Publisher: Indigo
Release: 29th September 2015
Genre: Fantasy
Source: Copy received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis:
"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."
Review
Six of Crows is like the hotter, maturer, dangerous older brother of the Grisha trilogy and boy did I love the Grisha trilogy! In Six of Crows Leigh Bardugo takes everything that I love about her first series and expands upon it making this her best book yet. This is the Grishaverse as you’ve never seen it before.
The book is told between five of the main characters as they try to pull off an impossible heist. I love books that are told from more than one point of view but I was a little worried going into this that I’d find five perspectives confusing. That may have been the case if told by a less accomplished writer but Leigh has created a group of distinct characters who are both sexually and ethnically diverse who are their own unique blend of good and bad and come with their own set of motives and desires. The different perspectives kept this book constantly moving and allowed us to view the heist from all angles. It allowed us to get to know these characters more complexly and also explore the backstories that made them who they are which was one of my favourite aspects of this book.
The way that this book is crafted is nothing short of extraordinary. It only gives you information about the world and characters as and when you need it which not only felt really natural but also provided a lot of surprises. Despite Six of Crows being a big book it’s fast paced and impossible to put down with heart stopping, jaw dropping moments laced throughout.
In short every aspect of Six of Crows was epic and faultless. Not only is this a strong addition to YA Fantasy but also to high Fantasy. It can certainly hold its own next to the likes of Game of Thrones and The Final Empire. This is easily a firm favourite of mine for 2015 – don’t miss it!
