Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Summary: 

     Six of Crows  tells the story of infamouse thief and gang leader Kaz Brekker is promised a huge amount of money for breaking Bo Yul-Bayur out of what seems to be an impenetrable prison; which is in the center of the castle comples in Fjerda.  He is offered the money to break out the scientist; who was captured because he developed a powerful new drug to enhance the magical abilities of a Grisha; but is also very addictive after just one dose.  He is offered over 30 million kruge by Mr. Jan van Eck.

     The prison, also called the Ice Court, is highly protected; which Kax knows that he cannot break in by himself.  However, the Ice Court is the most highly protected place in Fjerda, and Kaz can't infiltrate it by himself; he needs a crew. He recruits Inej Ghafa, a Suli acrobat turned Dregs spy; Jesper Fahey, a sharpshooter with a penchant for gambling; Nina Zenik, a Heartrender from the Ravkan Second Army; Matthias Helvar, a former Fjerdan Drüskelle thrown into Kerch jail; and Wylan van Eck, a merchant's son with some skill at demolition. The task isn't so easy however, so in order to win they'll need to work together and trust in each other.  

Commentary on Strengths:

     Six of Crows is the first book of a duology written by Leigh Bardugo.  The book is young adult fantasy fiction novel.  The story has themes of GLBT issues, adventure and romance.  The story takes place in the city of Ketterdam that highly resembles modern day Amsterdam.  It is set in a fantasy filled world that is based on a magical system.  The plot is told by the viewpoints of six different characters but the first and last chapter are expressed through the third person point of view of two minor characters.  The book was a New York Times best seller; and is listed on the New York Times notable children’s books list of 2015 as well as the New York Times Notable Young Adult Books list of 2015.  

Readers also enjoyed The Winners Crime by Marie Ruthoski; Crossed by Eliza Crewe; Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta;  A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas; and The Immortal Heights by Sherry Thomas.

Additional books written by the author are Crooked Kingdon; Tuin and Rising; The Grisha Trilogy; Shadow and Bone; and  Seige and Storm.

Teachers can find ideas of incorporating this book in their lesson plans at http://www.gradesaver.com/six-of-crows/study-guide/themes and https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=45816

Bardugo, L. (2015). Six of crows. (Dregs, #1.). New York: Henry Holt and Company.

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