I loved Shadow and Bone. Unfortunately, the author has run out of solid plot material and is depending upon readers love of characters well known to them to endure the strange direction she takes the story and world she created. The "super" God like Grisha are unusual at best, and inconsistent with the well developed plot and hints of history regarding saints and the connections to Grisha.
The return of The Darkling emphasize this reviewer's belief that this book was more about making money than telling a good story. The original story arc ended beautufully. Bringing him back felt like a cheap character return on a daytime soap opera. It also dimished the beauty of Alina's life and sacrifices.
Nina, goes from loving a strong very masculine man to bring a lesbian in less than a few months? Only believable in this strange new "grishaverse. I'll admit I was thankful that story line was a separate part and allowed me to continue to skip by it once I understood the authors love story goal. I tolerated Tamar and thought it was the author checking off the box for political correctness, but this was a third of the book. I am of firm belief that readers should be informed in advance of homosexual or other LGBTQ relationships in a story. At a minimum of should be declared as having mild, mid or strong content in this area or only list the book in that book category. For people generally so adamant on choice, there is an unusual desire to force this content on others.
In summation, if you want a disappointing run on of what was a great story, waste $10 on this book.
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![King of Scars (King of Scars Duology Book 1) by [Leigh Bardugo]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61MpWjJBF8L._SY346_.jpg)
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Leigh Bardugo is the Queen We All Need
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2019
5/5 Stars“If men were ashamed when they should be, they’d have no time for anything else.” ~ Leigh BardugoKING OF SCARS was my most anticipated read of 2019, and it did not disappoint. For those who haven’t yet been introduced to the Grishaverse, get acquainted (start with the Shadow and Bone trilogy, then move on to the Six of Crows duology), then find your way back here. Also, know that I’m jealous you get to read these fabulous books with fresh eyes.For those who don’t know, Leigh Bardugo is one of my favorite authors of all time. I literally took the day off work to start in on King of Scars. When it arrived, I ran to the door, grabbed the package from off the floor (while the astounded Amazon deliveryman stared at me with wide, blinking eyes) and started to scream. I mean, little kid on Christmas scream. Between these giggles and high pitched shrieks, I thanked the man, dashed inside, and continued to dance around my living room and kitchen, clutching the package and hopping up and down like a little bird trying to take flight. I was that excited.I was this excited because Leigh Bardugo, without fail, writes stories I want to read, stories I feel were made just for me. Her characters are rich and her world building beautiful. She explores things I’m interested in: different cultures and customs; different languages; different relationships; different loves. But most of all, she is honest. Her writing is honest, and so are her realities. Even in a fantasy realm, she doesn’t cop-out. She doesn’t engage in dishonest tropes and parlor tricks simply to appease the masses. She keeps it real. Oh, and she’s funny. Did I mention how funny her writing can be?King of Scars was no different. Within the first chapter, I was transported. Whisked away, back to Ravka, back to Nikolai, back to the home of the Grisha. I loved King of Scars because it was familiar in a way that Leigh’s writing has become familiar to me. It’s not only the characters, but it’s the truth she speaks. It’s a familiarity that changes, too evolving naturally, because Leigh is one of those writers who seems to always get better. With every story she spins, I see her evolution as a writer, and to me, that is more enchanting even than the Grishaverse. Leigh is the kind of author I aspire to be. And King of Scars is the kind of book I want to write. Let’s just hope that when I do, I can get a cover half as eye catching!
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2019
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2019
5/5 Stars
“If men were ashamed when they should be, they’d have no time for anything else.” ~ Leigh Bardugo
KING OF SCARS was my most anticipated read of 2019, and it did not disappoint. For those who haven’t yet been introduced to the Grishaverse, get acquainted (start with the Shadow and Bone trilogy, then move on to the Six of Crows duology), then find your way back here. Also, know that I’m jealous you get to read these fabulous books with fresh eyes.
For those who don’t know, Leigh Bardugo is one of my favorite authors of all time. I literally took the day off work to start in on King of Scars. When it arrived, I ran to the door, grabbed the package from off the floor (while the astounded Amazon deliveryman stared at me with wide, blinking eyes) and started to scream. I mean, little kid on Christmas scream. Between these giggles and high pitched shrieks, I thanked the man, dashed inside, and continued to dance around my living room and kitchen, clutching the package and hopping up and down like a little bird trying to take flight. I was that excited.
I was this excited because Leigh Bardugo, without fail, writes stories I want to read, stories I feel were made just for me. Her characters are rich and her world building beautiful. She explores things I’m interested in: different cultures and customs; different languages; different relationships; different loves. But most of all, she is honest. Her writing is honest, and so are her realities. Even in a fantasy realm, she doesn’t cop-out. She doesn’t engage in dishonest tropes and parlor tricks simply to appease the masses. She keeps it real. Oh, and she’s funny. Did I mention how funny her writing can be?
