Leigh Bardugo's debut novel, Shadow and Bone, was a shorter high fantasy novel that proved to be a disappointment. While the Grisha and the setting provided some interesting imagery and characters, most of the book felt cliche and incredibly underwhelming. The writing was all right but average, the main character was annoying, and the romance/love triangle was even more frustrating (don't get me started on AlinaxMal). For me, it felt like a stereotypical YA fantasy that was perfect for a crowd who wanted the same old tropes but repackaged.
Meanwhile, Bardugo's newest book did not seem to have the same problems. Six of Crows looked exciting and thrilling based on its synopsis, but it also looked much more complex, and based on the incredibly positive reviews coming in, people were enjoying it. I had my doubts, but mostly I was excited to see if Leigh Bardugo had improved from her first work.
So, was Six of Crows a disappointment? Or was it everything I was hoping for, and maybe even a little bit more than that?
I have great news! Six of Crows was definitely worth the read, as it was better than Shadow and Bone in every department. The characters were better, the world was better, the writing was better, the romance was better...just everything; everything pretty much kicked butt and slayed in so many ways. This was so close to being perfect, but I can still warrant my fangirling, because this book is easily one of the best fantasy novels I have read this year.
Taking place in the same world of The Grisha Trilogy after the Ravkan Civil War (you don't have to read that to read this), Six of Crows originates in Ketterdam, a city sprawling with bustling businesses, a sinister underbelly, and warring gangs. That's where Kaz Brekker makes his business with his crew called the Dregs, taking down foes with little remorse.
'"Look at me, Bolliger. Assuming you don't bleed to death tonight, you have until sunset tomorrow to get out of Ketterdam. I hear you're anywhere near the city limits, and they'll find you stuffed in a keg at Cilla's Fry."' (pg. 33)
However, he's about to get involved in something that might be a little over his head. A scientist from a neighboring country has developed a drug derived from the jurda plant, jurda parem, and this drug can be used on Grisha (people with special abilities) to produce surprising results. Under the influence, Grisha's abilities are amplified: Fabrikators can turn lead into gold, Healers can heal cuts with little effort, and Heartrenders can kill entire waves of people in seconds.
This power does come with a price for the Grisha, however. They eventually develop a dependence on the drug, and if they don't have constant doses, they will eventually go ballistic and die. Because of this, jurda parem has gone out of hand, leading to several incidents that have killed many people. The neighboring country's government plans to do something with the drug, and the scientist has been taken to Fjerda, another country that's part of this world. Now, a rich merchant by the name Van Eck needs Kaz to complete a job for him.
'"What is it you want from me, Van Eck? You want me to steal a shipment? The formula?" "No, I want you to steal the man." "Kidnap Bo Yul-Bayur?" "Save him."' (pg. 49)
Of course, this mission won't be a walk in the park. The scientist is being held in the infamous Ice Court in Fjerda, and the place has been intricately built to prevent break-ins. However, if Kaz and a crew can successfully get inside, they get a total of 30 million kruge to split between them. Kaz may be capable of suspicion, but he knows a good deal when he sees one.
Now, the hard part: assembling a crew. Kaz knows that he needs people he could use as assets or people that he can trust. He knows he can count on Inej, his right-hand woman nicknamed the Wraith due to her silent nature, and Jesper, the guy who knows his way around guns. But he recognizes the need for three more, and he knows what to look for: a Grisha for back-up power, a Fjerdan who knows the layout of the court, and someone who relates to the mission and has some abilities of his own.
Everyone recognizes that the journey is risky, but with kruge promised, everyone's individual missions hanging over them, and a thirst for getting the job done, what are the risks? And what twists and turns will await the gang once they arrive in Fjerda?
The story in Six of Crows is one that needs to be read to be believed. It's action-packed and moves at a nice pace, but it's one that's not afraid to be gritty when it needs to be. There are some violent scenes in this book, and all of them are equally horrifying and thrilling at the same time. Shadow and Bone may have had some of these scenes, but none of them seemed to fit the atmosphere of that story (mostly because of Alina). Meanwhile, every single one in Six of Crows made me suck in my breath.
Now, the hard part: assembling a crew. Kaz knows that he needs people he could use as assets or people that he can trust. He knows he can count on Inej, his right-hand woman nicknamed the Wraith due to her silent nature, and Jesper, the guy who knows his way around guns. But he recognizes the need for three more, and he knows what to look for: a Grisha for back-up power, a Fjerdan who knows the layout of the court, and someone who relates to the mission and has some abilities of his own.
Everyone recognizes that the journey is risky, but with kruge promised, everyone's individual missions hanging over them, and a thirst for getting the job done, what are the risks? And what twists and turns will await the gang once they arrive in Fjerda?
The story in Six of Crows is one that needs to be read to be believed. It's action-packed and moves at a nice pace, but it's one that's not afraid to be gritty when it needs to be. There are some violent scenes in this book, and all of them are equally horrifying and thrilling at the same time. Shadow and Bone may have had some of these scenes, but none of them seemed to fit the atmosphere of that story (mostly because of Alina). Meanwhile, every single one in Six of Crows made me suck in my breath.
'The pyre had been made on a bluff. Whoever was responsible had tried to build the fire in the shelter of a rock outcropping, but it hadn't been enough to keep the flames from dying out in the wind. Three stakes had been driven into the icy ground, and three charred bodies were bound to them, their blackened, cracked skin still smoldering.' (pg. 231)
The story is also filled with humor that actually had me laughing out loud (LOL!) throughout much of the book. The banter between the characters was incredibly funny, and whether the gang likes it or not, they become a family of sorts, and you can clearly see that development throughout the book.
