Title: Six of Crows
Author: Leigh BardugoSeries or Standalone: Six of Crows #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publication Date: September 29th 2015 Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library Star Rating: ★★★★★ GOODREADS
Six of Crows was undeniably the best way to kick of my reading year in 2018 and easily became an instant favourite.
I’m shocked I put off reading this book for over two years! Truthfully, I was a little petrified when it was released, because I wanted to love this book, as it seemed right up my alley. However my apprehension came from not being a huge fan of the Grisha Trilogy.
Not to mention, upon the release of this book the hype was huge. Even after the hype naturally de- accelerated, I felt like it hadn’t truly ended. This book gained a huge cult following. (Look no further than Booklr for evidence of this.) In fact, no one that I follow or am friends with on GR has given this book a rating below 3 stars.
Despite all of this, I loved this book and it easily became an instant favourite. I can’t remember having read something that evoked such an array of emotions in me for a long time. Every time I put the book down, I ached to pick it back up and continue reading. I can’t say that happens often but when it does I cherish it!
Whilst the plot was exciting and kept me on my toes the entirety of the story – it was the phenomenal cast of characters crafted by Bardugo that ultimately kept me hooked. Whilst I definitely have a hierarchy of favourites, I came to care for every one of the Dregs and appreciated the complexities and flaws that came with them.
“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.”
With six main characters and multiple point of views, Bardugo manages this cast well enough. Better than most authors would have. So much so, that there wasn’t a moment where I felt intimidated. She is diplomatic with when which character gets their perspectives and it lends itself to the plot extremely well.
The plot itself had me on the edge of my seat. An impossible heist situation in the most secure and best-guarded prison… the action never felt like it stopped, which I personally loved. There were some moments that I thought issues were maybe solved a little too conveniently, but I can forgive this because the plot is smart and above many others in the genre.
“They’d come scurrying like rats. Live or die they were going out like an army.”
The impossible heist situation also built upon the weird sense of camaraderie between The Dregs. I loved how unique every character was and how despite this, the dynamics within the group were amazing. This was aided by excellently written dialogue that was witty, dark and tastefully sexy.
“When everyone knows you’re a monster, you needn’t waste time doing every monstrous thing.”
I loved how each character had their own significant motivations, as revealed by flashbacks excellently placed throughout the story. Bardugo never reveals too much too soon and leaves us wanting to know more about the characters.
“There’s something wrong with you, Brekker. I don’t know what you are, but you’re not made right.”
Kaz Brekker, a cold-hearted and skillful thief, was the perfect leader for this ragtag crew. Leading Inej, Nina, Matthias, Jesper and Wylan on a danger mission to the Ice Court on Fjerdan land. Although I enjoyed each character, I must admit I have a soft spot for Nina, the charming and loyal Heartrender, and enjoyed reading from her point of view the most.
The romance in this book was spectacularly done. It didn’t at any stage overshadow the plot. Whilst there were budding romances all around, it was Nina and Matthias’ angsty romance that I was predominantly rooting for.
“Nina had blown into his life with the wind and rain and set his world spinning. He’d been of balance ever since.”
From the get go, I was shipping Nina and Matthias so hard and Bardugo was such a tease. But my, the angst between the two throughout this book was so good I was living off of it.
“I’m not afraid of you,” he said irritably. Her grin was vicious. “Then you’re as stupid as you look.”
And if you’re not convinced just yet…
“I will always be a threat to you, Matthias.” The corner of his mouth pulled up in a rueful smile. His eyes were almost sorrowful. “I know.”
I’ll leave you today with some more quotes I noted and absolutely adored:
“Well I’m the kind of bastard they only manufacture in the Barrel.”
“She was not a lynx or even the Wraith. She was Inej Ghafa, and her future was waiting above.”
“Trickery is my native tongue.”
“He’d taken a brave, miserable boy and fed him on hate.”
“She’d laughed, and if he could have bottled the sound forever and gotten drunk on it every night, he would have.”
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