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Crooked Kingdom

Leigh Bardugo · 2016

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Courage & resilience.

Ages 14+Book 2 · Six of Crows DuologySource checked

Why this age? Content-guidance estimate derived from the complete published caution profile. It does not measure reading difficulty and is not a safety guarantee; family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Not a commercial product; does not feature real-world brands.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Important characters die, and grief, sacrifice, and the emotional effects of loss are significant parts of the story.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Injuries, illness, corpses, and some disturbing bodily details appear, but graphic gore is not the main focus.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Criminal insults, profanity, threats, and harsh name-calling occur with moderate frequency.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

A significant same-gender romance develops between Wylan and Jesper, alongside other queer representation and subtext.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Religious practices and fanaticism are referenced as part of the cultural world-building.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Several romantic relationships and developing pairings matter to the plot, though the criminal heist and character arcs remain central.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Dangerous criminals, imprisonment, torture, plague-related threats, deadly pursuits, and supernatural abilities create sustained tension.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Sexual exploitation and past brothel experiences are discussed, with some suggestive material, but sexual activity is not graphically depicted.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Drug use and addiction-related material are part of the setting and plot, including dangerous substances and their consequences.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy action includes shootings, explosions, fights, torture, criminal threats, and dangerous schemes; violence has serious consequences.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront violence, imprisonment, trauma, prejudice, and powerful enemies through determined, often self-sacrificing action.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Elaborate heists, inventive problem-solving, specialized talents, political maneuvering, and imaginative fantasy systems drive the narrative.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

The ensemble includes varied ethnic and cultural identities, disability, neurodivergence, class backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ characters with agency.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into prejudice, disability, exploitation, politics, and trauma, but is primarily an entertainment fantasy novel.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Mutual care and cooperation within the Crows are central; characters support survivors and vulnerable people despite difficult circumstances.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of loyalty, found family, resilience, and resisting oppression are balanced by morally gray choices, criminal activity, and revenge.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are morally complicated criminals, but they show loyalty, resourcefulness, persistence, and willingness to protect vulnerable people.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Crooked Kingdom would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Crooked Kingdom, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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