Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

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Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows is a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat heist story that immerses readers in a gritty, dynamic world filled with morally gray characters and complex relationships. As the first book in a duology, it sets the stage for the gripping sequel, Crooked Kingdom. While I ultimately preferred the sequel, this installment still delivered a fantastic and memorable read that left a lasting impression.

A High-Stakes Heist Full of Twists and Turns

The story follows a group of six outcasts brought together to pull off an impossible heist. From the moment the heist begins, the plot is brimming with twists, surprises, and suspense, keeping readers guessing at every turn. Bardugo masterfully balances the tension of the high-stakes mission with moments of levity and character introspection. The heist’s intricate planning and execution make for a compelling narrative, but it’s the unexpected developments and betrayals that truly set this book apart.

One of the standout elements of Six of Crows is its ability to maintain an unpredictable plot. Just when you think you know where the story is headed, Bardugo throws in a curveball that keeps the stakes high and the pacing sharp. This constant unpredictability makes the book nearly impossible to put down. Every twist adds a new layer of complexity, ensuring that readers remain fully engaged as the stakes escalate.

The heist itself is not just a plot device but a stage for the characters to reveal their strengths, vulnerabilities, and moral conflicts. Each challenge they face during the mission feels organic and serves to deepen the reader’s understanding of their motivations and relationships. The balance between action and character development elevates this story beyond a typical fantasy adventure.

Complex Characters with Depth and Intrigue

The characters are the heart of Six of Crows. Each member of the crew—Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Nina, Matthias, and Wylan—brings something unique to the table, both in terms of skills and personality. These characters are deeply flawed yet immensely captivating, and their interactions are full of tension, loyalty, and betrayal in equal measure. Bardugo’s decision to center the story around career criminals adds an extra layer of intrigue, as it’s often difficult to know who to trust or what to believe.

Kaz Brekker, the ruthless and cunning leader of the group, stands out as one of the most compelling antiheroes in modern fantasy. His backstory and motivations are gradually revealed, adding depth to his seemingly cold and calculating nature. Meanwhile, Inej Ghafa’s resilience and moral compass provide a stark contrast to Kaz’s darker tendencies, creating a fascinating dynamic between the two. Inej’s unwavering faith and strength make her a standout character, and her journey is as compelling as the heist itself.

The relationships between the characters are another highlight. From the slow-burn romance between Nina and Matthias to the witty banter between Jesper and Wylan, these interactions add emotional weight to the story. Bardugo excels at building tension and chemistry, making these connections feel authentic and deeply engaging. Each relationship carries a mix of vulnerability and conflict, reflecting the high stakes of their shared mission and the personal battles each character faces.

Jesper’s charm and humor provide much-needed levity, while Wylan’s quiet intelligence and resourcefulness make him an indispensable member of the crew. Nina and Matthias’s relationship, fraught with tension and history, adds a layer of emotional complexity that enhances the overall narrative. These diverse personalities and their evolving dynamics ensure that every scene feels fresh and engaging.

A Rocky Start for New Readers

As someone new to the Grishaverse, I mistakenly went into this book blind, without having read The Grisha Trilogy beforehand. While I had heard that this duology could be read independently, I found myself thoroughly confused during the first third of the book. The lack of detailed explanations for the magic system and world-building left me struggling to piece things together, and I nearly considered putting the book down.

However, once I became familiar with the terminology and setting, I was able to fully immerse myself in the story. While this rocky start didn’t ruin the experience, it did detract from my initial enjoyment. For readers new to the Grishaverse, I would recommend starting with Shadow and Bone to gain a better understanding of the world before diving into Six of Crows. That said, the payoff is well worth the initial confusion, as the story grows increasingly engaging as it unfolds.

Bardugo’s Writing: Strengths and Shortcomings

Bardugo’s writing style is strong, with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue that bring the story to life. The alternating points of view allow readers to delve into each character’s thoughts and motivations, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. However, the world-building could have been more accessible to new readers. The lack of context and explanation for the magic system and geopolitical landscape makes the early chapters feel dense and disorienting.

That said, Bardugo’s ability to create a dark and atmospheric setting is undeniable. The city of Ketterdam is as much a character as any of the crew members, with its shadowy alleys, bustling markets, and dangerous underworld. This richly imagined backdrop adds depth and texture to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. The city’s cutthroat environment mirrors the characters’ struggles, amplifying the tension and stakes of the narrative.

The prose is evocative, capturing both the grit of Ketterdam and the emotional turmoil of its inhabitants. Bardugo’s ability to seamlessly transition between action-packed scenes and introspective moments demonstrates her skill as a storyteller. While the early chapters may feel overwhelming, the payoff is a richly woven narrative that rewards persistence.

Themes of Loyalty, Trust, and Redemption

Six of Crows explores themes of loyalty, trust, and redemption with nuance and sophistication. The characters are bound together by necessity rather than friendship, yet their shared experiences gradually forge deep connections. The story examines the complexities of trust—both in others and in oneself—and the lengths people will go to for redemption.

Kaz’s struggle with vulnerability and trust is a central theme, as is Inej’s quest to reconcile her past with her present. Nina and Matthias’s relationship serves as a poignant exploration of forgiveness and understanding, highlighting the tension between personal beliefs and shared humanity. These themes add depth to the narrative, making it more than just a heist story.

While these themes are well-handled, they are not as deeply explored as they are in Crooked Kingdom. The sequel delves further into the characters’ relationships and personal growth, adding even more emotional depth to the story. Nevertheless, Six of Crows lays a solid foundation for these explorations, making it a satisfying and thought-provoking read.

Rating Breakdown:

• Plot: 4/5 – A compelling and unpredictable heist story, though the lack of initial clarity detracted slightly.
• Characters: 5/5 – The dynamic, morally gray cast of characters is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
• Writing Style: 4/5 – Bardugo’s prose is strong, but the world-building could have been more accessible to new readers.
• Themes and Messages: 4/5 – Themes of loyalty, trust, and redemption are well-handled, though not as deeply explored as in the sequel.
• Pacing and Structure: 4/5 – The first third is confusing for new readers, but the rest of the book flows with excellent tension and pacing.
• Personal Enjoyment: 5/5 – Despite the initial confusion, the book kept me thoroughly engaged and excited for the sequel.

Total Score: 26/30

Average Score: 4.33/5

Final Rating: 🐝🐝🐝🐝 (4 honeybees)

Final Thoughts

Six of Crows is a must-read for fans of intricate plots, complex characters, and high-stakes action. While it may be best enjoyed after reading Shadow and Bone, this duology stands out as a shining example of modern fantasy. Despite its rocky start, the book delivers a thrilling and unforgettable story that will leave readers eager to pick up Crooked Kingdom.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Grishaverse or a newcomer looking for a gripping fantasy adventure, Six of Crows is well worth the read. It’s a tale of loyalty, ambition, and redemption that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

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