King of Scars is solid, mature YA fantasy that doesn't pull punches. Bardugo's strength has always been world-building and morally complex characters, and Nikolai delivers on both fronts—he's charming, damaged, and genuinely trying to be a good king while literally possessed by dark magic. It's a great metaphor for PTSD and leadership under pressure.
That said, this is definitely on the darker end of YA. The drug addiction, rape-pregnancy subplot, and religious warfare aren't gratuitous, but they're present and handled with weight. If your teen loved Six of Crows, they can handle this. If they're just dipping their toes into YA fantasy, maybe start elsewhere.
The pacing is slower than Six of Crows—more political maneuvering, less heist action—and it's clearly book one of a duology, so not everything wraps up. Fans don't seem to mind (4.6 stars on Amazon), but know what you're getting into. This is for readers who want to sink into a complex fantasy world and don't need instant gratification.
Bottom line: Strong choice for older teens who want fantasy with substance, but definitely read the content warnings first.






