Six of Crows

5 stars 100%. I read this months ago and haven't read the Crooked Kingdom yet. Will soon!

LOVE the characters and the plot flow was better than the Grishaverse.

3.5/5

Не могу подобрать слов, мне хочется хвалить и ругать книгу одновременно. Ожидания были высоки, но после встречи с сериалом они явно снизились, делая ставку лишь на одну линию. И на удивление, все оправдалось.

История об “ограблении века” прошла для меня как ровная линия, с парой холмиков в сторону “плохо” из-за перебарщивания с драмой, с удачей, с выражением чувств. Бардуго вывела прекрасных персонажей для химии, но не смогла удержать мой интерес, застилая глаза “крутостью”. Ах, он гений преступного мира, но его холодное сердце смогла согреть только одна! А еще 30 миллионов, на которые он конечно же повелся. И так во всем - персонаж показывается восхитительным плутом, а потом делает глупости во благо своей мсти. Ладно, спишем на подростковый бунт.

Но что удивило меня больше всего: Шестерка воронов - это не история про команду. Она начинает и заканчивается стаей диких воронов, которых обидел весь мир. Они собрались вместе, потому что “лучшие из лучших”, потому что предателей в банде долго не держат. Конечно такое имеет место быть, но из-за этого у меня не получилось зацепиться за героев. Все их небольшое взаимодействие завязано на шутках, переживания друг о друге уходят на второй план, что еще раз подтверждает, что нам пытаются показать профессионалов. Но в моменты опасности они ведут себя как самонадеянные подростки, которые продолжают двигаться “потому что всегда получалось”, а не ради священной цели.
Единственные, кто четко отыгрывают свои роли от начала и до конца - Матиас и Нина. Я восхищена, как Бардуго наконец-то показывает свой мир через персонажей. Ведьма против охотника на ведьм, магия против религии, гриш против фьорданца.

Самым проблемным персонажем в книге для меня оказался Каз. Он самоуверенная задница, который полагается на трюки, превращает свои слабости в силу, хотя не всегда получается. В процессе командной работы в тюрьме Каз должен был ну хоть как-то изменится в лучшую сторону, понять, что он не всемогущий и что ведет себя и близких скорее всего на смерть, а ему плевать! После всего он стал слабее, начал срываться на соратников и... нужно ли мне говорить, что “завоевание” Инеж - это фу? Я вижу, что автор пытается подать Каза через драму, но нам так ни разу и не показали, за что он ее любит. Ах, ее прикосновения его возбуждают и все такое, но, по-моему, такие оправдания обычно приписываются ромфанту?

– Я – бизнесмен, – заявил он ей однажды. – Ни больше ни меньше.
– Ты вор, Каз.
– Разве я сказал не то же самое?

здесь должно быть умное слово

As someone who read Shadow and Bone and immediately dismissed Leigh Bardugo as a writer, I am so glad that I finally picked this book up. It was amazing, fantastic, it lived up to the hype and then some! It was a wild ride and I loved every second of it, because unlike Shadow and Bone, this didn't follow the basic YA linear formula and, let's face it, the characters here are far more complex and interesting.

But that's enough about comparing the two books. And since majority of people have already read this book, I suppose I'm just here to join the masses. It was great. I loved the characters, the heist, the twists, and the development of the world that we were formally introduced to. This is definitely a book that could be read multiple times.

I was so excited to come back to this world! And happily, it has so much story and great characters. For me, everything worked out in this book - the gang, the plot, twists, and the ending! Really excited to read the next one.

Perfect. Such a well thoughtout planned book. So good

I re-read this and it still slaps

Pretty good

This is your heist kind of book with many different perspectives. I'm usually wary of those because it's hard to do well. This was done pretty well though at time I was pretty overwhelmed at everything going on at the same time. Hard to keep it straight. The characters are intriguing and interesting. There aren't really any hero's per say, mostly anti hero's which is interesting.

The first ~70 pages were a bit hard for me to get into, i had to tell myself to keep reading. But i'm so glad I did! After that there was so much more action and backstories of the characters!

I love the world the author created and the complex characters!

