Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Published by Indigo on September 29th, 2015
Source: Publisher
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Amazon | Book Depository | Publisher | Angus & Robertson
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The Grisha Trilogy introduced readers to the irresistible fantasy world of the Grisha - and now Leigh Bardugo brings us a new sweeping epic.
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price - and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy, Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone.
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. Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction - if they don't kill each other first.
Leigh Bardugo's writing has captivated readers since SHADOW AND BONE was published in 2012. SIX OF CROWS will take Leigh's fans back into the world they know and love. As gripping, sweeping and memorable as The Grisha Trilogy, this is perfect for fans of Laini Taylor, Kristin Cashore and Game of Thrones.
Set in the Grisha universe where magic and science mesh upon a rich fantasy world, Six of Crows is an impossible heist story that brings together a colourful cast of unlikely criminals. From nonstop action, to fantastic dialogue and characters, to a well constructed world, Six of Crows ticks all the boxes.
Not being entirely familiar with the Grisha universe, it took me a while to get into the story. With multiple point of views, a new language and a host of different terms, I was ready to settle in after brushing up on the Grisha Wikia. I quickly fell in love with the charming characters and their witty banter with each other – lead by the stoic criminal mastermind Kaz, who struggles to show emotion.
The knowledge that they might never see each other again, that some of them – maybe all of them – might not survive this night hung heavy in the air. A gambler, a convict, a wayward son, a lost Grisha, a Suli girl who had become a killer, a boy from the Barrel who had become something worse.
Kaz’s motley crew is an unlikely set of allies, all brought together by a common goal – to break into the heavily guarded Ice Court and rescue a scientist who manufactures a powerful drug to manipulate Grisha. Each character has their own motivations for helping Kaz – whether it’s money, freedom, loyalty, notoriety or hidden intentions. Along the way, the crew will encounter double crosses, infighting, dangerous magical enemies and more – every page is fast paced and full of action.
There’s more than six point of views in Six of Crows, which I didn’t have trouble following based on how different the characters were. Inej is an ex-acrobat, loyal to Kaz and his crew of Dregs, who wants to make it on her own. She’s quick on her feet and skilled at knife fighting, and totally kick ass. Nina is a heartrender, the highest class of Grisha who can deal devastating damage to people. She also enjoys her food and wants Grisha to have equal rights. Her mortal enemy is Matthias, an imprisoned soldier who hunts Grisha. They have undeniable attraction to one another shown through their antagonistic banter. There’s also Jesper, a sharp shooter with a gambling addiction and Wylan, a young stowaway and an expert in demolitions.
“Because you’re horrible. You’re loud and lewd and…treacherous. Brum warned us that Grisha could be charming.” – Matthias
“Oh, I see. I’m the wicked Grisha seductress. I have beguiled you with my Grisha wiles!” – Nina
Well written, with snappy dialogue and smart lines, I loved every one of the characters and shipped their romances so much. The romance is applied with a light hand however, with so many potential couples, Six of Crows doesn’t let that get in the way of the heist.
The world of Ravka is richly constructed, with Russian influences and a magical class system for the Grisha, feared and powerful magicians who can command magic in different ways. Six of Crows expands the world from the Shadow & Bone series, showing us different cities, languages and cultures in this world. This is a fantasy that I crave, with a world that is well developed and that just makes sense.
Now I know why Six of Crows is everyone’s favourite book of 2015! The rich fantasy world, impossible heist story, magic system and the colourful cast of characters – it was a lot to pull off, but executed perfectly. It has everything you want in a good book and a great fantasy – an exciting plot, excellent character development, perfect world building and a fast paced story filled with action.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Thank you Hachette Australia for sending me a review copy.
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I'm so glad this book lived up to the hype!! (I finally posted my review, after not know how to express my love for it for so long haha)
I adore Kaz and Inej! And oh the tension between Matthias and Nina! /happy-sigh. And yes, all the beautiful writing and snappy dialogue!
Awesome review, Jeann! So hella excited for the next book!
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Oooh I'll definitely check out your review~! I absolutely loved all the characters and ships as well!
Sooo happy you loved this, girl! And fantastic review. The characters were just so amazing in this book, and the ships!! I couldn't get enough of them. I'm dying for Crooked Kingdom.
Thanks Danielle, I CANT WAIT UNTIL CROOKED KINGDOM!
Absolutely amazing review Jeann! 🙂 I just finished the Grisha series, and it was a decent read, not fantastic, but quite decent. I've heard that this book is better, and your great review makes me want to pick it up right now! I'm seriously excited to read this book now. 🙂
Thank you Catherine! Yeah, there's been so many raves about Grisha I kind of found the first book like 3 stars, and haven't continued. But this one, SO GOOD.
