30 Books Like Six of Crows
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo is one hell of an emotional novel.
That incredible mix of high-stakes heists, a band of misfits, and a world so rich and immersive you never wanted to leave—yeah, it’s hard to move on from that.
But don’t worry!
There’s a whole new lot of books like Six of Crows out there that can give you a similar vibe, whether it’s the intricate plot, the lovable (and often morally gray) characters, or the dark, gritty setting.
Let’s dive into some of them that should definitely be on your TBR if you loved Six of Crows.
Books Like Six of Crows
The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Let’s start with a classic in the realm of heist fiction. The Lies of Locke Lamora follows the adventures of a group of thieves known as the Gentleman Bastards in the city of Camorr.
Locke Lamora, the leader, is like Kaz Brekker in so many ways—cunning, manipulative, and always five steps ahead of everyone else.
Scott Lynch masterfully weaves together an intricate plot with plenty of twists and turns. The world-building is deep, the dialogue is sharp, and the camaraderie between the characters feels so real.
If you loved the heist aspect and the intense friendship dynamics in Six of Crows, this book will be right up your alley.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
Next up is The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi. This one has a bit of everything—an alternate history setting, a diverse cast of characters, and a quest for a mysterious artifact that could change everything.
Set in 1889 Paris, the story follows Séverin, a treasure hunter, and his band of misfits as they navigate through puzzles, traps, and betrayals. Each character brings something unique to the table, much like in Six of Crows, and their interactions are pure gold.
The lush, historical setting adds a unique twist that makes this book stand out. If you enjoyed the clever heists and complex characters of Six of Crows, The Gilded Wolves should be your next read.
Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Nevernight is darker, bloodier, and a bit more brutal, but trust me, it’s worth every page. Mia Corvere, the protagonist, is on a mission for revenge, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.
This book has a lot of the same gritty, no-nonsense feel as Six of Crows, with a protagonist who’s as ruthless as Kaz Brekker, if not more so.
The world Jay Kristoff has created is filled with political intrigue, dangerous enemies, and a shadowy organization that trains assassins—what’s not to love?
If you’re in the mood for something with a darker edge and a protagonist who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, give Nevernight a try.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
If you’re into complex world-building and strong-willed characters, The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon is another great choice. Set in a dystopian future where clairvoyants are hunted by a totalitarian regime, the story follows Paige Mahoney, a young woman with a rare ability.
She’s captured and sent to a brutal penal colony run by a mysterious alien race. The stakes are high, the world is vast, and the characters are beautifully flawed.
The rebellious spirit and the fight against oppressive forces will definitely remind you of Six of Crows. Plus, it’s the first in a series, so there’s plenty more to dive into once you’re hooked!
Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Vicious by V.E. Schwab is another book that plays with the concept of morally gray characters, just like Six of Crows. The story revolves around Victor Vale and Eli Ever, two college roommates who discover how to give themselves superpowers—but at a terrible cost.
What follows is a cat-and-mouse game filled with revenge, betrayal, and a deep exploration of what it means to be a hero or a villain. The characters are complex and flawed, and the story’s non-linear structure keeps you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoyed the anti-hero vibes and the dark, twisty plot of Six of Crows, Vicious will be right up your alley.
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
You can’t talk about epic heist stories without mentioning Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson. This book kicks off a trilogy that’s nothing short of spectacular.
It’s set in a world where ash falls from the sky, and a dark lord rules with an iron fist. But a group of rebels, led by the charismatic Kelsier, plans to pull off the ultimate heist—stealing the Lord Ruler’s wealth and toppling his empire.
The magic system in this series is one of the most unique I’ve ever come across, and the characters are unforgettable. If you loved the ensemble cast and the rebellion against an oppressive regime in Six of Crows, Mistborn is a must-read.
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal is a beautifully written fantasy inspired by ancient Arabia. The story follows Zafira, a huntress who disguises herself as a man to feed her people, and Nasir, the prince of death, who’s been sent to kill her.
Their paths cross on a dangerous quest to retrieve a lost artifact that could save or doom their world. The world-building is lush and immersive, the characters are deeply compelling, and the story has that same mix of adventure and high stakes that made Six of Crows so addictive.
The enemies-to-allies dynamic between Zafira and Nasir is something Six of Crows fans will definitely appreciate.
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett is another book that perfectly blends a heist story with a richly imagined world. The story follows Sancia, a thief with a special ability, as she takes on a job that leads her into the heart of a conspiracy that could change the world.
