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The Crimea. The Southern ShoreThe Crimea: A Masterpiece of Natural Beauty by Arkhyp Kuindzhi Exploring the Enchanting Landscape of The Crimea Geographical Significance of the Southern Shore The Southern Shore of Crimea is a stunning region known for its dramatic cliffs, azure waters, and lush greenery. This area, rich in natural beauty, served as a muse for many artists, including Arkhyp Kuindzhi. The painting captures the essence of this unique landscape, showcasing the interplay
The Crimea: A Masterpiece of Natural Beauty by Arkhyp Kuindzhi
Exploring the Enchanting Landscape of The Crimea
Geographical Significance of the Southern Shore
The Southern Shore of Crimea is a stunning region known for its dramatic cliffs, azure waters, and lush greenery. This area, rich in natural beauty, served as a muse for many artists, including Arkhyp Kuindzhi. The painting captures the essence of this unique landscape, showcasing the interplay between land and sea. The Southern Shore is not just a backdrop; it is a character in its own right, embodying the spirit of the Crimean Peninsula.
Unique Flora and Fauna Depicted in the Painting
In "The Crimea," Kuindzhi intricately portrays the diverse flora and fauna of the region. The vibrant greens of the cypress trees contrast beautifully with the deep blues of the sea. Lesser-known species, such as the Crimean pine and the endemic Crimean lizard, add depth to the scene. This attention to detail highlights Kuindzhi's commitment to authenticity and his deep appreciation for nature's wonders.
Arkhyp Kuindzhi: The Visionary Behind the Canvas
Biographical Insights into Kuindzhi's Artistic Journey
Arkhyp Kuindzhi was born in 1842 in the small town of Mariupol, Ukraine. He rose from humble beginnings to become one of Russia's most celebrated landscape painters. His journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, leading him to study under prominent artists. Kuindzhi's passion for capturing light and color set him apart in the art world, making his works timeless treasures.
Influences and Techniques: The Evolution of Kuindzhi's Style
Kuindzhi was influenced by the Romantic movement and the works of the French Impressionists. He developed a unique technique that emphasized the effects of light on landscapes. His innovative use of color and brushwork allowed him to create atmospheric scenes that evoke emotion. "The Crimea" exemplifies this evolution, showcasing his mastery of light and shadow.
Artistic Elements of The Crimea: Color, Light, and Composition
The Role of Light in Creating Atmosphere
Light plays a crucial role in "The Crimea," where it dances across the canvas, illuminating the landscape. Kuindzhi's ability to capture the changing qualities of light creates a sense of time and place. The warm glow of the sunset reflects the tranquility of the scene, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Color Palette: A Study of Blues, Greens, and Earth Tones
The color palette of "The Crimea" is a harmonious blend of blues, greens, and earthy tones. The deep cerulean of the sea contrasts with the vibrant greens of the hills, creating a visual feast. Kuindzhi's choice of colors not only enhances the painting's beauty but also evokes a sense of peace and serenity.
Composition Techniques: Balancing Nature and Emotion
Kuindzhi expertly balances composition in "The Crimea," guiding the viewer's eye through the landscape. The placement of elements creates a sense of depth and perspective. This thoughtful arrangement allows the viewer to experience the emotional resonance of the scene, making it a powerful work of art.
The Historical Context of The Crimea: A Cultural Reflection
19th Century Russia: Art and Society
The 19th century was a transformative period for Russian art. Artists began to explore themes of national identity and the beauty of the Russian landscape. "The Crimea" reflects this cultural shift, showcasing the natural beauty of the region and its significance to Russian heritage. Kuindzhi's work resonates with the growing appreciation for the Russian countryside during this era.
The Crimea's Influence on Russian National Identity
The Crimea has long been a symbol of beauty and inspiration for Russians. Kuindzhi's portrayal of this region in "The Crimea" contributed to a sense of national pride. The painting invites viewers to connect with their cultural roots, celebrating the unique landscapes that define Russia's identity.
Symbolism and Themes in The Crimea
Nature as a Reflection of Human Emotion
In "The Crimea," nature serves as a mirror for human emotions. The serene landscape evokes feelings of peace and introspection. Kuindzhi's ability to convey emotion through the natural world invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and feelings.
