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drridareads's review against another edition
3.0
Fear is a phoenix... You can watch it burn a thousand times and still it will return.
King of Scars begins 3 years after the battle of the fold from Ruin & Rising. We see a post war Kingdom fighting to survive. With threats of war from borders and Nikolai's demon growing stronger..
Nikolai:
“If we don't dream, who will?”
Considering this book is named after him. It was only 1/3rd him. I've found him charming since we first discovered him. And he's still pretty charming. In this book we see him struggling with his inner demon both literally and figuratively. The demon growing inside of him comes to represent his insecurities, his weaknesses.
Was this the real fear that had chased him all these long months? That he would find no cure because the disease was not the demon? That the darkness inside him did not belong to something else but to him alone?
We learn his past, how he established himself even as a child among the royals. We learn about the first friend he made and lost.
Zoya:
“You are owed nothing. Steel is earned. Remember who you are.” .
If I were to describe her in word it would be "survivor". Powerful, dangerous, ruthless Zoya is so much more. Little by little this character's layers were peeled off and what lay under it was just Zoya wearing that mask as as a shield and apologetically. Bardugo goes to show very real issues with her about child marriages about the abuser being crowned. Her amplifier, her strength is all earned.
Zoe Kravitz is my Zoya!
Nina:
“I don't like that word," Nina said, advancing. "Call me Grisha. Call me zowa. Call me death, if you like.”
1/3rd of this book is Nina. And it's the best, most interesting part. Which is sad since this book is supposed to be about Nikolai?
Nina is still in mourning aren't we all? Towards the start she hears Matthias' voice and it's heartbreaking cause we all know it isn't really there. We get to see her parem affected powers evolve. We get to see the harsh sexist (very real like) society of Fjerda. We see how they experiment with different people. Idk it reminds me of racism how a lot of research was done on POC. Also does anyone see a romance blossoming between Hanne and her?
“Ravka made me a soldier. Ketterdam made me a spy. Hanne can help me become something else entirely.”
Katherine Langford or Barbie Ferreira are my Nina Zenik
Isaak
I swear.I pity this guy. He seems like wasted potential. A good hearted soldier told to impersonate the king. With his POV there was barely any character development and that just made me sad. Cause so much more could be done here (but who am I to talk when I can barely write coherent reviews).
Some Random Good Things:
1. David defending Genya.
2. Hanne is such a well written character would really like her POV!
3. Adrik and Leoni seem cool
4. Nina's future purpose
Some Things I did not like:
1. ONLY 1/3rd OF THIS BOOK IS NIKOLAI SO WHY IS THE TITLE AND COVER ABOUT HIM (not that I don't love the cover)
2. The Pace. The second half was just too fast and honestly I wasn't a fan of the part revolving Nikolai and Zoya. Cause what is even going on. It's way too unrealistic. This Fold Realm. These 3 saints.
3. Zoya and Nikolai. Please don't make this happen. I just don't feel they have that kind of chemistry. What is so wrong about letting them remain in a healthy platonic bond. I mean look at Six of Crows.
4. Tamar and Tolya. This is the third book they feature in I think. And these twins need more character. They have so much unexplored potential.
5. Wtf is even that ending?
6. Even though I think you can read Six of Crows Duology without the Shadow and Bone Trilogy but you should not read this before reading previous Grisha books.
Considering this was my most anticipated 2019 i'm disappointed. 3 stars. Idk if I'm being harsh cause of my disappointment or gracious cause of my previous attachment to characters.
Hopefully the second book is better!
King of Scars begins 3 years after the battle of the fold from Ruin & Rising. We see a post war Kingdom fighting to survive. With threats of war from borders and Nikolai's demon growing stronger..
Nikolai:
“If we don't dream, who will?”
Considering this book is named after him. It was only 1/3rd him. I've found him charming since we first discovered him. And he's still pretty charming. In this book we see him struggling with his inner demon both literally and figuratively. The demon growing inside of him comes to represent his insecurities, his weaknesses.
Was this the real fear that had chased him all these long months? That he would find no cure because the disease was not the demon? That the darkness inside him did not belong to something else but to him alone?
We learn his past, how he established himself even as a child among the royals. We learn about the first friend he made and lost.
Zoya:
“You are owed nothing. Steel is earned. Remember who you are.” .
If I were to describe her in word it would be "survivor". Powerful, dangerous, ruthless Zoya is so much more. Little by little this character's layers were peeled off and what lay under it was just Zoya wearing that mask as as a shield and apologetically. Bardugo goes to show very real issues with her about child marriages about the abuser being crowned. Her amplifier, her strength is all earned.
Spoiler
And this is why it pisses me off how she just learnt that Saint Judith's (was it) power within the span of days.Zoe Kravitz is my Zoya!
