Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

SIX OF CROWS
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Six of Crows #1
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: September 29th 2015

Book Length: 495 pages
Publisher: Indigo
Add to Goodreads 

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.

~ Review ~

In case you didn’t already know Six of Crows is one of the best books released this year, it's been out less than a week and it has already trumped almost every book I’ve read, that's how good it is. You’ve no doubt heard the hype surrounding this book, whether it’s about the characters, the crafty plot or returning to the Grisha world-- I’m here to tell you, it’s all true! 

“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.”

Six of Crows follows six characters all attempting to pull off an impossible heist, one that has never been done before: Break into the notorious Ice Court- a military stronghold that has never been breached, Retrieve a hostage- a prisoner who created a powerful and dangerous drug that could eliminate all Grisha and of course, all for a tempting sum of 30 million kruge. Kaz must assemble people crazy and dangerous enough to follow him on a suicide mission but will make them rich beyond their wildest dreams… if they can pull it off.

“The easiest way to steal a man’s wallet is to tell him you’re going to steal his watch. You take his attention and direct it where you want it to go.”  

So before I talk about the intriguing plot and stunning writing of Bardugo, first let’s find out a bit more about the characters that make up crew:

            Kaz: The Thief and Leader, aka Dirtyhands and all around mastermind of the group. The comparison to Ocean’s Eleven is so perfect and it’s all because of Kaz Brekker, he comes up with these ingenious plans with escape routes, maps, back up plans, insurances, all down to the very last detail, incase anything goes wrong. It’s amazing to see his mind at work.

            Inej: The Wraith. Inej is a spy who's job is to become invisible and collect people's darkest secrets. She makes quick work of her various daggers and knifes when things goes wrong and can be found scaling buildings and rooftops at night. She’s strong, fierce, and independent; the type of character you come to admire and root for.

            Nina: The Heartrender. Nina is a powerful Grisha, she’s clever using her beauty to aid her when needed but she’s also strong and intelligent but more importantly she’s so funny. Nina and Matthias’ banter is what I live for! Nina dreams of returning to Ravka but there’s just one thing holding her in Ketterdam.

            Matthias: The Convict. Once an Fjerdan Druskelle, the former military witch-hunter is now out for revenge for his wrongful imprisonment. Matthias is the strong, silent, stoic type that slowly worms his way into your heart as he did mine. He’s loyal to a fault, fights for his country and is a true warrior.

            Jesper: The Sharpshooter. Jesper is a terrible gambler who always chases the win. He treasures his two pistols more than his own life and is always the one to break a silence. He’s the joker of the group with his inability to keep still or quiet and keeps the group’s mood from growing to somber.

            Wylan: The Runaway. Wylan is the new character who isn’t familiar with a life of crime and danger. Wylan doesn’t get his own POV but you’ll soon wish he did, he’s extremely intelligent and handy with explosives. Desperate to leave his privileged past behind him Wylan is determined to not be the weak link in the chain.

“What do you want, then?”
The old answers came easily to mind. Money, Vengeance, Jordie’s voice in my head silenced forever. But a different reply roared to life inside him, loud, insistent, and unwelcome.

You, Inej. You.

So there are our characters, each one has their own dark, brutal past that they are eager to leave behind and move on from. We slowly get to know these characters and learn about their history, reinforcing how much is at stake for each individual should something go wrong, leaving you completely compelled and feeling apart of the journey.

“We are all someone’s monster, Nina.”

If you’re familiar with the Grisha world then this book is a dream, it can be read as a standalone but you may have a few questions here and there but being able to slip seamlessly back into the amazing world and Bardugo’s writing which has become more captivating over the years was fantastic.

“She wouldn't wish love on anyone. It was the guest you welcomed and then couldn't be rid of.”

The plot is fast paced, action packed and unpredictable; you will not see much coming and the plot twists are exceptional. Now for the romance, there’s romance and 2 ships that I am majorly shipping and in love with. It does not consume or take away from the plot, just bits here and there but it’s enough to keep you hooked and still fly through the pages. BUT when you reach those chapters or scenes where there is romance… be prepared for some smoldering looks, angst, sexual tension and quotes that have the ability to make you swoon long after reading.

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

The ship listed gently. The lanterns swayed. His eyes were blue fire. “Everything,” he said, as he turned to go. “Everything.”

Overall I’d make some room on your top bookshelves if I were you, Six of Crows is going to claim top spot and make all other books feel meh. Bardugo’s magical world and superlative writing will leave you wanting more; that is if you survived the cliffhanger… 
If there were more stars to give, I would give them all!

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

For those of you who aren't completely won over by my gushing review, Audible have kindly offered a clip of the Six of Crows audiobook.

Click the link below for your sneak peek!

https://soundcloud.com/audible/six-of-crows