Transience and Permanence: The Duality of Landscape
The painting explores the duality of transience and permanence in nature. While the landscape appears timeless, it also captures fleeting moments of beauty. This theme resonates with viewers, reminding them of the ever-changing nature of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.
Viewing The Crimea: A Personal Experience
Emotional Responses to the Painting
Viewing "The Crimea" elicits a range of emotional responses. Many find themselves transported to the tranquil shores of Crimea, feeling a deep connection to the landscape. The painting's beauty inspires awe and contemplation, making it a powerful experience for all who gaze upon it.
Imagining the Scene: A Journey Through Kuindzhi's Eyes
As you immerse yourself in "The Crimea," imagine walking along the shoreline, feeling the gentle breeze and hearing the waves lapping at the shore. Kuindzhi invites you to experience the scene through his eyes, capturing the essence of the Southern Shore in a way that resonates deeply with the viewer.
Comparative Analysis: The Crimea and Other Works by Kuindzhi
Similarities with "Moonlit Night on the Dnieper"
Both "The Crimea" and "Moonlit Night on the Dnieper" showcase Kuindzhi's mastery of light and atmosphere. In each painting, the interplay of light and shadow creates a captivating mood. The emotional depth in both works reflects Kuindzhi's ability to connect with viewers on a personal level.
Contrasts with "The Red Sunset"
While "The Crimea" emphasizes tranquility, "The Red Sunset" presents a more dramatic and intense scene. The contrasting themes highlight Kuindzhi's versatility as an artist. Each painting offers a unique perspective on the beauty of nature, showcasing different emotional landscapes.
FAQs About The Crimea by Arkhyp Kuindzhi
What inspired Arkhyp Kuindzhi to paint The Crimea?
Kuindzhi was inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of the Crimean Peninsula, particularly its unique light and colors.
What techniques did Kuindzhi use to capture light in The Crimea?
Kuindzhi employed innovative glazing techniques and a keen understanding of color theory to depict light's effects on the landscape.
How does The Crimea reflect the cultural landscape of 19th century Russia?
The painting embodies the growing appreciation for Russian landscapes and national identity during a time of cultural awakening.
What are the main themes explored in The Crimea?
The main themes include the emotional connection between nature and humanity, as well as the duality of transience and permanence in landscapes.
How has The Crimea influenced modern landscape painting?
Kuindzhi's innovative techniques and emotional depth have inspired countless modern artists to explore light and color in their own works.
What should I know about the reproduction of The Crimea?
Reproductions of "The Crimea" capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of the original painting, offering a superior alternative to standard prints. They allow art lovers to enjoy the beauty of Kuindzhi's work in their own homes.
How can I best display a reproduction of The Crimea in my home?
To best display a reproduction of "The Crimea," consider framing it with a simple, elegant frame that complements the colors of the painting. Hang it in a well-lit area to enhance the play of light and shadow, allowing the artwork to shine.
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4.7 ★★★★★
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★★★★★ 5
SIX OF CROWS: My favorite book of 2015
Format: Hardcover
REVIEW: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
Published September 29th, 2015 by Henry Holt and Co. Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy Edition: Hardcover Source: Purchased Pages: 465 Rating: 5/5 stars
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price–and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction–if they don’t kill each other first.
From the moment I heard the description of this book, I was intrigued. A band of thieves attempting to pull off a huge heist? Sign me up! I was counting down the days till it released. I had such high expectations for this book. And believe me, they were met. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved every minute of it. Now, it is one of my favorite books of all time, and I’ve read a lot of books. I titled this “review”. In a review, you usually find criticism of the book. But since I loved this book, it’ll mostly be me gushing about all my thoughts. I just want to run up to people, shove this book in their face, scream “READ IT”, and then go and reread it by myself.
the plot
It was so interesting! I loved the whole heist. Something was always happening, and it was always interesting. It kept me surprised: PLOT TWISTS!
the characters
The characters were probably my favorite part of this book. We meet six that, by the end of the book, I had come to love. They’re all so unique. I loved reading from each perspective, that way I got to know the characters a lot better.
“No mourners. No funerals. Among them, it passed for “good luck.”
Kaz- The leader.
“Greed is your god, Kaz.”
He almost laughed at that. “No, Inej. Greed bows to me. It is my servant and my lever.”
“A liar, a thief, and utterly without conscience. But he’ll keep to any deal you strike with him.”
Nina- She’s so brave, snarky, funny, and just an amazing strong female character. I loved that we had a Grisha in the group.
