Kaz Brekker is well known for his many skills in the Barrel. He is a thief and successfully runs gambling parlors. He employs Grishas to help him. Kaz became the second-in-command of the Dregs. He also has a rivalry with gang leader, Pekka Rollins. Kaz is an impeccably dressed, charming manipulator. He carries a crow-headed stick to help him keep balance for his damaged knee. Kaz is equally famous beyond his pleasure district neighborhood. His fame extends across the capital of Kerch-Ketterdam.

It’s no surprise that Jan Van Eck, a famous and wealthy merchant, makes a lucrative offer to Kaz. He wants Kaz to rescue Bo Yul-Bayur from the Ice Court. Soon, readers understand the importance of Bo Yul-Bayur and the drug he invented, jurda parem, which has far-reaching consequential powers.

Naturally, we get hooked in this story of an impossible-looking heist to rescue the master chemist from an enemy stronghold.

What happens next is worth reading in this captivating fantasy novel. We witness Kaz and his team’s journey from the harbors of Ketterdam to the Ice Court. His crew, comprised of the chosen few whom Kaz has selected based on his personal and professional equations with each of them, embarks on this fateful journey with him. This crew includes Nina Zenik. She is a Grisha Heartrender who works in the pleasure house. Then there is Matthias Helvar. He was formerly arrested because of Nina. Jesper Fahey is another member. He is a Zemeni sharpshooter with serious gambling issues. Inej, a Suli girl, has been working like a shadow next to Kaz. Finally, Wylan Van Eck has rebelled against his father.

It’s interesting to read how this motley crew comes together for the sake of their individual interests. They overcome all the trials to break into the impenetrable Ice Court. They emerge on the other side united against all the challenges thrown in their way. Since this is the first in the Duology series, the book ends on a pause rather than a proper ending, so the story continues in the next novel. I am so looking ahead to reading how the saga unfolds in the ultimate book of this series.

Is this book worth your time? Certainly. Is it necessary to read both books of this series in the correct order? Of course, it’s essential to understand the story background, plot progression, and character development. So, do I recommend this duology? Yes, go for it. It’s certainly worth a read.