Review - Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Series: Six of Crows #1 

Genre: Fantasy 

Source: Purchased 

Published: September 2015 

Hardcover - 465 pgs

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Rating - 5/5

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.

Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first

Quick Thoughts: This is a great heist story that expands Bardogo's world from The Girsha Trilogy and introduces us to a new exciting cast of characters. I am already sad we will only get two books with them. I was obsessed with this book from page one and it was one of the easiest five star ratings I've given in a long time.

I also have created a three reasons you should read this about this book. I'll warn you now I talk about the characters a lot. Three Reasons is a series of videos I've made about some of my favorite books and series. I talk about three reasons you should read that particular book without spoilers. 

Full Review:

I'll be honest. I was skeptical going into this book. The hype was Big! Huge! (Pretty Woman fans?) and I loved The Grisha Trilogy. I didn't want to be disappointed so I rationalized by thinking this couldn't be as good as the hype...

But this was amazing. I don't want to add to that hype I was just talking about, but I can't help it. I want to heap praise on this novel, shove it into your hands and break into a publishing house to get my hands on book two of this duology. Speaking of book two how am I going to survive with only two books? 

This cast of characters is diverse, unique and interesting. Their voices are distinct from one another and I can't get enough of them. I'm addicted to their companionship and they are all thieves of varying degrees so I adore them. None of them are purely good, but they all have hopes, fears, dreams and desires that make them human. I love their diversity. I love each one is in-between good and bad, but I want to root for them. The characterization for all is spot on.

There were many times during this book I thought I had the characters or the situation out, but Bardugo always threw me for a loop. It was incredible how cunningly the POVs were used and it is one of the most effective instances of this technique I've ever read. Throughout the story Bardugo used the different POVs to surprise her characters and her readers.

This is the heist story to rule heist stories. The multiple POVs are used brilliantly and each one is rich with character. Surprises are around every corner for the reader and the characters. The world is rich and full. I was excited to see a glimpse into the larger picture of the Grishaverse. All the characters had different backgrounds and described their homelands and cultures. It was obvious Bardugo has a completely picture of the world not just Ravka and though her works may leave the Grishaverse, I hope we will read more about it in the future. 

Waiting for November is going to be tough.

Happy Reading!