Six of Crows (Six of Crows, 1) Cover

Six of Crows Review

Six of Crows is a wild heist with unforgettable characters. Bardugo's world-building is top-notch, though it can slow the pace. A must-read for fantasy lovers!
  • Character Development
  • Plot
  • World-Building
  • Writing Style
4/5Overall Score

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is an exciting heist tale with rich characters and detailed world-building, though sometimes slow.

Specs
  • Year released: 2015
  • Author: Leigh Bardugo
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Pages: 465
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
  • Series: Six of Crows (Book 1)
  • Main Theme: Heist
  • Target Audience: Young Adult
Pros
  • Engaging story
  • Strong characters
  • Twists and turns
  • Great world-building
Cons
  • Pacing feels uneven
  • Too many characters
  • Cliffhanger ending
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.

Hey, lovely people! Today I’m reviewing Six of Crows, a book that took my imagination for a wild ride. It’s packed with memorable characters, an intense heist plot, and world-building that feels alive. Of course, there are some bumps along the way. Let’s dig in!

In a Nutshell

‘Six of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo is a fantasy novel that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Set in a gritty, magical world, it follows a group of six outcasts who come together for an impossible heist. Themes like friendship, trust, and redemption are woven throughout, making it as heartwarming as it is thrilling. If you love clever plots, complex characters, and a bit of magic, this one’s for you.

Character Development in ‘Six of Crows’: A Deep Dive into Kaz and His Crew

In Six of Crows, character development isn’t just a part of the story; it’s the heart and soul of it. Leigh Bardugo takes us on a wild ride, making us fall in love with a band of misfits we didn’t know we needed. From the enigmatic Kaz Brekker to the firecracker Inej Ghafa, each character is so well-crafted you feel like you’d recognize them on the street – or in a dark alley.

Kaz Brekker, aka Dirtyhands, is a dark, brooding mastermind who would cut off his own shadow if it stood in his way. But beneath that gritty exterior is a boy who’s lost everything and claws his way through the barrel to find his own kind of justice. I found myself rooting for him even while cursing at some of his ruthless decisions. It’s like watching a train wreck but hoping everyone comes out okay.

Inej, on the other hand, is a total badass. Her skills as a spy and acrobat are matched only by her moral compass. She’s the kind of friend you’d want on your side in a bar fight, or, you know, a high-stakes heist. Her journey from captured girl to a confident warrior is slow but steady, making her arc satisfying and believable.

And let’s not forget Jesper, Nina, Matthias, and Wylan. Each has their own backstory and motivations, making the crew a flavorful mix. Jesper’s charm and gambling problems, Nina’s love for waffles and witchy ways, Matthias’s conflicted loyalties, and Wylan’s sweet, smart awkwardness all add up to a team you can’t help but cheer for.

The character development in this book is like a fine wine; it gets better with every page. If you think you know them from chapter one, think again – they’ll surprise you over and over.

Next up, we’ll crack open the intricate heist plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just like cracking a safe, it’s worth every nerve-wracking moment.

High-Stakes Heist Plot

Ever thought about robbing a casino? Well, read ‘Six of Crows’ and you’ll know how to do it right—sort of. The heist plot is like the ultimate rollercoaster ride: thrilling, unpredictable, and full of sharp turns.

Leigh Bardugo has crafted a plot that revolves around a high-stakes heist with a ragtag crew that you can’t help but root for. The job? Break into the most secure place in the world and pull off an impossible heist. Easy, right? Wrong! It’s like trying to sneeze with your eyes open. The gang consists of six flawed but brilliant misfits, each bringing unique skills to the table. And trust me, you’ll want to see how this all pans out.

What makes the heist so gripping is the constant feeling that things could go south at any moment. From elaborate schemes to unexpected betrayals, the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. I felt like I was there, biting my nails down to stubs, hoping they’d pull it off. Bardugo’s narrative pacing is impeccable; it’s like playing a game where each roll of the dice matters.

While the plot is engaging, it can get a bit overwhelming. There’s so much happening that you might need a flowchart to keep track of it all. Plus, some plans teeter on the edge of believability, like when I tried baking without a recipe—chaotic but somehow still delicious.

The next section will take you on a journey through the rich and immersive World Building of ‘Six of Crows’. Stay tuned!

Immersive World Building in ‘Six of Crows’

Let’s talk about the world building in ‘Six of Crows’. The world of Ketterdam feels as real as the coffee I spilt on my lap while reading it. Ketterdam is dark, gritty, and alive with crime and intrigue. You can practically smell the salty sea air and hear the hustle and bustle of the Barrel, the city’s roughest district. Author Leigh Bardugo doesn’t just plop you into a generic fantasy world; she plunks you down in a place teeming with life and detail.

Then, there’s the glimpses of other parts of the Grishaverse: Fjerda, Ravka, and the Suli. Each is distinct, with its own customs and traditions. The vivid details make you feel like you’ve traveled the world without needing a passport. I found myself so engrossed, I half-expected to find Grisha lurking in the shadows of my local library.

But, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Sometimes, the heavy description can bog down the pacing. While the richness of the world is its strength, at times, you might feel like you’re drowning in details. It’s like trying to find your friend at a crowded concert—you love the vibe, but it can be overwhelming.

However, the overwhelming sense of place and culture is a testament to Bardugo’s skill. It gives depth to the story and adds layers of meaning to the characters’ actions and decisions. You won’t just read ‘Six of Crows’, you’ll live it.

Next up, let’s chat about the punchy and engaging writing style that Bardugo uses to keep us turning the pages.

Impressive Writing Style in ‘Six of Crows’

When it comes to the writing style of ‘Six of Crows,’ it feels like taking a delightful stroll through a well-curated art exhibit. Every sentence is crafted with care, and you can tell that Leigh Bardugo put her heart into it. The prose is sharp and engaging, sorta like that one friend who can keep you hooked even with their grocery list tales.

One notable thing is the multi-POV structure. We get to see the world through the eyes of different characters. It’s kind of like getting different camera angles in a movie. It keeps the story fresh and gives you a deeper understanding of each person’s motives and quirks. The downside? Sometimes you might feel like you need a scorecard to keep track of who’s talking. But hey, who doesn’t love a good challenge?

Leigh Bardugo also has a knack for witty dialogue. The banter between characters is top-notch and can make you laugh out loud, kind of like when you see a funny meme at work and try to hide your giggles. It helps lighten up the mood and makes the darker parts of the plot more bearable.

However, there are times when the writing leans a bit too much into being poetic. Some readers might find it a tad over the top, like adding whipped cream to an already sweet sundae. It doesn’t ruin the experience, but it can be noticeable.

In the end, I highly recommend ‘Six of Crows’ for its beautiful and engaging writing style. It’s a book that keeps you on your toes and makes sure you enjoy every step of the journey.

Conclusion

Alright folks, this concludes the review of Six of Crows. If you’re a fan of sharp prose, clever heists, and memorable characters, then this book is for you. Expect to be pulled into a rich world, though sometimes the details can slow things down. Overall, it’s a thrilling ride with a few bumps on the way. Enjoy the read and remember, don’t lend it to that friend who never returns books!

4/5Overall 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!