King of Scars was no different. Within the first chapter, I was transported. Whisked away, back to Ravka, back to Nikolai, back to the home of the Grisha. I loved King of Scars because it was familiar in a way that Leigh’s writing has become familiar to me. It’s not only the characters, but it’s the truth she speaks. It’s a familiarity that changes, too evolving naturally, because Leigh is one of those writers who seems to always get better. With every story she spins, I see her evolution as a writer, and to me, that is more enchanting even than the Grishaverse. Leigh is the kind of author I aspire to be. And King of Scars is the kind of book I want to write. Let’s just hope that when I do, I can get a cover half as eye catching!
“If men were ashamed when they should be, they’d have no time for anything else.” ~ Leigh Bardugo
KING OF SCARS was my most anticipated read of 2019, and it did not disappoint. For those who haven’t yet been introduced to the Grishaverse, get acquainted (start with the Shadow and Bone trilogy, then move on to the Six of Crows duology), then find your way back here. Also, know that I’m jealous you get to read these fabulous books with fresh eyes.
For those who don’t know, Leigh Bardugo is one of my favorite authors of all time. I literally took the day off work to start in on King of Scars. When it arrived, I ran to the door, grabbed the package from off the floor (while the astounded Amazon deliveryman stared at me with wide, blinking eyes) and started to scream. I mean, little kid on Christmas scream. Between these giggles and high pitched shrieks, I thanked the man, dashed inside, and continued to dance around my living room and kitchen, clutching the package and hopping up and down like a little bird trying to take flight. I was that excited.
I was this excited because Leigh Bardugo, without fail, writes stories I want to read, stories I feel were made just for me. Her characters are rich and her world building beautiful. She explores things I’m interested in: different cultures and customs; different languages; different relationships; different loves. But most of all, she is honest. Her writing is honest, and so are her realities. Even in a fantasy realm, she doesn’t cop-out. She doesn’t engage in dishonest tropes and parlor tricks simply to appease the masses. She keeps it real. Oh, and she’s funny. Did I mention how funny her writing can be?
King of Scars was no different. Within the first chapter, I was transported. Whisked away, back to Ravka, back to Nikolai, back to the home of the Grisha. I loved King of Scars because it was familiar in a way that Leigh’s writing has become familiar to me. It’s not only the characters, but it’s the truth she speaks. It’s a familiarity that changes, too evolving naturally, because Leigh is one of those writers who seems to always get better. With every story she spins, I see her evolution as a writer, and to me, that is more enchanting even than the Grishaverse. Leigh is the kind of author I aspire to be. And King of Scars is the kind of book I want to write. Let’s just hope that when I do, I can get a cover half as eye catching!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2019
Top reviews from other countries
Georgiana89
A welcome return to the Grishaverse, but a bit meandering and disjointed in parts
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2019
Fantasy Geek
Another rock solid addition..
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2019
Books by Becci
Great spin off, letting the best supporting characters shine.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 10, 2019
Kristel Greer
A rollercoaster of emotion, action and shocking surprises
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2021
Kristel Greer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 1, 2021
Fjerdan armies are readying at the Ravkan borders and threatening to expose his dubious parentage. He may not be a true Lantsov but he is the King Ravka needs. He is inventive, determined and has the ability to make the impossible possible. With weakened defences, depleted finances and a new threat to his Grisha soldiers to contend with, Nikolai must form new alliances if he is to have any chance of keeping his throne and protecting his people.
Nikolai must wed to solidify his throne but his affection for Zoya grows daily and he can't bear to be apart from her. Zoya in turn harbours feelings for her King but knows that duty to Ravka comes first and she can never be with him. She must face the scars from her own past in order to find the strength to save the Grisha from those who hunt them. As Nikolai faces down his personal and physical demons, those closest to him must do the same. Will their secrets remain hidden or will the darkness find a way to make itself known and destroy all their hopes for the future?
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. Just when I thought the GrishaVerse reached its peak with the Six of Crows duology, this book shows up and blows my mind. Nikolai is my favourite character from Shadow & Bone so I was delighted to delve into his backstory and see how his story developed afterwards. His flirtatiousness and resilience hasn’t dampened and I loved how passionate he is about life, his creations and his quest to defend Ravka. This book was a rollercoaster of emotion, action and shocking surprises. There was never a dull moment. I adore all these characters but I worry where they will end up in the sequel. Leigh isn't shy about bringing the pain.
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