King of Scars (Nikolai Duology #1) by Leigh Bardugo — Restarting January 2nd 2025

[Brinley]

Finished
(view spoiler)[ Ok, that finale definitely made up for the amount of filler chapters throughout the book. Nina is still my favorite though! I love how she's coming into her own. Everyone else is creeped out by her powers, but she couldn't care less. I can't wait to see her cause havoc and tear the ice court down from within! I get the feeling that we might get to see a few of the Crows in the next one, I'm not sure though. I still don't ship her and Hanne, it feels too fast after what happened to Matthias. I'm hoping they're just friends.

I'm also hoping that the Darkling is actually back to stay. I'll feel cheated if we went through 6 books just to have him die again in the next one. I think a character arc for him could be super interesting. (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Aly wrote: "Ch 1-4 I ..."

(view spoiler)[ I know, that was so sad. Especially when you earn that the voice was all in her head.

And surprisingly, I don't really like Nikolai and Zoya together. I think it's because I don't like either of them, or their snarkiness (hide spoiler)]

[Brinley]

Aly wrote: "Chapter 13-20 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I felt the same. Nikolai's storyline felt so filler, while Nina was actually getting stuff done and making a statement (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

25% (view spoiler)[Really wish I remembered more from the other stories but l’m happy to be back with old characters especially Nina. Feel so bad she’s carrying around Matthias’s body-she just can’t let go. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

50% (view spoiler)[Totally forgot Nikolai got ‘touched’ by the Darkling. How scary that he has no control over it and it just takes over. The whole Zoya trying to look out for him and get him married is pretty funny though. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

75% (view spoiler)[So glad they got mixed up with Hanne, I wasn’t a fan of hers at first but I can’t blame her for being so dodgy. Feel bad for her now being left like she was at the convent. Literally can't believe that she's Brum's daughter. What's the chances of that smh. Does she know of her fathers evil ways? No wonder why he sends her away smh (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Brinley wrote: "Aly wrote: "Chapter 13-20 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Yes!

[Aly]

❀ Crystal ✿ - wrote: "25% [spoilers removed]"

Yeah that broke my heart

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Finished (view spoiler)[This was good, wish I remembered more of the previous books. Can’t wait to see how it all plays out, it’s so hard to hope for a HEA with this author sometimes but I’m not giving up lolI mean look at poor Issak, I’m so saddened by what happened to him and by whom. Why’d the girl have to live and not him 😭😭 Also it’s clear Nikolai and Zoya will have a thing but damnit it better happen soon lol (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Aly wrote: "Ch 5-8 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I thought she’d never let him go. At the same time I had a minor hope she’d find a way to bring him back. (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Aly wrote: "I keep forgetting to update lol
Chapter 21-32 I wonder if Nina will get with Hanna (not sure of spelling) they seem to be getting closer.
I really like Isaac and I wonder if he'll get with the p..."

(view spoiler)[Good guess on the Princess being a imposter, I was so shocked by this and so sad over what happened to him (hide spoiler)]

[❀ Crystal ✿ -]

Brinley wrote: "Finished
Ok, that finale definitely made up for the amount of filler chapters throughout the book. Nina is still my favorite though! I love how she's coming into her own. Everyone else is creeped ..."

Agree. (view spoiler)[It was def a lot longer than necessary and some parts were hard to get through. I was like blah blah get on with the story already lol (hide spoiler)]

[Evelyn]

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date changed. Restarting April 16th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Nuha]

Hi! anybody joining?

[Audrey]

Yep, I am!

[Audrey]

I'm currently halfway through and I love Nikolai and Zoya's banter. I find them hilarious.

[Saar The Book owl]

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date changed. Restarting May 26th 2021. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Bayan]

I will read this but not sure if that late into the month so I’ll just add my comments in here once it starts

[Leon]

Sorry Callie and Everlyn, I am not doing this buddy read anymore cause I dnf-ed Crooked kingdom and i am not sure I can read King of scars without knowing what happened in Crooked Kingdom

[callie]

Joy wrote: "Sorry Callie and Everlyn, I am not doing this buddy read anymore cause I dnf-ed Crooked kingdom and i am not sure I can read King of scars without knowing what happened in Crooked Kingdom"

aw that sucks! This book follows Nikolai and Nina, so yes you do kind of need to know what happens in CK to read it. If you like, I can fill you in on the relevant bits that happen?

[Leon]

callie wrote: "Joy wrote: "Sorry Callie and Everlyn, I am not doing this buddy read anymore cause I dnf-ed Crooked kingdom and i am not sure I can read King of scars without knowing what happened in Crooked Kingd..."

