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King of Scars

King of Scars Duology, Book 1

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King of Scars

Written by: Leigh Bardugo
Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang
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About this listen

Face your demons...or feed them.

Nikolai Lantsov has always had a gift for the impossible. No one knows what he endured in his country’s bloody civil war - and he intends to keep it that way. Now, as enemies gather at his weakened borders, the young king must find a way to refill Ravka’s coffers, forge new alliances, and stop a rising threat to the once-great Grisha Army.

Yet with every day a dark magic within him grows stronger, threatening to destroy all he has built. With the help of a young monk and a legendary Grisha Squaller, Nikolai will journey to the places in Ravka where the deepest magic survives to vanquish the terrible legacy inside him. He will risk everything to save his country and himself. But some secrets aren’t meant to stay buried - and some wounds aren’t meant to heal.

Enter the Grishaverse with this new novel from number-one New York Times best-selling author Leigh Bardugo.

"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." (Booklist, starred review)

©2019 Leigh Bardugo (P)2019 Audible, Inc. Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Fantasy Magic Heartfelt Paranormal Romance

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What the critics say

"Whether listeners are coming to this universe of demons and saints for the first time or the sixth, [narraotr Lauren] Fortgang is the perfect guide through a fictional countryside full of hard-to-pronounce places in the snowy north of some alternate version of Eastern Europe. The accents range from Russian to Czech to American. Fortgang's linguistic gifts trick listeners into thinking this book has multiple narrators. As the characters unearth their inner darkness and inner light, Fortgang's narration drips with both sorrow and love. The breathtaking ending begs those who are new to the universe to start at the beginning and those who have returned to start again." (AudioFile Magazine)
All stars
Most Relevant
Leigh Bardugo is one of my favourite authors. I gobbled this book up like her others. Driving story, compelling characters. I need more!

Another awesome story

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I got this during a Boxing Week sale without realizing that this builds off an existing world from a few other series by this author. A few chapters in and I felt like there was more established history that I should have been aware of. I shrugged it off and pressed on anyway. It was a fun ride and I'm glad I got into it! I'll have to check out the other books too now though!

Interesting World and Characters

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I was ready to give up on the Grishaverse after Crooked Kingdom, which I borderline disliked. However, I heard credible reviews that this book was one of the best in the series, which I would have to agree with. I especially enjoyed Nina’s adventures, as she dealt with grief, confidently engaged with her powers, and built new relationships. I hope the next book is more of the same.

A satisfying listen

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The more I get into the Grishaverse, the more I love Leigh Bardugo's writing. The characters are real and alive.

Each book gets better and better

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I can't wait for the next one. I hope the Grishaverse continues for a long time.

I love this world!

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This book is a continuation of the wars fought by Ravka after the events of 'Ruin and Rising'. King Nikolai Lantsev and Zoya Nazyalensky (commander of the Second Army) are joined by a spy named Nina Zenik (maneuvering in Fjerda), a loyal soldier named Isaak Andreyev (working in the Small Palace), and a Monk in the mould of the Apparat named Yuri Vedenen to rebuild the fortunes of the Kingdom. The King nightly has to resist the monstrous form left in him after his battle with the Darkling. Relationships with the Sanktas (Saints) are explored extensively.
See? If you haven't read those books do you have any idea what I'm talking about?
This book is well-written, populated with military planning and international diplomacy, brimming with intrigue, full of adventure, and largely avoids the romantic themes that (in my opinion) weaken Leigh Bardugo's mythology. It's an enjoyable return to the 'Grishaverse'. Unfortunately, though the dénouemant hints at promising things in 'Rule Of Wolves', this book has very little merit as a standalone - but Bardugo fans will enjoy it (despite the moderate distancing from her YA Fantasy writing paradigms). New readers will more likely be confused.

[NB. That's not to say that the author doesn't stick to patterns - there is a hinted promise at frustrated young romance, for example (and the fascination with misunderstood orphan girls in this genre is somewhat baffling).. Bardugo dutifully pays tribute to those 'traditions'. YA Fantasy adherents will be rewarded.]

Lauren Fortang is extremely effective in this recording. Her accents are more subdued, but easily recognizable. Her sibilance (overly strong "s"s) is much improved, too. The kudos from critics are well-deserved (Although I still had to increase the speed to 1.10X to get the reading rate right - she plods somewhat).

This novel is worthy of 8/10 stars (but 9 stars for readers familiar with Bardugo's world). Regardless, you should definitely read more of the kingdom before purchasing this one. Enjoy!

Read the 'Shadow and Bone' Series First

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I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book and can't wait for the next one to come out. the characters are very well done. The writing is excellent! And the plot keeps moving quickly.

Caught me from the get-go

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At times comedic, but mostly dramatic, this is a story that kept me engaged right to the very last sentence.

A great romp

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If you've wondering what happened after the Crooked series then this is your book. Lol seriously didn't know but took a chance before even reading the description when I saw Lauren Fortgang. I can honestly say, I REGRET NOTHING.

Nina; The Story Continues

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King of scars is an amazing addition to the grishaverse books. This is one of my favourite books and I highly recommend it!

Great book!

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