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Kelly
I personally love the Six of Crows duology and they are my favorite books of all time, but even I have to admit the opening chapters of both books are not easy. I like to compare the first chapter to the opening 3 minutes of a TV crime show in that you're introduced to characters who die by the end of the chapter and who you never hear from again. I always advise my friends to skim through the first chapter.
My issue with the second chapter in SoC is that it throws way too many names at you. Really the only three you need to remember are Inej, Kaz, and Jesper and the rest are minor characters. This chapter is fun to reread after you've already know who's who, but it can be pretty tricky the first go around.
I personally feel you shouldn't give up until you've at least read the third chapter because that is when the main plot kicks into gear. I know this post is a year old but just in case other people stumble across it I thought I would add my two cents
My issue with the second chapter in SoC is that it throws way too many names at you. Really the only three you need to remember are Inej, Kaz, and Jesper and the rest are minor characters. This chapter is fun to reread after you've already know who's who, but it can be pretty tricky the first go around.
I personally feel you shouldn't give up until you've at least read the third chapter because that is when the main plot kicks into gear. I know this post is a year old but just in case other people stumble across it I thought I would add my two cents
Karen-Marie
I was very confused in the beginning too, but don't worry, if you continue on, everything will be easier to understand. You get a lot of information thrown at you, and you're expected to piece most of it together yourself, which can be frustrating. It makes more sense once you're further into the book, though.
Granted, this book may just not be for you, and if that's the case, don't force yourself through it ;) I would suggest reading just a few more chapter before you completely abandon it, though.
(I'm also aware that this was posted a year ago lmao, but I'm answering anyway because wHy nOt)
Granted, this book may just not be for you, and if that's the case, don't force yourself through it ;) I would suggest reading just a few more chapter before you completely abandon it, though.
(I'm also aware that this was posted a year ago lmao, but I'm answering anyway because wHy nOt)
Axel
I absolutely feel this. Im not sure if this is the author's attempt at worldbuilding or she just likes all the names she saw on fantasynamegenerator.com but its a little absurd how many names the book throws at you in just 20 pages. it's almost as if she expects you to immediately understand and its uninviting to new readers and makes me not even want to continue. i'm gonna stick with it and hope it gets better
Melody
Although it's recommended, I didn't read the Grisha trilogy before Six of Crows, and I was very confused the first few chapters. If you started reading this book because the plot was interesting, just push through the whole of part 1 (Chapters 1-6), and then everything will make more sense. The characters that you need to worry most about in order are
1. Kaz
2. Inej
3. Jesper
4. Nina
5. Matthias
6. Wylan
I personally consider Wylan as a side character because him being there doesn't change much of the book and although he's considered a main character, he's not really that significant (again, in my opinion. no offence to anyone who thinks differently).
So yeah, that's that.
1. Kaz
2. Inej
3. Jesper
4. Nina
5. Matthias
6. Wylan
I personally consider Wylan as a side character because him being there doesn't change much of the book and although he's considered a main character, he's not really that significant (again, in my opinion. no offence to anyone who thinks differently).
So yeah, that's that.
Misty Kinczkowski
I loved the books but had a hard time getting into them as well. The new world/cast of characters (and their names) are hard to wrap your head around at first!
aksh
okay so here is the complete order for anyone who needs it
-shadow and bone
-siege and storm
-ruin and rising
-six of crows
-crooked kingdom
-king of scars
- rule of wolves
hope this helps :)
-shadow and bone
-siege and storm
-ruin and rising
-six of crows
-crooked kingdom
-king of scars
- rule of wolves
hope this helps :)
Kari
I've read the first 4 chapters is not doing it for me. I come on here and see all the amazing reviews and wonder why I'm not feeling it! It is headed back to the library and maybe I'll re check it out in the future and give it another try. Note: I have not read the original trilogy, maybe that is what I need to do.
Alexandra
I started reading SoC in the beginning of the month and I honestly started to question my English reading skills. Even tho I've read the Grisha trilogy, I could not understand a thing and almost gave it up. The other day I opened it again, somewhere around page 60, and everything read so much smoother
Khakshan Jahan
Gurl do me a favour and don't give up reading this book just because of the beginning confusing chapters. Honestly I read the book a months ago and I still haven't understood the purpose of the first chapter , BUT once you enter the 3rd chapter . I doubt that your be able to put down the book :)
Mikka
I am surprised, this book captivated me from the second chapter, it is one of my absolute favorites! But, in response to your question, no, I mean, you could read the grisha trilogy, but I started it and I hated it (although I LOVED six of crows.)
I agree with you about the first two chapters being confusing though, I hated the prologue, it really was confusing, and barley necessary. ( But the rest of the book was AMAZING!!!!! {:-D !!!!!! )
I agree with you about the first two chapters being confusing though, I hated the prologue, it really was confusing, and barley necessary. ( But the rest of the book was AMAZING!!!!! {:-D !!!!!! )
gloandreadabook
The Grisha Trilogy (Shadow and Bone, Seige and Storm, Ruin and Rising) take place in the same world a few years prior, but reading them won't alleviate much confusion, because the plotlines are entirely separate.
Maya
The books can seem very slow at the beginning. I felt the same way. However, I had heard raving reviews about this duology so I continued reading. I absolutely loved Six of Crows by the end so I would recommend you to continue. It can be a little confusing at the beginning but it's fast-paced by the time you get to the middle of the book.
Bhavya Goyal
I read six of crows first too and the start is a bit confusing just like any other book. Halfway in, you'll realise that you're following the plot and everything started making sense a while ago. The characters are a bit of an enigma and honestly thats one reason i love this book
Sapphire
The first two chapters are the most confusing ones, if you haven't read the shadow and bone trilogy. You'll start getting the hang of the story once the third chapters start.
By the way, you should read the shadow and bone trilogy for better understanding, but it's not as good as the six of crows, which is amazing once you get past the opening chapters.
By the way, you should read the shadow and bone trilogy for better understanding, but it's not as good as the six of crows, which is amazing once you get past the opening chapters.
Maria
I found the first 2-3 chapters slow as well, but get through 3-5 chapters before giving up.
Leah
The opening chapters are not the best the first time around, but you just have to get deeper into the book. It is very complex because the world itself is a very complicated system. I think you should try to read it again, maybe at a slower pace so you digest all of the info. If you don't like it, no pressure tho! This book is not for everyone.
Teresa (Taylor's Version)
Hi! So, I have read both six of crows and crooked kingdom and I loved them! I’m so sad you aren’t enjoying yourself :(
I do remember the first few chapters being confusing as well, when you get to about page 80 it starts getting more simple and interesting. The thing is, Bardugo’s writing focuses a lot on the world building, and since this world doesn’t actually exist, it can get pretty hard to understand the terms and made up words she uses. I’d say that if your problem is the world building/ getting into the characters, you should watch the Netflix adaptation of shadow and bone! It’s absolutely wonderfully made! If you are having trouble understanding the writing, then perhaps you should try to read some of Leigh’s other works, ninth house for example!
I do remember the first few chapters being confusing as well, when you get to about page 80 it starts getting more simple and interesting. The thing is, Bardugo’s writing focuses a lot on the world building, and since this world doesn’t actually exist, it can get pretty hard to understand the terms and made up words she uses. I’d say that if your problem is the world building/ getting into the characters, you should watch the Netflix adaptation of shadow and bone! It’s absolutely wonderfully made! If you are having trouble understanding the writing, then perhaps you should try to read some of Leigh’s other works, ninth house for example!
Teah Gulbranson
the first 1/3 of this book is honestly so boring. The last 2/3 of the book is what makes it!
Autumn B
i have the same problem, i think its because there is too many pov's for me. ive been trying to read six of crow for months now, im just waiting for it to click for me
ava ❤️☁️✨
I was very confused as well but by the 5th chapter I couldn’t put this book down
Cedric
this is an old post but these people would literally have a stroke and die if they read an epic poem
Addison
Six of Crows is set a little after the triolgy Shadow and Bone So you could read that first if you wanted to decipher the worldbuilding a little easier. I read six of crows first and am just now getting to Shadow and Bone. But once you get past the first few confusing chapters of Six Of Crows with all the new characters and worlds and magic, it gets A LOT better.
Name
If you want, I'd recommend the Shadow and Bone trilogy. It's the one before this book, though you don't necessarily have to read it before this. However, it has a much better introduction to the universe.
Then again, this was five years ago.
Then again, this was five years ago.
ira
You should read the Shadow and Bone series before getting into this duology. It will get confusing. I prefer SoC ten times more than Shadow and Bone, but it is pretty good as well and you need to read that to understand these books as they are set two years after the events of Shadow and Bone. The first couple of chapters will be confusing but you'll start to understand it later as you go through the book. By the third chapter, it would've starting being a little less vague. It is absolutely awesome and you shouldn't leave it behind yet.
Claudia Ramos
For me it was easier because I read the SHADOW AND BONE triology, you don´t need to read the triology first, they are different histories but in the same world.
Jennifer
Obviously an old question, but in case anyone is reading the thread, I think this book is better if you've read the Shadow & Bone trilogy (or at least the first book in that series). Actually I think Six of Crows is the better book series--but it's easier to understand from page one if you already get the "Grisha stuff." That said, if you are a reader who can roll with vaguely mysterious references, so long as the author eventually explains what's critical to the plot, you might like this just fine on its own.
Paula 🤍
Well, the six of crows duology plays after the Shadow and Bone trylogy. You could read those 3 books before (like I did) but you really dont need to. I also couldnt really get into the book at first, but when you read the first few chapters you will probably slowly fall in love with it. When I started reading Six of Crows I was so confused why everyone loved it so muc, but now after readining it I totally get it!
avishi
i completely get what you mean! it's a bit confusing at times, but i recommend reading shadow and bone first and maybe googling some of the things which is what i've been doing if i get confused by something lol
Vidushi Sinha
You should read the Grisha Trilogy before this. Not quite required, but it will make sense a little bit more. It was originally a bit confusing but a few chapters in, I was hooked. The first chapter you don't really need to read because it's barely relevant to the storyline. There's just a bit of foreshadowing in that chapter.
TLDR: Read the Grisha Trilogy first, then the SoC. Keep into the story & it'll be worth it <3
TLDR: Read the Grisha Trilogy first, then the SoC. Keep into the story & it'll be worth it <3
Leah G
I had the same experience when I first read the book, and ended up not finishing it at first. The only way I really understood it was by watching the Shadow and Bone TV show on Netflix, which I would recommend doing. It serves as a really good prequel to get your introduced to the world. also, I would recommend either skimming or skipping the first chapter. It provides some context for the rest of the book, but is really overwhelming.
Lu Michelini
As far as YA go, not the best I've read, I'm not sure why the hype. It's enjoyable, but not very well written. It DOES get better after the first few chapters, I was confused as well and everything falls into place
Issy Vaughan
I’ve just started SoC and on chapter 2, I’ve no real idea of what’s going on and there are way to many names for me to handle xD but I’m definitely gonna push on as so many people have raved about it (and the fact I spent £17 for the collectors version, it’s too pretty). I’m really excited to get into it tho.
lorelei224
Because the author is pretentious, it's showing in the first few chapters
Valentine
I agree the beginning is a bit confusing. What I found was helpful was to read the Shadow And Bone series before. It introduces the reader to the world well.
Greg
I am stuck on page 41, about two pages into Chapter 3. I am clueless. AND, I just finished reading Neal Stephenson's behemoth, "Anathem", so maybe right now I've had enough of fantasy with made-up works. IF I can finish Chapter 3, I may keep going.
Nicoletta Domtilla
I actually also had a lot of trouble in the start but it started to pick up and I couldn't put it down.
Jaye Dozier Constanzo
I am coming to this super late, but I honestly loved the Shadow and Bone series, and I think I would've been really confused if I had started with Six of Crows. S&B gives you the world-building, and it's really helpful to know this world the background to the Grisha before hoping into this book (it's also very satisfying to already know the characters they mention later on, like Zoya and Stormhund!) I like to think of S&B as the character and world-building books, and Six of Crows as a fun heist off-shoot of those earlier novels. Both are great, but provide really different things. When read sequentially, they provide a lot more satisfaction in my opinion!
Ruby Carroll
i know its confusing, but once your into it, you will understand it. a word of advice, don't need to worry about the first chapter just start at the second one. its a layered book, not everyone will like it.
Kendrick
Personally I advise reading the smoke and bone trilogy books before this because it is all in the same universe
Daniel
Yeah, the first couple chapters are a bit confusing, and they put a lot of names forward, the first chapter was especially confusing, becuase you never hear from that persons POV again. If you want you can read the Shadow and Bone series first, just to familiarize yourself with some of the common terms, but I didn't and it was fine. It's really up to you.
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