It was pretty dark, but I love this story. I can't wait for the next one.

a solid 70% of this book is just romantic pining, 30% heisting

OMG I BLOODY LOVE THIS BOOK HELLO !! It's so much better than the shadow and bone trilogy (full offence, i don't care). the characters are so much better, the plot was so much better and the FUCKING RELATIONSHIPS?? THEY WERE SO COOL !!! They were all like polar opposites of each other but also really similar and god the chemistry between the couples

okay, maybe I was very excited after reading it. I wanted to be more critical with my 5 stars this year.
4.5 stars. But I still loved it!
——————————————————————————
oh my god.

This was one of those books, that everyone seemed to love so much that it was keeping me from reading it, because I didn't want to be disappointed. I wasn't.

The first half is slow, full of schemeing and planning and getting to know the cast of characters. It seems boring, until you get to the second half and it all pays off and becomes a roller coaster of adrenaline, turns and chaos. And I loved every second of it.
I loved how distinctive the voices of the characters were, how detailed the personalities were described and it makes perfect sense why everyone is obsessed with them.
I can't wait to read the second book!
In fact, I will start reading it the exact moment Lisann finishes this one, so we can talk about it.

4.27.21 Update: lol I reread my review below from when I first read this in 2016 and like apparently I didn't like Matthias? Hahaha I would literally sell my soul for Matthias. Anyways Stream Shadow and Bone on Netflix. 05.21.17 Update: Lies I tell myself: I'm sure reading this a second time will be a great idea. You'll definitely won't feel that void in your heart when you finish. Hahaha can I hire Jesper to slay me? a new, updated review expressing my utter obsession with this book will be coming one day 4.25/5 stars “The knowledge that they might never see each other again, that some of them—maybe all of them—might not survive this night hung heavy in the air. A gambler, a convict, a wayward son, a lost Grisha, a Suli girl who had become a killer, a boy from the Barrel who had become something worse.” Ever since its release, I've been hearing non-stop how amazing Six of Crows is. Not once have I ever seen a negative review. Everyone loves Six of Crows. Everybody. That isn't even a generalization. Everybody loves Six of Crows. (Have I said everybody enough? I'll say it again just in case. Everybody.) Including me. I have now fallen into the abyss that is Six of Crows . This book, especially compared to what I've read of The Grisha Series , blew me away. The characters and the world building and the writing and just everything. It was amazing. However, with all the hype surrounding it, I couldn't help but be a little disappointed. I'm not quite sure what it was, and I'll probably never figure it out, but there was something missing. I'm sure that you've heard the plot before, I mean if you haven't then I'm not sure where you've been living? Under a rock maybe? But in case you came out of that rock to read this review, the entire thing can be summarized with the tagline: “Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist.” It's been a long, long while since I've read a heist book (Shout out to twelve-year-old me who read [b:Heist Society 6574102 Heist Society (Heist Society, #1) Ally Carter https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359254479l/6574102.SY75.jpg 6767235] at least five times in a row, probably more) and I absolutely loved it. I'm so used to YA Fantasy books being out a main character trying to overthrow a grumpy old ruler and seizing the throne for themselves, that it is honestly so refreshing to see a twist to that stereotype. Leigh did a great job of making the heist feel impossible from the beginning, as opposed to telling us it is impossible and never showing us, as I appreciated that very much. In fact, I appreciated everything she did with this book. I'm going to get this out of the way: those stained black pages were absolutely gorgeous. There were times when I stopped reading just to stare at them. Then after about ten minutes, I'd have to snap out of it, wipe away the drool, and continue on reading. God, everything about this book is just so aesthetically pleasing. The characters are what made this book so spectacular. It is rare to find a book that isn't just plot-driven, but also character-driven. Honestly 4/6 of the cast I love so f***ing much I'd probably jump off a cliff if they asked me to, maybe I'd even commit a murder for them. Who knows? The other 2/6 , I'd probably wouldn't kill for, but I'd still like to be best friends with them and maybe we can have sleepovers together or something. I think that would be nice. “No mourners,” Jesper said...