In this Grishaverse novel, King Nikolai struggles to keep his kingdom afloat in a destabilized, rapidly changing world.Though Ravka's civil war ended three years ago, Ravka still faces threats both domestic--pretenders to the throne, policies that are popular with commoners but anger nobility--and external--old enemies like Fjerda, debts owed to Kerch. Worse, for the past 6 months Nikolai has been struggling with an enemy inside himself: The monstrous curse thought ended by the death of the Darkling re-emerges when he sleeps, posing a danger to his people, crown, and soul. With traveling becoming too risky given his secrets, Nikolai and his inner circle hatch a display of strength that will bring the other powers to him for diplomacy, using the cover of his seeking a queen. Meanwhile, in the months since the end of Crooked Kingdom (2016), grieving Nina has returned to Fjerda on a mission to rescue and recruit Grisha. Following the call of her changed abilities, she's drawn to an area with poisoned waters and a mysterious factory holding dark secrets. Multiple romantic storylines among the multiethnic cast develop organically and don't pull the focus away from keeping up with the plots. Strategically-deployed backstory makes already likable characters even more compelling; international political developments (especially with Grisha experimentation) are woven seamlessly in with the epic themes.Will leave readers begging for the sequel. (cast, maps) (Fantasy. 14-adult)

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January 28, 2019
In this sweeping dramatic fantasy, Bardugo returns to her Grishaverse and the events in both the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology. Young King Nikolai struggles to maintain order in the kingdom of Ravka following war against the malevolent Darkling. Nikolai’s efforts are complicated by the nocturnal emergence of a demon residing within him, and only his trusted confidante Zoya can help him maintain control. Meanwhile, Grisha-turned-spy Nina, still mourning the death of her beloved Matthias, works in secret to protect Grisha fugitives while investigating strange occurrences in the countryside. When Nikolai and Zoya vanish during an attempt to rid the king of his demon, it’s up to his closest friends to protect the country in his absence, little realizing that the chain of events might lead to the resurgence of a great evil. This duology opener strongly relies on at least a passing familiarity with the previous series, making it less than ideal for newcomers. But Bardugo’s portrayal of flawed, mentally and physically scarred protagonists is sympathetic and insightful, while the strong mixture of political intrigue, worldbuilding, and fantastical elements helps to drive the various story lines. Ages 14–up. Agent: Joanna Volpe, New Leaf Literary.

Starred review from February 1, 2019
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Though the nation of Ravka survived a brutal civil war, it was left ravaged and scarred, and no one knows this better than its king. Infected with traces of dark magic at the end of Ruin and Rising (2014), the concluding volume to Bardugo's first foray into the Grishaverse, Nikolai Lantsov weathers uncontrollable transformations in this duology starter, as he, charming king by day, becomes without warning a vicious beast in the night. With Ravka in desperate need of stabilization and delegations of princesses?potential brides?on their way, Nikolai and his Grisha general, the unshakable Zoya Nazyalensky, set off on a journey that, futile though it may be, takes them deep into the history of their country as they search for a cure. Meanwhile, in Fjerda, to the north, Grisha soldier Nina Zenik is on a mission of her own, one that's part spy assignment on Nikolai's orders, part a deeply personal journey through grief. This is Bardugo's third series in the Grishaverse, and while it draws from both the Grisha trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, both Bardugo's skill and Nikolai's appeal are such that readers new to the world should have no problem joining in. Deadly clever political intrigue, heart-stopping adventure, memorable characters, and several understated, hinted-at romances (how will we wait?!) come together in one glorious, Slavic-folklore-infused package. Bardugo's star continues to rise. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Shadow and Bone (2012) was a New York Times best-seller; Six of Crows (2015) went nuclear. Batten down the hatches.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2019
In one narrative, Zoya strives to keep the king's possession by, and transformation into, a horrible winged monster a secret. In the other, a Grisha named Ninaw works undercover to smuggle other Grisha to safety. The story lines themselves don't intersect, but the political forces underlying them seem poised to clash. Characters sparkle with wit, and hints of romance and high-stakes action add interest to compelling drama.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2019
Two narratives run parallel in this volume set in Bardugo's Grishaverse (first introduced in Shadow and Bone, rev. 7/12). In one, Zoya, King Nikolai's beautiful and ruthless general, strives to keep the king's possession by, and transformation into, a horrible winged monster a secret, but the beast (a remnant of a powerful Grisha they thought they'd killed) is getting stronger. In the other narrative, a Grisha named Nina is working undercover in magic-intolerant Fjerda, trying to smuggle other Grisha to safety. The story lines themselves don't intersect, but the political forces underlying them seem poised to clash, as fantasy versions of various cultures (Russian, Japanese, vaguely Nordic) head toward war. The characters of Zoya and Nikolai both sparkle with wit, and their pointed banter illuminates a brilliant, potentially romantic relationship with a seemingly inevitable star-crossed trajectory. Meanwhile, Nina's story has its own hint of romance: with Hanne, daughter of Nina's worst enemy, whom Nina helps to learn to control her hidden Grisha talent. The two story lines compete so strongly in interest that, when the narrative focus shifts, the disappointment of leaving behind the high-stakes action in one plot line is more than compensated for by the resumption of compelling drama in the other. anita l. burkam

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from February 1, 2019

Gr 9 Up-In the three years since Ravka's civil war, Nikolai Lanstov has kept his country afloat despite the arduous toll the warfare had on him. To surrounding nations, Ravka looks to be rebuilding, however, as a darkness inside Nikolai revives its flame, no amount of defense, alliances, or money can ensure a prosperous future for his country. With threats amassing Ravka's borders, a bastard king, a stone-cold commander, and a Saint among relics must be thieves and fast in order to keep their country from crumbling. Bardugo hits the mark with a delicious convergence of Grishaverse characters in this new chapter for Ravka. Fan favorite Nikolai receives a brilliant first act in his long-awaited duology, as privateer-turned-king proves it takes more than blood to make a strong ruler. Espionage and strife set the tone of the novel as Nikolai, Zoya, and Nina struggle to remember who they are within a field of fierce political rivalries. Owning their stories becomes integral to success as king, commander, and Saint confront their own demons. The sharp dialogue and lovable characters continue to enthrall and bewitch long past the final chapter. VERDICT With twists and revelations cleverly dispersed up until the very last page, this novel is a must-have for any book shelf.-Emily Walker, Lisle Library District, IL

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