Bardugo - Six of Crows [Jan 31, 2020]

[Jenna, I'd be free if not for Temper & Edgewalker]

Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo

January 31, 2020.
Requested by Hailee and Katie.

[Hailee]

I read up to the end of chapter 3 yesterday.

I'm really happy to be back with these characters. @Katie you said on the other thread that you didn't really like the characters from the other series that much. Hopefully you won't have that problem with this series. In my opinion it is that characters that really make this series amazing (although the plot is fun as well)

[Katie]

Yay! We have a new thread!

I can't recall how far I got with this one because my book is at home. I wanna say chapter 2 or three. They were just introducing the second group of characters and their mission and such~

@Hailee ~ Right, I just really didn't like the female lead in the last book ^^; But I'm very much intrigued by these characters so far.

Also, that first chapter was insane!! What are they hoping to achieve with a drug like that? O.o

[Katie]

I can't recall the chapter once again, but I'm on page 75 and just learned a great deal about the whole plot ~

(view spoiler)[So it looks like that couple in the first chapter are dead, huh? ^^; Or at least the guy is unconscious. So we keep on switching forth between Inej's and Kaz's perspective.

I had to go back a few times because I missed the fact that Inej was a lady. lol. But she is such a badass. Like a shadow cat in the night <3

Kaz is quite the piece of work. Conning people, getting intel, basically doing anything he can to fulfill his lust for cash. I'm really intrigued by his past. We learn of another place he worked, and a brother he once had...and what's with those scars? Those hands? There is something he isn't telling us. This kid has been through a lot, I can tell...

But back to the plot. So it seems our crew is going on a heist. To break someone out of this high security place? Or to get the information on this super drug? Something like that. Seems risky for our crew. And that drug. Man. I feel like it should just be destroyed ^^;

Also, that scene on the rooftop was so badass. Loved it <3 (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

I'm on page 160 and my favourite scene has just happened. (view spoiler)[ I don't know what it says about me that having Kaz cut out someones eye and then throwing them overboard is my favourite thing but it was after reading this for the first time that i acknowledged Kaz was my favourite. I love the fact that the main reason he did it was because he was pissed that he injured Inej (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Katie wrote: "I can't recall the chapter once again, but I'm on page 75 and just learned a great deal about the whole plot ~."

Yep (view spoiler)[ Inej is truely badass, she's definitely my second favourite of the gang. A badass, but truly a nice and honourable person as well. (hide spoiler)]

Won't say anything else since I don't want to risk spoiling anything but don't worry all your questions will be answered, although I think some of it might be answered in Crooked Kingdom :-)

[Katie]

Hailee wrote: "Katie wrote: "I can't recall the chapter once again, but I'm on page 75 and just learned a great deal about the whole plot ~."

Yep [spoilers removed]

Won't say anything else since I don't want to..."

Right? She's very very loyal to her people <3

Oh yeah? Crooked Kingdom is a spin off, right? I assume to read that one you need to read the orig trilogy? lol. I heard really good things from that book :D

[Siobhan]

Crooked Kingdom is the direct sequel to Six of Crows. :)
The spin off you're thinking of is King of Scars.

[Hailee]

What Siobhan said. Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom are a duology, to be honest the two together are just one complete story since CK starts directly after SoC finishes :-)

[Siobhan]

Hailee wrote: "What Siobhan said. Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom are a duology, to be honest the two together are just one complete story since CK starts directly after SoC finishes :-)"

And a fantastic duology at that :D

[Hailee]

Siobhan wrote: "And a fantastic duology at that :D..."

Amen ;-)

[Katie]

Siobhan wrote: "Crooked Kingdom is the direct sequel to Six of Crows. :)
The spin off you're thinking of is King of Scars."

