Book Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows 
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Six of Crows #1
Publication Date: September 29, 2015
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
Genre: YA Fantasy
Page Length: 465
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.  Ka 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.

(Yes, finally, here it is, my Six of Crows review!!  I meant to post this so long ago.  Deepest apologies.)

This was my very first Leigh Bardugo book, and it won't be my last.  Six of Crows is practically everything a reader could want in a book.  To summarize: unforgettable main characters, hilarious banter, GLORIOUS relationships, a complex and exciting storyline . . . seriously, what else could you ask for?!

If you're one of the few who hasn't yet read Six of Crows, here's why you should must:

1) Six kick-ass, amazing main characters!

Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, Matthias Helvar, Nina Zenik, Jesper Fahey, and Wylan Van Eck.  That is all I have to say.  These six are truly unforgettable.  I realize I use the descriptor "kick-ass" quite on basis, but trust me, the usage is totally justified here.  I'm usually not a fan of alternating POVs and too many main characters, but Six of Crows is an exception.  I enjoyed all six members of the heist gang.

Kaz is the leader of the gang and the mastermind.   Readers get to dive into his complex mind and see how his plans are hashed out from conception to execution.  He's serious, he's strong, he's incredibly intelligent.  I loved him.  He's a closed-off character, but readers get to break a few boundaries with him and learn about his past throughout the story.

Inej is quick on her feet and skilled with a pair of knives.  She's incredibly caring, incredibly smart, and impossibly daring.  This is truly how you write a strong female main character.

Matthias, oh how I love thee.  He's stuck in his ways, but so very loyal and brave.  Throughout the story, we follow along Matthias's journey as he sorts out his heart, his upbringing, and what he knows is right and wrong from each other.

Nina, the Heartrender.  With her kind and courageous personality and her ability to heal, Nina is such an attribute to the group.  I flew through her wonderful chapters.

Jesper, the sharpshooter.  Out of all the characters, Jesper wasn't my absolute favorite, but I still enjoyed his chapters.  Like the rest of the crew, he's agile and able, but he's also lighthearted and funny.  Even when the gang faces their looming inevitable deaths, Jesper somehow manages to lighten the mood.

Wylan.  Unfortunately (and strangely enough), we didn't get to read from his POV in this book, but he's not just a burden on the crew.  With his expert ability to craft and detonate bombs, Wylan certainly earned his keep and rightful spot on the team.

2) Glorious relationships galore

Although the romance aspect is pretty light in this story, there are three definite ships brewing (all of which are beautiful).

That's all I'll say.  So, so many quotable moments.

3) A plot line that never dulls

I'll admit: It took me a bit to get into the story, but after a few chapters, I just couldn't put the book down.  The storyline is complex and exciting and always keeps readers on their feet.  A whole lot of action, a handful of plot twists, and all around, lots of general "kick-assery".

4) BACKSTORY.

Leigh Bardugo must have been planning for ages, because every character is so well thought out, and it definitely shows.  Every single character has pages and pages of (interesting) backstory to them.  I feel like I've known these six forever.

(I especially loved Nina and Matthias's whole fiasco.)

5) Honestly, just read it.

6) Seriously.  Are you still here?  READ IT.

I'm in desperate need of another heist story on Six of Crow caliber.  The sequel isn't out until next year . . . so until then, enjoy this little promo:

And if you'd rather listen than read, check out the audiobook on Audible!