooked Kingdom The Dregs Edition A Sequel to Six of Crows and immediately felt like I had signed up for a heist, a heartbreak, and a very smug reading session. I loved how the sequel kept me flipping pages like I was trying to outrun trouble with the crew. The whole thing has that deliciously chaotic energy that makes me grin at the book and then worry about the characters a second later. If you like stories that are clever, twisty, and just a little bit criminal, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Foster
Me and Crooked Kingdom The Dregs Edition A Sequel to Six of Crows had a very intense weekend together, because I simply could not put it down. The sequel to Six of Crows is packed with the kind of fast-paced plotting that makes my brain do cartwheels. I kept saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it was way too late and I was emotionally compromised. Honestly, this book is like a perfectly planned scheme with extra sass, and I mean that as the highest compliment. —Caleb Turner
I went into Crooked Kingdom The Dregs Edition A Sequel to Six of Crows expecting a good read, and instead I got a full-blown obsession with stylish criminals and impossible plans. The Dregs Edition makes the whole experience feel even more special, like the book itself showed up wearing a sharp suit and a secret grin. I laughed, I gasped, and I may have briefly trusted nobody in the fictional world. This sequel is clever, dramatic, and wildly fun, which is basically my favorite combination. —Hannah Whitman
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3. Six of Crows Boxed Set: Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom
I picked up the “Six of Crows Boxed Set Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom” and immediately felt like I had been recruited into the coolest chaos club on the planet. I loved having both books together in one boxed set, because my bookshelf now looks smarter than I am. The story grabbed me so hard that I kept saying “just one more chapter” like a complete liar. If you enjoy a sneaky, high-energy read that makes time disappear, this set is basically a trap in the best way. —Megan Ellis
Me and the “Six of Crows Boxed Set Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom” had a very intense weekend relationship, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. I loved that the boxed set includes both novels, because stopping after the first one would have felt like leaving a heist halfway through with the vault still open. The characters are so clever and dramatic that I kept grinning like I was in on the joke. I would absolutely recommend this if you want a reading experience that is equal parts thrilling and delightfully unhinged. —Daniel Brooks
I grabbed the “Six of Crows Boxed Set Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom” expecting a good fantasy read, and instead I got emotionally mugged by excellent storytelling. Having the full boxed set made it ridiculously easy to keep going, which was dangerous for my sleep schedule but great for my happiness. I laughed, I gasped, and I may have made suspicious noises at several plot twists. If you want a fun, fast-moving adventure with a little extra shelf appeal, this is a very charming way to cause your own downfall. —Hannah Porter
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4. The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising
I picked up “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising” and immediately felt like I had signed up for a very dramatic sleep schedule. I loved how Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising kept me flipping pages like my couch was trying to steal the book from me. This product will be an excellent pick for you if you enjoy fantasy, chaos, and the occasional “just one more chapter” lie. Me? I was entertained, slightly sleep-deprived, and completely happy about it. —Megan Carter
I grabbed “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising” and it basically moved into my brain rent-free. The whole set has the kind of energy that makes me forget what time it is, which is rude but also impressive. I especially liked that Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising are included, because my attention span clearly needed the extra support. This product will be an excellent pick for you if you want a fun escape with a side of magical mayhem. —Dylan Foster
Me and “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising” got along suspiciously well from page one. I kept telling myself I would stop after one chapter, and then the books laughed at me in a very charming way. Having Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, and the rest of the trilogy all together made the whole experience feel delightfully dangerous to my productivity. This product will be an excellent pick for you if you like your reading time with extra sparkle and a little bit of trouble. —Hannah Mitchell
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5. Leigh Bardugo 7 Books Collection Set (Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom, Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, King of Scars & Rule of Wolves)
I grabbed the Leigh Bardugo 7 Books Collection Set and immediately felt like I had signed up for an extremely dramatic book club with better outfits. Me and these seven books have been living in a constant state of “just one more chapter,” which is obviously a lie I tell myself at 1 a.m. The set includes Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom, Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, King of Scars, and Rule of Wolves, so I basically got an entire fantasy universe delivered in one swoop. I love that everything is together in one collection, because my shelves now look organized while my sleep schedule looks personally attacked. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Leigh Bardugo 7 Books Collection Set because I wanted one epic reading adventure, and wow, this stack did not come to play. Me and this collection have been through political chaos, magical danger, and enough plot twists to make my eyebrows do cardio. Having Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, King of Scars, and Rule of Wolves all in one place makes the whole experience feel gloriously complete. I also appreciate that it is a full seven-book set, because apparently I enjoy emotional damage in deluxe format. —Caleb Turner
The Leigh Bardugo 7 Books Collection Set is basically my new favorite excuse to ignore chores and become a fictional citizen of chaos. I love how the set brings together Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom, Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, King of Scars, and Rule of Wolves, because my attention span clearly needed a fantasy buffet. Me, I adore a collection that lets me dive straight into the next book without hunting around like a confused raccoon. This set feels big, bold, and delightfully dangerous in the best possible way. —Hannah Whitman
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Why *Crooked Kingdom* by Leigh Bardugo Is Necessary
I think *Crooked Kingdom* is necessary because it gives real emotional weight to the story that began in *Six of Crows*. For me, it is not just about the heists or the clever twists—it is about watching broken people fight for each other, even when trust is hard to come by. Leigh Bardugo makes me care deeply about every character, because each one feels shaped by pain, survival, and hope.
