Book Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

No mourners. No funerals. Life is not easy in Ketterdam for a variety of reasons but mostly to do with that it is run by vicious gangs where the ones on top are the ones in charge. Kaz Brekker is out for revenge againist a rival gang and will compile a team of the most dangerous outcast to help him complete his impossible heist. 

This book is a dark and compelling story about a group of teen outcast trying to fond their way in an unforgiving world. Each character carries a trauma that drives their motivation and creates the deep bond a trust within the group. The plot is fast paced and complex in the way that Kaz always seems to be 4 steps a head of his opponents. Each member of the group brings something special and so each character stands on their own but adds a richness to the team as a whole. The romance is spread between three couple and across sexual orientations. This is a powerful story of trauma, healing, and found family.

"Bardugo broadens the universe she created in the Grisha Trilogy, sending her protagonists around countries that resemble post-Renaissance northern Europe, where technology develops in concert with the magic that's both coveted and despised. It’s a highly successful venture, leaving enough open questions to cause readers to eagerly await Volume 2. Cracking page-turner with a multiethnic band of misfits with differing sexual orientations who satisfyingly, believably jell into a family." - Kirkus Review

Book Information:

Bardugo, L. (2015). SIX OF CROWS. Henry Holt and Company: New York. ISBN 9781627792127 

Next in the series:

Sequel: Crooked Kingdom and Prequel: The Grisha Trilogy. It has also be adapted as a series on Netflix under the title of Shadow and Bone (it is recommended to read The Grisha Trilogy before watching)