Nina:
“I don't like that word," Nina said, advancing. "Call me Grisha. Call me zowa. Call me death, if you like.”
1/3rd of this book is Nina. And it's the best, most interesting part. Which is sad since this book is supposed to be about Nikolai?
Nina is still in mourning aren't we all? Towards the start she hears Matthias' voice and it's heartbreaking cause we all know it isn't really there. We get to see her parem affected powers evolve. We get to see the harsh sexist (very real like) society of Fjerda. We see how they experiment with different people. Idk it reminds me of racism how a lot of research was done on POC. Also does anyone see a romance blossoming between Hanne and her?
“Ravka made me a soldier. Ketterdam made me a spy. Hanne can help me become something else entirely.”
Katherine Langford or Barbie Ferreira are my Nina Zenik
Isaak
I swear.I pity this guy. He seems like wasted potential. A good hearted soldier told to impersonate the king. With his POV there was barely any character development and that just made me sad. Cause so much more could be done here (but who am I to talk when I can barely write coherent reviews).
Spoiler
When Nikolai saw the knife. Why didn't he do anything to save his friend?Some Random Good Things:
1. David defending Genya.
2. Hanne is such a well written character would really like her POV!
3. Adrik and Leoni seem cool
4. Nina's future purpose
Some Things I did not like:
1. ONLY 1/3rd OF THIS BOOK IS NIKOLAI SO WHY IS THE TITLE AND COVER ABOUT HIM (not that I don't love the cover)
2. The Pace. The second half was just too fast and honestly I wasn't a fan of the part revolving Nikolai and Zoya. Cause what is even going on. It's way too unrealistic. This Fold Realm. These 3 saints.
Spoiler
2 very powerful ancient saints couldn't overpower the evil one but this newly learned Zoya could?3. Zoya and Nikolai. Please don't make this happen. I just don't feel they have that kind of chemistry. What is so wrong about letting them remain in a healthy platonic bond. I mean look at Six of Crows.
4. Tamar and Tolya. This is the third book they feature in I think. And these twins need more character. They have so much unexplored potential.
5. Wtf is even that ending?
Spoiler
The Darkling is one of the best ya lit villains. I agree. His merzost powers and more is still a mystery. I agree. But that should've been explored in the previous trilogy I think. But yes he's weaker now. So it might be good. But honestly not a fan of resurrecting villains. But he makes quite a chilling entrance!6. Even though I think you can read Six of Crows Duology without the Shadow and Bone Trilogy but you should not read this before reading previous Grisha books.
Considering this was my most anticipated 2019 i'm disappointed. 3 stars. Idk if I'm being harsh cause of my disappointment or gracious cause of my previous attachment to characters.
Hopefully the second book is better!
ajileowens's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
nina_zenik_simp's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
nanlikesbooks14's review against another edition
4.0
The first half was kind of slow but once it picked up, I found myself devouring it. I was also not expecting to love Zoya as much as I did! 👩🏻💙⚡️
qjbrown96's review against another edition
5.0
King of scars brings back my favorite character from the Shadow and Bone trilogy, Nikolai and one of my favorite characters from Six of Crows, Nina. This book follows Nikolai returning to being King and battling his “demons”, Zoya helps Nikolai secure his throne and rebuild the Second Army, and Nina who is trying to get over the loss of her love and must fight an old enemy to release Grisha slaves.
votesforwomen's review against another edition
3.0
hi I'm sobbing. My initial review was why would Nina end up with someone who's not Matthias? Why????
and uh...I finished it and I still don't have an answer to that. I'm still angry. I'm still really, really mad.
Nikolai is great, but other stuff? No. Stop it.
and uh...I finished it and I still don't have an answer to that. I'm still angry. I'm still really, really mad.
Nikolai is great, but other stuff? No. Stop it.
trophynter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
yazaleea's review against another edition
3.0
I am a huge fan of the Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom duology. I love the characters, how tightly packed and explosive the intrigue is and just how everything works. I also heavily disliked the original Shadow & Bone trilogy: hated the character "arcs" of Alina and everything that happened just made no sense to me.
So I just decided to ignore the King of Scars duology because I didn't want to be disappointed after reading SoC, knowing how Leigh's Bardugo's writing is a hit or miss for me. Then the Netflix show happened and (despite all the show's flaws...) I fell in love with Nikolai and Zoya again and well, it was hard to stay away from the books any longer.
Anyway: I don't think I liked this book.
I was surprised to find myself get bored during Nina's parts (I LOVE Nina). Whatever was going on on her part just fell flat for me, no convincing risk and conflict, no drive, no real vision of what was happening and where the story was going. The thing with Hanne felt empty to me too, but that might just me still grieving over Helnik. All in all, I didn't like not enjoying the point of view of a character I love.
