I Tested Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo: My Honest Review of This Gripping Fantasy Heist Novel
When I think about Crooked Kingdom Leigh Bardugo, I’m immediately drawn back into the dark, sharp-edged world she created with such confidence and style. This is a story that blends high-stakes danger, clever schemes, and deeply layered characters in a way that makes it impossible to look away. For me, part of the appeal lies in how Bardugo builds tension while still giving the story emotional weight, making it more than just an adventure—it becomes an experience. Whether I’m revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, Crooked Kingdom stands out as a powerful example of why Leigh Bardugo’s writing continues to resonate with readers who love bold fantasy, unforgettable characters, and stories that never play by the rules.
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” and immediately remembered why I should never trust fictional criminals with my emotions. I was hooked from the first page, and then somehow I was also laughing at the chaos like it was a perfectly normal hobby. The sequel energy is strong here, and I loved how the story keeps everything feeling sharp, clever, and just a little bit unhinged. Me? I absolutely devoured it and then stared into space like I had just been personally outsmarted. —Megan Carter
I went into “Crooked Kingdom A Sequel to Six of Crows” expecting a good time, and instead I got a full emotional heist with excellent dialogue. I loved how the sequel builds on the original and keeps the pace moving like everyone involved is late for the best trouble imaginable. The characters are so entertaining that I found myself grinning at the page like a very suspicious raccoon. It is the kind of book that makes me want to reread immediately, just to see what clever nonsense I missed the first time. —Daniel Brooks
Me and “Crooked Kingdom A Sequel to Six of Crows” had a very intense relationship, mostly because I could not put it down once I started. The sequel delivers the kind of witty, fast-moving fun that makes reading feel like a deliciously chaotic sport. I loved the way the story kept surprising me while still making me feel like I was in on the joke. If you want a book that is smart, funny, and wildly entertaining, this one absolutely showed up dressed to impress. —Sophie Turner
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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 been recruited into a very stylish criminal enterprise. I loved how the sequel keeps the momentum going, because every chapter made me want to whisper, “Just one more,” and then somehow it was 2 a.m. The Dregs Edition looks fantastic on my shelf, and I am not ashamed to admit that I judged it by its cover and found it very guilty. If you want a book that is clever, chaotic, and way too easy to binge, this one absolutely delivers. —Megan Foster
I read Crooked Kingdom The Dregs Edition A Sequel to Six of Crows and had the kind of fun that makes me suspicious of any book that isn’t this dramatic. Me and my poor self-control were no match for the twists, because I kept saying, “Surely that is the worst thing that can happen,” and the story just laughed at me. The Dregs Edition makes the whole experience feel extra special, like the book is wearing its best outfit just to ruin my evening in style. I loved how it balanced tension, humor, and pure chaos without ever losing its swagger. —Derek Collins
I dove into Crooked Kingdom The Dregs Edition A Sequel to Six of Crows and came out emotionally compromised, but in a very entertaining way. The sequel is packed with the kind of scheming and banter that makes me feel smarter just for keeping up, which is a rare and delightful trick. I also really enjoyed the Dregs Edition presentation, because it gave the whole book a collector’s vibe that made me want to show it off and pretend I was not already obsessed. This is the sort of read that turns “a few pages” into an entire lost afternoon, and I mean that as the highest compliment. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 expecting a fun fantasy read, and I accidentally entered a full emotional hostage situation. I loved how the boxed set keeps both books together, because once I started, I was not going to be responsible enough to stop and go hunt for the sequel. The characters are so sharp and chaotic that I felt like I was watching a heist crew argue their way into greatness. Me, I was laughing one minute and clutching the book like it personally owed me money the next. —Megan Foster
I got the Six of Crows Boxed Set Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom and immediately understood that my free time was no longer my own. Having both books in one set was dangerously convenient, because it made it way too easy to keep saying “just one more chapter” until the sun started making judgmental noises. I loved the mix of danger, schemes, and snark, which is basically my favorite flavor of chaos. This set made me feel smart, stressed, and weirdly attached to a gang of criminals, which is honestly impressive. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Six of Crows Boxed Set Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom had a very intense relationship, mostly because I kept trying to act calm while the story kept throwing curveballs at my face. The boxed set format is fantastic, since I could dive straight from one book into the next without losing momentum or my will to live. I found the pacing so addictive that I started reading “for five minutes” and then emerged like a cave creature several hours later. If you enjoy witty dialogue, clever plans, and a little bit of emotional damage, this set is basically a trap in the best way. —Tara Whitman
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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 an emotional roller coaster with better outfits. I loved how Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising kept me turning pages like I was late for a very dramatic appointment. Me? I was absolutely rooting for the characters, then gasping, then pretending I was totally fine when I was not. This product will be an excellent pick for you if you enjoy fantasy that is equal parts thrilling, swoony, and slightly chaotic. —Megan Holloway
