A review by orionmerlin
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Characters: 8/10
The characters are engaging, but they are also built around familiar archetypes. Kaz is the cold, calculating mastermind; Inej is the haunted yet noble spy; Jesper is the wisecracking gunslinger; Nina is the flirtatious but emotionally intelligent Grisha; Matthias is the brooding warrior with a tragic past; Wylan is the innocent yet brilliant demolitions expert. While each character has depth and complexity, some of their arcs feel predictable, particularly in their interpersonal conflicts. I enjoyed their interactions, but there were moments when they felt overly tailored to be a “cool ensemble” rather than fully organic individuals. The secondary characters, especially the antagonists, lacked nuance, which made the world feel slightly less lived-in.
Atmosphere/Setting: 7/10
Ketterdam is vividly described, dripping with grime, corruption, and danger. However, its inspiration from real-world Amsterdam felt surface-level at times, and despite the book’s attempt to create a fully realized world, I felt certain aspects were more aesthetic than substantive. Other locations, such as the Ice Court, should have been more fleshed out, given their importance to the plot. Instead, the heist setting felt more like a video game level, designed for the story’s convenience rather than a breathing, unpredictable environment. The atmosphere was strong, but it wasn’t always immersive.
Writing Style: 7/10
Bardugo’s prose is solid, but there are moments where it tries too hard to sound edgy or clever. The alternating points of view generally work, but at times, they slow down the pacing by over-explaining a character’s backstory in the middle of the action. While the dialogue is snappy, it can occasionally feel artificial, as though characters are performing for the reader rather than speaking naturally. Additionally, while the book prides itself on being dark and gritty, it doesn’t fully commit to that tone—characters miraculously survive extreme situations, and consequences are often softened, undermining the supposed realism of the setting.
Plot: 7/10
The heist premise is fantastic, but the execution is sometimes too convenient. Kaz is almost supernaturally competent—his plans seem to account for every possible failure, making him less of a believable character and more of a plot device. The obstacles the crew faces are compelling, but they often feel more like narrative detours rather than meaningful challenges. While the twists keep things exciting, some rely on information being deliberately withheld from the reader rather than genuine surprises that arise naturally from the story. The pacing is generally strong, but the book’s back-and-forth structure, constantly dipping into character histories, sometimes interrupts momentum.
Intrigue: 9/10
Despite its flaws, Six of Crows is undeniably gripping. The high-stakes nature of the heist, combined with the complex character relationships, makes for an engaging read. Even when I found the plot predictable or the world underdeveloped, I wanted to see how everything played out. Bardugo does an excellent job of making each chapter end in a way that keeps the reader turning pages. However, the book’s reliance on Kaz’s omnipotent scheming sometimes reduced tension—when the protagonist always has a secret plan, the stakes don’t feel as high as they should.
Logic/Relationships: 6/10
While the interpersonal relationships are compelling, some of them develop too quickly or too neatly. For instance, Matthias’ arc, while emotionally satisfying, feels rushed given his deep-rooted hatred for Grisha. Similarly, Jesper and Wylan’s dynamic, though fun, follows a predictable pattern. Some character motivations, particularly those of the antagonists, are thinly drawn. The rules of the world, especially regarding Grisha powers and security at the Ice Court, are sometimes bent for narrative convenience. Kaz’s near-superhuman ability to predict every outcome also stretches believability.
Enjoyment: 8/10
Despite my criticisms, I still found Six of Crows to be an enjoyable read. The dialogue, action, and character dynamics make it fun, even when certain elements feel contrived. It’s a book that delivers on entertainment, even if it doesn’t always hold up under scrutiny. Would I recommend it? Yes, but with the caveat that it works better as a fast-paced, stylish adventure than as a deeply immersive or wholly original fantasy novel. 
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