Six of Crows By Leigh Bardugo

 

"Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo is a young adult fantasy novel that follows the story of six outcasts who attempt a daring heist in the bustling city of Ketterdam. The novel is set in the same world as Bardugo's earlier Grisha Trilogy, but it stands alone as a thrilling tale of revenge, intrigue, and loyalty.
    The six main characters are a diverse and fascinating group of misfits, each with their own motivations and secrets. Kaz Brekker, the leader of the crew, is a mastermind thief with a tragic past, and Inej Ghafa is his talented spy and assassin. Jesper Fahey is a sharpshooter with a gambling problem, Nina Zenik is a Grisha, a magical being with the ability to control the body, and Matthias Helvar is a former enemy of the group who joins them on their mission. Finally, Wylan Van Eck is a wealthy merchant's son with a talent for explosives.
    The novel is structured around the heist, which involves breaking into the impenetrable Ice Court, a fortress in Fjerda, to rescue a scientist who has created a powerful drug that can enhance Grisha abilities. The characters must navigate through dangerous enemies, personal conflicts, and their own demons to accomplish their goal.

Bardugo's writing is engaging, giving us well-crafted descriptions and characterizations that make the reader invest in the story. The pacing of story is also perfect, filled with enough action, suspense, and twists to keep the reader hooked from beginning to end. While the Grishaverse can be a little confusing at first, this book really gives a feeling of a unique world that we are familar with already. One of my favorite things about the book is how well the character development is. Each of the six protagonists has a distinct personality, backstory, and motivation, and their interactions with each other create a dynamic and compelling narrative. Overall, this Six of Crows is a great young adult fantasy novel that I think will appeal to readers of any age. It is a fast-paced, thrilling adventure that is also a character-driven story about friendship, loyalty, and redemption. 

-Cali