Inej-MY FAVORITE. She’s an ex-circus performer who now is a spy known as The Wraith. She struggled between her dedication to the gang and her desire to see her family again.
“Besides, she was the Wraith-the only law that applied to her was gravity, and some days she defied that, too.”
Jesper- the sharpshooter, who added so much to the story. The chapter told from his point of view are really great, because you see the other characters how he does, and I think he sees them how they truly are.
“Take good care of my babies,” Jesper said as he handed [his guns] over to Dirix.
“If I see a single scratch or nick on those, I’ll spell forgive me on your chest in bullet holes.”
Wylan- He was this adorable, innocent, little boy at first. But his character changed/revealed as the story went along, and I LOVED it. I wished we could have gotten chapters from his POV, but Leigh said there will be in the 2nd!
“Always hit where the mark isn’t looking.”
“Who’s Mark?” Asked Wylan.
Matthias- I loved how he struggled with loyalty to his country and his love for Nina, and I also loved seeing the backstory of how him and Nina met.
“And what did you do, Matthias? What did you do to me in your dreams?”
“Everything,” he said, as he turned to go. “Everything.”
the romance!
I loved how the story was not overpowered by the romances in this book. It was a side plot that made the story more interesting. It wasn’t as prominent as the action part, but it was there. And it was amazing. I won’t spoil anything, but let me just say, I have 3 new OTPs just from this book.
the setting
In Bardugo’s previous trilogy, which I loved, we get to know the world a little, but it’s mostly set in Ravka, one country. Six of Crows was in a different country in this world, Kerch, and the group travels to a new country, Fjerda. I loved getting to know this world better. Also, the characters are from different countries so we get to know their view on their country and the others.
the writing
Her writing, like always, was incredible. It flowed beautifully. Some people have said it starts out slow, but once you pass the first 100 pages, things start picking up and getting really interesting. (I was interested the whole time, of course. I loved it from the very beginning.) But if you’re not enjoying it as much, I’m begging you. Keep trying. It’s SO worth it. There’s so many amazing quotes! I literally have notes and notes full of them.
This book is funny! It made me laugh out loud a lot (and I was in public, so people stared at me.)
“Jesper knocked his head against the hull and cast his eyes heavenward. “Fine. But if Pekka Rollins kills us all, I’m going to get Wylan’s ghost to teach my ghost how to play the flute just so that I can annoy the hell out of your ghost.
Brekker’s lips quicker. “I’ll just hire Matthias’ ghost to kick your ghost’s ass.”
“My ghost won’t associate with your ghost,” Matthias said primly, and then wondered if the sea air was rotting his brain.”
This book is so gorgeous! The cover is beautiful, but my absolute FAVORITE thing about it has to be the black edged pages. And the maps!! There’s two beautiful maps. TWO!
what I didn’t like
I honestly can’t think of anything I didn’t like in this book. I tried to come up with something, but I loved it too much.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend you check this book out. It brings all the feels. I need the second book, Crooked Kingdom, NOW. Also, if you haven’t read Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy, you should. A lot of people have asked me, “Do I have to read the Grisha Trilogy before Six of Crows?” My answer has been: No, you don’t have to. Of course I would recommend that you do, as it is one of my favorite trilogies. If you don’t, you might be a little lost in the world, and there are some characters mentioned in here from that trilogy that you wouldn’t understand, but you could understand the story. There are minor spoilers of the end of Ruin and Rising in Six of Crows, but there is also some misleading. If you read the Grisha trilogy, you learn more about Ravka, where Nina is from, which helps you understand her better. Plus, it’s just an amazing trilogy. You SHOULD. But no, you do not have to.
Okay, I’ll just conclude my ramblings now. Go read this book, please. This review took so long to write, because I had so many good things to say, and I reread Six of Crows while writing it.
Ava
Bookishnessandtea.wordpress.com
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Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2016
★★★★★ 5
When you finish this book, be prepared to go through withdrawal.
Format: Hardcover
I finished Six of Crows and immediately found myself missing Kaz and his crew, which is a surefire sign that I just finished a book that I absolutely loved. Kaz Brekker, criminal, gang leader, outcast, has assembled a group of misfit criminals from The Barrel to pull off the crime of a lifetime, a crime that even the most capable and seasoned lawbreakers would find nearly impossible. But for a group of men and women who have nothing left to lose, the impossible could be the one thing that will bring them salvation and the wealth they need to start new lives. But before they can go about saving the world they must first get past the secrets they are hiding, the resentment they hold back, and the mistrust they feel towards one another, and focus on not getting killed by the odds stacked against them.