Nah it's okay, I will just feel like I am lagging behind and I am planning to pick up CK again so it's okay. Thank you tho

[callie]

Joy wrote: "callie wrote: "Joy wrote: "Sorry Callie and Everlyn, I am not doing this buddy read anymore cause I dnf-ed Crooked kingdom and i am not sure I can read King of scars without knowing what happened i..."

ok! no worries! I hope you are able to get through it next time!

[Dannii]

I'm a little late but watching the Shadow and Bone Netflix adaptation has me super missing this world so I'm rereading this before moving onto the sequel :)

First quarter - (view spoiler)[I love how chapter one introduced Nikolai and Zoya from an outside perspective.

Honestly, Zoya's snark and sarcasm initially made this for me. Her one-liners were so funny to read. It reminded me why I love Six of Crows over Shadow and Bone so much, as the heist gang all have the same sort of humour.

Nina's perspective, right after, was just as compelling. (hide spoiler)]

[callie]

I'm a bit behind on my audiobooks, I'm hoping to be able to start this one tomorrow or the day after!

And same @Dannii, the Shadow and Bone adaption really made me nostalgic for this whole word. I'm rereading all of the books! I desperately need the reread of this one before RoW because I remember virtually nothing lol

[Dannii]

callie wrote: "I'm a bit behind on my audiobooks, I'm hoping to be able to start this one tomorrow or the day after!

And same @Dannii, the Shadow and Bone adaption really made me nostalgic for this whole word. I..."

I remember so little as well apart from the conclusion. I'm really enjoying my reread :)

[Dannii]

Second quarter - (view spoiler)[Nikolai's night-time alterations were as sad as they were chilling to read about. He had such day-time remorse and fear for what he was. His attack on Zoya provided a turning point in how they had to deal with him.

Nina's grief over Matthias was dually as hard to read about. I'm really glad that the odd moment of humour still remains to alleviate the tone.

I loved witnessing her new friendship as well as she how she fooled the men in the hut to stand guard in return for some cash prize never to materialize.

The insight to Nikolai's childhood was as full of sorrow as it was sweetness. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Third quarter - (view spoiler)[I had forgotten there was a literal dragon in this book!

Nina said 'no mourners' and no-one was around to add 'no funerals'. Why did this make me want so sob???

The girls at the factory have a horrific existence that was especially horrific for Nina to witness. (hide spoiler)]

[Dannii]

Fourth quarter - (view spoiler)[The scene were the deceased women spoke through Nina to the well mother was chilling!

The Darkling!! I'm so glad I have book two ready to dive right into, this time around reading it. (hide spoiler)]

[callie]

Dannii wrote: "Second quarter - Nikolai's night-time alterations were as sad as they were chilling to read about. He had such day-time remorse and fear for what he was. His attack on Zoya provided a turning point..."

(view spoiler)[I KNOW NINA AND MATTHAIS MAKE ME SO SAD. I almost cried during his funeral scene. And when Matthais' wolf saved Nina.... *cried*

Also, idk why put the fact that Nikolai learned lock picking from Kaz makes me SO HAPPY

ALSO HOW DID I FORGET DAVID AND GENYA ARE MARRIED??? I LOVE THEM SO MUCH

And yes, Nikolai's childhood was kinda sad. Like it explains so much too. Vasily (excuse the spelling I'm listening to the audiobook) deserved what he got from the nichevo'ya ngl. (hide spoiler)]

[callie]

Dannii wrote: "Third quarter - I had forgotten there was a literal dragon in this book!

Nina said 'no mourners' and no-one was around to add 'no funerals'. Why did this make me want so sob???

The girls at the f..."

(view spoiler)[ I HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT THE DRAGON TOO! HE'S SO COOL!

When no one added "no funerals" I wanted to cry too... so you aren't alone

THEY REALLY DID I FEEL SO BAD FOR THEM!! Also like.... I wanna who tf is impregnating them? Like for a population who hates Grisha and are lowkey probably scared of them.... who is doing the deed to these Grisha women especially dosed with whatever Parem concoction they have?? I HAVE QUESTIONS (hide spoiler)]

[callie]

finished
(view spoiler)[FRICK I FORGOT THE DARKLING HAD ACTUALLY CAME BACK. AND IN YURI'S BODY TO WHAT THE HECKKK. AHAHAHA RULE OF WOLVES IS GOING TO BE INTERESTING *sweats*

Also... Isaak, pretending to be a king, fell in love with another commoner pretending to be a princess the IRONY. Also POOR FREAKING ISSAC HE DID NOT DESERVE THAT! Somehow I was thinking that he lived and the girl died BUT MOPE MY MEMORIES GOT IT WRONG

