Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
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.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.
A fantasy dystopian Ocean's Eleven crew, with a story that leaves you turning the pages non-stop instead of going to bed.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
*This book is a part of a world created called the Grishaverse. Technically in the timeline of the Grishaverse, this book (which is part one of a duology) comes AFTER the Grisha Trilogy. However, this is a stand alone duology and can be read out of order. I did read these books BEFORE picking up the Grisha Trilogy and I don't regret that decision.*
I liked so much about this book. First of all the characters were SO well written! The story is told by each of the six crows different perspectives. Although now that I think of it, I'm not sure if there actually was a chapter from Wylan's perspective. As the chapters unfold there are also time jumps that occur. I mean, the characters aren't time traveling, but you learn about them in the past and then you come back to the present day heist.All of the characters were fighting to survive in the world- filled with darkness and thievery and rich merchants and traveling acrobats. I mean... what a world to live in! This book was a little dark, just in the realistic world building that Bardugo writes, and the revelations of what the characters had to do to survive with the hands they were dealt.Seriously, the world building. Wow. so good. Big shout out to my favorite characters Kaz and Inej. I was doing a buddy read for this book and we decided to do our own Hollywood casting. The actors we chose are FAR too old to be playing these teens in the book, but when has that ever stopped Hollywood before?! In the fictional movie that my friend and I created, Kaz would be played by Taron Egerton and Inej would be played by Alicia Vikander. You're welcome for that fictional casting. (If you've read the book, who do you think should be cast in the 6 of Crows roles?)***since reading this book it was JUST announced that this series will be combined with the Grisha Trilogy books in a new Netflix show!***This book was a page turner, it had a great plot, amazing characters, and a realistic world created. What else do you need for a 5 star book?! So good!I want to mention again that while this is YA- it is dark- so reader beware. Also, don't let the whole YA tag dissuade you from reading this book! Read what you love and love what you read!
Towards the end-ish of the book, Bardugo literally tells you some things about Kaz's character that I already knew as a reader. I couldn't tell if she wanted to make sure the reader understood what she was alluding to in previous chapters, or if she had forgotten she'd already mentioned that whole plot line previously in the book. I'm not sure. It wasn't enough of an annoyance to not make this book Required Reading: Fantasy- because readers who love that genre will love this book - but it needed to be mentioned.
Play: PokerWatch: Ocean's Eleven or the Italian JobEat: Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes... and waffles. Not together. But hey, you do you.Listen to: Everybody Knows by Sigrid
Click here: Six of Crows