Then there is the Zoya / Nikolai half: I have no idea what happened, the plot was messy and losing itself, the twists were not that engaging to me. But what was engaging was their romance. It was pretty light in this first volume, and is hinted to be developed further in the second volume. I loved it so much. This is literally why I gave this book 3 stars, only for my ship because I'm a hopeless romance enthusiast.
Nikolai is the golden boy who hides his scars behind charm and wit, and he is lovely. Zoya is dry, confident and powerful, she has unwavering loyalty to those who have earned it and I love her so much, I love how we get to see more of her and how she got where she is. I may love Nikolai, but Zoya stole the whole show for me, she is a lovely character and I recognise in her the character work I enjoyed so much in SoC. I love their dynamics, I love how they go from a king and his general, to something like bantering, loyal friends, to more. We see their relationship evolve, as she is only one who he decides to show his vulnerability to, his demon to, and in turn she starts to confide and give him pieces of her. And yeah, I think they might actually get their spot on the podium of my fave Grishaverse ships with Kanej and Wesper. I'm just weak for the golden boy x grumpy witch trope, of broken souls finding solace, peace and understanding in each other. Plus they're both my type and that's just bonus points.
tl;dr: didn't like the book for the plot and found it pretty boring, but loved it for the zoyalai romance & the few cute genyavid crumbs!
So I just decided to ignore the King of Scars duology because I didn't want to be disappointed after reading SoC, knowing how Leigh's Bardugo's writing is a hit or miss for me. Then the Netflix show happened and (despite all the show's flaws...) I fell in love with Nikolai and Zoya again and well, it was hard to stay away from the books any longer.
Anyway: I don't think I liked this book.
I was surprised to find myself get bored during Nina's parts (I LOVE Nina). Whatever was going on on her part just fell flat for me, no convincing risk and conflict, no drive, no real vision of what was happening and where the story was going. The thing with Hanne felt empty to me too, but that might just me still grieving over Helnik. All in all, I didn't like not enjoying the point of view of a character I love.
Then there is the Zoya / Nikolai half: I have no idea what happened, the plot was messy and losing itself, the twists were not that engaging to me. But what was engaging was their romance. It was pretty light in this first volume, and is hinted to be developed further in the second volume. I loved it so much. This is literally why I gave this book 3 stars, only for my ship because I'm a hopeless romance enthusiast.
“They said she was cruel because she’d been harmed in the past. They claimed she was cold because she just hadn’t met the right fellow to warm her. Anything to soften her edges and sweeten her disposition—and what was the fun in that? Zoya’s company was like strong drink. Bracing— and best to abstain if you couldn’t handle the kick.”
Nikolai is the golden boy who hides his scars behind charm and wit, and he is lovely. Zoya is dry, confident and powerful, she has unwavering loyalty to those who have earned it and I love her so much, I love how we get to see more of her and how she got where she is. I may love Nikolai, but Zoya stole the whole show for me, she is a lovely character and I recognise in her the character work I enjoyed so much in SoC. I love their dynamics, I love how they go from a king and his general, to something like bantering, loyal friends, to more. We see their relationship evolve, as she is only one who he decides to show his vulnerability to, his demon to, and in turn she starts to confide and give him pieces of her. And yeah, I think they might actually get their spot on the podium of my fave Grishaverse ships with Kanej and Wesper. I'm just weak for the golden boy x grumpy witch trope, of broken souls finding solace, peace and understanding in each other. Plus they're both my type and that's just bonus points.
tl;dr: didn't like the book for the plot and found it pretty boring, but loved it for the zoyalai romance & the few cute genyavid crumbs!
maida's review against another edition
2.0
”Zoya of the lost city. Zoya of the garden. Zoya bleeding in the snow. You are strong enough to survive the fall.”
I’m so sad right now oh my god.
I don’t think I made it very clear how much I was anticipating this book, but I really was. I was so excited to get to see my baby Nina again, I forced myself to read the whole Grisha trilogy so I could read this book. It was so not worth it.
I feel baited. This whole duology feels like a ploy to make fans of Six of Crows that didn’t read the Grisha trilogy read it (and viceversa) so they could get to this one. What was the point of having two different storylines if they are never going to connect? King of Scars felt so disjointed, the perspectives have literally nothing to do with each other. This “book” has two separate books in it. What.
King of Scars was so poorly paced I was astounded. Nina’s storyline was fine at a surface level and I really enjoyed the exploration of grief through her perspective, but the pacing was so slow. So painfully slow. Half of her very repetitive chapters could‘ve been cut out and it would’ve been fine. Seriously. It was so boring.
