Six of Crows is the first book in the “Six of Crows” duology by Leigh Bardugo. The story is told from the perspective of six different characters. The novel begins in a place called Ketterdam, a bustling trade city where, if you pay the right price, anything can be obtained. Ketterdam is a crooked city of riches with dark corners. Kaz Brekker, one of the six characters, knows exactly how the city works and how to make the people work for him. Kaz is famous throughout the city as a ruthless man who always gets what he wants. He is soon presented an opportunity to steal something for a fortune.

The fortress is known for everything except being penetrable–it is a place that even armies, spies, assassins, and Grisha (humans with magical powers) could not penetrate. Although Kaz targets the fortress in Bardugo’s Six of Crows, he knows he needs a team: “This isn’t a job for trained soldiers and spies. It’s a job for thugs and thieves.” 

Six of Crows is an amazing book that had me wondering what would happen after every page and then left me in awe with its response. Sometimes, I was so surprised that I had to reread the same passage. One thing about this book that I love the most is that, in addition to the characters being in tense situations, the friction of romance matters.  The characters’ backgrounds and motives are interesting since they all have different views and qualities. Some are control freaks; others are audacious. I love the beginning of the book because it shows how surviving the city requires ruthlessness. The end leaves a good taste, making you want to read the second book even more. “Six of Crows is a twisted and elegantly crafted masterpiece that thrilled me from beginning to end” (NEW YORK TIMES-bestselling author Holly Black). For those searching for an enjoyable tale to settle into, search no more.