Rainbow Crow (Dragonfly Books) Cover

Rainbow Crow Review

"Six of Crows" spins a thrilling tale where unforgettable characters tackle dangerous heists. It's full of suspense, humor, and life lessons. Expect to be amused and moved. Just watch out for the occasional plot hiccup.
  • Character Development
  • Plot and Storyline
  • Themes and Moral Lessons
  • Pacing and Engagement
4.3/5Overall Score

'Six of Crows' delivers engaging characters, thrilling heist plot, humor, and themes of trust and loyalty in a fantasy world.

Specs
  • Year Released: 2015
  • Author: Leigh Bardugo
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Pages: 465
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Setting: Ketterdam, a bustling city reminiscent of Amsterdam
  • Series: First book in the Six of Crows duology
  • Main Theme: Heist, trust, and survival
  • Target Audience: Young adults and fantasy enthusiasts
Pros
  • Strong characters
  • Great world-building
  • Engaging plot
  • Clever dialogue
Cons
  • Complex plot
  • Too many characters
  • Pacing issues
Disclaimer: Buying from our links may result in us earning enough for a new reading adventure, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur literary afficinados.

Welcome folks to my review of the thrilling book Six of Crows. Picture this: a rollicking heist, a band of misfits, and a city filled with danger. Leigh Bardugo expertly crafts a tale that tickles your funny bone while keeping you on the edge of your seat. As you turn the pages, you’ll encounter themes of trust, loyalty, redemption, and a dash of resilience, all wrapped in stunning, if slightly sparse, artwork. Our misfit crew, each with their quirks and depth, develop naturally across the plot, becoming characters you’ll reminisce about like old pals. So, grab a comfy seat, and let’s unravel the magic of Six of Crows together!

In a nutshell

“Six of Crows” by the talented Leigh Bardugo fills the air with thrilling, fantasy vibes as it sweeps readers into a world of heists and heart-racing action. Set in the same universe as Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy, this gritty novel offers a fresh, standalone plot. The story unfolds in the bustling city of Ketterdam, where danger lurks around every corner. It’s a high-stakes adventure with a motley crew of characters, each harboring secrets and seeking redemption. Themes of trust, loyalty, and survival weave through the pages like a masterful tapestry. Despite the serious undertones, there’s enough witty banter to make you snicker in a quiet room – you’ll be hoping no one catches you giggling at a book again!

Unraveling the Heist: A Six of Crows Review

Oh boy, let me tell you about the whirlwind that is Six of Crows! First off, the story feels like a well-oiled machine with plot twists and turns that’ll keep you on your toes. Picture this: a heist crew assembled from the scraps of society. I mean, who doesn’t love a good ragtag group of misfits? Kaz Brekker is like the ultimate mastermind you just can’t help but root for – think Ocean’s Eleven meets the grimy streets of Ketterdam.

Now, the plot thickens faster than the gravy at my Aunt Martha’s Thanksgiving dinner. Seriously, Leigh Bardugo pulls you into this crazy world where every page is like a cliffhanger. And listen, I almost missed my bus stop because I couldn’t put it down! They plan to break into the most secure place imaginable – the Ice Court. It’s like trying to sneak into Fort Knox with a rubber chicken and some dental floss.

But, what’s a heist without heart? Each character brings their own story to the table. Nina, the Grisha, who’s got more layers than an onion; Jesper, the sharpshooter who’s quicker on the draw than my uncle at a pie-eating contest. And there’s so much more, but I won’t spoil it for you!

However, as much as I love the book, sometimes the pacing feels like it’s trying to catch up with a runaway train. Sometimes, the rich world-building can slow things down a tad.

Stay tuned, because next up, we’ll take a peek at the artwork that brings this wild heist to life. Hold onto your hats!

Illustrations and Artwork Analysis in Six of Crows: A Feast for the Eyes

As I flipped through Six of Crows, my head almost did a double take. The artwork in the book is downright stunning. I mean, the kind of stuff you’d want to hang on a wall or maybe tattoo on your arm if you’re really committed. The cover alone had me whipped like a crow caught in a windstorm! Those dark, brooding images truly set the tone for the gritty world Kaz and his crew skulk through. It’s like the artist knew exactly what I pictured in my mind and just went ahead and drew it. Thanks for that!

