Synopsis for SoC:
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…
A convict with a thirst for revenge
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager
A runaway with a privileged past
A spy known as the Wraith
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes
Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.
My Thoughts:
So… I actually didn’t enjoy the series as much as the first time around. I much preferred reading the physical books than listening. I love audiobooks but these did not do it for me. I felt less interested in the story, the majority of the narrators weren’t good – which really makes or breaks an audiobook for me.
First things first: None of the narrators sound young enough to play teenagers, especially Matthias & Jespers!! Get actual teenagers?! It would be so much better that way. But honestly, the characters are aged way too young to have done/ achieved some of the stuff they have. If the characters had been in their mid-20s it’d be more believable.
Six of Crows – Found this pretty boring.
I struggled to get into the story at first. It was slower/more boring than I remembered – I barely remembered any of the plot so it wasn’t boring because I knew everything. I just didn’t connect to it this time around. Sadly.
Crooked Kingdom – This was, again, slow but I was more interested this time. Maybe because I got used to the narrators by the time I got to this? I’m not sure. This is really a 3 Star read but I basically gave it an extra star because I like the characters and the ending! The ending was heartbreaking in some places and lovely in others. ALL THE FEELS.
Since I read this the first time, I have read SO many other YA fantasy and honestly, this is so overrated. Leigh Bardugo is overrated. I’m not sure whether to read more of her stuff or not. I kind of want to try King of Scars but who knows.
Things I learned from this reread:
- The story/plot is so unmemorable – it’s the characters that stick with you.
- Even though Leigh Bardugo’s writing is clearly better in these than the Shadow and Bone trilogy; I don’t think Leigh Bardugo is for me.
- The series is seriously overrated.
- Matthias is underrated.
- I still don’t think you NEED to read SaB before SoC – yes there are hints/ characters from the trilogy but it doesn’t add much.
- I’m not sure I enjoy full-cast audiobooks.
Characters:
Kaz: I love Kaz. He’s a complete psychopath but I like him. He’s such an interesting character. I wish there were more of Kaz POV chapters because I feel he’s the best/ more interesting character.
HIS NARRATOR IS THE WORST. God, I hated the lack of Kaz because he’s a great character but I don’t think I could cope with any more of his narrator. He sounded like a middled-age smoker.
Inej: Inej is a babe. I like her but she’s no longer my favourite. I just feel there’s a lack of her, especially in CK. I wanted more!! Especially more Inej and Kaz – their interactions were amazing in SoC but it was seriously lacking in CK.
Her narrator wasn’t bad, one of the better ones on these audiobooks.
Nina: I LOVE NINA!!! I thought Inej was my favourite dreg but from this reread I actually prefer Nina. She’s sassy, funny and has a great personality. I really connected with her character this time around. She’s now my fave from SoC! I love her and Matthias so much, too. Such great banter between them.
Her narrator was actually good – I feel like she captured Nina perfectly and got her tones and personality through.
Matthias: WHY does everyone hate Matthias?!! Seriously underrated character. I find him so funny and entertaining. His interactions with EVERYONE are amazing. He’s clueless and oblivious to some things and it’s funny. I don’t see the hate for him at all. I really enjoyed his part. MATTHIAS DESERVED BETTER!
His narrator had such an amazing, deep voice. It was dreamy to listen to.
Jesper & Wylan: Grouping these two together because reasons.
I like these two but there isn’t enough of them. I was NOT a fan of their narrators!! Wylan’s narrator was awful – especially when he did Kaz. OMG. Cannot even deal with Wylan’s narrator doing Kaz; he sounded like a witchy old woman. It was laughable. Jesper’s narrator was bad per se but he didn’t capture his happy/excitable nature, in my opinion.
Ratings:
Six of Crows ★★★.5
Crooked Kingdom ★★★★
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