Title: Six of Crows (Book 1), Crooked Kingdom (Book 2)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Date/year published: Six of Crows, 2015; Crooked Kingdom, 2016
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Format: Print, both books
Why did I choose to read it:
I had read Shadow and Bone and enjoyed the universe (Grishaverse) Bardugo created but didn’t really feel the need to read the second (or third) book in that trilogy. Then, after watching the Netflix series of the same name, I wanted to learn more about Kaz Brekker and his crew of misfits. So I picked up Six of Crows. After finishing it, I almost immediately purchased a copy of Crooked Kingdom.
Synopsis:
Oh boy. Hang on to your pants… this is a heist with twists and turns that leave the reader dizzy. Part of the Grishaverse – Bardugo’s universe where some people (Grisha) have magic-like abilities, this duology takes place after the Shadow and Bone Trilogy.
Kaz Brekker, a young criminal entrepreneur plans to pull of a heist (break into an impenetrable fortress and kidnap a scientist) that would make him and his crew wealthy beyond their imaginations; and they have very vivid imaginations. His crew consists of Jesper, a sharpshooter with a gambling problem; Inej, a spy with unique abilities and a tragic past; Mathias a deserter; Nina, a Grisha; and Wylan, the disowned son of a wealthy merchant. The plan works, but the handoff goes awry at the end of Six of Crows. Crooked Kingdom picks up with a revenge heist and rescue.
Thoughts:
“Survival wasn’t nearly as hard as he’d thought once he left decency behind” – Kaz Brekker, Six of Crows
I don’t think it would be necessary to read the Shadow and Bone trilogy before reading these two books. A little information about the Grishaverse might be helpful as Nina is a Grisha, and their kidnapping victim is working on a serum to enhance a Grisha’s power, but I think most readers, especially those well-versed in fantasy, could piece together enough from the story to follow along.
Even though each chapter is written from a different character’s perspective, the story moves along a linear timeline. This style may take some readers a little getting used to, but it’s very effective – drawing the reader in to the personalities, thoughts, and motives behind each character’s actions throughout the twisting plot. It also allows for backstory and relationship building without getting bogged down.
As with any good heist, there are many moving parts and players, though you would think the reader would get lost with so many secondary characters, that didn’t seem the case. Yes, there were a lot of extra people – but with a crew that often split up to accomplish different tasks, and the writing style of switching between point-of-views, there was enough reframing or explaining to keep the reader in the know and able to follow along.
Bardugo does a great job creating relatable characters as well as ones you will love to hate, a few that live in the morally grey area, and couples you will root for, despite their odds. There is romance, but it is mostly as part of a character’s growth – can they trust others? Is it worth the risk? Aren’t they supposed to be enemies? – and less about the sex. Which in my opinion makes for a much more interesting and engaging read.
Would I re-read or recommend it?
Re-read? Definitely. This duology has been added to my “Deserted Island Booklist”.
Recommend? Another definitely. However, I’m aware that it is a fantasy book, there’s no way to hide that, and not everyone enjoys that genre. Despite its rave reviews, it won’t be to everyone’s liking. But, if someone is trying to dip their toes into the fantasy genre, I would suggest this series. It has a very steam-punk vibe and there’s enough familiarity between our universe and Grishaverse without needing to read the other books to make these books work. There is also a handy glossary in the back, so those who are unfamiliar with Grishaverse can quickly learn what they need to know.
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