King of Scars is Leigh Bardugo’s first book in the King of Scars duology that was released January, 29th.

King of Scars follows the story of Nikolai Lantsov, handsome privateer and killer king with deadly looks, swooning smirks, and the ultimate brain of a ruler. After his main role in Bardugo’s first series, Shadow and Bone, his story picks up after he was possessed by a demon during a dark war that brought out the monster in him, a part of himself that he couldn’t even recognize. Fleeing from shame and embarrassment, Nikolai distanced himself from his good friend, Alina Starkov and left behind the country that he loved.

Now he’s back and as the son of the late king, he is ready to reclaim his position as ruler of Ravka, a Russian inspired country. King of Scars is assumed to take place after Nikolai resumed his position, and is faced with trials, some personal, others not, but propaganda advertising the books states, “face your demons, or feed them,” leaving readers unsteady with anticipation and worry, yet overjoyed with excitement to continue the story about a beloved character from the Shadow and Bone trilogy.

When speaking with Alayna Davidson, ERHS reader, she says that she is “beyond excited. I don’t think there is any way to contain my excitement.” When asked about what specifically she is excited for, Alayna says finding out “more about Nikolai and his past and see his perspective on the war. He’s such an interesting character and I’m excited to see what Leigh Bardugo does this time.” When discussing character involvement from past books, Alayna says, “I hope we get to see Zoya and Genya again!” Ms. Davidson also commented on the title Leigh Bardugo chose for the book saying, “I think the title is most likely about all that he has gone through, the scars that the Ravkan civil war left on him and the country itself.”

Illumnicrate, a monthly book subscription came out with a “Saints and Scars” themed box for fans and readers to buy, that was solely inspired by King of Scars.

Some of Bardugo’s other series include the Shadow and Bone trilogy, the Six of Crows duology, and The Language of Thorns, which all take place in the fictional world of the Grishverse.

King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo hit shelves January 29th and you can purchase the gorgeous gold cover at any Barnes and Nobles.