Other small facts; I lowkey also forgot Jarl Brum was in here... idk how Nina didn't murder him right off that bat the RESTRAINT.
Also Laynie (forgive the spelling, idk) is the Grisha child Jespers mom saved??? I don't have words.... (hide spoiler)]

[callie]

I really want to physically read Rule of Wolves, but my hold doesn't come in for an estimated 14 weeks..... I'm very tempted to say screw it and listen to the audiobook on youtube cause I need to know what happens ASAP

[Jenn]

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date changed. Restarting January 2nd 2025. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Prisha]

I'm starting it now :)

[Prisha]

Finished chapter 2
(view spoiler)[ I love Zoya and Nikolai's squabbling and fun remarks at each other. I can't believe she's trying to get him to marry someone. The future bride would be horrified to find out he can turn into a monster. Anyone else kind of ships Nikolai and Zoya together? (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Prisha wrote: "Finished chapter 2
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I think their banter shows how well they know each other. And how much Nikolai allows the people close to him to be comfortable. I'm not the biggest fan of Zoya based on what I read in the Shadow and Bone trilogy, but that could change as we learn more about her. I do like Nikolai though, so I definitely want him to be with someone worthy of him. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Chapter 4
(view spoiler)[ I like Nina so much, but I have a feeling I should have read Six of Crows before this. I read somewhere that they were interlinked independent series, but I think I spoiled myself for her and Matthias. She really needs to get rid of his body though. I do get why it's hard for her.
I love how Nikolai sees the capabilities of others and lets them do what they are best at. I don't think a lot of kings would give people choice or trust them so much. (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

Ashley W wrote: "Prisha wrote: "Finished chapter 2
[spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ I haven't read the shadow and bone trilogy, beside the first book, so I don't know much about her. Looking forward to learning more about them both though. And I do like Nikolai as well! He's a brilliant character, really charming too. (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

Ashley W wrote: "Chapter 4
I like Nina so much, but I have a feeling I should have read Six of Crows before this. I read somewhere that they were interlinked independent series, but I think I spoiled myself for he..."

(view spoiler)[ You should definitely read Six Of Crows! It's really good. And I do agree that Nikolai is a great king! Especially considering that Ravka is in constant threat of Fjerda. (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

Chapter 5

(view spoiler)[ Why is there so much discrimination in Fjerda? :( (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Chapter 6
(view spoiler)[ I feel so bad for Nikolai. He tries so hard to be a good king, while questioning if he ever will be. There seem to be no good answers. I wish he would just propose to Zoya already. lol It's so obvious he wants to. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Chapter 7
(view spoiler)[ Nikolai was pretty clever with Yuri. He doesn't get enough credit. Zoya really put me off in the Shadow and Bone trilogy, and though her personality is still pretty much the same, I get where she's coming from more now. And learning about her youth and how she was supposed to marry that old man, put things in perspective. (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

chapter 7

(view spoiler)[ The monster is so much more dangerous than it seemed, The fact that it sounds inhumane and human at the same time is alarming, and it makes me wonder if the monster is just a part of the Darkling? Maybe, a piece of him that managed to survive and is plaguing Nikolai looking for 'vengeance'. (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

Ashley W wrote: "Chapter 7
[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Nikolai is really smooth with all this. He goes to Yuri being friendly, then he turns quiet and starts talking about the sniper who could kill Yuri, then scaring him by lifting his hand to adjust his clothes. (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[ Nina saying goodbye to Mathias is so sad, I wish it could've ben easier but... I feel so bad for her, why must life be so hard sometimes? (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[ I'm so happy that Nina found Trassel! It's like a connection to Mathias. I really wish that Hanne hadn't scared him off, I was looking forward to him and Nina spending time together, it would help her mourn Mathias. (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

Chapter 15
(view spoiler)[ I think Zoya is losing control more and more often, hopefully it'll get better.

But, I don't understand the appeal to worshiping the Darkling. The phrase 'starless one' itself is very negative, considering that people like stars. (hide spoiler)]

[Prisha]

Chapter 15 finished
(view spoiler)[ I'm wondering if ALL the saints have been hiding out wherever this is? If their stories weren't all true, and even if they had died, they'd somehow been resurrected? (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Prisha wrote: "Chapter 15
I think Zoya is losing control more and more often, hopefully it'll get better.

But, I don't understand the appeal to worshiping the Darkling. The phrase 'starless one' itself is very..."

(view spoiler)[ I think to them 'starless one' emphasized his power. He was so dark that he could blot out the stars. And they really valued power. (hide spoiler)]

[Ashley W]

Chapter 8
(view spoiler)[ That burial broke my heart. (hide spoiler)]