I had been looking forward to reading this book since it was released because there were so many tempting aspects to it: theft, magic, fantasy, so many things that I love in a good story. Six of Crows is set in the same world as Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy but in a different land, with different characters, and it is not necessary to read the other trilogy first. I felt like the story got off to a slow start but after the first part of the book (it is divided into several parts) it really picked up and I could not put it down. Once I was halfway through the book I caught myself thinking about it all the time and wondering what would happen next with each of the characters that I had grown to love so much.
To tell the story, Bardugo switches each chapter to be from a different main character’s point of view, but I felt she did it in a different and more engaging way than I have seen it done by other authors in the past. The trouble I fall into sometimes when reading a story that switches between characters is the breakup of the storyline, since each character usually jumps to a different time or location. Bardugo switches characters yet tells the story seamlessly so that each chapter starts exactly where the last left off, but with the point of view of someone new. So the story never breaks succession and there is never a lull in the action. This way we learn the emotions, motivations, and differing viewpoints of each character without the excitement of the story ever getting interrupted.
The character development in the story is incredible and you quickly begin to learn the talents and flaws of each character and feel as if you know them personally and love each of them for who they are. Bardugo uses the present, flashbacks, internal thoughts, etc. to teach you the history of each character and give you a glimpse into why they have each become the person they are. The storyline was very unique and often focused on special abilities that some characters possess (the Grisha) which are incredibly interesting and a different take on magic. Once you get about 100 pages into the book the story really picks up pace and it is basically nonstop action after that point, done in near flawless fashion. There were small things about the book that bothered me, but these are rather insignificant details like the ages of certain characters or odd interactions which took nothing away from the story at all and were just little things that I noticed occasionally. Overall Bardugo told a brilliant story and I loved every second of it.
I finished this book several days ago and I still find myself missing the characters, Ketterdam, and everything about the story. It has been a long time since I have read a book that tugged at my heart enough that it made me go through a slight withdrawal and left me feeling a little depressed that I was not still immersed in the world of the book and the lives of its characters. Six of Crows has done that to me and the more I think about the book the more I love it and I find myself already anticipating the next novel in the trilogy. The book ends with a cliffhanger but not one that leaves you screaming in rage at having to wait so long for the next book, but enough for you to feel eager with anticipation as you patiently await book two. I look forward to the day where I am back in The Barrel hanging out with Kaz and the rest of the crew as the next part of the incredible journey takes place.
“When everyone knows you’re a monster, you needn’t waste time doing every monstrous thing.”
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Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2015
★★★★★ 5
A fun heist adventure with a lovable cast of characters!
Format: Kindle
Kaz Brekker is a young criminal mastermind with a knack for meticulously planning every step of a greater picture before making a single move. He's spent a lot of time gaining a reputation, gathering a small gang, and building a legend and mystique around himself. His ultimate goal is revenge, and every move he makes is just another step toward it. When he is hired to carry out an impossible heist, he needs to gather a crew and plan his moves even more carefully.
Where this book truly shines is with its characters. Kaz and his crew are all very different personalities, and their banter and relationships with each other are all wonderful. Each of the six main characters are given full, compelling backstories, motivations, skill sets, personality quirks, and personal demons to sort out. It was a joy getting to know these characters and seeing them bounce off of each other. Kaz is an excellent character, and feels like a teenage supervillain-in-training. He is human, and suffers from trauma, insecurities, getting emotionally attached, but does everything he can to come off cold and detached to keep up with the legacy he has built for himself - and when you get to see Kaz from other peoples' perspectives, you can see just how successful he's become at it.
I'll admit I was not a fan of Matthias, one of the POV characters, at first. He's well-written, but his worldview and way of thinking were difficult for me to wrap my head around or justify. As the story went on and Matthias got more fleshed out and complex, I came to love him. Although there are six main characters, only five of them get POV chapters -- the sixth is still a very interesting character, and I would love to see a bigger glimpse into his mindset. After finishing the book I can understand why he was not given his own chapters, and I'm VERY excited to learn more about him in the sequel.
