I have two words for you, and two words only: Matthias Helvar. That is all. Maybe I should just sign off and end this post right here. Because that’s it. That’s the post. Okay, but seriously. WHO SAID IT WOULD BE ALRIGHT TO LET ME FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM?!? Here are some of my many musings on the Six of Crows duology.
The Duology as a Whole
Where to begin?! Normally, YA is not my first choice when selecting a book to read. I adore classics with all my heart and soul, and I rarely dip my foot into this particular genre. However, after having read this, I’ve come to the conclusion that YA Fantasy is 100% up my alley; perhaps it’s just YA set in the modern era that I can’t really get into. The Six of Crows duology is a GAME CHANGER. I have never been so hooked before.
I was first introduced to the Six of Crows duology when Emily of Yes Whale wrote up a gushing review last Autumn. Her adoration for these characters, and the journey they go on together, was contagious. So, this was on my TBR for over a year, and I finally got round to picking it up.
Six of Crows was actually completed through my first ever buddy read with the very talented, very pretty, very wonderful Audrey of Brunch at Audrey’s. (Please follow her lovely little blog AND her Instagram AND her Bookstagram; she is an aesthetic queen.) We had a fab time “screaming” to each other about alllllll the emotions we were experiencing.
The pacing of these novels is everything. I loved that in SoC, we don’t get to the main conflict until the 3rd chapter, but an exciting scuffle occurs in the 2nd chapter, and suspense and interest are built right away. The dark and mysterious past of these characters keeps your heart rate up while you turn the pages at a rapid pace.
Crooked Kingdom was no different. There was never a dull moment, and I was ~mostly~ constantly on the edge of my seat. There are some BEAUTIFUL moments between the bursts of action, and I was SWOONING. (Hello again, Matthias!!!!) By this point, the audience is familiar with Kaz’s squad, and the addition of Wylan’s perspective is a treat.
Six of Crows
What. A. Heist. Did you ever lose faith in Kaz?! Be honest. I actually didn’t. (Up until those last moments when some crazy ish went down. Then, and only then, did I REALLY start to sweat.)
The introduction of every character was pure gold.
Jesper’s fun, dangerous, and somewhat playful perspective gave a comedic edge to some very intense moments. We got his perspective virtually right away, and it was the best introductive lens into the world of Ketterdam, in my opinion. Of course, Kaz had to make a heck of an entrance. The boy of MYSTERY and hidden motives. I wanted to know MORE about him. What was his deal!??! The gloves?? The cane?? The cold-blooded edge?!
Inej–sweet, wonderful, STRONG Inej–was the character I felt the most aligned with. Her firm belief in her convictions and her faith were something I could really relate to. Her spy skills? Not so much. Nina: an absolute beauty–who won’t hesitate to stab you, if necessary–who has such a caring heart. She deserves ALL THE HAPPINESS. What both of these young women have had to overcome?! Unreal. I admire them so much.
AND. MATTHIAS. HECKIN. HELVAR. Now, that, ladies and gentlemen, is what I call an ENTRANCE. Nothing sexier than nearly dying, day in and day out, and attacking your rescuer(s). As soon as this boy walked into my life with his growls and thirst for BLOOD, I knew I was a goner. He gradually became my favourite character over the course of this novel, and it stayed that way until the end of the duology.
HE FIGHTS HIS INSTINCTS AND WORLDVIEW THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH. I knew this would be a character arc that I would love. Never did I stop believing that his journey towards redemption would be complete. Out of everyone in this fantastic group, I was rooting for him the most. Being able to overcome a prejudice that has been bred for so long is a path worth taking.
When I tell you I am in LOVE LOVE with him, I am not joking. I definitely fall in love with quite a few of my favourite characters, Johnny Tremain & Peter Pevensie are the top of my list, and Matthias Helvar is the “latest model.”
He is so manly oH mY gOoDnEsS, I do believe I am a bit faint.
I love their dynamics so much. SO much.
The way that these characters grow together, the bonds that are formed on the trek to the menacing and perilous Ice Court, the old friendships that the audience learns have existed for years prior to this journey, are utterly beautiful.
And the heist itself? The wild, outrageous, exciting, will-get-your-heart racing heist?! That needs to be experienced first-hand. READ THIS BOOK. You will not regret walking into the Six of Crows duology in the SLIGHTEST.
Crooked Kingdom
When Six of Crows ended with the biggest cliffhanger ever, I had an inkling that Crooked Kingdom was going to be one emotional rollercoaster after another. I was right about that.
The push for each of these characters to continue bettering themselves as human beings is stronger than ever before. Kaz’s true story is revealed with acceleration as is his journey to becoming more human. Matthias continues to battle the demon of prejudice, and victory is achieved. Obviously. I’m sorry if that’s considered a spoiler. Nina works through the aftermath of a ~very~ rough time and works to find her power again. Inej meets “her match” and wrestles with deep-seated fears; Wylan overcomes some of his anxieties and becomes a valued member of this group; Kuewi is just *ahem* shady; and Jesper fights with his gambling addiction and thoughtless lifestyle.
There is always, of course, yet another, seemingly impossible task looming before Kaz. Every time you think you can catch a breather and relax for a bit, something else presents itself before you know it. But there are some sweet moments in the middle; the nicer parts of life are not forgotten, and my heart would be warmed before we headed back into another mess.
I have decided to not go into much more depth regarding this novel because I am STILL, very much, in emotional healing from all of the events that transpired. READ THIS ONE TOO.
Conclusion
I am in love with Ketterdam, this heist, these heroes, and MATTHIAS HELVAR. Put that on my tombstone. I have yet to read the Grisha trilogy, so that’s my next step into this world.
Have you read the Six of Crows duology? Who is your favourite character? How did you like this duology as compared to the trilogy? I’ve heard some mixed reviews; that’s for sure. Leigh Bardugo is brilliant. That is all. Oh. Also, Matthias Helvar.