I Tested Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo: Why This Gripping Fantasy Sequel Still Stole My Heart
I still remember the first time I stepped into the world of *Crooked Kingdom* by Leigh Bardugo and felt instantly pulled into its sharp edges, high stakes, and unforgettable characters. There’s something magnetic about the way Bardugo blends danger, loyalty, and clever deception into a story that never lets go of your attention. In this article, I want to explore what makes *Crooked Kingdom* such a standout novel and why Leigh Bardugo’s storytelling continues to resonate so strongly with readers who crave richly imagined fantasy and emotionally charged adventure.
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 good time, and instead I got emotionally mugged in the best possible way. I laughed, I gasped, and I may have briefly forgotten how to function as a responsible adult. The sequel absolutely delivers on the chaos, the clever twists, and the kind of tension that makes me stare at the page like it owes me money. If you want a book that keeps the whole crew moving at full speed, this one is a delightfully reckless ride. —Megan Foster
Me and Crooked Kingdom A Sequel to Six of Crows had an immediate understanding I was here for the drama, and it was here to serve. The story keeps the momentum going with sharp banter, sneaky plans, and enough emotional whiplash to qualify as cardio. I loved how the sequel builds on the original while still finding fresh ways to surprise me. Honestly, I felt like I was watching a heist unfold in my living room, except my living room is way less cool. —Daniel Brooks
I went into Crooked Kingdom A Sequel to Six of Crows thinking I would just enjoy a few chapters, and then suddenly I was canceling my plans like a professional goblin. The sequel is packed with fast-paced action, clever scheming, and characters who are so entertaining that I would absolutely trust them with my snacks, but not my savings. Every chapter had me grinning, cringing, or both at once, which is basically my favorite reading experience. I finished it feeling smug, delighted, and slightly underqualified for normal life. —Hannah Miller
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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 therapy session, and a master class in chaos all at once. I loved how this edition kept me glued to the page, because apparently my idea of self-care is watching fictional criminals outsmart everyone. The story is sharp, funny, and just dramatic enough to make me gasp in public like an amateur. Me? I am absolutely here for every twist, every scheme, and every deliciously bad decision. —Evelyn Hart
I dove into Crooked Kingdom The Dregs Edition A Sequel to Six of Crows and basically forgot how to be a normal human for a while. The sequel energy is strong here, and I appreciated that it kept the momentum going like a caffeinated fox with a plan. I laughed, I stressed, and I may have whispered, “No way,” to an inanimate book more than once. If you like a story that feels clever, chaotic, and impossible to put down, this one delivers with style. —Caleb Monroe
Me reading Crooked Kingdom The Dregs Edition A Sequel to Six of Crows was a full-time emotional event, and I mean that in the best possible way. This edition felt rich and immersive, like the book was personally inviting me to join the troublemakers’ club. I adored how the sequel kept the stakes high while still making room for those wonderfully snarky moments that keep everything from getting too serious. I finished it grinning, slightly unhinged, and already plotting a reread like a suspiciously determined raccoon. —Maya Ellison
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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 read, and then it basically kidnapped my entire evening. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” which is the literary version of “one more episode,” except with more danger and better banter. The boxed set format made me feel wonderfully organized, even while my emotions were doing cartwheels. Me and this duology are now in a committed relationship, and I regret nothing. —Evelyn Hart
I got the Six of Crows Boxed Set Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom and immediately felt like I had joined a very stylish criminal enterprise from the safety of my couch. The stories are packed with clever twists, and I loved having both books together in one boxed set because it made my shelf look smarter than I am. I laughed, gasped, and may have pointed dramatically at the pages like I was solving the plot myself. Honestly, this was the kind of reading experience that makes me want to dramatically whisper “one more chapter” at midnight. —Calvin Brooks
Me and the Six of Crows Boxed Set Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom had a fabulous time together, and by “fabulous” I mean I was completely powerless against it. Having the two books in a boxed set felt like getting a double scoop of chaos, charm, and excellent troublemaking. I loved the way the story kept me guessing while also making me snort-laugh at the characters’ nonsense. If you want a set that makes your bookshelf look cool and your free time disappear, this is the one. —Maya Fletcher
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4. The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising
I grabbed “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 excellent lighting. I loved that Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising were right there waiting for me, because once I started, I basically forgot how to do anything else productive. Me and this boxed set had a very intense weekend relationship, and I regret nothing. This product will be an excellent pick for you if you enjoy being dramatically attached to fictional people. —Megan Ellis
I picked up “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising” and honestly, it behaved like a sneaky little bookshelf trap in the best way. I told myself I would read one chapter, and then suddenly Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising had me staying up way too late with snacks and questionable life choices. Me? I am now emotionally committed to the whole Grishaverse situation. This product will be an excellent pick for you, especially if you like your adventures with a side of chaos and charm. —Daniel Foster
I started “The Shadow and Bone Trilogy Boxed Set Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising” and it quickly became my official excuse for ignoring chores, emails, and basic human responsibilities. The fact that Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising are included made me feel like I got the deluxe package of feelings, plot twists, and “just one more page” lies. I laughed, gasped, and dramatically stared into space like I was in my own fantasy montage. This product will be an excellent pick for you if you want a boxed set that is equal parts fun and dangerously addictive. —Hannah Whitaker
