Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Another impossible mission, another mature, riveting read.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 35 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is an astonishing sequel with an intricate plot and well-developed characters that captivate readers, though it may contain violence and mature themes that some younger readers might find intense. Many reviews highlight the diverse representation within the narrative and express a strong recommendation for both mature and young readers, noting that the character growth and emotional depth provide a compelling experience.
- intricate plot
- diverse representation
- character growth
- intense themes
- strong recommendation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In CROOKED KINGDOM, Kaz and his crew are still reeling after being double-crossed by the very crooked merchant Jan Van Eck. Not only did they not get their money for breaking into the Ice Court and retrieving Kuwei, a Shu who can make the dreaded drug jurda parem, but also Inej has been kidnapped and held as leverage. Of course with control over the manufacture of a powerful drug that turns Grisha into unstoppable soldiers on the line, there are plenty more enemies to make -- whole countries and gang bosses alike. Kaz's team's difficult rescue of Inej is just the beginning. Then Jesper's innocent father is lured to town -- more leverage -- Grisha such as Jesper and Nina are hunted down in the streets, and their faces turn up on wanted posters all over Ketterdam.
Is It Any Good?
Like the amazing Inej on a high wire, this satisfying sequel is both incredibly exciting and well balanced. Crooked Kingdom may have a bit less action than the nonstop Six of Crows, but readers who feel invested in these fascinating and flawed characters won't mind fewer gladiator-style prison fights in favor of a better grasp of Wylan's fear of his evil father or Jesper's fear of his good one and his gambling addiction. Between plotting and scheming to stay ahead of absolutely everyone -- gang bosses, merchants, police, whole foreign kingdoms -- readers are treated to a real understanding of these characters, of the nature and power of addiction and PTSD, and even of the damaging effects of slavery, prostitution, and prejudice.
And then we get back to the action. Yes, Kaz stays one step ahead even though it always looks as if he's not. But were it not for Nina's frightening new gift, Inej's ability to dodge knives at unspeakable heights, Jesper's unerring shooting accuracy, and the astounding talents of the rest of the crew, all of Kaz's uber-complex plans would go nowhere. It's a nail-biting joy to watch it all unfold and to see this ultimate team of underdogs best an entire city of enemies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the two addicted characters in Crooked Kingdom. How are gambling addiction and drug addiction similar? How are they different? Do you have more empathy for those struggling with addiction after feeling invested in the lives of the characters in this book?
Nina and Matthias both struggle with prejudice, each against the people of the other's country. How do they work to begin to overcome it?
What do you think is next for these characters? Will you keep reading about them? Why, or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date : September 27, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 560
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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