Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo

"Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker 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…
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."

I was scared to start Six of Crows. The hype surrounding it has been huge, the blurb sounded intriguing, I've been eagerly anticipating it, but I didn't like Shadow and Bone. Honestly, though? I needn't have worried. This book is fantastic and I don't say that lightly.

Shadow and Bone has been called fantasy-lite, but there is absolutely nothing about Six of Crows that warrants such a label. It's a sweeping epic tale with six main characters, five perspectives, complex and detailed world-building that is seamlessly integrated into the story, flashbacks to the characters' histories, and a wonderful blend of darkness, magic, action, humour and romance.

In the hands of a less skilled author, this could have been a mess but Bardugo crafts each of her characters with love and sensitivity, allowing them to be extremely badass, wicked sometimes, and unlikable in that multi-layered way that actually makes them completely likable. Each one is a different race, different background, and has so many layers. Each one has a handful of amazing different aspects, and things about them that will constantly surprise you. I loved and connected with Nina so much.
It's set in the same Grisha universe as her other books. This time in an alternate Netherlands instead of Russia but it's much darker and more adult. These characters are thieves, convicts and runaways. Street gangs compete for territory and power. The author takes all these dark "real world" factors and infuses them with the supernatural.

I want to be clear that the romance never takes over the story; it feels natural and welcome when it surfaces, which isn't too often. In fact, I'd say Bardugo is a bit of a tease for most of the novel.

I honestly cannot tell you how much I enjoyed it as this review would then be about as long as the book.

Age Rating 14+. Gritty and dark, taking inspiration from real-life underworld.