Ohhh! Thanks you guys for the explanation ^~^

[Hailee]

I've just finished part 3 (page 255)

I've forgotten quite how much I like (view spoiler)[Nina and Mattias's relationship. Whenever I think about this series my mind tend to get stuck on Kaz and Inej and the "tension" 😉 between them. Nina and Mattias are so different but I like the banter between them. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

I just finished a section too! I'm at Chapter 16 (page 192). And boy oh boy is a lot of stuff happening O.o

(view spoiler)[Firstly I wanted to say that I'm super intrigued by the relationship of Nina and Matthias. There's definitely some resentment and remorse there for what they've done for each other. We learned a bit of Nina and him in the last chapters even~

omg. I just cheated and peeked at your spoiler and it seems like you like their relationship as well! XD Excellent! I don't know if I want to see anything romantic between their relationship quite yet, but I wanna see them begin to understand one another more. It's like all those tales of star crossed lovers and such, they're so different....and have also hurt each other as much as they have helped...

lol. Does Kaz even know that Inej has a crush on him? lol. And that poor girl and her past :/ Was she sold into a brothel?

All I'm sayin' is I'm so glad Inej is alive after that fight on the boat. O.O
Also, Kaz is super scary ^^;
(hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Just finished chapter 22

(view spoiler)[ Ahh this chapter always breaks my heart, poor Kaz. Its the point in the book that when i read it for the first time that Kaz and his motivations really started to make sense (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Hailee wrote: "Just finished chapter 22

[spoilers removed]"

Right? Boy has had it rough :(

[Katie]

I'm at page 300 right now...pretty much when their in the beginnings of their plan. Wow...like I already felt bad for Kaz when I learned of his brother...but now...(view spoiler)[To find out that he was left for dead on some kinda plague/flu barge?! Still holding onto his brother's dead body?! No wonder he doesn't want to touch people. >_< Him fainting in that claustrophobic scene made total sense~

I'm very worried about their plan...It could potentially end poorly...and things don't look well with Nina setting off alarms. But that jailbreak was clever enough ~ hiding pellets in their skin and then using that magic... (hide spoiler)]

Also question about Nina's and Matt's plan... (view spoiler)[They want the guy they are after dead, right? I kinda missed the differences....did they just deem him too dangerous with the knowledge he has? (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Katie wrote: "Also question about Nina's and Matt's plan..."

Yes (view spoiler)[basically they are in agreement that his knowledge is too dangerous for any government to get there hands no matter how much money is on offer, so they both want to kill him despite the fact it will mean sacrificing the reward. Whereas the others are prepared to hand him over to the council of Ketterdam in return for the money. (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

I'm at page 405 right now and at the beginning of the last part (view spoiler)[ and the shit has really hit the fan now lol. On the other hand Kaz's reflections on Inej make me really happy and Nina and Mattias are finally on the same page about their feelings for each other ;-) (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Finished. This is the 3rd time I've reread this book and I enjoy just as much each time even though I know what is coming. To me that is the sign of a brilliant book.

My favourite quote of the book (view spoiler)[ “I will have you without armor, Kaz Brekker. Or I will not have you at all.” (hide spoiler)]

@Katie I'm interested to see what you think of the conclusion of this book once you get to it. (view spoiler)[What do you think of that cliffhanger ending? I was lucky in the fact that the first time I read this was after the release of Crooked Kingdom so I just read that pretty much straight away. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Oh wow! Finished already?! I am really close though. I should finish in a day or two and then I'll look at your spoilers :D

I'm just starting Chapter 31 right now. The story has a nice flow with flashbacks and current day stuff. What I really want to know is if (view spoiler)[Kaz killed that guy in the cell for revenge. I assume it was the same guy who conned him and his brother out of their money? Names XD

Poor Inej climbing up that chimney >_<

Also, question...but why are they in a party now? Or is that a flashback? lol. Nina and Inej are being all hidden to try and accomplish something...but I think I missed what ^^; (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Katie wrote: "Also, question....."