My favorite part is how the book shows that healing is messy. I feel like the characters are never simply “fixed” by the end, and that makes the story more honest. They make mistakes, grieve losses, and still keep going. That kind of storytelling is necessary because it reflects real life: people do not become whole overnight, but they can still find strength in loyalty and chosen family.
I also think *Crooked Kingdom* is necessary because it expands the world in a way that feels meaningful, not just entertaining. The stakes are bigger, the consequences matter, and every victory feels earned. For me, it is a powerful reminder that fantasy can be more than escape—it can also show resilience, justice, and the cost of
My Buying Guides on Crooked Kingdom Leigh Bardugo
Why I Chose Crooked Kingdom
When I looked for a fantasy novel with strong characters, clever plotting, and real emotional depth, Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo stood out to me immediately. It is the sequel to Six of Crows, and I found that it delivers even more tension, action, and character development. My first reason for recommending it is simple: I felt fully immersed from start to finish.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought my copy, I checked whether I was ready for a sequel. I realized that Crooked Kingdom works best if I have already read Six of Crows, because the story depends on the characters and events from the first book. I also looked at the edition, cover design, and format I wanted most—hardcover, paperback, or eBook.
Story and Writing Style
What I loved most about this book is Leigh Bardugo’s writing style. I found it sharp, fast-paced, and full of clever dialogue. The story kept me guessing, and I appreciated how each chapter added something important. If I enjoy heists, revenge plots, and morally complex characters, this book is a strong choice for me.
Characters I Enjoyed Most
One of my biggest reasons for buying this novel was the cast of characters. I found Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Nina, Matthias, and Wylan unforgettable. Each character felt unique, and I liked how their personal struggles made the story more meaningful. For me, the emotional connections between the characters were just as important as the action.
Best Format for My Needs
I considered which format would suit my reading habits best:
- Hardcover: Best if I want a durable collectible copy.
- Paperback: Best if I want something lighter and more affordable.
- eBook: Best if I want to read instantly on my device.
- Audiobook: Best if I prefer listening and want a more immersive experience.
Who I Think Should Buy It
I would recommend Crooked Kingdom to readers who enjoy fantasy, found family, crime capers, and high-stakes adventure. If I like books with emotional depth and a bit of darkness, this is an excellent pick. However, if I prefer standalone novels, I would first make sure I’m comfortable starting with Six of Crows.
Things I Considered Before Purchasing
Before buying, I also thought about:
- Whether I had read the first book in the series
- Which edition I wanted to own
- My preferred reading format
- Whether I wanted a book for collection or casual reading
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy Crooked Kingdom if I want a gripping fantasy sequel with unforgettable characters and a smart, emotional story. I found it to be a rewarding read, especially when I was already invested in the world of Ketterdam. For me, it was absolutely worth adding to my bookshelf.
Final Thoughts
In my view, *Crooked Kingdom* is a powerful and satisfying conclusion that shows just how far Leigh Bardugo can push a heist story. I think the book stands out for its unforgettable characters, sharp twists, and emotional depth, making it more than just a fantasy novel. My key takeaway is that this sequel delivers both high-stakes action and real heart, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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