If you’ve read my Shadow and Bone reviews, you’ll know that wasn’t a big fan of that trilogy. Still, I decided to read the next series, a duology from the same universe. I just finished the first book in the duology, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (published by ORION Children’s books), and let me say it greatly surpasses the writing of Shadow and Bone.

In fact, I think Six of Crows is officially my latest five star read. And I don’t give five stars out too often.

Kaz Brekker is the head of the Dregs, an organized gang in slum known as the Barrel. He soon finds himself an opportunity to make millions of kruge by pulling off a dangerous heist: stealing a scientist from a Fjordan prison. In order to pull it off, Kaz recruits the perfect crew: a gambler, a convict, a wayward son, a lost grisha, and a Suli girl. Together these six crows attempt to pull of the impossible.

Usually, I’m not too into heist stories but this book was amazing. The story shifted between five points of views but because it was between chapters that were clearly marked, I didn’t find it confusing and actually appreciated the chance to get to know each person’s story and background. There was so much character depth! Each character had their own gifts, beliefs, and backstory, as well as flaws that caused disaster throughout the novel. The dynamic was perfect. There was even perfect flirting without the break where the characters admit they like each other! I’m hoping that comes in the next book but I’m a sucker for a good slow burn.

My favorite character is Nina. She is a powerful heartrender but she’s also sassy and somewhat soft for a criminal. She is also portrayed as a bigger girl, probably plus-size, and there isn’t a lot of representation of that in YA fantasy novels.

Speaking of representation, Kaz has a limp as well as a dark past and a knack for escaping. He is brooding and has anxiety about people and I love this very real depiction of PTSD, disabilities, and the way greed and revenge can motivate people. Kaz kind of reminds me of Tommy Shelby from the show Peaky Blinders.

Jesper is probably my second favorite character. I can’t necessarily relate to him as he is always on the go, antsy, needing to gamble and shoot. But he’s funny and I love the dynamic he has with Wylan.

Wylan is the one that belongs the least in the group. He has never hurt another person before. He’s kind of nerdy and young, and he tries desperately to fit in. It’s actually really cute and I want to protect him.

Next is Inej, known as the Wraith. She is a faithful criminal. She prays to her saints and sticks up for people but she also sneaks around like a spider, killing if she has to.

Finally, there is Matthias. I have mixed feelings about Matthias. He is the epitome of oppressive religion. The person that uses faith to justify killing an entire race of people. And yet, we see him grow throughout the book. I’m not ready to forgive him, but I don’t quite hate him.

So we have our six crows and their amazing dynamic, featuring love, friendship, betrayal, religion, and more. In fact, I don’t even know if I have any notes that I didn’t like in this book, besides it ending on a huge cliffhanger! All I have to say is, even if you didn’t like Shadow and Bone, go read Six of Crows because it is amazing.