(view spoiler)[ No it isn't a flashback. They are at the party for the ceremony where druskelle pass their initiations. The original plan used the party as a distraction. All the soldiers were concentrating the security on that part of the Ice court so that the prison sector was less well guarded. Now that the alarms have been set off they had to change their plan and are now sneaking into the party to try and get information of the location of Yul-Bayur. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Hailee wrote: "Katie wrote: "Also, question....."

[spoilers removed]"

aha! Gotcha gotcha! I was confused because this place is like a prison. So I wasn't so sure. Thank you :D

[Katie]

Finished~
Wow, wow, wow! Things really ramped up at the end there O.o

(view spoiler)[There are just so many things I loved about that ending. The improvisation they did at the heist when things went awry was so fantastic! Our characters even got a chance to get back at those who wronged them...or at least plan for something. (ala Kaz)

Some of the moments that really stick out for me were Nina and matthias at the end there, stealing a tank?!, and wylan's surprise.

But we have to talk about my favorite couple <3 ~ Nina + matthias. That scene where she was captured...and the seeming of betrayal...wow! And I loved the fact how Matthias got to see how he treated her, by seeing that reaction from his mentor. Just so much growth and understanding in those scenes. And even later on, he helped her to see she wasn't the monster as she was all supped up on power. I'm really worried for Nina after her making that choice...I hope that Mattias can help her through things.

Wylan was absolutely terrific! I'm a bit dissapointed we didn't learn more about his past until the verrrrry end. But regardless he was amazing. I wonder if he is dyslexic and can't understand reading because of that??? But he's such a clever boy. And I really liked the flirts him and Jasper had~

Speaking of Jasper, how could he have been so dumb! ugh. I know he didn't mean anything by it, but still!

Gosh there is so much to talk about but I'll skip to the end for now. The double cross and the capture. I suppose I should have seen it coming. But Inej??!! I know Grisha are powerful, but I kinda wished that the tough girl hadn't been captured. Would have been cool to see it be Kaz, and they had to rescue him XP But I may be speaking too soon, she might escape on her own. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Hailee wrote: "Finished. This is the 3rd time I've reread this book and I enjoy just as much each time even though I know what is coming. To me that is the sign of a brilliant book.

My favourite quote of the boo..."

That is such a good quote Hailee!!! I really felt for those two at the end. He finally started to realize how much she meant to him~

You were lucky to have the chance to read both books right after another then!! Speaking of...did you want to do a BR for the next one sometime soon? :D I'll have to get it from the library, but let me know what you think~

Also, speaking of the series. When I looked into the next book "Crooked Kingdom" I saw a slot for a book 3??!! Is it going to continue to a trilogy??

[Hailee]

Unfortunately I can't commit to a buddy read until April (or May if you'd prefer) I don't know if you are ok to wait until then. I just have so many big books on the go I'm going to need the next 6 weeks to get them finished. If you want to read it sooner though then feel free to read it without me and if you want to talk about it I'm familiar enough after two readings to still discuss it with you. I'll leave the decision up to you.

I have heard there is supposed to be a book three. However this was alway meant to be a duology so the story wraps up neatly in CK. I think the unprecedented popularity of this duology encouraged Bardugo to expand the books (like Rainbow Rowel did with Carry On). When it comes out I'll definitely be reading it but from what I've heard there are a few books she is prioritizing before book 3 so it probably won't be coming out any time soon.

[Katie]

No worries there. I have a bit of books to read at this point as well ^^; I'd be good to try one for the beginning of May if you're interested! I probably won't start it before then...but if I do I'll let you know~

Ohh! That makes sense with the popularity and all! Super cool!

[Hailee]

Beginning of May is fine by me 😊. But yeah keep me informed if you decide to read it earlier and I'll join you if I can.

Yeah I was happy when I heard about book 3. It was as much of a pleasant surprise as the announcement of Wayward Son was. I think the popularity of some series takes the author by surprise and then they start thinking holy hell there are people just waiting to throw money at me if I provide them with more of this world/characters. Why disappointed them 😂😂.

[Hailee]

So Katie and I are using this thread to discuss our buddy read of Crooked Kingdom.