Wait, there's a Grisha wikia? (The more you know…)
I loved that this was a heist novel! It ended up being wonderfully fast-paced, and so excited to read the sequel, especially after that cliffhanger.
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I know right? I had to google it so I could get a better grasp on the characters. I'm so glad that you loved it Kelly! Soo good.
Okay so I seriously need to get my hands on this book now. I just recently finished the Grisha trilogy and can't wait to dive back into this universe. I'm hoping to buy Six of Crows very soon. I really enjoyed this review 🙂
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You doooo Soudha, I love this post so much! Thanks for your lovely comment!
YAYY! So happy to hear you loved this one! A lot of other readers with diverse taste (Joey, Jenna, etc (all these J names lol!)) seemed to enjoy the cast in this. I found the Grisha trilogy to be between okay-ish/good but I can't wait to pick this one off my shelf this year! And the pretty black pages. <3
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It was so good Summer! You can add me onto that list of bloggers who love diversity hehe (and it's a J as well). I can't wait for you to read this one so you can join our raving about it 😀 come to the dark side
I haven’t read Grisha trilogy, so I’m not familiar with this world too. You confirm my doubts that it would take me some afford to settle in. Nevertheless, I’m really looking forward to read it. Wonderful review, Jeann, glad to hear you loved it.
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It definitely does take a while to settle in, but I'm glad I read up on the Wikia too and the maps help as well. I hope you enjoy it Ksenia!
GAH THIS SOUNDS SO COOL. I've been meaning to read it for a while but still haven't gone round to it. Nina sounds like a character I will adore and I just need this already *grabby hands*
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I can't wait for you to read it Alyssa, I hope you pick it up soon!
The characters in this book were absolutely phenomenal! I know I will be re-reading this book, because I read it at a weird time, and I know I would like it more if I had a do-over 😉 I love the Grisha world SO much. I loved the adventure too! The only (somewhat legitimate that doesn't involve my moods) complaint I had was that some things just seemed a bit too easy for me. But overall, it was a really great book! So glad you enjoyed it, and lovely review 😀
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I completely agree Shannon! I'm so glad you want to give it another shot too. I kind of know what you mean, especially with the heist part! But I felt the excitement definitely 😀 Thank you lovely!
YES YES YES YES YES YES I'M SO HAPPY YOU LOVED THIS ONE BECAUSE IT'S ABSOLUTELY FANTASTI AND I DON'T THINK YOU UNDERSTAND JUST HOW MUCH I ADORE THISSSSS. And gah yes, Matthias and Nina <3
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YESSSS I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND NIKKI, the whole blogosphere absolutely LOVES this book!
SO SO SO SO SO GLAD THAT YOU LIKED THIS ONE! I wish you had read it earlier so that it could have made it into your 2015 favourites. But better late than never! Now you can join the rest of us in the unbearable wait for Crooked Kingdom T_T
I knowww, I wish I did too Jenna, but definitely better late than never! It will probably make it into my 2016 favourites now. I can't wait for Crooked Kingdom. I WANT MORE KAZ
I adoooored Six of Crows! I loved the Grisha books but my love for SoC is on another level already! I'm looking forward to re-reading it right before the sequel comes out!
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Yesss I completely agree Pili! It was just such a fun adventure that was fantastic all round. A re-read would be so awesome!
OKAY BUT I MUST KNOW WHO YOUR FAVOURITE DREG IS? (IT IS IMPERATIVE I KNOW LOL.)
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I TOLD YOU NINA AND MATTHIAS HAVE MY HEART
YESSS JEANN JOIN US SIX OF CROWS FANS TO THE DARK SIDE >:DD
I'm so glad you liked it! (AND WEREN'T MATTHIAS AND NINA JUST *fans self*??? I SHIP LITERALLY ALL THE SHIPS IN THIS BOOK. INCLUDING THE FRIENDSHIPS. Ugh I just love all the characters. TOo many emotions rn.
SOOO GOOD Aila! I loved it so much omg ships, friendships, actual ships EVERYTHING
Honestly. I'm practically the only person left in the blogosphere who hasn't read this book. Give me some motivation, Jeann!
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This book was SO GOOD! I loved exploring more of the world we were introduced to in Grisha and seeing more of the cultures. Plus those characters were just so incredibly well written.
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Absolutely, the banter between the characters and who they are was my favourite!
I still have to read this one! I love reading all the enthusiastic reviews though – I'm sure I'll love this when I get to it. The sound of the characters and the exciting heist aspect already appeals to me. I'm so happy that Leigh created another awesome series in the Grisha-verse!
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Yess there were so many elements here that just formed overall a fantastic book! I loved every minute of it and the characters were all brilliant!