'Jesper knocked his head against the hull and cast his eyes heavenward. "Fine. But if Pekka Rollins kills us all, I'm going to get Wylan's ghost to teach my ghost how to play the flute just so that I can annoy the hell out of your ghost." Brekker's lips quirked. "I'll just hire Matthias's ghost to kick your ghost's ass." "My ghost won't associate with your ghost," Matthias said primly, and then wondered if the sea air was rotting his brain.' (pg. 181)
Speaking of characters, all of them are much more complex than Shadow and Bone's. The Darkling was probably the only one out of that cast who had some hidden depth, but here, every single one (minus the villains) is immensely likable, even if they're all a little twisted (okay, Kaz might be a little more). From Kaz, the snarky leader of the Dregs who wears gloves on his hands to hide the past and whose dark exterior may not be a reality
'Kaz remembered the shape from the alley, the way it had appeared and disappeared like a ghost. Jordie. He gave himself an internal shake. Not Jordie, you podge. Focus.' (pg. 43)
to Inej, the skilled warrior who has had an incredibly rough past and has feelings for Kaz
'...[Kaz] ran the wet cloth under his arms and the hard planes of his chest, water trickling down his torso. For Saints' sake, Inej thought as her cheeks heated. She'd lost most of her modesty during her time with the Menagerie, but really, there were limits. What would Kaz say if she suddenly stripped down and started washing herself in front of him? He'd probably tell me not to drip on the desk, she thought with a scowl.' (pg. 66-67)
to Nina, the Grisha who's been trying her hardest to break out someone she shouldn't from prison
'"Keep quiet," Kaz growled. "Don't shush me, Brekker," Nina whispered furiously. "If it's this easy to get into Hellgate-" "The problem isn't getting in, it's getting out. Now shut up and stay alert." Nina swallowed her anger. She had to trust Kaz to run the game. He'd made sure she didn't have any choice.' (pg. 84)
to Matthias, the prisoner Nina wants to free due to a complicated episode in their past
'Matthias was dreaming again. Dreaming of [Nina]. In all his dreams he hunted her.... Always he chased, and always he caught her. In the good dreams, he slammed her to the ground and throttled her.... In the bad dreams, he kissed her.' (pg. 103)
to Jesper, the cocky goofball who loves his guns and can't resist the promise of money
'...[Jesper's] thoughts were buzzing and jumping at the possibility of thirty million kruge. Even after Per Haskell got his twenty percent, that would leave four million for each of them. What could he do with a pile of scratch that big?' (pg. 121)
to Wylan, the son of Van Eck and the quote on quote "hostage" of this scenario who has skills of his own.
'"Wylan goes with us. He's good enough at demo, and he's got a fine hand of sketching, thanks to all those pricey tutors." Wylan blushed deeper, and Jesper shook his head. "Play piano, too?" "Flute," said Wylan defensively. "Perfect."' (pg. 121)
All of these characters are fleshed out, unique both racially and sexually (you guys know I love my LGBT representation), and they all get their chance to shine, developing gradually throughout the novel and most of them having chapters from their point of view (Wylan sadly does not have one). It's definitely a nice touch, as this kind of story benefited immensely from the opinions of everyone instead of only one.
It also helps that Leigh Bardugo's writing has improved immensely from Shadow and Bone. Although the writing was nice in that novel, it was sparse flashes here and there, mostly a simple style that never really worked for me. The writing of Six of Crows may still have that simplicity, but those sparse flashes are permanent, allowing the writing to offer characterization, setting description, and an immersive experience through and through.
And last up, we have the romance. While Alina and the Darkling had more sparks than Alina and Mal in Shadow and Bone, the love triangle was quickly abolished so Alina could end up with her male childhood BFF (which annoyed me). Here, the relationships are a lot more straight forward, with no love triangles and no annoying declarations. There are two prominent couples with one being hinted at (maybe they'll progress more in book 2), and they're the kinds of relationship I really like. They're filled with regrets, pining, insecurities, and uncertainty, but above all else, I love the characters enough to see them together. I don't know if one will work out, but the other definitely did, and I was very happy with that.
And last up, we have the romance. While Alina and the Darkling had more sparks than Alina and Mal in Shadow and Bone, the love triangle was quickly abolished so Alina could end up with her male childhood BFF (which annoyed me). Here, the relationships are a lot more straight forward, with no love triangles and no annoying declarations. There are two prominent couples with one being hinted at (maybe they'll progress more in book 2), and they're the kinds of relationship I really like. They're filled with regrets, pining, insecurities, and uncertainty, but above all else, I love the characters enough to see them together. I don't know if one will work out, but the other definitely did, and I was very happy with that.
The only real problems I have with the book are the lack of Wylan's point of view and the pacing at some small parts here and there. But other than that, this book was incredibly strong, and I actually really liked the ending, as it wrapped things up nicely with this book's plot but also set up what's to come in Crooked Kingdom. The ending also gave me Let the Storm Break flashbacks, but I won't say why because I'll spoil you guys.
However, if you're looking for a high fantasy that will leave you breathless, have you rolling on the floor with laughter, and completely satisfied, I give you Six of Crows. The book is currently available in hardcover, Kindle, and e-book formats from Henry Holt and Company. An audiobook is also available through Audible and will be available physically in December through Brilliance Audio.
Until next time *blows kiss*!
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