[Hailee]

I've read part one (the first 4 chapters):

A couple of my favourite lines:

(view spoiler)["Nina is fine. Jesper is fine. Everyone is fine except for me because I'm stuck with a gang hand-wringing nursemaids." 😂😂 Kaz really embraces the whole tough love thing. (hide spoiler)]

(view spoiler)["We meet fear. We greet the unexpected visitor and listen to what he has to tell us. When fear arrives, something is about to happen." (hide spoiler)]

I love the scene where Kaz (view spoiler)[terrifies that child. I know this probably make me a horrible person but I laughed so hard lol. (hide spoiler)]

My comments on this book will probably have to be limited to favourite lines or scenes coz I obviously can't speculate on what will happen since this is my 3rd reread and I already know. We can discuss things a bit more thoroughly towards the end of our read.

[Katie]

That's great Hailee! I'm only 2 chapters in right now, so I'll wait to click things. lol

I was actually gonna re-read some of our comments for a bit of a recap. ^^;

I must say though Kaz freaked me out in those first 2 chapters (view spoiler)[in how he scared that kid away while they were doing their "job". Yikes! Boogey man indeed. I mean he didn't kill the girl. But like. Kaz. Oof. Is this just because Inez was taken? Even that boyo he was with was scared O.O (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

I've just finished the first part as well! Love the quotes you mention Hailee <3

I was so fearful for (view spoiler)[Inez at the end of Part 1! O.O That villain is a really terrible guy! I hope she can make her way out of her prison (hide spoiler)]

It's really nice to see (view spoiler)[glimpses of Jasper's past (hide spoiler)] in Chapter 6. We get to see his (view spoiler)[father finally. And he cares for him so dearly! But I don't know if he'll ever live that farm life again... (hide spoiler)]

Nina is struggling too :/ (view spoiler)[It seems that parem really messed with her. I'm glad she has her friends to support her through this time (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Katie wrote: "Is this just because Inez was taken? ..."

Lol well it certainly didn't help his mood but I would be confident in saying he wouldn't have done it anyway 😅

[Hailee]

I finished part 2:

I really wish Kaz was(view spoiler)[nicer to poor Jesper but like I said Kaz isn't at his nicest and most forgiving while Inej is being held hostage. She really acts as his conscience. That guy at the lighthouse might still be alive if she had been there. Although given his attitude can't say I'm that bothered. (hide spoiler)]

I feel like I can (view spoiler)[relax more now that Kaz has Inej back. I'm always a little tense until tgat point in the book 😅 (hide spoiler)]

Favourite quotes:
(view spoiler)['Matthias rolled his eyes heavenward. These lunatics all needed a solid six months in bootcamp and possibly a sound beating.' So true 😂... well except maybe Wylan.

'(Kaz) didn't have to look to know Inej was beside him - silent, sure footed. She could have outpaced him in an instant, but they ran in tandem, matching each other step for step.' (view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Hailee wrote: "Lol well it certainly didn't help his mood but I would be confident in saying he wouldn't have done it anyway 😅"

omg. For sure! lol

I haven't gotten to read a lot today ^^; So I'll try and catch up soon and talk to you about part 2 :D

[Katie]

Part 2
Wow wow wow!!!! Okay so firstly I have to say I was so scared when (view spoiler)[the villain had asked for his wife and his son, meaning Wylan. I mean Kaz knew something would happen. But yikes!

The escape through the celebration was fantastic! Wonderfully planned and we got our Inej back!!! But we can’t celebrate yet, because now Nina is taken by Grisha Hunters??

Just very climactic stuff I’m really enjoying. Also it was quite humorous as everyone tried to calm the pregnant captive. (hide spoiler)]

I feel like we can relax on one front and freak out on another XD

Kaz's attitude is getting to me sometimes. I didn't like the conflicts with the gang. At the same time (view spoiler)[he wanted to get his girl back. hmmmmm (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Katie wrote: "Kaz's attitude is getting to me sometimes. I didn't like the conflicts with the gang...."

Haha I know he is such a git sometimes... maybe most of the time 🙈. I can't help but low him though despite his many many faults 🤷‍♀️

[Katie]

I get yah Hailee XD

I'm around Chapter 16 now and lots of things are happening! (view spoiler)[So Nina wasn't taken. Phew. But those Grisha were different....

Can we talk about Wylan though? I mean his mom is still alive! O.O I can't believe his father declared her insane just to get her money. omg. Those flashback scenes and then the reveal were just so heart wrenching. I hope they can get her out.

Nina is struggling still. But at least she has Matthias with her. For a while at least. These guys have a bounty on their heads now O.O

I just love how even in the seriousness of it all they can still joke around like friends <3 (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Chapter 11
Favourite quotes: (view spoiler)[
"Tiny and ferocious" Jesper said. He winked again. "Just like you."

"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. (hide spoiler)]

Don't you just love how (view spoiler)[ clever Kaz is? Some people hold it against the book since the don't find it believable in a 17 year old but I love it too much to care. I'm prepared to suspend belief. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 12
Favourite quotes: (view spoiler)[
'(Inej) had tricked him. The decent, hones, pious Wraith had outsmarted him...
"Curse you and all your Saints," Kaz said to noone at all, then realized he was smiling.'

This whole conversation between Kaz and Inej is one of my favourite parts of this whole duology but I love this line in particular:
"I would come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together - knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that's what we do. We never stop fighting." (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14
(view spoiler)[Poor Wylan! Still I'm glad he can finally see his father for the evil toad he is and that he can help Kaz pull off their plan guilt free. (hide spoiler)]


I love all the banter in this part of the book. Everyone is a lot lighter and happier now Inej has been rescued.

[Hailee]

Katie wrote: "I get yah Hailee XD
..."


Yeah didn't you love the (view spoiler)[ conversation they had about their bounty's. Making it a competition who gets the most 😂 (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Hailee wrote: "Katie wrote: "I get yah Hailee XD
..."


Yeah didn't you love the [spoilers removed]"

Yesss I loved that bit! It's funny because I had a similar conversation with my friends in a Dungeon and Dragons game. My character being so proud, but commenting on how they didn't get her good side XD

But I love those little character moments in the book <3

[Hailee]

Part 4:

Chapter 18: (view spoiler)[The idea of Kaz as a merchant's son with a prize collection of snuffboxes always makes me laugh. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 20:(view spoiler)[Dunyasha is truely intimidating and unfortunately well matched to Inej's skill set. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 21:(view spoiler)[Favourite quote: 'To hell with revenge, to hell with his schemes. If Rollins had done domething to Inej, Kaz would paint East Stave with his entrails.'
All the others are probably in danger as well but of course Kaz worries about Inej first, bless. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 22:(view spoiler)[Favourite quote: 'Nina glanced from Inej to Kaz and saw they both wore the same expression. Nina knew that look. It came after a shipwreck, when the tide moved against you and the sky had gone dark. It was the girst sight of land, the hope of shelter and even salvation that might await you on a distant shore.' (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23:(view spoiler)[Favourite quote: 'Nina rested her head on his shoulder. "You're better than waffles Matthias Helvar."
A small smile curled the Fjordan's lips. "Let's not say things we don't nean, my love."

I think Kaz and Jesper needed that fight to clear the air between them. The gang's reaction was priceless. And Colm threatening to spank Jesper 😂. (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Part 5:

Chapter 24: (view spoiler)[I'd never really warmed to Kuwei but it wasn't until the end of this chapter (the first time I read it) that I realized I actively disliked him. He is too self-centred and arrogant and not in a cute way like Kaz. Kuwei must have realized there were feelings between Jesper and Wylan but still tries to insert himself into where he isn't wanted 🤬 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26: (view spoiler)[This chapter is always painful to read but I still love it. It reinforces why out of the whole gang, Kaz and Inej and their relationship is the one that pulls on my heartstrings. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 27: (view spoiler)[Favourite quotes: 'Two of the deadliest people the Barrel had to offerand they could barely touch each other without both of them keeling over. But they'd tried. He'd tried. Maybe they could try again.'