Gah! I'm halfway through this and loving it. It's a library book but I'm going to buy it because I want to own it. It helps that the book is so pretty.
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I'm so glad you're loving this one! YESSS you need to buy it and own one of them <3
Ooh I love maps! When a book has a map, I get excited!
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Yesss it had TWO maps! Watch out!
SO GOOD, RIGHT? It had the perfect amount of everything – action, characterization, romance – and it all blended together flawlessly. So glad you liked it as much as I did Jeann! <3
I completely agree Zoe, there were so many fantastic elements in this book, like absolutely everything was awesome! I'm glad we loved it <3
I'm definitely reading this one, but probably closer to the release of the next book.
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I can't wait for you to pick it up Bee, it's SO GOOD.
Yay!! So glad that you love this. It's one of my top 2015 reads. I can't wait to read the next book. I need me some more of Dirtyhands!
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Absolutely, it's one of my top 2015 reads as well Lekeisha! It was just so excellent.
Yay! I'm so happy you loved this one, Jeann! It was such an incredible story and I expected nothing less from this author. I'm ready for some more of these characters!
You should definitely try the Grisha books, Jeann. I think you would love them. 🙂
Wonderful review, Jeann!
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It was soooo good Nick! I loved it so much. The first Grisha book was 3 stars for me, but I'm happy to give it another go, especially since this one was so amazing!
Almost EVERY review of this book that I've seen has been so, so positive. This was one of those books I meat to get to last year but didn't quite have the time. I'm so glad you loved it!
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I know what you mean, hype can be pretty scary Kara but my gosh it was so fantastic!
Oh I'm so glad you loved this! I have a beautiful copy just waiting for me and it's killing me that I haven't gotten to it yet. Also glad I can read it without having read her first series. Awesome review, Jeann!
Oh my gosh I hope you pick this one up soon Tammy! Trust me, you will not regret it! Yeah, I only read the first one and didn't struggle to much with this 🙂
Yay, I am so happy that you gave into the hype and found the greatness of Six of Crows for yourself, Jeann. I adore this book so it always warms my heart to see fellow bloggers loving it as well 🙂
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I'm so glad Lucia! Hype normally scares me but I'm just so glad that I truly loved this one. It was so exciting and I loved all of the ships and characters!
I keep thinking I should pick this up. It seems to be a favorite of so many. I am glad to hear the different POVs are so distinctive it doesn't take away from the book. Great review!
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I think you should Grace, it is so good! You'll get used to the multiple perspectives after a while xx
SO SO HAPPY YOU ENJOYED THIS ONE, JEANN!! I read this one after I read the first Grisha book so I guess it made the book easier to get into for me, although there were a few terms I forgot. I wish I knew about the Grisha Wikia earlier, heh.
But yes, THE CHARACTERS. THE SHIPS. KAZ/INEJ ASDFGHJKL. NINA/MATTHIAS TOO. <3 Not too fond of the other ship right now, but I love them as individual characters as well.
AND YES THE WRITING. IT WAS SO EASY TO GET INTO, WITTY, AND JUST HIGHLY, HIGHLY ENTERTAINING.
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OMG IT WAS SO GOOD AIMEE. KAZ/INEJ how amazing were they! I wished Kaz would have come back and made it happen but nope. Just sooo entertaining, I could see it all unfold in my head! I can't wait for the next book!
Love your review! They say this is a whole lot better than Grisha trilogy. I'm really excited to get my hands on it especially since this is a multiple perspective based book. Like you, I had a hard time following Grisha terminologies but I get used to it eventually. 🙂
Thank you so much Trisha! Yeah I've only read the first in the Grisha trilogy and it was really different to this one. It was fantastic, I hope you get onto it soon!
I need to ge on this asap!! I have it, I can see it from where I'm sitting haha. I will get onto it very soon.
thanks for the review.
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YEssss please read it soon Angel, it's soo good!
I'm really sad I didn't love this one more. I think I may have read it at the wrong time (while on the beach…my concentration levels weren't the highest!). So glad you loved it though 🙂
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Yesss, that reminds me of when I tried to read Raven Boys at the beach too – it just wasn't going to happen! I hope you give it another shot Emily, there's quite a few concepts to take in!
Love the Grisha wikia, that may come in useful as I still haven't finished the original trilogy. I have heard amazing things about Six of Crows though and could – gasp – probably see myself 'skipping ahead' to it, as it's different characters. I do like the sound of the Matthias/Nina tension, i always like a bit of romance between mortal enemies in my books! (I am a HUGE fan of Kresley Cole…)
Absolutely, there were a lot of concepts I weren't familiar with so that wikia really helped out. All the characters are so fascinating though, gosh I think you will love Nina/Matthias!