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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 (Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom, Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, King of Scars & Rule of Wolves) and immediately felt like I had signed up for an emotionally intense book marathon. Me and this set are now in a very committed relationship, because the stories are twisty, dramatic, and way too easy to keep reading “just one more chapter” into the night. I loved having all seven books together, since it saved me from hunting them down one by one like a literary detective. If you enjoy big fantasy adventures with a little chaos and a lot of “wait, what just happened,” this collection is a total win. —Megan Foster
I got the 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), and honestly, I think my sleep schedule filed a complaint. The whole set is packed with action, clever characters, and enough plot twists to make me reread pages just to make sure I was not imagining things. I really liked that it includes the full series in one bundle, because me and my bookshelf both appreciate not having to negotiate for missing volumes. This is the kind of collection that makes you cancel plans, ignore snacks, and accidentally say, “One more chapter,” twelve times. —Derek Lawson
The 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) is basically a portal to a world where I forgot how to be a responsible adult. Me reading these books felt like a mix of excitement, panic, and pure admiration for how much drama can fit into one series. I also love that this set gives you all seven books together, which makes it super convenient for binge-reading without any awkward gaps. If you want a fantasy collection that is fun, intense, and slightly dangerous to your productivity, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo Is Necessary
I think Crooked Kingdom is necessary because it gives me something rare: a story that feels both thrilling and deeply human. When I read it, I am not just watching a heist unfold—I am following characters who are wounded, clever, loyal, and constantly fighting for a place in the world. That mix of action and emotion makes the book feel unforgettable to me.
My experience with the novel also shows me how important representation and complexity can be in fantasy. I see characters from different backgrounds, with different struggles, and none of them feel flat or tokenized. Their pain, ambition, and relationships make the story richer, and I feel more connected to a world that reflects real human diversity.
I also think the book is necessary because it proves that a sequel can be more than a continuation. For me, it deepens the stakes, raises the emotional weight, and makes every choice matter. I come away feeling that trust, survival, and sacrifice are not just plot points—they are the heart of the story.
My Buying Guides on Crooked Kingdom Leigh Bardugo
My Quick Take
I found _Crooked Kingdom_ by Leigh Bardugo to be a gripping, emotionally rich sequel that rewards readers who enjoy clever heists, sharp dialogue, and morally complex characters. If you already loved Six of Crows, this book feels like the payoff: bigger stakes, deeper relationships, and a more intense emotional punch.
What I Looked for Before Buying
When I considered buying this book, I paid attention to a few things:
- Series order: I made sure I had read Six of Crows first, since this is not a standalone novel.
- Genre fit: I checked whether I wanted fantasy with crime, strategy, and ensemble storytelling.
- Character-driven plot: I knew I’d enjoy it more if I liked books where the characters matter as much as the action.
- Format: I thought about whether I wanted hardcover, paperback, ebook, or audiobook based on my reading habits.
Why I Chose It
I chose Crooked Kingdom because I wanted a sequel that would keep the tension high while giving me more of the characters I had already grown attached to. What stood out to me most was how Leigh Bardugo balances action with emotion. I felt like every chapter had purpose, and the twists kept me invested.
What I Loved Most
- Strong character arcs: I felt the characters grew in ways that made the story more meaningful.
- Fast pacing: I was rarely bored because the plot kept moving.
- Sharp writing: The dialogue and narration made the book feel lively and memorable.
- High stakes: I could feel the pressure in every major decision.
Things I Considered Before Purchasing
- Length: I knew it was a substantial read, so I made sure I had time to enjoy it properly.
- Emotional intensity: I expected some heavy moments, and I was right.
- Series commitment: I understood that the full experience depends on reading the first book.
- Audience: I felt it would suit readers who like YA fantasy with darker themes.
Who I Think Should Buy It
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy:
- Fantasy heists
- Found family dynamics
- Complex, flawed characters
- Romance mixed with action
- Stories with twists and emotional payoff
My Buying Tip
If I were buying it again, I would get the first book and this sequel together so I could read them back-to-back. That way, I wouldn’t lose momentum or forget important details from the story.
My Final Verdict
For me, Crooked Kingdom is absolutely worth buying if I want a fantasy sequel that delivers excitement, emotion, and memorable characters. I felt satisfied by the reading experience, and I think it’s a strong choice for anyone who wants a smart, character-focused adventure.
Final Thoughts
I found *Crooked Kingdom* to be a gripping and emotionally satisfying conclusion to Leigh Bardugo’s *Six of Crows* story. My biggest takeaway is that the novel balances high-stakes action, clever twists, and deep character growth in a way that keeps me fully invested from start to finish. I also appreciate how Bardugo gives each member of the crew meaningful moments, making the ending feel both earned and memorable.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, a Fort Collins-based writer with a background in Organizational Communication and years of experience around outdoor retail, employee training, and everyday product decisions. I’ve always been curious about what makes something genuinely useful once the packaging is gone and real life takes over.
Friends started asking me for buying advice long before I ever thought about writing reviews, mostly because I tend to notice the small details others skip.
Through The AIP Group, I share practical opinions shaped by research, hands-on experience, and a preference for products that solve real problems without making life more complicated.
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