Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

I'm a sucker for a good heist story. This is a new adventure taking place in Bardugo's Grisha universe that was explored in her previous Grisha Trilogy series...which, regrettably, I have not read. After reading this, though, I really want to.

The story begins on the city of Katterdam on the island of Kerch where a thief named Kaz "Dirtyhands" Brekker, is hired to do the impossible. A mysterious substance had been developed that enhances the powers of the Grisha (people with magical abilities), turning them into monsters before they wither and die. The creator of this substance has been imprisoned in the dreaded Ice Court, a fortress far in the north that keeps even the most powerful Grisha in check. Kaz, along with five hand picked accomplices, must break in and free the prisoner and discover the secret before more people die.

Any fan of Danny Ocean and his gang of risk taking thieves is going to friggin' love Kaz and his group. Each person has their own purpose and abilities to contribute to the scheme, and the relationships between them range from budding romance to bitter exes. Kaz is just the kind of guy you want leading a team like this. Mysterious, devious, calculating and slick and cold as ice. The crew ranges from a sharpshooter with a gambling problem, a spy called Wraith, a Grisha who can manipulate the minds and bodies of others, the list goes on. Each member of the group gets his or her time to shine and they are all just splendidly written.

Having not read the books that came before this, I was at a bit of a disadvantage, not Knowing what a Grisha is and what-have-you. But, like any good tie in or addition, I didn't NEED to go back to avoid confusion. It took minimal effort to get a good idea of who is who and what is what so it all comes together nicely.

Having so many characters, the story does jump around a lot. There are six interesting people with their own interesting back stories. They're all good but it is a lot to take in and remember and can distract from the heist story. This is a minor problem, though. The story is gripping and leaves you yelling things like "hurry up!" and "be careful" and "get out of there" at the page as though it will make a difference.

Sadly, the ending does kinda leave you high and dry and crying when you realize that the next book isn't out yet. Still, I had a blast with this book and anyone who likes a vast world, great characters, and a thrilling plot is gonna love this.

Final Verdict
Six of Crows is just awesome. It makes me want to pick up anything else the author has written and I am happy to say this book earned a place on the Shelf of Recommendation! I'm looking forward to another scheme with great crew.

Next Time: Magic 101 isn't as fun as I thought it would be....