Scan barcode
talesofaliteraryaddict's review against another edition
3.0
“She was perfect before, thought Nina. Or would have been if you hadn’t pruned and plucked at her like and overeager gardener trying to mould an unruly shrub”
-
Nikolai is trying to hold the Ravka throne whilst fighting the monster within. Zoya believes Nikolai needs a bride as their relationship begins to change. Nina is undercover and trying to save Grisha. And that twist.
-
I’m rating this so low because it felt like it was wading through mud. It was slow and I expected more Nikolai. The stories between him and Nina were so separated that it was slightly hard to maintain interest. During all of this the twist at the end knocked me. Why. Why did what I consider a bad book have its claws out so I read the next?!
-
Nikolai is trying to hold the Ravka throne whilst fighting the monster within. Zoya believes Nikolai needs a bride as their relationship begins to change. Nina is undercover and trying to save Grisha. And that twist.
-
I’m rating this so low because it felt like it was wading through mud. It was slow and I expected more Nikolai. The stories between him and Nina were so separated that it was slightly hard to maintain interest. During all of this the twist at the end knocked me. Why. Why did what I consider a bad book have its claws out so I read the next?!
nmfolkman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
5.0
This is a reread from 2019. I haven't read the second one yet, and I knew I'd need to review before I could do it. I loved it just as much if not more this time. I read it as a physical copy the 1st time and as an audiobook this time. I knew what to expect from Nikolai this time, so I wasn't disappointed at all and enjoyed seeing him as a more complete character.
Here is my review from 2019
4.5
This took me a disappointingly long time. It took me a bit to get into it, and I didn't like Nikolai as much. We see more of his uncertainty-- his battling with demons-- and much less his suave, cocky, hilarious self. It's much more real in this aspect, but it was not as fun.
I loved all the little mentions, here and there, of other characters we've loved. It doesn't feel forced the way it does when they bring back a beloved tv show for one more season, but natural. We occasionally think of people who have been important from our past, these characters do, too.
I'm really looking forward to the next one. I want to see where this is going and there are so many wonderful paths to follow.
Quotes and notes I saved https://quotesforteaching.blogspot.com/2019/06/king-of-scars-by-leigh-bardugo.html
Here is my review from 2019
4.5
This took me a disappointingly long time. It took me a bit to get into it, and I didn't like Nikolai as much. We see more of his uncertainty-- his battling with demons-- and much less his suave, cocky, hilarious self. It's much more real in this aspect, but it was not as fun.
I loved all the little mentions, here and there, of other characters we've loved. It doesn't feel forced the way it does when they bring back a beloved tv show for one more season, but natural. We occasionally think of people who have been important from our past, these characters do, too.
I'm really looking forward to the next one. I want to see where this is going and there are so many wonderful paths to follow.
Quotes and notes I saved https://quotesforteaching.blogspot.com/2019/06/king-of-scars-by-leigh-bardugo.html
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Drug use, Miscarriage, and Misogyny
The pregnancies are forced and so is the drug use.ariani's review against another edition
2.0
I can’t believe I’m giving a Leigh Bardugo book 2 stars... but wow this was a big no for me. It took me 2 months to finish this & I almost dnf’ed it.
I only started to enjoy the book the last 100 or so pages. Too bad :/
I only started to enjoy the book the last 100 or so pages. Too bad :/
nleinwol's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
carolie_m's review against another edition
5.0
WHAT. A. RIDE.
When I started this book, it felt like visiting home. Bardugo's writing, so dear to my heart, and my favorite characters. But it didn't send of any special vibes. But the second part had me shook. I didn't know whether I like it or not. But all the genius plot twists, that I didn't at all expect, were a no brainer for me. It's not a whole 5 stars, it's more like 4.99 stars, because I didn't click instantly with this book, but if I did, it absolutely would have been 5.
When I started this book, it felt like visiting home. Bardugo's writing, so dear to my heart, and my favorite characters. But it didn't send of any special vibes. But the second part had me shook. I didn't know whether I like it or not. But all the genius plot twists, that I didn't at all expect, were a no brainer for me. It's not a whole 5 stars, it's more like 4.99 stars, because I didn't click instantly with this book, but if I did, it absolutely would have been 5.
nicolealycia's review against another edition
4.0
This definitely was not what I thought it was going to be.
I really enjoyed reading the chapters from Nikolai and Zoya’s perspectives. Nikolai is witty and funny and so incredibly intelligent. There is never a dull moment with him. And Zoya is a fierce and dominating presence. The two of them together definitely helped make the book a fun read.
Nina’s chapters on the other hand .... I couldn’t stand them through the first half of the book. I thought she seemed weaker than she ever was and it was hard to read about her pining. She did get better as the book went on though and I’m hoping book 2 is better for it.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. The ending definitely made it and I cannot wait to find out what is going to happen next!
I really enjoyed reading the chapters from Nikolai and Zoya’s perspectives. Nikolai is witty and funny and so incredibly intelligent. There is never a dull moment with him. And Zoya is a fierce and dominating presence. The two of them together definitely helped make the book a fun read.
Nina’s chapters on the other hand .... I couldn’t stand them through the first half of the book. I thought she seemed weaker than she ever was and it was hard to read about her pining. She did get better as the book went on though and I’m hoping book 2 is better for it.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. The ending definitely made it and I cannot wait to find out what is going to happen next!
erikav86's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
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
dahldahlbills's review against another edition
5.0
I’m honestly at a loss for words because of how breathtaking this book was. A lot of people have said that the book’s really slow until the ending, but I was gripped from the start. Sure the story wasn’t as fast paced as the SoC duology, but the writing was so beautiful that I found it so easy to lose myself in the story. Being able to revisit these characters was amazing, but Bardugo fleshed out their characters so damn well I’m simply in awe. The way each arc was intertwined and the way chapters were written to reveal just enough information to keep us so glued to the page—ugh it was all beautifully done. And I’m still processing that ending. I will admit that it did seem a bit of a stretch to not let certain *things* stay dead. It felt a bit cheap to almost recycle material, as if she didn’t have any better ideas to work with? BUT I love Leigh, and I trust her, so I’m open to this ending and willing to see where it goes. I love Nikolai too much to let my doubts about the ending influence my entire opinion of the book. The writing and the characters are the shining aspects for me in this book, and I’m very much looking forward to the conclusion of these characters’ journeys.
cryptid_crow's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
3.75