Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Six of Crows, #1
published on September 29th 2015 by Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
young adult | fantasy | romance
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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.
[PACING] snail’s pace | slow | just right | fast | holy crap just stop
[DIVERSITY] none :sadface: | some (minor characters) | LGBTQ | mental health | racial | religion
[ROMANCE] insta-love | realistically paced | slow-burn | love triangle | love square | I am confused | none | it’s complicated
[FEELS] swoons | tears | laughs | cries of frustration | eye rolls | pukes | snores | screams of horror | holy shits
[WRITING] flowery prose | conversational | choppy or cluttered | telling, no showing | info dump-y | simple
[ENDING] cliffhanger | open ending | satisfactory | was that an ending? | want moarrr
[RECOMMENDED?] heck no | to select people | mostly | YAS
Readers, I would like you to say hello to the next big thing in the world of YA high fantasy—Six of Crows! This fantabulous book is filled with butt-kicking action, just-kiss-already romances and characters–basically everything you’re looking for in a book, no?
But I think, personally, that the best thing about Six of Crows is the amazing world filled with magic and hidden darkness. It was absolutely mesmerizing to be back in the whimsical Grishaverse. Despite being just a sort of companion series, Leigh Bardugo manages to create vivid imagery and give us thorough world-building.
The characters were pretty amazeballs as well. I mean, we have SIX points of view, and let me tell you–each one is as engrossing as the others. I was never bored, or more excited to read from a specific person’s POV, because they were all equally gifted with strong personalities. But a few were hard to get into at first. Let’s talk about each of them a bit:
1. Kaz – Maybe I orginally pictured Kaz as a stiff old man who bats his walking stick as little kids, but as we grew to know him better, I fell in love with his determination and extreme need.
2. Inej – Oh, do I adore Inej! This woman was so cunning and totally fierce. She (like the other characters) had such an intriguing, tough past.
3. Nina – I love how Nina is both hard and soft at the same time–she can be a kickass soldier, but also a loving friend. She’s hilarious, too.
4. Matthias – For some strange reason, I associate Matthias with an angry teddy bear. Odd, but it sort of makes sense with his soft/hard attitude, similar to Nina’s.
5. Jesper – Jesper’s the “joker” of the group, who I came to love even by the first chapter. He was incredibly funny, but also knew when to shut up and be serious.
6. Wylan – He’s the kind of guy everyone will hate at first because honestly, you’re probably going to picture a whiny wimp, but once you get to see his intelligent and adorably awkward personality, you’ll grow to love him.
I’m not sure if talking about the romances would be spoiler-y, but let’s just say that we have THREE main relationships in the book. I adored two and shipped them like crazy, but I’m still a bit iffy about the third since it’s still a bit shaky for me.
Then we have the butt-kicking action, which is pretty much already a given based on the synopsis. But I’m still happy to report that these scenes had me widening my eyes and flipping pages like there was no tomorrow! Because, you know. Battle scenes with magic and six badass heroes and heroines–hell yeah.
The pacing and writing made this book even more exceptional as well. Six of Crows was fast-paced but still pretty easy to follow. Add in Leigh Bardugo’s trademark magical writing and you have an addictive read!
Basically, y’all should get this book to experience its magic. ASAP. You know you want to.
About Aimee
Aimee loves being a little bookworm (okay–she doesn’t like being little). She also loves chocolates and sweets but is freaked out by the thought of possibly getting diabetes.
Great review, Aimee! It’s been a while since I read an overhyped YA book. This one definitely fit that list ;) And when you mentioned this has multiple POVS I knew I had to check it out *_* Glaf you enjoyed this book!
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LOL. It’s definitely hyped, but with good reason. :) I hope you end up enjoying it, Evelyn!
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me want me want, butt kicking action you say? love that in fantasy, or in general
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YES YES YES. ;D
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Can’t wait to get this one in my hands! :D
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I can’t wait for you to read it! :D
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I’m currently reading it,but its going really slow…
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The second half definitely speeds up!
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The magic sounds so well done in this one!
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IT WAS!
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Great review. I’m so excited to read Six of Crows. So far I’ve heard nothing but with wonderful things about it. I’m always a fan of book told from multiple perspectives. I’m just debating whether or not I should read The Grisha trilogy before Six of Crows.
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It’s awesome that you like multiple POV books! :) They typically make me want to sit down to process everything. It’ll give you a better background to read the Grisha books first (I’ve only read the first), but you don’t really need to. :)
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I’ve been juggling quite a few series as of late and I think I’m in need of a break so I might just read Six of Crows and then go back to read The Grisha Trilogy to fill in gap we have in the wait for book 2 of the series.
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Oh, that’s a great idea! Hopefully I can read book #2 before this year ends!
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I need this book in my life. I’ve read so many reviews that have praised it and your review has made me want to read it even more! The characters sound amazing and so do the action scenes and the magic and GAH – I NEED TO READ THIS.
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YES YOU DO, GIRL! This book = epicness. The hype is rightfully deserved.
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I’ve seen STELLAR reviews for this one – looks like Six of Crows really lives up to the hype!
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It does, definitely! :D
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Aaaaaah I adore character development! I’m intrigued about Matthias the angry teddy bear and all the other characters already. And 3 ships in book 1 already wow that sounds fun. I’m so excited to be immersed in Leigh Bardugo’s writing again too :D Great review!
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Thanks, Ju! :D Yes, Matthias, my love! <3 xD I typically hate it when all the characters seem to have the love interest but… okay, no buts. I still don't like it. xD Maybe that's why I only approve of 2 ships, haha!