Inside, the black pages and chapter headings add a touch of drama and mystery. Trust me, you’ll look cooler reading this on the subway with those pages peeking out. They suit the story’s edgy vibe like peanut butter to jelly—or like Inej to her many knives. Each illustration captures the essence of the book’s setting and characters, creating a visual treat that complements the story line. However, if I’m being honest, I wish there were a few more illustrations scattered through the meat of the book. Sometimes, a little artwork can help break up the chunks of text, and who doesn’t love eye candy while reading? It’s like dessert for your eyes.

The illustrations in Six of Crows do justice to Leigh Bardugo’s complex world and characters, adding a rich layer to the reading experience. I’d give the artwork a solid thumbs-up, even if it means my thumb is covered in ink stains. In the next section, we’ll explore the themes and moral lessons of the book, because every good heist has something more to it than just stolen treasures. Stick around, or Kaz might pick your pocket!

Themes and Moral Lessons in Six of Crows

Ah, Six of Crows. The book where teamwork makes the dream work, even if the team is a bunch of misfits who could use some serious therapy. One of the dominant themes in Six of Crows is trust. Trust doesn’t come easy in a world full of betrayal and backstabbers, and our lovable band of criminals showcases this beautifully. The importance of trust gets tested and re-tested like a questionable cheesecake recipe. By the end, you’ll be wondering if you should trust that cheesecake in your fridge.

Friendship and loyalty also take the spotlight. Kaz and his ragtag gang demonstrate how loyalty can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s like loaning your friend ten bucks and praying they won’t ghost you forever. These elements teach an important moral lesson: standing by the people you care about can sometimes cost you more than a latte at a trendy coffee shop.

Another strong theme is redemption. Each character seeks it in their way, whether it’s from their past misdeeds or personal demons. But hey, who doesn’t have a few skeletons rattling around in their closet? The book gives you hope that no matter how deep you’re in, there’s a chance to clamber out and make things right.

Finally, there’s the theme of resilience. Life throws some pretty gnarly curveballs at Kaz and his crew, yet they manage to keep going. They teach readers that, like them, you can face adversity with grit and determination—or at least a really good plan.

Next up, we will delve into the fascinating world of Six of Crows characters and their jaw-dropping development. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a wild ride!

Character Development in Six of Crows

Let me tell ya, the best way to experience Six of Crows is to spend time with the gang. I felt like I was hanging out with Kaz Brekker and his merry band of misfits. Each character has a backstory that feels like a tangled ball of yarn, and discovering their pasts is like untangling the knots, one by one.

Kaz Brekker, also known as ‘Dirtyhands,’ is the leader with a heart as cold as the ice in my freezer. His motivations are driven by revenge, and he carries the weight of his own demons. Watching his layers peel away felt like biting into a delicious onion. Just kidding, I meant cake!

Inej Ghafa, the acrobat and spy, had me cheering for her as she struggled with the ghosts of her past and what freedom truly means. Her strength and silent resilience give me goosebumps every time.

Matthias and Nina brought so much banter and tension to the team. Their love-hate relationship kept me flipping pages like it was the only workout I needed. Jasper and Wylan’s journey from mistrust to friendship was a heartwarming subplot that had me rooting for these boys from start to end.

Leigh Bardugo did a stellar job sculpting these characters. Their development feels natural, not forced, and by the end, you almost feel like you’re gonna miss them like old friends who’ve moved away.

If you ask me if I recommend Six of Crows, I’d say, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Get it, read it, live it. And maybe keep some tissues handy for those surprise feels!

Conclusion

Wrapping up my thoughts on ‘Six of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo, I gotta say it’s a wild ride! The characters are like those friends who show up uninvited but then end up being the life of the party. Despite some dark themes, trust and redemption shine through. Sure, I stumbled over a few slow parts, but the story and stunning artwork knocked it out of the park. If you love a good heist and don’t mind a touch of chaos, give it a go. You’ll be flipping pages like crazy. Just keep an eye on your wallet – not because you’ll be tempted to buy more Bardugo books (which you will), but because Kaz might pickpocket you right off the page!

4.3/5Overall Score
Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!