The worldbuilding is also very impressive. I understand that there are other books and trilogies and such set in this same world. I've yet to read the others at the time of writing this review, but I am intrigued by the world these characters live in, the customs and cultures of its people, the history that is alluded to, etc. This world feels real and fleshed out, and it's very clear that a lot of thought and care were put into it.
Six of Crows is an extremely fun book, I'm pumped to read its sequel and the other stories set in this world, and to check out the Netflix series based on one of them! I highly recommend this book!!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2025
★★★★★ 4
4-stars: 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo
Format: Hardcover, Format: Hardcover
This is going to be a very long review. I’m sorry ahead of time, but I knew it wouldn’t be a short review after I finished the book. Lots needed to be typed, but I promise no spoilers.
Six of Crows is set in Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, but this time readers will get to follow six different characters on a mission to pull off a very dangerous heist together. This book will pull you in different directions because all six characters get to tell the story from their point of view before, during, and after the heist. It’s crazy how Leigh Bardugo managed to keep up with all six points of view while building the storyline to this new epic adventure in the Grishaverse.
Storyline/My Thoughts: First, if you read the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, then I will let you know now that Six of Crows doesn’t take place simultaneously as the trilogy. It’s set further in the years after the war has happened. Unfortunately, the Grisha are still treated horribly, and most are hidden or at Ravka helping the King rebuild, but this book is not focusing on that storyline. Instead, it’s focusing on six different characters, which each have a different personality and background. They are all supposed to be in their teens but come off as maturer in age. If you lived the way they did, then you would be much wiser in years to deal with the issues they have had to succumb. Readers will get to read some of their backstories when they tell their points of view in Six of Crows. (It’s amazing how authors can keep up with everything. I can’t even remember yesterday sometimes due to memory issues.)
I’m going to try to break down what I liked about each character without going overboard. I loved how Leigh Bardugo wrote each character differently. This is one reason why I was interested in the book.
Kaz Brekker has a heartbreaking back story, but he has managed to fight through everything thrown at him. He has a disability that requires him to have a cane, but he’s stronger than ever. He’s one scary character, even to his team, because he plans things that will put himself and everyone at risk. I enjoyed his character, especially after finding out what happened to him. He’s on a mission for revenge for what happened to him, and he will do anything to get that revenge. One thing that drove me crazy about him is his feelings for a particular character that he would rather deny than tell the truth. Just tell her!!!!
Inej Ghafa is by far my favorite character of the six. She’s been through a lot too, and Kaz saved her from the life she had at the Menagerie. She became known as the Wraith since she’s able to sneak up on people. She’s a fighter. She puts Kaz in his place a couple of times, and only she can do it to him. I could go on and on about her character. I loved getting to read her point of view.
Jesper Fahey has a secret that he’s unwilling to share with anyone on the team until he has to on the heist. He has a gambling issue, but he’s an excellent sharpshooter. I loved how even he questioned Kaz, but he also became friendly with another person on the heist.
Nina Zenit is a Grisha Heartrender who uses her magic to survive the slums. Her abilities include controlling someone’s breathing, heart, and cells in their bodies. She’s one Grisha you don’t want to mess with, and in this book, she ends up putting herself at risk for everyone else to survive.
Matthias Helva is a former druskelle and a Fjerdan witch hunter. Both Nina and he are dangerous together because he can’t stand what she is, and Nina is trying to make it right by Matthias. They have a complicated past and relationship that could put the others at risk. Matthias is one person you either could trust or not, and there were times I didn’t feel I could trust him with the group during the heist.
Wylan Van Eck is someone that Kaz brings to the crew for leverage since the person who requested Kaz’s help happens to be Wylan’s father. Wylan, though, has his own tricks up his sleeve, and I hope I get to know him more in the next book. He fit right into the crew during the heist.
All six are on a dangerous heist to break out a scientist from an impenetrable prison and put themselves at risk of being put in jail or, worst, being killed. (It’s all Kaz’s fault, but it was a deal that no one could turn down.) The heist reminded me of the movie Ocean’s Eleven, but much more risk to it, and instead of stealing money and gold, they have to steal a person. This person is someone everyone wants for themselves since they have created something that will change the odds.
