King of Scars

A lover's recent death is mourned, and multiple significant characters die through murder or suicide, with grief affecting the protagonists.

Includes descriptions of magical injuries, fatal stabbings, and bodily transformations.

Occasional mild to moderate profanity typical of contemporary YA fantasy.

Features queer lead characters and subplots involving non-heteronormative identities.

Saints, worship, religious authority, a cult devoted to the Darkling, sacred rituals, and competing beliefs are central to the supernatural and political plot.

Nina's grief over Matthias, emerging romantic feelings, and Nikolai's politically motivated marriage prospects receive meaningful but secondary attention.

Monsters, demonic possession, the Shadow Fold, cult activity, imprisonment, persecution, and dangerous supernatural rituals create sustained frightening tension.

Sexual activity is not a central focus, but forced conception, reproductive exploitation, and pregnancy-related coercion are major disturbing themes.

Parem, a powerful addictive drug, is used to control and exploit Grisha women and children; addiction and coercive drugging are serious plot elements.

Frequent fantasy conflict, military threats, persecution, stabbing, murder, dangerous rituals, and supernatural violence are important to the plot.