Critically exploring ‘Six of Crows’ duology
‘Six of Crows’ written by Leigh Bardugo is an incredibly written duology where the ideas of power, revenge and selfishness play a part against found family, loyalty, and trust. The story follows “six dangerous outcasts” and “one impossible heist.”
The theme of power is explored through various perspectives, including physical strength, political influence, and the power of identity and self-determination. Characters like Kaz and Pekka Rollins wield power through manipulation and control, while others, like the Grisha and the ruling class of Ravka, possess magical and institutional power. The novel challenges traditional ideas of power by highlighting the resilience of its characters, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. Inej’s strength lies in her resourcefulness and resilience, while Nina’s power as a Grisha extends beyond her abilities to her compassion and determination.
The diversity of each individual character is deeply explored and over time a satisfying development is portrayed by the end. The idea of multiple perspectives is usually extremely difficult to write but also sometimes unenjoyable to read, however, the way Bardugo manages to juggle so many characters successfully is what makes readers easily attached to the book.
The scenic description transports readers into this world of fantasy, magic, mayhem, danger, and daring adventures – allowing the immersive experience of reading to take control and guide them through this narrative. The cities are all wonderfully different, Ketterdam is known as the city of games, where pleasure houses and gambling dens lure tourists across from all parts beyond the ocean to this ‘old England/Amsterdam style’ city. Fjerda, the place of snow and religion, is inspired by Scandinavia. Its soldiers are strongly bonded together with wolves as family, and loyalty is spread all throughout their village. These two very different cities are what makes reading this narrative much enjoyable as there are characters who are from Ketterdam and also Fjerda who come together with their differences, but somehow it’s those differences which brings them closer and allows them to create a bond of family, friendship, and love.
This fantasy novel has many diverse characters that are written with such complexity that their differences intertwine with each other and somehow their weaknesses and strengths help support one another. Each personality is different, and it makes it easy for readers to hook onto one or many characters.
Kaz Brekker is the cunning and enigmatic leader of the Dregs, a gang of criminals operating in the bustling city of Ketterdam. Known as “Dirtyhands,” Kaz is a master strategist with a reputation for ruthlessness. He possesses a sharp intellect and a knack for manipulation, often using his keen observational skills to anticipate and outmanoeuvre his enemies. Despite his stoic exterior, Kaz harbours deep-seated traumas from his past, which drives his relentless pursuit of revenge and his desire for control. His complex morality and unwavering loyalty to his crew make him both a compelling protagonist and a formidable opponent. Betrayal is a pervasive theme, reflecting the harsh realities of the world the characters live in. Characters must constantly navigate trust and deception in their interactions with others, which is why his backstory is particularly important to this theme.
Inej Ghafa, also known as “the Wraith,” is a skilled acrobat and member of the Dregs gang. Raised in captivity as a member of the Suli people, Inej possesses remarkable agility and stealth, making her an invaluable asset to Kaz’s crew. Despite her traumatic past, Inej maintains a strong sense of morality and compassion, often serving as the moral compass of the group. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and driven by a desire for justice and freedom. Inej’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery as she navigates the dangers of Ketterdam while holding onto her principles, faith, and reclaiming her authority. Inej’s faith is woven into her actions and her mindset. Her personality beams with bravery, boldness, and quietude. She seems to speak when necessary and isn’t afraid to say what she believes is right. Her loyalty and love towards her friends is so strong that there’s been many moments where her faith has been pushed aside in order to kill for them.
Jesper Fahey is a charismatic sharpshooter. Known for his quick wit and skill with guns, Jesper brings a light-hearted energy to the group, often serving as the comic relief amidst the tension of their heists. However, beneath his playful exterior, Jesper struggles with a gambling addiction and a longing for excitement and adventure. His journey is one of self-discovery as he grapples with his past, ultimately finding purpose and camaraderie among his fellow Dregs. Jesper’s loyalty to his friends and his unwavering courage makes him a beloved and integral member of the crew.
Wylan Van Eck is a skilled demolition expert. Initially introduced as the son of a wealthy merchant, Wylan is underestimated by others due to his privileged upbringing and apparent lack of criminal experience. However, he quickly proves himself to be resourceful, intelligent, and compassionate. Wylan struggles with a tumultuous relationship with his father and a deep-seated insecurity stemming from his dyslexia. Despite these challenges, he demonstrates remarkable bravery and ingenuity in the face of danger, earning the respect of his fellow Dregs. Wylan’s journey is one of self-discovery and redemption as he learns to embrace his strengths and confront his fears, ultimately finding acceptance and belonging among his newfound family.
Nina Zenik is a powerful Heartrender Grisha. With her ability to manipulate the human body, Nina is a formidable force in combat, often using her powers to both defend her allies and incapacitate her enemies. Beyond her magical abilities, Nina is characterised by her fierce loyalty, sharp wit, and passionate nature. Despite the discrimination she faces as a Grisha and her own personal struggles, Nina remains resilient and determined to fight for justice and equality. Throughout the duology, Nina grapples with her complicated relationship with Matthias, a former soldier from Fjerda – a country at war with her own country: Ravka – and navigates the complexities of love, loss, and redemption. Her journey is one of growth and self-discovery as she learns to embrace her identity and stand up for what she believes in, ultimately becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for her friends and fellow Grisha.
Matthias Helvar is a complex character, known for his strength, loyalty, and inner conflict. Originally a soldier from Fjerda, Matthias begins in the book as an adversary to Kaz’s crew, driven by his deep-seated prejudice against Grisha like Nina. However, as the story unfolds, Matthias undergoes a profound transformation, questioning his beliefs and confronting his biases as he forms unexpected alliances with his former enemies. Despite his initial hostility, Matthias possesses a strong sense of honour and integrity, which ultimately leads him to question the oppressive ideologies of his homeland. As he grapples with conflicting loyalties and moral dilemmas, he becomes a symbol of redemption and reconciliation, striving to atone for his past mistakes and forge a new path forward. Throughout the duology, Matthias’s journey is characterised by internal struggle and external challenges, as he navigates the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity. His relationship with Nina, in particular, serves as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery, challenging both characters to confront their prejudices and embrace their shared humanity. In the end, Matthias emerges as a deeply empathetic and compassionate individual, willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good and stand up against injustice. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of empathy and forgiveness, reminding and inspiring readers of the importance of challenging prejudice and embracing diversity in all its forms.
The idea of self-discovery and belonging are quite prominent in this duology, through the characters we see how everyone has their own struggles, not only are they coming face to face with danger and death, but their struggles are what makes them portrayed as unique and realistic characters. They all have their personal problems which in their own time and space they try to overcome, and the love that all six of them have for each other is enough for them to use as motivation. They stick together regardless of their differences and watch each other grow and become better versions of themselves. Under this deep-rooted genre of fantasy, adventure, and politics, there’s a hidden layer of self-discovery, love, friendship, and family.