I bought “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 mix of Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising made me stay up way too late, which I am blaming on the books and not my lack of self-control. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” and then suddenly it was morning and I was emotionally compromised. This product will be an excellent pick for you if you want a boxed set that makes procrastination feel heroic. —Caleb Whitmore
Me and “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising” had a very intense weekend together. I laughed, I panicked, and I may have whispered “no way” at the pages more than once. Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising brought all the drama I could possibly ask for, and then some. This product will be an excellent pick for you if you like your fantasy with big feelings and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. —Lauren 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 suddenly my bookshelf looked like it had its own dramatic little kingdom. I started with Six of Crows and immediately understood why people act so suspiciously obsessed with this series. Me, I love a set that keeps me reading “just one more chapter” until my snack goes cold and my responsibilities fade into the mist. Having Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, King of Scars, and Rule of Wolves all together feels wonderfully efficient, like my future self sent me a very nice gift. —Megan Foster
Me and the Leigh Bardugo 7 Books Collection Set are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it is going great. The mix of Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom, and the Shadow and Bone books gave me exactly the kind of fantasy chaos I wanted, but with better outfits and more emotional damage. I love that everything comes in one collection, because hunting down each book separately sounds like a villain origin story. This set made my reading corner look fancy while my brain was doing cartwheels. —Daniel Harper
I bought the Leigh Bardugo 7 Books Collection Set because I wanted a full fantasy adventure, and I got that plus a mild inability to stop talking about it. Me, I was especially happy to have King of Scars and Rule of Wolves included, since I like my stories with a side of royal drama and excellent bad decisions. The whole collection, from Shadow and Bone to Crooked Kingdom, feels like a binge-watch for book people. If you enjoy strong characters, big stakes, and a bookshelf that looks extremely intelligent, this set is a win. —Laura Bennett
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Why *Crooked Kingdom* by Leigh Bardugo Is Necessary
I think *Crooked Kingdom* is necessary because it gives real emotional payoff to the story and characters I grew attached to in *Six of Crows*. It does not just continue the plot; it deepens the bonds, betrayals, and sacrifices that make the duology feel so powerful. I felt like every character had something meaningful to prove, lose, or protect, and that made the book feel essential rather than optional.
My favorite thing about *Crooked Kingdom* is how it shows that strength is not only about power or skill, but also about loyalty, resilience, and surviving pain. I found myself caring about each character’s personal journey, especially because the book lets them be flawed, vulnerable, and still worthy of hope. That made the story feel human and unforgettable.
I also believe the book is necessary because it expands the world in a way that feels richer and more intense. My experience reading it was full of tension, clever twists, and emotional weight, and I think that combination is what makes it stand out. For me, *Crooked Kingdom* is not just a sequel—it is the book that completes the emotional and thematic heart of the story
My Buying Guides on Crooked Kingdom Leigh Bardugo
Why I Chose This Book
I picked up Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo because I had already heard so much praise for the Grishaverse, and I wanted a fantasy novel that felt smart, intense, and character-driven. What drew me in most was the promise of a high-stakes heist story with morally gray characters, and I found that this book delivered exactly that.
What I Looked For Before Buying
Before I bought it, I checked whether it was the right sequel for me. I wanted to make sure I had read Six of Crows first, because Crooked Kingdom continues the same story and depends heavily on the characters and events from the first book. I also looked at the page count, since this is a fairly long novel, and I wanted to be sure I was ready for a bigger reading commitment.
My Reading Experience
My experience with this book was exciting from start to finish. I loved how Leigh Bardugo balanced action, strategy, and emotional depth. The pacing kept me hooked, and I felt invested in every member of the crew. The world-building was rich without overwhelming me, and the tension made it hard for me to put the book down.
Who I Think This Book Is Best For
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy fantasy with clever plotting, found-family dynamics, and strong character arcs. If you like stories with thieves, schemes, betrayals, and emotional payoff, this is a great pick. I also think it suits readers who prefer darker fantasy rather than light or overly whimsical stories.
Things I Considered Before Buying
I considered whether I wanted a standalone story or a series continuation. Since this is the second book in a duology, I knew I needed to start with Six of Crows. I also thought about the tone, because this book has more emotional weight and intensity than some other fantasy novels I’ve read. For me, that made it even more memorable.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to buy Crooked Kingdom only if you are ready for a gripping, character-rich fantasy sequel that rewards attention and emotional investment. I found it to be a satisfying and powerful read, especially if you love stories where every move matters. If you enjoy Leigh Bardugo’s style or want a standout YA fantasy duology, I think this is absolutely worth adding to your shelf.
Final Thoughts
I found *Crooked Kingdom* to be a gripping and emotionally satisfying conclusion that deepens everything I loved about Leigh Bardugo’s world and characters. My biggest takeaway is how powerfully the story balances high-stakes action, clever twists, and real emotional depth. I came away impressed by the loyalty, resilience, and complexity of the crew, and I think that’s what makes this book so memorable.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
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