“No funerals,” the rest of the Dregs murmured in reply. Among them, it passed for “good luck.” Kaz. Everything I want in a character, and more, was throw together and presented itself in Kaz. He's ruthless, clever, diabolic, intelligent, thoughtful, bad-ass, and more. Just all of the adjectives thrown into one, bloody perfect boy. He now has a very special place in my heart. I applaud Leigh for throwing everything the world has to offer at him, from a tragic childhood (can I just say little tiny Kaz was such a cinnamon roll. I just loved his backstory and the path he ended up taking) to wearing those gloves all the time to a limp, and instead of making it a weakness, turn it into his strength. Honestly, Leigh took the stereotypical YA protagonist, threw it out the window, and created this beautifully imperfect character that I will cherish forever. I don't want to mention [b:Shadow and Bone 10194157 Shadow and Bone (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #1) Leigh Bardugo https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1339533695l/10194157.SX50.jpg 15093325] too much because I honestly feel like these books are so far apart it isn't fair to compare them, but I'll just say that Alina to Kaz is main character biggest leap I have ever seen from an author. Kaz is very easily in my top ten favorite characters of all time, and I am honestly heartbroken that there is only one more book I have to read that is full of him. Honestly, I'd read anything if Kaz was the MC. Even 50 shades. Inej. Inej really surprised me. I didn't really like her at first. I'm not sure why since it was clear from the beginning that she's amazing. But I grew to like her very quickly, and now I don't remember what my life was like before her. It's kind of a bad habit, but I often compare characters to others I have read/seen before. Usually, I can easily find many comparisons, but Inej was different. There was only one person I could think to even begin to compare her to, and even that's a stretch (her stealth and aerobic training reminded me a lot of Ty Lee from Avatar the Last Airbender, her personality however, did not). Inej was such a new type of character to me, and I loved it. I love her. Kaz loves her. There's this weird love triangle thing happening between the three of us. Jesper. I know that Leigh made is clear from the beginning that Jesper was a sharpshooter, but I was about a fourth of the way through this book when I realized there were guns. Guns! A fantasy world with guns! Just more proof that Leigh Bardugo truly made something unique with this book. I liked Jesper, I really did, but he wasn't my favorite character. I enjoyed his development throughout the book, both physically, emotionally, and romantically. Yet, two weeks after finishing Six of Crows, I am struggling to remember specific details about him. I am hoping that when I get around to reading [b:Crooked Kingdom 22299763 Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) Leigh Bardugo https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456172607l/22299763.SY75.jpg 42090179], I get to dive more into the world of Jesper. Nina. Alternate name: My Queen. Nina was amazing. Just amazing. Probably my favorite character, well besides Kaz of course. She didn't have the typical YA appearance, and yet she was still beautiful, flawless, and strong. And everyone in the book knew it. Again, I applaud Leigh Bardugo so much. I'm not the skinniest person in the world, and I was honestly so shocked to see a character like Nina, someone I can picture myself as, while still feeling confident and proud. I'm still a little confused about what exactly she can do with her Grisha powers, but that's not a big deal. I know that she is incredibly powerful and that I don't ever want to get on her bad side. When I do read [b:Crooked Kingdom 22299763 Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) Leigh Bardugo https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456172607l/22299763.SY75.jpg 42090179], I hope we get to see even more of what she can do. Just a quick recap, Nina is queen and she's better than you. Wylan. I don't know why, but the entire time I pretty much pictured Troye Sivan as Wylan. Maybe not Troye Sivan, per say, but the same composure and look of innocence. If that makes any sense? Was it just me? It was probably just me. After Kaz and Nina and Inej, Wylan was another one of my favorites. And we didn't get to see one chapter of him. I mean, I understand, he can't read, so it wouldn't really make sense. But if Feyre can do it in first person, than Wylan can do it in third. If that doesn't change in [b:Crooked Kingdom 22299763 Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) Leigh Bardugo https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456172607l/22299763.SY75.jpg 42090179], I am gonna revolt. I will show up on Leigh's front yard with a picket fence. But anyways, Wylan kind of got thrown into the team with no special skills (well, no special skills that are up to par with everyone else) but he still held his own and made himself a valuable player in the game. Like Jesper, he stole my heart. Quite a shame he kinda felt underappreciated in the story. #TeamWylan Mattias. What can I say about Mattias? Probably not much. I wasn't the biggest fan. He made me have trust issues, and I just haven't been able to let go of them yet. I'm just going to have to wait until I finally read [b:Crooked Kingdom 22299763 Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows, #2) Leigh Bardugo https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1456172607l/22299763.SY75.jpg 42090179] before I can make myself from a more positive and sturdy opinion about him. Don't get me wrong, I still like Mattias. He was such an interesting character to throw into the mix. I just don't trust him fully. I want to give this book five stars so badly. I just wish I could figure out what was missing. I loved everything about it, but yet I just can't bring myself to give it five stars. But, as I said earlier, everybody loves this book and that census now includes me! Yay! I've owned this book for almost a year now, why hasn't anyone forced me to pick it up earlier? Now if you excuse me, I'm gonna go think about how perfect Kaz Brekker is some more.

a fun time with an interesting group of characters but i was mostly there for nina and matthias' dynamic

Okay, I need the second book.

