Six of Crows

A clever and dark YA fantasy—featuring a well-rounded cast paired to a heist plot that tugs at the mind as well as the heart.

Disclaimer: No actual crows were harmed in the telling of this story. >.>

This was my first experience with any of Leigh Bardugo’s work. (And if this one is any indication of overall quality, it won’t be my last.) Despite it being set in a previously-established world with powers-based fantasy element, this book—and series—stands completely on its own. No need to have read about the Grisha before encountering them, as you will quickly and clearly get the idea as you go along. Their inborn powers are central to the plot, as the creation of an amplifying drug is evidently turning them into superweapons and controllable addicts.

Those who control the amped-up Grisha will, pretty obviously, control the world. But that little issue is only readily relevant to a few of the thieves who are collected in the name of rescuing/abducing the drug’s creator…

Initially, none of the characters we meet come off as particularly sympathetic (with the exception of the exotic and deadly Inej, who desires to find some trace of redemption in her tactically brilliant boss.) I found for the first 1/4th of the book I was reading just to figure out what was going on and why. But patience gradually pays off, and bits of their unique backstories are meted out in unobtrusive morsels as the larger story progresses. Every one of the six are flawed—some more horrendously than others. But all of them, even “dirtyhands” Kaz, have their soft spots, and their reasons for being the way they are. By the end I found myself genuinely endeared to most of them, and largely pleased with their growth.

The pacing is clipped, the worldbuilding solid, and the descriptions are nigh-cinematic. Rotating POVs lend to selective reveals and interesting twists. I was a little annoyed there seemed to be an intention of conveniently pairing off all members of the crew in a romantic sense, and I’m not a huge fan of the cliffhanger ending that made this ultimately feel like a super-sized half book… But my reservations are relatively minimal when contrasted with my overall enjoyment.

If you like to find yourself rooting for the “bad guys” (who are really more like chaotic good with a dash of chaotic neutral), this may be just the book for you.

Favorite Quote:
Kaz leaned back. "What's the easiest way to steal a man's wallet?"
"Knife to the throat?" asked Inej.
"Gun to the back?" said Jesper.
"Poison in his cup?" suggested Nina.
"You're all horrible," said Matthias.
“The easiest way to steal a man’s wallet is to tell him you’re going to steal his watch. You take his attention and direct it where you want it to go."

Six of Crows follows six characters all attempting to pull off an impossible heist, one that has never been done before: Break into the notorious Ice Court- a military stronghold that has never been breached, Retrieve a hostage- a prisoner who created a powerful and dangerous drug that could eliminate all Grisha and of course, all for a tempting sum of 30 million kruge. Kaz must assemble people crazy and dangerous enough to follow him on a suicide mission but will make them rich beyond their wildest dreams… if they can pull it off.

We slowly get to know these characters and learn about their history, reinforcing how much is at stake for each individual should something go wrong, leaving you completely compelled and feeling apart of the journey. If you’re familiar with the Grisha world then this book is a dream, it can be read as a standalone but you may have a few questions here and there but being able to slip seamlessly back into the amazing world and Bardugo’s writing which has become more captivating over the years was fantastic.

The plot is fast paced, action packed and unpredictable; you will not see much coming and the plot twists are exceptional. Now for the romance, there’s romance and 2 ships that I am majorly shipping and in love with. It does not consume or take away from the plot, just bits here and there but it’s enough to keep you hooked and still fly through the pages. BUT when you reach those chapters or scenes where there is romance… be prepared for some smoldering looks, angst, sexual tension and quotes that have the ability to make you swoon long after reading.

Overall I’d make some room on your top bookshelves if I were you, Six of Crows is going to claim top spot and make all other books come second place. Bardugo’s magical world and superlative writing will leave you wanting more; that is if you survived the cliffhanger…
If there were more stars to give, I would give them all!

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo



About the Story:
"A convict with a thirst for revenge. A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager. A runaway with a privileged past. A spy known as the Wraith. A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums. A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist."

Redemption comes at a cost.

The Story:
This story is told from many different point of view, of which the main protagonists are Kaz, criminal mastermind and Inej, the silent spy. We first meet the six main characters as they prepare for the heist of their life; riches, independence, and salvation at their fingertips. Each character has their own reasons for agreeing - as Kaz pulls their strings - but we slowly learn that the cause of this mission is bigger than any one of them. With plot-twists from cover-to-cover, Leigh Bardugo has incorporated action, suspence, and romance in the Six of Crows.

The Characters:
Kaz, Inej, Nina, Jesper, Matthias, and Wylan were the main six protagonists. This story switched point of view frequently, akin to the Game of Thrones. However, I did find myself lacking a connection to Jesper and Wylan. Though Wylan was integral in the latter story, I wonder if the story could have been the same for me without these two characters.
Kaz is a man of cold mystery - always a big draw. Deep down we wonder - as Inej does - whether we can change Kaz, heal him, or get him to admit he cares. Inej is a beautiful character - so fun to read as she leaps from roof-to-roof, fulfilling her reputation as the Wraith.
I grew to be quite fond of Nina, and Matthias by default.
Each character had their own sordid past, their own motivations and ambitions, yet they each shared something vital; each had run from something, or someone. The group dialogue was highly entertaining.

The World:
Intricate and well-crafted. We get a clear sense of the Barrel, of the disparities between rich and poor, of the prison, and the crossing to the Ice Court. The setting is this novel's strength. Particularly in the beginning, the world-building holds the reader’s attention. I had few qualms in this area, though a glossary could have been a nice as there were many unfamiliar terms - this novel would not be kind to someone who only reads a chapter a night.

Readability:
By halfway through, I began to feel emotionally invested in this story. Most fantasy novels take a little to set up the world - especially one as intricate as this - before picking up pace. Despite this, the start was slow and I had to force myself to continue in parts. The writing is professional with few errors, and technically sound, but I wonder if the editing of some of the initial scenes could have improved pacing. From the mid-mark, I only put Six of Crows down once, to sleep - always gets in the way - and was satisfied with the ending, and what should prove to be a good sequel. Kaz and Inej are still ingrained in my mind after closing the covers.

Final Verdict
A unique world, largely lovable characters, and a detailed, unpredictable plot. If you plan to read Six of Crows, you can be assured of a YA novel unlike any other. For me, the pace dragged initially, and there were some characters I felt little for, but it was worth continuing for the final showdown.

Favourite Quote:
“What is he doing?” asked Matthias.
“Performing an ancient Zemeni ritual,” Kaz said.
“Really?
“No.”