A Darker ShoreLetters from Ketterdam

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo comes a new Grishaverse short story: a mystery told through found documents and set after the events of Crooked Kingdom.

In the years since the violent upheaval caused bythe auction of Kuwei Yul-Bo, the merchants of Ketterdam have been under attack. Secret businesses exposed. Ships sunk. Slavers hunted as they once hunted their victims. All the work of a mysterious sea captain and her ship, the Wraith.

Now, two investigators meet to uncover the truth behind the latest disaster: a massacre on an island off the shores of Ketterdam. Among the evidence collected is private correspondence between notorious crime boss Kaz Brekker and an anonymous sailor aboard the Wraith known only as “I.”

Follow along with the lead investigator as he tries to piece together how such a disaster transpired, and explore the Grishaverse like never before with new illustrations by E.K. Belsher, original music composed by E. Aaron Wilson, and in-world collectible items.

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Fantasy Young Adult Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Short Stories

Release date: June 30, 2026

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Leigh Bardugo

Leigh Bardugo is a name that echoes through the fantasy world, a master of weaving dark, intricate tales filled with unforgettable characters, high-stakes drama, and worlds where magic is both a gift and a curse. Born in Jerusalem and raised in Los Angeles, Leigh’s journey to becoming one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary fantasy is as fascinating as the worlds she creates. With a background in journalism and a love for storytelling that began at an early age, she has always been captivated by the idea of bending reality, crafting new worlds, and exploring the complexities of human nature—traits that have shaped her unique writing style.

Bardugo’s breakout came with Shadow and Bone, the first book in her Grisha Verse, a series that introduced readers to the captivating, tumultuous world of Ravka and its tangled magic system. The series, which includes Siege and Storm and Ruin and Rising, catapulted her into the spotlight, earning praise for its deeply layered characters, morally ambiguous heroes, and a world rich with political intrigue. Yet, what sets Bardugo apart is her ability to explore the grey areas of good and evil. Her protagonists aren’t perfect—they’re flawed, complex, and grappling with their own desires, fears, and weaknesses. And in Bardugo’s world, even the darkest of characters are given room to grow and evolve.

Her follow-up Six of Crows and its sequel Crooked Kingdom took a daring step into the realm of heist fantasy, introducing a ragtag group of outcasts and thieves. These books offered an even deeper dive into character development and elevated Bardugo’s storytelling to new heights, blending action, loyalty, betrayal, and heartache into an unforgettable reading experience. Fans of her work rave about her ability to craft complex plots that keep them on the edge of their seats, all while never losing sight of the emotional core of her characters.

But Bardugo’s creative reach doesn’t stop with her Grisha Verse. Her work extends into the realms of adult fiction with Ninth House, a dark, gothic tale that mixes academia, the occult, and the supernatural. The book explores themes of power, privilege, and self-discovery, pushing boundaries in new and compelling ways. This shift marks her versatility as a writer, ready to push her audience in new directions while still holding true to her roots of lush, evocative storytelling.

Leigh Bardugo’s influence on modern fantasy is undeniable. With a knack for creating worlds that feel real, and characters that feel like friends or foes, her books have earned her a devoted fanbase around the world. Her writing, always layered and nuanced, offers a sense of depth and realism that resonates deeply with readers. When not writing, she’s an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the literary world, ensuring that her stories reflect a wide range of experiences and voices.

One thing is certain: whether in a magical kingdom or a darkened university, Bardugo’s stories are ones that stay with you long after the final page is turned. She has a gift for crafting tales that balance the fantastical with the deeply human, making her a standout voice in the realm of modern fantasy literature.

Six of Crows

In the shadowed streets of Ketterdam, a city where loyalty is fleeting and danger lurks in every alley, six outcasts come together for an impossible heist that could make them all rich—or end their lives. Six of Crows introduces readers to a band of criminals whose skills are as sharp as their ambitions, and whose personal stakes are as high as the risks they’re willing to take. In this dark and thrilling fantasy, trust is a luxury, and betrayal could come from anywhere, even those you think you know best.