A review by filipacmiranda
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

4.0

After Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows, King of Scars presented an opportunity to return to the GrishaVerse, and revisit the kingdom of Ravka, as well as some of my favorite characters from the original trilogy. 

Regarding characters, the book fulfilled its promise, bringing back pre-existing dynamics (such as Tolya and Tamar or the Triumvirate), and it also expanded on the reader's knowledge by introducing new relationships/alliances. I was really happy that Nina Zenik was also present in this book – once again, bridging the various series. To be able to continue seeing her evolve and accept the new version of her Corporalki power was one of the highlights of this installment. 

On the other hand, I was curious to see how Bardugo would design the consequences Nikolai would have to face after his experience as a nichevo’ya. I did not expect the plot would follow the path chosen by the author at all, which I applaud. Unfortunately, I still felt this part of the plot fell a bit short of my expectations. I can’t quite point out why.
It was either the pace of the book (much slower than in all other ones in the universe) or the fact that, in the end, I felt the Darkling’s return was unnecessary. 


Despite how I felt about this first book, I will soon try to read Rule of Wolves. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings