The Six of Crows Duology (The Six of Crows, #1-2)

by Leigh Bardugo

If you fail, all the world will suffer for it.” “Oh, it’s worse than that, Van Eck. If I fail, I don’t get paid.”

Being angry at Kaz for being ruthless is like being angry at a stove for being hot.

“You wouldn’t know a good time if it sidled up to you and stuck a lollipop in your mouth.”

“I don’t need a nursemaid,” Jesper snapped. “More like a chaperone, but if you want him to wash your nappies and tuck you in at night, that’s your business.”

Many boys will bring you flowers. But some day you’ll meet a boy who will learn your favourite flower, your favourite song, your favourite sweet. And even if he is too poor to give you any of them, it won’t matter because he will have taken the time to know you as no one else does. Only that boy earns your heart.

Jesper always felt better when people were shooting at him. It wasn’t that he liked the idea of dying (in fact, that potential outcome was a definite drawback), but if he was worrying about staying alive, he couldn’t be thinking about anything else.

Kaz replied with a time-saving gesture that relied heavily on his middle finger and disappeared belowdecks.

But here’s the secret to popularity: risk death to save your compatriots from being blown to bits in an ambush. Great way to make friends.” “As long as I don’t have to start going to parties.”

“Kaz is … I don’t know, he’s like nobody else I’ve ever known. He surprises me.” “Yes. Like a hive of bees in your dresser drawer.”

“You know I can do it, Kaz, and you know I’m not going to refuse. So why ask?” Because I’ve been looking for an excuse to talk to you for two days.

“Matthias knows prison procedure, and Nina can handle any guards without a noisy fight. Your job is to keep them from killing each other.”

“Those guns are there to stop invading armadas,” Jesper said confidently. “Good luck hitting a skinny little schooner cutting through the waves bound for fortune and glory.” “I’ll quote you on that when a cannonball lands in my lap,” said Nina.

Doesn’t matter how big the gun is if you don’t know where to point it.

“I will have you without armour, Kaz Brekker. Or I will not have you at all.”

“Let’s go.” “Me?” “No, the idiot behind you.”

“I’m fine,” said Inej. Jesper rolled his eyes. “You always say that.” “Isn’t that how things are done around here?” asked Wylan. “We all tell Kaz we’re fine and then do something stupid?” “Are we that predictable?” said Inej.

And if I ever hear you call yourself a moron again, I’m going to tell Matthias you tried to kiss Nina. With tongue.” Wylan wiped his nose on his sleeve. “He’ll never believe it.” “Then I’ll tell Nina you tried to kiss Matthias. With tongue.” He sighed.

“He’s not what I’d call a party, but he has a few good qualities.” “I can hear you, Fahey,” Matthias grumbled. “Good. I’d hate to have to shout.”

“Are you ready for this?” Inej couldn’t deny they were intimidating. “No matter the height of the mountain, the climbing is the same.” “That’s not technically true. You need ropes, picks—” “Don’t be a Matthias.” Nina covered her mouth in horror. “I’m going to eat twice as much cake to make up for it.” Inej nodded wisely. “Sound policy.”

“Pick up the pace,” Kaz said, eyeing his watch. “If I spill a single drop of this, it will burn straight through the floor onto my father’s dinner guests.” “Take your time.”

“You’re better than waffles, Matthias Helvar.” A small smile curled the Fjerdan’s lips. “Let’s not say things we don’t mean, my love.”

can we really guarantee Kuwei’s safety?” “Unless you have a unicorn for him to ride away on, there is no scenario that guarantees Kuwei’s safety.”

“Crows remember human faces. They remember the people who feed them, who are kind to them. And the people who wrong them too.” “ Really?” He nodded slowly. “They don’t forget. They tell each other who to look after and who to watch out for.