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OOoh nice! Basically every review I’ve read has convinced me that this will be THE READ of 2015! Now I just need to make time for it! Sigh…
Great review!
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Maybe not THE read for me personally, but one of the bests this year for sure! :D Thanks, Jessica!
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Gret review, Aimee! I haven’t read anything by Leigh, but I want to make this my first. I’m not usually a fan of high fantasy, but thie one looks so complex and full of darkness. I can’t wait to read it. :)
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NOT A FAN OF HIGH FANTASY?? But high fantasy’s the best genre evar. xD ANYWAY, this one’s so good! I recommend trying to read at least the first Grisha book before this, though.
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Lol, really? xD I just started this book. xD Oh well.
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LOL. I hope you enjoy, then. xD
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oH MY GOODNESSS. I need this book like air!! I really love the Grishaverse, but didn’t love Ruin and Rising. I really hope Six of Crows redeems that for me because I tend to like heist stories better than chosen one stories like Alina’s plot!
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Noooo, Ruin and Rising’s not awesome?! :( I haven’t read the second book yet, though. *hides* AND YES TO HEIST STORIES! Although I’m also fine with chosen one stories. :)
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CAN’T WAIT TO READ THIS. EVery blogger has been shouting it from the rooftops, and it reminds me that there are still such awesome releases to look forward to this year :D
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AMEN TO THAT, SISTER.
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Great Review! I’m glad there aren’t any spoilers in the review. I’ve already got myself a copy and I’m so excited to read it. :D
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I try VERY hard not to include spoilers, heh. :) I’m excited for you to read it too!!!
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That cover is orgasmic – great review
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LOL. Very true though.
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AHHH. Aimee! Stop making me so excited for this! I don’t think I can handle it! *runs around flailing* This sounds absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait until my copy comes so I can engross myself in this book (Hurry up library!). The romance, the characters, and the mystery all sound absolutely fantastic. Thanks for sharing this Aimee and, as always, fabulous review! ♥
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I AM STOKED THAT YOU’RE STOKED! Hurry up, Zoe’s library!!!
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On my wishlist. I’m glad it’s everything you’ve hoped for. :)
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Woot! I’m glad, too! :)
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Aimee, you’ve got me completely hooked! I basically NEED to read this book and NEED to read Bardugo’s Geisha trilogy now! Next pay day, this is going to be bought! (Possibly the Grisha trilogy first, though).
FABULOUS REVIEW! 💞💋
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Ee, maybe we can buddy read!! I’ve only read the first Grisha book, actually. xD
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Yes, maybe we can! Honestly though I have no idea when I’ll get to the book!
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Same here! I remember attempting to read book #2 some time ago, but wasn’t in the mood for it. xD
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The hype for this book is crazy, and I’m glad it lives up to it! Six characters to fall in love with… I can’t wait to read this :-)
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IT IS CRAZY! But totally true. ;) All the characters are just so kick ass.
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Interesting although multiple POVs doesn’t usually work for me. I am curious though
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They usually don’t work for me, either! But it was successful in this, I’d say. :)
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I’m seriously tempted to read this! I didn’t like Shadow and Bone much because I couldn’t connect with the characters, but everyone’s talking about how fantastic the six PoVs here are. And I always did like the writing, so … *adds to next book haul list* Thanks for the review, Aimee!
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I agree! I adored the writing in Shadow and Bone, but there were some characters (*cough* The Darkling *cough*) I just couldn’t GET. This book though = pure awesomeness!
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I am not big on hyped books but this one is calling to me. Perfect review, Aimee! I so cannot wait to get my copy and read it myself :)
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I’m the opposite… HYPED BOOKS, COME TO MOMMA. XD Usually I just want to see if I share the same thoughts as everyone, and for this one… Yep. Brilliant! :)
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GAH I’m so excited for this one, my copy is on its way and I can’t wait! Each character sounds great and I like how they seem unique enough to stand on their own. Six POVs is a little daunting but if it works, it works! Plus it’s Leigh Bardugo ;)
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They ARE great! And yes, I was totally intimidated by the promise of 6 POVs, but I’m so glad I read this one. :)
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You had me at ‘just-kiss-already romances’! My favorite kind! :D And three of them?! Yes, please. I need to read this ASAP. Can’t wait to meet all these awesome characters.
Great review, lady!
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I know all about that, Danielle. ;D Thank you!
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I am only on the third chapter and I am already in love with both Kaz and Inej. I want them to make out promptly. I think this book is a huge step up from Shadow and Bone which was my last Leigh Bardugo book!
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I KNOW, GIRL. I KNOW! It was my last, too, and I enjoyed it as well. I want to continue the Grisha books. D:
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Must know which you shipped and which you didn’t…..!
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DM me on Twitter!!
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I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!! ESPECIALLY KAZ AND INEJ! *flails*
Btw, which couple did you have trouble shipping? Wylan and Jesper?
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THEY WERE SO SHIPPABLE ARGHHH!!! _<
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Aimee, I am reading it right now, so I just skimmed over your review, but so far, I am loving the hell out of it!
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I have been anticipating this book like crazy and this one definitely has a lot of hype gaining on it right now. I like the sound of the action being intense and there being a lot of it, as well as good strong romances you ship like crazy. Everything sounds so wonderful!
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Yes! I agree with all of the above. I couldn’t find a single fault in this book because it is basically perfection at its finest.
Now I’m desperately waiting for Crooked Kingdom.
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