When I picked this up from the library, I honestly wasn't expecting much. I just needed to get out of my reading slump, because as you can see, I'm still 3 books behind on my reading challenge. I certainly wasn't expecting for this book to consume my soul. In short, it was so, so, good. Amazing. Captivating. Whatever other descriptive words you can think of. After seeing stuff about this book all over tumblr, I'm so glad I finally gave it a chance. 
 First off, the plot was masterfully and carefully crafted. Done any other way, the story might have been confusing to follow. But Bardugo's writing successfully combined the use of multiple perspectives, all in third person, frequent flashbacks, and intricate interactions with all the characters. It's definitely rare to see so many flashbacks written, especially when they occur during tense moments and are often many pages long. But they were essential to understanding the characters, and were beautifully written. 
 Now, the characters. I certainly didn't expect to fall in love with 6 major characters in the space of about 450 pages. But I sure did. I love all of them. Each one has their own unique story, their strengths, weaknesses, desires, regrets. Most importantly, I felt like I could truly relate to and understand each character. Despite never having dwelled in a city like Ketterdam, gambled, pickpocketed someone, or rescued the world's most wanted prisoner from the highest security prison in the world, I still felt connected to each character, in a different way. That's exactly how you should feel when reading a book. A book should change your life, make you rethink your world. And that's done through the characters. 
 Another thing I love about this book is how each of the characters, at some point, choose to fight for themselves. A common theme, especially in young adults books, is characters choosing to sacrifice themselves for someone else, and that's their main motivator. While this is present, something that's stressed even more is fighting for yourself. Because in the end, your life isn't going to go anywhere if you can't learn to trust yourself, and many times, put yourself, and your life, first. Inej fights to achieve her dreams, and build a life of her own. Kaz fights not only for his brother, but to free himself of guilt and regret, and build his reputation. Nina fights not only for her people, but for her freedom and rights in a world prejudiced against the Grisha. Matthias fights for the world he believes in, for a chance to turn his life around and move away from the past. Jesper fights for his freedom to be himself. Wylan fights for a new identity, a chance to life his own life away from the pressures of his father. 
 Overall, I love the characters more than I can say. Plus, my shipper heart exploded. Inej and Kaz must get together. I demand it! I'm so happy that Nina and Matthias have finally made up and are together. And if Wylan x Jesper doesn't get together in Crooked Kingdom, I'm gonna riot. I recommend this book to anyone, and everyone. Seriously, just read it!