Below is the complete list of Leigh Bardugo’s Dregs books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Dregs Books
About Dregs
The Dregs series by Leigh Bardugo is a young adult fantasy duology more widely known as Six of Crows. It consists of Six of Crows (2015) and Crooked Kingdom (2016), two interconnected novels set in the Grishaverse, the fictional world first introduced in Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone trilogy. Centered on a group of young criminals in the city of Ketterdam, the books combine elaborate heists, political intrigue, dangerous magic, and complex relationships.
The Dregs are a street gang operating in the Barrel, Ketterdam’s notorious entertainment and criminal district. Although the gang has numerous members, the story focuses on six individuals brought together by Kaz Brekker, a calculating criminal strategist known for his intelligence, ruthlessness, and ability to anticipate his enemies.
In Six of Crows, Kaz receives an offer to undertake an almost impossible mission: infiltrate the Ice Court, a heavily fortified stronghold in the northern nation of Fjerda, and retrieve a prisoner whose knowledge could alter the balance of power across the world.
The mission involves jurda parem, a dangerous substance that dramatically enhances the abilities of Grisha, people capable of manipulating matter through the Small Science. Its effects make the drug immensely valuable, but its addictive properties and potential for exploitation threaten Grisha and ordinary people alike.
To complete the mission, Kaz assembles a team with specialized abilities. Inej Ghafa, known as the Wraith, is a skilled spy and acrobat whose extraordinary agility makes her invaluable. Nina Zenik is a Heartrender whose Grisha powers allow her to manipulate the human body, while Matthias Helvar is a former Fjerdan soldier whose beliefs have been challenged by his relationship with Nina.
Jesper Fahey is an expert marksman with a gambling problem, and Wylan Van Eck possesses valuable knowledge of chemistry and explosives. Together, they form an unlikely group whose talents are matched by their personal conflicts and complicated histories.
Much of the first novel’s appeal comes from the preparation and execution of the heist. Bardugo combines strategic planning with unexpected setbacks, gradually revealing how each character’s experiences influence their decisions.
The story also explores the tension between cooperation and distrust. Although the six characters depend upon one another, they have different motivations for accepting the mission. Some seek money or freedom, while others hope to settle old scores or protect people they care about.
Crooked Kingdom continues directly from the events of Six of Crows. Returning to Ketterdam, the group must confront powerful enemies and navigate a series of betrayals that threaten their survival. The stakes become increasingly personal as Kaz and his companions attempt to outmaneuver opponents with far greater financial and political resources.
The second novel expands the focus on Ketterdam itself, portraying the city as a place where commerce, organized crime, and political influence are deeply interconnected. Its wealthy merchants and criminal organizations operate according to different rules, but both are capable of exploiting vulnerable people.
Kaz’s character development is particularly significant throughout the duology. His reputation as a ruthless strategist conceals a traumatic past that shapes his relationships and his determination to maintain control. His connection with Inej reveals the difficulties of trust and intimacy for individuals who have experienced profound suffering.
The other members of the group undergo equally important changes. Nina and Matthias must confront the prejudices and political divisions separating their homelands, while Jesper and Wylan struggle with questions of identity, self-worth, and family expectations.
Found family is one of the series’ central themes. The characters begin as reluctant collaborators, but their shared experiences gradually create bonds that challenge their individual instincts for self-preservation.
Although the Dregs books take place after the Shadow and Bone trilogy, they feature a largely different cast and a distinct central storyline. Readers can begin with Six of Crows without having read Bardugo’s earlier novels, although familiarity with the Grishaverse provides additional context for its nations, political conflicts, and magical system.
The recommended reading order is Six of Crows followed by Crooked Kingdom. The two books tell one continuous story and should not be read out of sequence.
Several characters from the duology also appear in Bardugo’s King of Scars books, making the Dregs storyline an important part of the wider Grishaverse chronology.
With its intricate plotting, memorable ensemble cast, and exploration of loyalty among society’s outsiders, the Dregs duology stands among Leigh Bardugo’s most widely recognized works. Its combination of criminal ingenuity and emotional depth gives the series a distinctive place within modern young adult fantasy.