The thing that drove me bonkers about this book was how slow it started for me. It took me a while to gain my interest in the story. I’m used to reading multiple POVs, so that was not an issue. It was the issue of getting to the heist, going through everything, and then how it ended. It took a while to get through it all. I also was bothered by how Kaz did not get the revenge he wanted in this book. He had a chance but didn’t take it. He deserves revenge for what happened to him. He also didn’t share his feelings with a specific character that he should have in this book. I hope he starts sharing them in the next book. I know Kaz will be out for revenge even further in the next book, but for something else entirely. Overall, this book receives four stars from me. I think if the book would’ve grasped me from the beginning and not been slow to start, then I would have given it five stars. There was a lot to take in the beginning.
Leigh Bardugo is a master at storytelling, though, and I can’t wait to see the Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows books be brought to life in the Netflix series. I already love the actors/actresses they chose to play the book characters.
Now I need to make time to read the Crooked Kingdom because this book left me with a cliffhanger.
Standalone or Part of Series: It’s part of the Six of Crows Duology. It’s also part of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse. (If you read the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, then you will read about certain characters in this book from the current characters. There will be a moment of clarity of who Nina is and where she came from, and why she ended up with the crew. I don’t think you have to read the Shadow and Bone Trilogy to read this book, but I feel readers will miss out on some connections between the books.)
Cliffhanger: Yes.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you are a fan of YA Fantasy involving a dangerous heist with six different characters, you will enjoy this book. I also would recommend the audiobook if you enjoy listening to books. The narrators were fantastic at having the characters come to life when I listened to the book instead of reading it.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2021
★★★★★ 5
This may just be my new favorite YA Fantasy series!
Format: Hardcover
*May contain spoilers
Six of Crows is one of those books that I could truly kick myself for waiting so long to read. Now that I’ve finally finished reading it, all I keep thinking is what a fool I was to deprive myself of one of the most original and amazing fantasy stories I’ve ever read. I feel like I’m not even going to begin to do this book justice, but hopefully, since I’m pretty sure I’m one of the last people on the planet to actually read it, you guys will all just nod your heads in agreement because you already know why Six of Crows is such a fabulous read.
For those unfamiliar with the basic storyline, Six of Crows follows Kaz Brekker, a teenage criminal mastermind, who has been offered an opportunity to achieve wealth beyond his wildest dreams. How? By completing what can probably best be described as Mission Impossible. He has to break into the Ice Court, a heavy guarded military stronghold that has never successfully been broken into before. Once inside, his mission is to locate and smuggle out a scientist who is being held hostage there because he possesses knowledge on how to amplify and weaponize magic. Kaz knows enough about the dangers of the Ice Court to know that, without the right team, this heist is going to be nearly impossible, possibly even a suicide mission. Lucky for Kaz though, he knows exactly who the right team is: a deadly gang of young thugs, thieves, and runaways who are just desperate enough to agree to be part of this crazy mission.
LIKES
What I loved most about Six of Crows are the characters. Leigh Bardugo has crafted some of the most fascinating and unique characters I’ve come across in YA fantasy. I always enjoy stories that feature an anti-hero and with Kaz and his “Crows,” we have 6 anti-heroes! I love anti-heroes because they’re always such complex characters and these characters are no different. What each of the Crows have in common is that they have no family and they’ve each had to do some pretty awful things in the name of survival, including resorting to thievery and murder. Through flashbacks that give us backstory on each of the characters, however, Bardugo manages to make this gang of thugs so sympathetic that you can’t help but fall in love with them. I also liked the angle that each character seemed to have their own, sometimes selfish motives, for wanting to be a part of Kaz’s mission and it added an element of suspense at times, as I wondered if someone would sabotage the mission to serve their own needs.
It’s hard to pick a favorite character because they’re all so badass, but Kaz is definitely near the top of my list. As I’ve already mentioned, he’s a criminal mastermind. Even though he’s a teenager, his reputation precedes him and he is feared by many in Ketterdam, the city where the story takes place. Kaz can be as greedy as he can be cruel, but he’s also so brilliant, brazen, and daring that you can’t help being drawn to him. Kaz is also haunted by events from his past that left him alone and destitute, and he’s highly motivated by the desire for revenge against the man he holds responsible for what happened.
