When I finally bought my own copy of the “Six of Crows” duology I was ecstatic. I was just getting into the genre of fantasy and was looking for the next book to read. The more I read it, the more I fell in love with reading. 

I kept seeing news about this Netflix show “Shadow and Bone” on TikTok and Instagram. Based on the “Shadow and Bone” trilogy, the Netflix show includes the backstories of the Six of Crows characters. It delves into how each character found themselves in the events of the duology. 

“Six of Crows” is a young adult fantasy novel, part heist thriller. It follows the perspectives of six characters; Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, Nina Zenic, Matthias Helvar, Jesper Fahey and Wylan Van Eck. The main character Kaz, a criminal prodigy and leader of the dregs gang, assembles them all as a team so they may accomplish a complicated heist for the price of thirty million kruge. The book itself is loosely inspired by Dutch republic-era Amsterdam.

With a 4.49 star rating on the popular book review site Goodreads, since the books’ release in 2015 many have left their rating and thoughts on the series. As of this year a reader by the username “Epic Penguin 16” left a five star review.

“… I finished this book so fast I literally could not put it down. I was entranced… Everything, the plot, the characters, the dialogue, the twists, and just every page was so wonderfully crafted,” Epic Penguin 16 said.

Known for its diversity and tropes, the series attracts the attention of many groups.  Those interested in magic systems, morally gray characters, suspense, slow burn romance, enemies to lovers and found family will not be disappointed picking up the series.  

When I first read the books I found myself immersed in the story. What I found the most interesting was how much of the characters stuck with me after. Each character has their own beliefs, struggles, motivation and distinct personalities. The complexity of each character having multiple flaws, being overall good while still having to make morally challenging decisions and getting to know who they are was a refreshing surprise. And I’m not the only one who fell in love with them as “Time Magazine” has it listed in their “The Best 100 YA Books Of All Time.”

Two years after the release of the second book, “Crooked Kingdom,” the author Leigh Bardugo announced the possibility of a third book.

“I have a long term plan for the Grishaverse that does involve a third Six of Crows book. But it would be many years down the line,” Bardugo said.

Though years have past and the future of the third book is unclear, Bardugo’s Goodreads account still lists six of crows #3 “Untitled”.  Fans continue to hold out hope and excitement for its possibility because, like myself, they have seen the beauty of the books. Even the possibilities that could still be explored for a third book. 

To all those book lovers out there, and especially those with an interest in reading, I promise you “Six of Crows” is worth the read. I will be honest and say that it does have a slow start at first but it quickly picks up. 

If you’re on your way out, I suggest stopping by your nearest bookstore for your own copy. 

Happy Reading!