Nikolai’s perspective, even though he’s supposedly the titular character of this book, felt lackluster. There wasn’t much of an arc for him. At all. Nikolai was the only character I liked from the Grisha trilogy and now it doesn’t feel like I know him as a character anymore. The one thing I enjoyed from his perspective was his relationship with Zoya… because I fucking love Zoya.
I’m so glad we got to see her outside of Alina’s perspective. She’s pretty much the only reason I didn’t give this book 1 star. I really liked that she finally got some character development. Her perspective was the only one I cared for. I really enjoyed everything about her, to be honest.
Most of the characters, besides the mother fucking Queen of Storms ™ Zoya, felt like shells of their original characters. And the ones that were added weren’t much better either. Is this really the same author that wrote Six of Crows?
With that said, here are some small things that kept me going:
• The fact that Leoni is the girl that Jesper’s mother saved? Oh my god?
• Mal and Alina not being in this book. Seriously. The whole time I was scared they were going to pop up all of the sudden.
• Zoya and Nikolai’s relationship. I know I already mentioned it but oh my god. They are perfect for each other.
• Matthias’ eulogy.
• Whenever the dregs were mentioned my heart jumped out of my throat. I love them. I wish they were here.
As for things that made me want to die:
• I hated the ending. So much.
• How boring this whole book was. Yup. I’m sad.
• Nina working by herself all of the sudden? What was the point of her arc in soc then?
• The constant unnecessary switch of perspectives for the sake of keeping the reader interested. It didn’t, by the way.
• The quote-on-quote insta-lovey relationship between Nina and Hanne. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all in… but c’mon give me at least some development.
To be honest, the only reason I didn’t DNF this book is because of how much time I lost reading the Grisha trilogy. I was already way too committed to turn around and not finishing it. Anyway, I hope the next one’s better?
3. A book that you are prompted to read because of something you read in 2019
I’m so sad right now oh my god.
I don’t think I made it very clear how much I was anticipating this book, but I really was. I was so excited to get to see my baby Nina again, I forced myself to read the whole Grisha trilogy so I could read this book. It was so not worth it.
I feel baited. This whole duology feels like a ploy to make fans of Six of Crows that didn’t read the Grisha trilogy read it (and viceversa) so they could get to this one. What was the point of having two different storylines if they are never going to connect? King of Scars felt so disjointed, the perspectives have literally nothing to do with each other. This “book” has two separate books in it. What.
King of Scars was so poorly paced I was astounded. Nina’s storyline was fine at a surface level and I really enjoyed the exploration of grief through her perspective, but the pacing was so slow. So painfully slow. Half of her very repetitive chapters could‘ve been cut out and it would’ve been fine. Seriously. It was so boring.
Nikolai’s perspective, even though he’s supposedly the titular character of this book, felt lackluster. There wasn’t much of an arc for him. At all. Nikolai was the only character I liked from the Grisha trilogy and now it doesn’t feel like I know him as a character anymore. The one thing I enjoyed from his perspective was his relationship with Zoya… because I fucking love Zoya.
I’m so glad we got to see her outside of Alina’s perspective. She’s pretty much the only reason I didn’t give this book 1 star. I really liked that she finally got some character development. Her perspective was the only one I cared for. I really enjoyed everything about her, to be honest.
Most of the characters, besides the mother fucking Queen of Storms ™ Zoya, felt like shells of their original characters. And the ones that were added weren’t much better either. Is this really the same author that wrote Six of Crows?
With that said, here are some small things that kept me going:
• The fact that Leoni is the girl that Jesper’s mother saved? Oh my god?
• Mal and Alina not being in this book. Seriously. The whole time I was scared they were going to pop up all of the sudden.
• Zoya and Nikolai’s relationship. I know I already mentioned it but oh my god. They are perfect for each other.
• Matthias’ eulogy.
• Whenever the dregs were mentioned my heart jumped out of my throat. I love them. I wish they were here.
As for things that made me want to die:
•
Spoiler
The Darkling. Why.• How boring this whole book was. Yup. I’m sad.
• Nina working by herself all of the sudden? What was the point of her arc in soc then?
• The constant unnecessary switch of perspectives for the sake of keeping the reader interested. It didn’t, by the way.
• The quote-on-quote insta-lovey relationship between Nina and Hanne. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all in… but c’mon give me at least some development.
To be honest, the only reason I didn’t DNF this book is because of how much time I lost reading the Grisha trilogy. I was already way too committed to turn around and not finishing it. Anyway, I hope the next one’s better?
3. A book that you are prompted to read because of something you read in 2019
amelia_rose_20's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
7/10 | "King of Scars" by Leigh Bardugo, despite its imperfections, shines through as a delightful read, its depth anchored in the brilliantly crafted multifaceted characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Addiction, and Abandonment