King of Scars returns readers to Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse, following Nikolai Lantsov as he struggles to rule Ravka while battling a literal demon inside him, and Zoya Nazyalensky as she grapples with her past and growing powers.

This book will most appeal to existing Grishaverse fans who've been invested in these characters since the Shadow and Bone trilogy, as Bardugo assumes significant prior knowledge and emotional investment. New readers will likely feel lost among the numerous references to past events and relationships.

The novel excels in its character development, particularly Zoya's transformation from antagonist to complex protagonist dealing with trauma and self-worth. Bardugo's exploration of leadership, mental health, and the cost of power feels mature and nuanced.

Nikolai's internal battle with his demon serves as an effective metaphor for depression and self-doubt, while the political maneuvering around Ravka's rebuilding adds realistic complexity. The magic system remains inventive, and the writing is polished with Bardugo's signature wit.

However, the pacing suffers from trying to juggle too many plotlines. The romance feels somewhat forced, and the book struggles with middle-volume syndrome—it's clearly setting up for the sequel rather than standing alone. Some readers may find the tone inconsistent, veering between YA romance and darker adult themes without fully committing to either. The book also relies heavily on nostalgia for earlier series entries, which can feel manipulative. Those who enjoy character-driven fantasy with political intrigue and aren't afraid of emotional complexity will find much to love. Skip this if you prefer standalone novels, haven't read the previous Grishaverse books, or want faster-paced action-adventure fantasy. It's essentially required reading for Grishaverse completists but may disappoint those hoping for the tight plotting of Six of Crows.