Author: Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Published in 2015
Rating: ★★★★★ – 5/5
“No mourners. No funerals. Among them, it passed for ‘good luck.”
– Six of Crows
In “Six of Crows,” Leigh Bardugo plunges us into the gritty, vibrant world of Ketterdam, a bustling hub of commerce and crime. At the heart of this tale is Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy who is offered a chance to pull off a heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. In order to succeed, Kaz needs a crew as dangerous and desperate as he is. Enter Inej, the silent spy known as the Wraith; Nina, a Grisha Heartrender using her powers to survive; Jesper, a sharpshooter with a gambling problem; Matthias, a convict seeking revenge; and Wylan, a runaway with a privileged past.
– Kaz “can steal the shirt off your back and make you thank him for it” Brekker –
Kaz is the kind of guy who could pull off an impossible heist and still have time for a cup of straight black coffee (saints know he won’t have it any other way). His past is shadowed by tragedy, leading to his ruthless ambition and the cold, calculated persona that keeps him alive in the treacherous streets of Ketterdam. Despite his icy exterior, Kaz’s loyalty to his crew shows he’s not entirely heartless, though he’d never admit it.
– Inej “more silent than a ghost and twice as deadly” Ghafa –
Inej could probably sneak up on her own shadow. Her acrobatic skills and ability to move unseen make her a valuable asset to Kaz’s crew. She’s haunted by her past and driven by a desire to reclaim her freedom and the people she lost. Inej’s moral compass is her strength, even when the world around her descends into chaos.
– Nina “could charm secrets out of a statue” Zenik –
Nina has a knack for making friends out of enemies and enemies out of thin air. Her powers as a Heartrender allow her to manipulate the body, making her both a healer and a destroyer. Her vibrant personality and fierce loyalty to her friends warm the otherwise cold and dark narrative. Her complicated relationship with Matthias adds layers to her character, highlighting the conflicts between duty and desire.
Matthias “grumpier than a bear woken up too early” Helvar –
As a former drüskelle (witch hunter), his world is turned upside down when he is imprisoned and later forced to work with the very people he was trained to hunt. His internal struggle and evolving relationship with Nina provide a poignant look at redemption and change.
Jesper “could shoot a coin out of the air while gambling his last one” Fahey –
Jesper has a talent for turning every situation into a high-stakes gamble. His charisma and quick wit hide deeper insecurities and a longing for acceptance. Jesper’s lightheartedness balances the darker tones of the story, while his loyalty to his friends shows his true character.
Wylan “could blow up a building and still look innocent” Van Eck –
Wylan might look like he couldn’t hurt a fly, but he’s got a mind that can outthink the best of them. His background as a merchant’s son gives him unique insights and skills. His journey from a sheltered life to finding his place in the crew is one of growth and self-discovery. Wylan’s innocence is a stark contrast to the world he’s thrust into, but it’s also what makes him resilient.
– My Honest Review –
When somebody asks for a YA fantasy recommendation “Six of Crows” is the first book that comes spilling out of my mouth. It’s a masterful blend of intricate plot, rich world-building, and deeply flawed, compelling characters.
The dialogue is witty and authentic, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and personalities of the characters. Each member of Kaz’s crew is well-developed, with their own arcs that intertwine seamlessly with the main heist plot.
Though this book is not the first to Bardugo’s Grishaverse, it may by far be my favorite. The original trilogy is set in the same world with different characters. Though it is not needed to read the Shadow and Bone trilogy before Six of Crows, I would highly recommend it as it sets the stage for our wonderful crew.
Happy Reading!