“No Mourners, No Funerals.”

PLS WHY IS THIS BOOK SO GOOD. the plot, characters, and writing style are top tier

also i'm actually in love with Inej, Nina, and jesper

LAHSOSJDOJSKAKD OH MY GOODNESS

I honestly don't even know if I can put it into words the feelings this book gave me. If I had the ability to, I don't doubt that I would've finished this within a few days. Sadly, though, schooling got in the way of that :(

This was the first book in so long that made we want to stay up until the early hours of the morning reading. I haven't been so enraptured in a story in a while and this was so much fun!! I got so attached to these characters in ways I really wasn't expecting and the amount of times my jaw dropped, I made inhuman noises, or I simply clutched at my chest because of the PAIN this book inflicted is INSANE.

I have so many other books left on my TBR but there's a very high possibility I might force my mom to drive me to Barnes and Noble tomorrow to go pick up “Crooked Kingdom” and the entire “Shadow and Bone” trilogy.

Can't wait for the show to come out but definitely need to read all the others before I watch it!

Re-read in anticipation of the TV show, and because I had forgotten 80% of the dialogues! Still love it.

Man, do I love a good heist book.

A 3.5 rather than a 4. It had some good moments, but somehow failed to capture my excitement. I think the problem lay with the audio production, which I found curiously uninvolving. One of the problems was the choice of voice actors, very few of whom actually sounded like teenagers. The constant references to the characters' young ages, and the incongruity of there voices, kept pulling me out of the story.

reread: so last time i was sick and didn't remember a single thing so i read it again and yeah it was average, i will read the second book and maybe watch the show? Better than the grisha trilogy lol
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no rating because my brain didn't take anything in, I restarted the book 3 times and still nothing. I finished it but couldn't remember a thing.
I'll re-read this later in the year and give it a rating then!
it has a nice writing style though!

girl i don't even know what to say... i'm going to start crooked kingdom right after i attempt to write a review for this

MY HEART MY FUUUKK ING HEART


can I just say how I love every bit of this book. I loved all six of them. everyone of them is special. I can get enough of them interacting together. from kaz being the perfect thief who's imperfect in every way possible to nina and mattias interesting and intense enemies-to-lovers. and jasper being a badass energetic gay cowboy, inej a assassin who can kill you by her speech before her knives ever touch you, she's just that great, wylan pearl of the group. he's such good guy I wanna hug him. I love all of them to death

From the beginning, this story is gripping. You cannot help but be swept up by the challenges and little victories of the protagonists. The part of the world we get to see if overwhelmingly tragic and dirty, and our protagonists are in that world for reasons that are mostly reasons outside of their control and making the best of their situation. The pacing is delightful, with dramatic moments getting more time to allow your heart to race along with the action.

I particularly enjoy the unfolding of mythology of the different characters, leaving aside that each of the protagonists has a different race/mythology and they stick to it pretty well. That is something that you notice but don't have to notice with many fantasy genre books. The world, from what we can see, provides an interesting setting, the characters are driven and rich, and the plot keeps moving.

Things to note: strong female characters, magic, racial oppression, some violence, strong disabled characters

One sentence synopsis... A familiar set-up - charismatic leader assembled a gang of misfits to pull off a heist against impossible odds - well executed, closely plotted, and snappily written. .

Read it if you like... ‘Ocean's Eleven''s crew of exceptional criminals, meets ‘Avengers' unlikely groupings and humor, plus Brandon Sanderson's ‘Mistborn' series sprinkling of fantasy. .

Dream casting... Bill Skarsgård as criminal mastermind Kaz Brekker, Barbie Ferreira as the resourceful Nina Zenik, and Alfred Enoch as sharpshooter Jesper Fahey.