A review by hanarama
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Good:
  • Fun, diverse ensemble cast
  • Multiple POV
  • Interesting setting, subtle world building

The Bad:
  • Little explanation of more complex aspects of the setting or magic system

You Might Like this if You Like: 
  • Found family 
  • Heist stories
  • Morally grey characters 

Wow! This has been on my TBR for awhile, and after watching the Netflix show, I couldn't wait to get into this book. It did not disappoint in the slightest. The characters are a gang of skilled criminals with a mix of backgrounds and motivations. A particular stand out for me was Inej, the crew's knife-wielding acrobat, and emotional heart of the group. 

Compared to the Shadow and Bone trilogy, this series feels much more human. Though the characters at times can be just as supernaturally skilled, their struggles and desires feel more grounded. And their loyalty to one another is so compelling. 

The world building in this series feels relatively subtle, with most of it devoted to set dressing and characters. Because this is part of a larger universe of stories, it is allowed to be more lax in what is introduced and explained, allowing more time to devote to the characters and their lives. I don't know if it would feel as natural to someone with zero experience with the world, but for me, it felt like the perfect amount. 

This story had me rushing through it because I just had to see what happened next. The story is tightly constructed and the characters are so, so enjoyable. 
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