I first started to read Six of Crows because I wanted to watch the show associated with it, and I live by the rule of not watching media before consuming the literary work, but I was hooked from the first sentence. As some who greatly enjoys mystery and fantasy books, this novel provided a perfect blend of intrigue as well as beautiful worldbuilding and immersive storytelling! It felt as though I was experiencing the plot along with the main characters.

The book follows six teenagers, all with their own detailed characterization and fleshed-out thought processes. The story revolves around a heist to kidnap a scientist who is the only link to a type of drug affecting Grisha, humans with powers. I had no choice but to love the main six, no matter their flaws, as they were able to work together in a unit and I’m a sucker for found family.

I loved how each of the characters were paired up with each other in terms of romantic relationships, but the three couples moved at different paces to each other and never seemed rushed or forced. The actions of each character stayed consistent with their characterization, and I was enamored by the little glimpses into each character’s head that were given in specific chapters.

The phenomenal writing, the lovable characters, and the intriguing plot were what made this book one of my favorites. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading found family and appreciates queer, disabled, and racially diverse representation in literature!

-Tanvi G.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is available to checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.