King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

Jack | Biotechnology High School, Grade 10

Rating: ****

Nikolai Lantsov is now the crowned king of Ravka. Although the problems of the Shadow Fold and Jurda parem are now behind them, the country still has to deal with many bumps in the road until they become the powerhouse that the kingdom once was. The cult of the Starless Saint are amassing to see that the Darkling gains sainthood, the Little Palace is still crippled from years before, and the remaining Grisha are off seeking new recruits. All of their problems seem to be solved with Nikolai finding a bride of a different kingdom, but his curse given by the Darkling still remains and may put a wrench in their plan.

Occurring after the events of the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, the King of Scars starts to finalize Bardugo’s plans for the Grishaverse. The book helps clean up some of the questions left by the other series, as well as introduces its own plot points and characters. The twists and turns leave the reader guessing what’s to come next and the ending of the book leaves an insatiable urge to read the second one.