King of Scars
King of Scars is the first book in Leigh Bardugo's King of Scars duology, set within her popular Grishaverse, and is a young adult high fantasy novel. The story centers on King Nikolai Lantsov of Ravka, who is battling not only the political aftermath of a brutal civil war but also a literal demon that inhabits his body. His loyal general, Zoya Nazyalensky, works tirelessly to help him control this dark magic and protect their country from external threats. Meanwhile, Nina Zenik, a powerful Grisha, embarks on a clandestine mission in Fjerda to rescue her persecuted kind and uncover a dangerous drug plot that could have catastrophic implications for all Grisha. The narrative intertwines themes of political maneuvering, magical warfare, personal identity, and the process of healing from past traumas. The book is intended for a mature young adult audience. It builds upon previous series in the Grishaverse, including the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, and familiarity with these is recommended for a full understanding of the characters and world.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe narrative is set in a post-civil war country facing new threats, featuring frequent battle scenes, assassinations, and graphic depictions of injury and death. Characters endure physical torment, and a key character is murdered, emphasizing the harsh realities of their world.
The plot includes an assassination attempt where Princess Ehri stabs Isaak in the heart, killing him. Additionally, Sankt Juris is murdered by Elisaveta as part of a ritual. The Story Sanctuary review explicitly states, 'Some scenes show battle violence. An assassin kills someone and injures someone else' and notes that 'poison and drug addiction cause injury and death'.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and occult themes are central to the plot, deeply integrated into the world's magic system (Grisha powers). This includes demonic possession, ancient rituals, and the resurrection of a dark entity. The narrative features worship of powerful individuals (Saints) and a cult dedicated to a villainous figure.
Nikolai Lantsov is explicitly battling a demon that resides within him, a direct consequence of dark magic from previous events. The story involves a dangerous ritual intended to rid Nikolai of this monster, but it is subverted by Sankta Elisaveta, leading to the spirit of the Darkling entering Yuri's body. Additionally, there is a 'Cult of the Starless Saint' which actively worships the Darkling.
Substance Use
HighSubstance use is a significant and dark theme, particularly concerning the dangerous and addictive drug 'jurda parem.' The drug's effects and its role in subjugating and harming Grisha are central to Nina Zenik's storyline, including forced addiction and its lethal consequences.
Nina Zenik's mission directly confronts the use of 'jurda parem,' a highly addictive drug that amplifies Grisha powers but also enslaves its users. The book describes Grisha women and children being drugged with parem and forced to conceive children who are born addicted to the substance, highlighting its devastating impact. The consequences of drug addiction, including injury and death, are also noted.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe book contains frequent scary and intense elements, driven by the king's demonic transformations, psychological torment, and the return of a major antagonist. The atmosphere is often suspenseful and frightening due to the omnipresent threat of the internal demon and external magical dangers.
King Nikolai unwillingly transforms into a monstrous creature, which he and his allies must contend with, creating significant tension and fear. The psychological struggle Nikolai faces with the 'demon curled inside his heart' is a recurring and intense theme. The ending reveals the resurgence of the Darkling's spirit, a major villain from previous series, indicating a significant and frightening threat.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe book features clear LGBTQ representation through the character of Nina Zenik, who is explicitly identified as bisexual. Her storyline includes a developing romantic interest and attraction towards another female character, Hanne. This is noted in multiple reviews and reader discussions, indicating a significant, albeit not explicit, same-sex relationship arc.
Nina Zenik is described as bisexual. Her burgeoning romantic feelings for Hanne are evident, with Nina admiring Hanne's beauty in a romantic way. Reader discussions confirm Nina's developing relationship with Hanne, noting that Nina 'deserves someone who will love her the way she is,' indicating a significant same-sex connection.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe book contains multiple romantic subplots involving heterosexual and implied same-sex relationships. While explicit sexual acts are absent, there are instances of kissing and suggestive comments, indicating romantic and sensual undertones without graphic detail.
Kissing occurs between heterosexual characters, such as Isaak and Princess Ehri, where he kisses her. A soldier makes a comment that 'a girl looks like she'd be fun in bed'. There are also developing romantic hints between Nikolai and Zoya, including Nikolai kissing her knuckles. Nina Zenik's romantic admiration for Hanne, another woman, is present.
Profanity
MediumProfanity is present in the dialogue, including some strong curse words. While not excessively frequent, the language goes beyond mild expletives and includes terms that some parents may find objectionable.
A YouTube review quotes the book with phrases like 'he's a fucking demon king right now' and describes the book as 'fucking'. The character Nina Zenik uses the phrase, 'Matthias, your country can kiss my fat Grisha ass'.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumCharacters frequently display disrespect through snarky remarks and engage in rebellious acts, particularly against oppressive systems and authority. This is often portrayed as a justified response to injustice or as a character trait, contributing to the narrative's tone.
Nikolai and Zoya are noted for their 'witty banter' and 'snarky conversations'. Nina Zenik's mission to rescue Grisha from Fjerda is an act of defiance against a country that oppresses them. A clear instance of disrespect is Nina's quote, 'Matthias, your country can kiss my fat Grisha ass,' directed at her deceased former lover's homeland.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe book features a fictional religious system within the Grishaverse, including the worship of 'Saints' who are powerful individuals, rather than deities. It also introduces a cult dedicated to the Darkling, a villainous figure. While not directly critical of Christianity, these elements present an alternative spiritual framework that diverges significantly from Christian doctrine and includes the worship of a dark, non-divine entity.
The world's religious practices include the worship of 'Saints,' who are powerful Grisha rather than traditional divine figures. A 'Cult of the Starless Saint' emerges, whose followers worship and claim loyalty to the Darkling, a malevolent character. This system explores concepts of sainthood and devotion within a fantasy context, differing from Christian theological concepts.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 14+ is recommended due to pervasive themes of dark magic and demonic possession, intense violence and warfare, the central role of a dangerous addictive drug, and mature emotional and romantic content, including a developing same-sex relationship.
Additional Notes
Readers new to the Grishaverse may find the political and magical complexities, as well as character histories, less accessible without prior reading of the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology, as this book builds heavily on those foundations.
Related Reviews
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