'Inej had often wished to chip away at a bit of his arrogance, but she couldn't bear the idea of seeing Kaz stripped of his pride.'

This chapter was Kaz at his most badass and I love it 😊 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 28: (view spoiler)[Favourite quote: "What is wrong with him?" Nina grumbled...
"Same thingvthat is alwYs wrong with him," said Jesper. "He's Kaz Brekker."

Yay Wylan's back to normal. Jesper doesn't waste much time does he? 😂 (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 30: (view spoiler)[This chapter reminds me that as clever and arrogant as Kaz is, underneath it all he is just human, with the same human weaknesses. He just hides it better than most. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 32: (view spoiler)[Everything is really kicking off now 😬 (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Part 6:

Chapter 34: (view spoiler)[Kaz's plan for Nina is brilliant but quite disgusting lol.

Quote about the Plague: 'Those who had survived it had lost a child or a parent or a brother or a sister, a friend or a neighbour. They remembered the quarantines, the terror that came with even the most basic human contact.'
This paragraph was a lot harder hitting and more meaningful than it even had been on previous reads. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 35: (view spoiler)[ Favourite quote: 'But what about the rest of us? What about the nobodies and the nothings, the invisible girls? We learn to hold our heads as if we wear crowns. We learn to wring magic from the ordinary.' (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 38-40: (view spoiler)[ 😭😭😭💔💔💔 Even though I know its coming I cry every time. I don't know if you noticed but I tended to avoid taking about Nina and Matthias even though I love their relationship and the banter between them. But after my first read of this book I kind of hardened my heart to them knowing that there was no hope for their happily ever after. Doesn't stop me balling like a baby though. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 41: (view spoiler)[ Finally Van Eck gets what is coming to him!!! (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 42: (view spoiler)[And I'm crying again... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 45: (view spoiler)[I think part of the reason Inej scares Pekka away from Ketterdam (besides the fact he deals in human slaves) is to remove him from Kaz's orbit. Out of sight out of mind and allow some of his emotional scars to heal without the constant reminders in his face. (hide spoiler)]

As ever this book gets 5 stars. Really makes me pine for the fabled book 3 in this series.

[Katie]

Loving all of the Chapter Spoilers! I'll get to read some of them later today ^~^

So is there going to be a third book? Or is this a duology???

[Hailee]

It was originally going to be a duology but last year Leigh Bardugo announced she planned to write a third book "many years down the line" so it'll be a while but there will be a third one.

[Katie]

No way! That's awesome news ^~^

[Katie]

Hailee wrote: "Part 5:

Chapter 24: [spoilers removed]

Oh my gosh! Right?! I can't believe that (view spoiler)[Jesper kissed Kuwei!!! I mean. Gosh. The face swap thing is weird enough. Poor boyo was so distracted he didn't even know it wasn't his boy >_<

You're absolutely right in Kuwei's selfishness (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26 ~ (view spoiler)[I totally ship Kaz and Inej too. They both have had such a hard past. I just hope they can understand one another. Inej brought up some very hurtful stuff. She just wants Kaz to do the same. But he's not ready yet? :( (hide spoiler)]

[Hailee]

Katie wrote: "Chapter 26: [spoilers removed]..."

(view spoiler)[No I think Kaz has been nurturing his demons to long to let them go easily but I do think he's starting to want to... which is a step in the right direction. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

@Hailee ~ That is definitely a good step <3

I'm at Chapter 31 now and things are finally set into motion. I'm worried for the outcome >_<

Quick question (view spoiler)[Wylan was magiced back to his normal self. But what about Kawei? Was he changed too? Are are there now two of them? (hide spoiler)]