** 4.75 stars ** - spoilers //
I’m so happy to have read this duology this year. Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom and the King of Scars duology achieved something that doesn’t happen to me too often when I read: it made me want to be a part of the world that is explored and explained in these books.
I love the universe, I love the whole Grisha-system, I LOVE the characters!
I love that we get to delve deeper into Zoya’s past, while also establishing her and Nikolai’s relationship more and more. She’s getting more powerful and achieves to “become” the dragon, yet she has also never been more human than after this book. I enjoyed reading her “redemtion” arc. I’m not sure if I’d have placed her where she is in the end, but I do agree that there had to be some kind of solution. And with Nikolai on her side I have no doubt that she will grow into it - just as much as she’s grown as a woman and a human being in general.
I love how emotionally wise Genya is. How she gently nudges Zoya and reminds her what love is. My heart breaks for Genya and I was actually so shocked that the just happened didn’t register until a few pages later.
I love Tolya. His big heart and his faith - not just in the saints but also in the people around him. He’s quiet and reserved which stands in stark contrast to his muscly form, and I enjoy how he still speaks his opinion and isn’t afraid of saying something that might not add to the consensus in the room but rather challenge the other character’s thinking.
I love Tamar’s strong will, loyalty and wit. Her bond with her twin (Tolya) is something special and I think the author does a very good job at capturing their relationship.
I also have seemed to thaw a bit when it comes to Alina. I do like her and her role in this book - though their naivity seemed a tad bit unjustified.
And of course, I LOVE Nikolai. This character is just so beautifully written. He makes for excellent banter material, and his way of thinking and viewing the world just makes so much sense to me. Also, he can always be counted on to lighten the mood but still keeping his head on straight in (almost) every situation.
I’m not sure what to make of the Darkling. Though his sacrifice is in line with his character and his world view, it also came a bit abrupt and I’m not sure how it’ll play out - especially with the snippet of information we get right at the end of the story.
Ultimately, I gave this book 4.75 stars because, again, I didn’t much connect with Nina and Hanne, and I think that there are a few POVs too many in this second book. We could have done without some of the information we gained during some of those POVs.
I’m not really ready to say goodbye to this world and all its characters, but there’s nothing for it, I’ll just have to wait for the next book in this universe.
