King of Scars (Nikolai Duology, #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Published by Imprint on January 29th 2019
ISBN: 1250142288
Pages: 514
Goodreads

This page-turner is another chapter in the Grishaverse for Bardugo. This book, the first in a new duology that is set about 6 months after the Six of Crows/Crooked Kingdom duology, centers on three characters (told in alternating chapters), Nikolai Lantsov, king of Ravka, Zoya Nazyalensky, the king’s general and a powerful Grisha who fought against the Darkling, and Nina Zenik, a Grisha spy fresh off her adventure with Kaz Brekker and looking for closure after the loss of her beloved. There is plentiful action and a fair share of soul-searching as the three characters confront their greatest fears and attempt to stop those that would destroy the world. The book covers themes of loss and family and honor and duty. There are plot twists and a chilling cliff-hanger ending and lots of lovely prose. Bardugo has built a fantastic world and then populated it with complex and engaging characters, leaving readers wanting more. Fortunately, there is a sequel. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth