Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo

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Six of Crows
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Published by: Henry Holt and Co.
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Pages: 466
Released: September 29, 2015
Series: Six of Crows
In Series: 1
Read: October 3-7 2015

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Synopsis:

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.

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Opinion:

I am completely awed by that of Leigh Bardugo. Her writing is completely flawless and I am not sure how she could have put out a better book than those of the Grisha trilogy, alas…I give you Six of Crows. I am pretty sure that makes her a book god! This is definitely one of my favorite 2015 reads! I was so wrapped up in the story and its characters that I am so heartbroken it is over and I will not rest until I have its sequel in my hands!

Six of Crows was everything I wanted and more. It had a captivating story, beautiful writing, and even more well-rounded characters. It’s quite amazing how Bardugo managed to give you six brand new characters that all stand out and shine in their own light. Not one outshines the others because they each are memorable and special. It’s actually quite hard for me to even choose a favorite because I have fallen in love with each one so immensely! Five of six alternating POVs that were perfect. We got each character at just the right time to tell the story. This was something that she didn’t do with The Grisha and she really delivers with Six of Crows.

Now, while you don’t absolutely need to read the Grisha trilogy before reading this book, I would actually recommend it. You will understand the world better and have a clear grasp on what and who the Grisha are. But if you haven’t then you’ll still be okay and able to enjoy this awesome book. But I totally recommend the Grisha trilogy because it’s awesome and needs to be read right now!

Also, if you have read the trilogy don’t expect to see our beloved characters in this book. While Grisha took place in Ravka, this book is centered in Kerch. But never fear! Bardugo gives us six beautiful characters to fall in love with and fill the gaping holes in our hearts!

Now I won’t say too much about the plot because its a heist. Kaz Brekkar gets an impossible job and he puts together his faithful crew to complete this impossible task and like all heists…it’s action-packed, it’s unpredictable, it’s just so dang entertaining. I can’t really say too much that wouldn’t be spoiler-y but just know it’s fantastic and you won’t want to put this book down! I was never bored for a second and was constantly anxious and nervous wondering how they would make it out alive because it’s just that nerve-wrecking! Leave it to Kaz to achieve the impossible!

“No mourners. No funerals. Among them, it passed for ‘good luck.”

As for our beautiful cast, each character has a troubled past and are battling old and new wounds. They all have something to gain by this heist and looking for an escape. I mean it, it’s so hard to pick just one favorite because they are all so beautiful. I admit, I was terrified for every single person in this heist and I honestly don’t know how I am to wait for the next book! Oh Saints, help me.

The Thief: Kaz Brekkar. This man is the ideal leader and definite mastermind. I loved him so so much! I couldn’t get enough and was so heartbroken reading his backstory. He always had so many tricks up his sleeve that it was amazing that he had all these backup plans in his head that he didn’t tell anyone, but just counted on. It was like he was a few steps ahead. It kind of makes him a wicked genius. He is definitely someone you don’t want to mess with.

“I’m a business man,” he’d told her. “No more, no less.”
“You’re a thief, Kaz.”
“Isn’t that what I just said?”

The Spy. The Wraith, Inej. Oh my sweet Inej. I loved her to pieces! She was such a strong female and the epitome of girl power! I loved her cleverness, her sneakiness,and her strength. She holds so much faith in her heart and though she is made fun of her Suli ways, she truly has such a beautiful soul. Her job is to be invisible and collect information. She really is the glue that holds the whole crew and mission in place. Kaz has said multiple times that everything would fall apart without Inej and it couldn’t be more true. So much was riding on her and her skills.

“The heart is an arrow. It demands aim to land true.”

The Heartrender. The Grisha, Nina. Now I am sorry, but I have to always root for the Grisha because I have fallen in love with them for obvious reasons and Nina gives you more than enough reasons to love her. She’s strong, fierce, independent, powerful, clever, sarcastic, and just someone you want on your team. She uses her strengths and her beauty to get what she wants and does the difficult for the good of the group. I have to completely respect her for everything she went through and continues to go through for those around her. Her backstory with Matthias was so touching because he was the hunter after her and she still cares for him even though he was cruel (which we will get to him in a second). She always dreamt of returning back to her country, Ravka, but she couldn’t leave Matthias behind and because of that one act alone, I love her. Loyal to a fault. Always trying to right what is wrong. Plus, this chick is hilarious! I loved reading her banter with Matthias. They had me literally laughing out loud.

“And what did you do, Matthias? What did you do to me in you dreams?”

“Everything,” he said, as he turned to go, “Everything.”

The Convict. Matthias, the ex-drüskelle (Fjerdan witchhunter). Oh Saints my baby Matthias! He had the most heartbreaking chapters to read because his inner stuggle was just so sad! He battles every single second  with himself and what/who he has become. He feels what he feels and hates himself for it. He wants to stand right by his country and right his mistakes, but at what cost? I love him. I love him so much and just want to give him a huge hug and tell him everything will be okay.

“I have been made to protect you. Only in death will I be kept from this oath.”

The Sharpshooter. Jesper. This boy is sassy. He is definitely what the group needed and I am glad he was around because we needed a little comic relief. Without him, I don’t think the crew would have been complete. Now he has a surprising backstory and I think that just makes him that much more interesting. Plus, I live for his banter and scenes with Wylan.

“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 Runaway. Wylan. I really enjoyed Wylan because he was a clever little cookie. His is smart and works with explosives and was what really saved the crew a couple of times because of his quick thinking. He doesn’t get his own POV and you’ll wish he did because he is so interesting and I was just begging to get inside his head! However, at the same time I was shocked when his backstory was revealed at the very end and am almost glad I was kept in the dark the whole time. But now that I know, I demand more Wylan. I want his own POV, Bardugo. Please?

“I will have you without armor, Kaz Brekker. Or I will not have you at all.”

Overall, make room on your bookshelf for this beauty of a book. The cover is gorgeous. The black stained pages really set the tone of the book beautifully and I can’t stop staring at it. Plus it’s just as beautiful inside as it is outside.