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Six of Crows Reading Order.

Authorby Leigh Bardugo
2 Entries
Quick Answer

Start with Six of Crows (2015). It works on its own, but it mentions events from the end of the Shadow and Bone trilogy.

The duology follows criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker and his crew of six specialized outcasts in the city of Ketterdam. They are hired by a wealthy merchant to execute an impossible, high-stakes heist: infiltrating the formidable Ice Court in Fjerda to retrieve the inventor of a highly dangerous, mind-altering drug.

Where to start

Start with Six of Crows (2015). It works on its own, but it mentions events from the end of the Shadow and Bone trilogy.

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Community Consensus

Low Debate

"The overwhelming consensus is that 'Six of Crows' (SoC) and 'Crooked Kingdom' (CK) can be read first, independent of the preceding Grisha Trilogy (Shadow and Bone). While the trilogy provides minor background context on the world's magic and historical events (like 'Saint Alina'), these connections are described as 'very light' and not essential for enjoying SoC/CK. Several users explicitly recommend skipping the first trilogy entirely if the reader prefers heist narratives over traditional YA fantasy romance."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with 'Six of Crows' and 'Crooked Kingdom.' You are not required to read the Grisha Trilogy first. 'Language of Thorns' (an illustrated short story collection set in the same universe) can also be read independently at any time.

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Reading Order2 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Six of Crows

Pub: 2015

BOOK ONE of the Six of Crows Duology Six of Crows is a fantasy novel written by the Israeli-American author Leigh Bardugo published by Henry Holt and Co. in 2015. The story follows a thieving crew and is primarily set in the city of Ketterdam, loosely inspired by Dutch Republic–era Amsterdam. The plot is told from third-person viewpoints of seven different characters. The novel is followed by Crooked Kingdom (2016) and is part of the Grishaverse. Followed by: [Crooked Kingdom][2] [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL17597665W/Crooked_Kingdom

2

Crooked Kingdom

Pub: 2016

Plot details hidden until you finish "Six of Crows".

Preceeded by Six of Crows BOOK TWO of the Six of Crows Duology Crooked Kingdom is a fantasy novel by American author Leigh Bardugo, published by Henry Holt and Co. in 2016. Set in a world loosely inspired by 19th-century Europe, it takes place days after the events of the duology's first book, Six of Crows. The plot is told from the third-person viewpoints of six characters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What order should I read Six of Crows in?

Start with Six of Crows (2015). It works on its own, but it mentions events from the end of the Shadow and Bone trilogy.

How many books are in Six of Crows?

2 main books, published 2015–2016.

Can I read Six of Crows out of order?

It's best not to. The books build on each other, so reading out of order spoils earlier twists.