In addition to Kaz, there are also two badass female characters, Inej and Nina. Inej, known as the wraith, has a reputation for being somewhat of a ninja. Kaz calls her his spider because she can climb her way pretty much anywhere and can do so undetected, a very handy skill in their line of “work.” She’s also very skilled with knives and is perhaps the most murderous member of Kaz’s team. I just loved watching her in action as she cut down anyone who posed a threat to the team. What made Inej especially fascinating to me was the connection between her and Kaz. As much as Kaz tries to be all business, all the time and never show any emotion or weakness, it’s clear that he has a soft spot when it comes to Inej and her safety. It’s also pretty clear that there’s a good chance the feeling is mutual.
Nina is what is known as a Grisha, which means she possesses magical abilities. For the purposes of Kaz’s mission, Nina can use that magic to do useful things like slow people’s heartrates down until they lose consciousness. She can also use her powers for healing purposes, also handy when you’re on a super-dangerous mission. As we learn from her backstory, Nina’s people have been persecuted for years because of their magic -- imprisoned, tortured, and even burned at the stake. Because the Grisha are the ones whose magic would be weaponized, Nina has personal reasons for wanting to take part in this mission.
Matthias is one of the characters that intrigued me the most. At first, I couldn’t stand him, but the more I got to know about him, the more I just grew to adore him. Kaz recruits him by breaking him out of jail and offering him a pardon for his crimes in exchange for his help with the mission. Kaz sees Matthias as one of the biggest assets to the team because he used to work in the Ice Castle and can therefore give them the overall layout of the place, how the security works, etc. Matthias is torn because he knows he should be loyal to the Ice Castle, but at the same time, how can you turn down a chance to be pardoned so that you can get your life back? What makes the whole situation even more complicated is that he and Nina have shared history and he holds her responsible for his imprisonment. Tension, much? I swear I was convinced those two were going to kill each other for about half the book! Beneath all that hate they seemed to have for each other though, you could sense there was something more, an almost smoldering attraction for one another. Let me tell you – I’m not usually big on romance, but I was shipping the heck out of Nina and Matthias!
Jesper and Wylan. While these two guys were clearly assets to the team as well with their knowledge of weapons and explosives, respectively, what I loved most about Jesper and Wylan was that they provided a bit of comic relief where the other characters were so intense all the time. Jesper and Wylan teased each other relentlessly and their banter was just hilarious at times.
The world building in Six of Crows is also top notch. Bardugo paints a vivid picture of Ketterdam with its rival street gangs swarming around duking it out for power. It’s a dark and gritty world, as well as a dangerous one, filled with assorted thieves, predators, and traitors. It’s hard to know who, if anyone, can be trusted. The atmosphere definitely creates a sensation that all of the characters are vulnerable to attack by anyone anywhere so they have to be in survival mode at all times.
The Grisha magic system is also well thought out and vividly drawn. I went into Six of Crows without having read the Grisha series, which was probably a mistake as I’m sure it would have further enriched my understanding of the Grisha magic and their history, but even without having read it, I still felt like I completely understood the magic and why it would be such a valuable weapon if it could be amplified and harnessed. Imagine practically indestructible armies of Grisha fighting on your behalf. You’d be unstoppable.
Action, Action, Action! As I’m sure you can imagine just based on the details of their mission, Six of Crows is truly action-packed. There are endless twists and turns, obstacles that need to be overcome, enemies that need to be taken out, plans that fall apart and then need to be improvised. Although the novel starts out at a fairly slow pace as we are meeting each character and establishing the world of Ketterdam, once Kaz and his gang get started on their missions, it’s like jumping on a thrill ride that doesn’t stop until the final page.
DISLIKES
I can’t really say this is a dislike of the book, but it did take me about a hundred pages or so to really become invested in the characters and get sucked into the story. Again, I’m chalking up my slow start to needing extra time to understand the Grisha magic and how it worked because I didn’t read the Grisha trilogy first. Once I did get sucked in, however, there was no stopping me. It probably took me 3 or 4 days to get to page 100, but then I inhaled the last 300 or so pages in another day and a half. I guess my advice would if you are struggling to get into it, stick with it until they actually get started with the planning of their mission. It might be a slow build in the beginning, but it’s a wild ride from that point to the very end.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I truly loved pretty much everything about Six of Crows, hence why I’m kicking myself for having waited so long to read it. Up until now, Victoria Schwab’s Shades of Magic series has been, hands down, my favorite YA fantasy series. I have to say though, Six of Crows is seriously giving it a run for its money.
RATING: 4.5 STARS
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Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2017