The magic system in this book is fascinating, based on the concept of “scriving,” where objects are inscribed with commands that alter reality. The plot is full of twists, the stakes are high, and the characters are incredibly well-drawn.
If you enjoyed the blend of magic and heist in Six of Crows, Foundryside will be a hit for you.
Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody
If you’re craving another dark, gritty city setting, Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody should be on your list. The story is set in the City of Sin, a place where casinos, gangsters, and dangerous secrets reign supreme.
The protagonist, Enne, comes to the city searching for her missing mother and ends up entangled with a street lord named Levi. The city has a life of its own, much like Ketterdam in Six of Crows, and the story is filled with intrigue, danger, and a bit of romance.
The dynamic between Enne and Levi, as well as the high-stakes plot, will definitely remind you of Kaz and Inej’s story.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Finally, we have The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. While it’s more of a faerie story than a heist novel, the political intrigue, morally ambiguous characters, and dangerous, manipulative games played at court will definitely appeal to Six of Crows fans.
The story follows Jude, a mortal girl living in the High Court of Faerie, who’s determined to carve out a place for herself in a world where she’s despised. The tension, the power struggles, and the dark, atmospheric setting make this book a gripping read.
If you enjoyed the cunning and manipulation in Six of Crows, you’ll find a lot to love in The Cruel Prince.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir is an intense, action-packed fantasy set in a brutal, Roman-inspired world. The story follows Laia, a slave fighting to save her brother, and Elias, a soldier who’s secretly rebelling against the empire.
Their paths cross in a way that changes both their lives forever. The book is filled with high-stakes tension, deep character development, and a plot that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
The oppressive regime, the resistance, and the intertwining fates of the characters will definitely remind you of Six of Crows.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater is a bit different from Six of Crows but has a similarly tight-knit group of characters that you’ll fall in love with. The story revolves around Blue Sargent, the only non-psychic in a family of psychics, and four boys from a nearby private school who are on a quest to find a sleeping Welsh king.
The dynamics between the characters are fascinating, with each of them bringing something unique to the group, much like Kaz’s crew. The story has a mystical, almost haunting quality to it, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Scythe by Neal Shusterman is set in a dystopian world where death has been eradicated, and only specially appointed Scythes can end life to keep the population under control. The story follows two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, who are chosen as apprentices to become Scythes, even though neither of them wants the job.
The moral dilemmas, the complex characters, and the exploration of power and corruption will remind you of the dark and twisted elements in Six of Crows. Plus, the stakes are incredibly high, making it a gripping read from start to finish.
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
If you loved Six of Crows, it makes sense to dive into the book that started it all—Shadow and Bone, also by Leigh Bardugo. This is the first book in the Grisha Trilogy and introduces you to the world of Ravka, where magic and military might collide.
The story follows Alina Starkov, an orphan who discovers she has a rare power that could save her country. While it has a different tone from Six of Crows, you’ll appreciate the deep world-building and the introduction to the Grisha universe, which is expanded upon in the Six of Crows duology.
Plus, you get to meet the Darkling, one of the most compelling villains in YA fantasy.
The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner
Starting with The Thief, Megan Whalen Turner’s The Queen’s Thief series is a masterclass in clever plotting, intricate world-building, and character development. The series follows Eugenides, a master thief who gets caught up in political intrigue and high-stakes adventures across a richly developed fantasy world.
Turner’s writing is subtle and layered, with plenty of surprises that you won’t see coming. If you loved the cleverness of Kaz Brekker and the intricate plots of Six of Crows, this series will definitely resonate with you.
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
The Young Elites by Marie Lu is a dark and gripping story about a group of young people with extraordinary abilities, set in a world where they are feared and hunted. The protagonist, Adelina Amouteru, is an anti-heroine with a tragic past and a thirst for power and revenge.
The story delves into themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of one’s actions, much like Six of Crows. The characters are complex and morally ambiguous, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you hooked.
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett
City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett is a fantasy novel set in a city where the gods once ruled, leaving behind a world full of dangerous magic and political intrigue. The story follows Shara Thivani, a spy sent to investigate a murder, who uncovers far more than she bargained for.
The world-building is exceptional, with a city that feels alive and full of history. The intricate plot, the blend of magic and mystery, and the deep, complex characters will remind you of the elements that made Six of Crows so captivating.
The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski
The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is the first book in a trilogy that combines political intrigue, romance, and rebellion in a beautifully written narrative. The story follows Kestrel, a general’s daughter, who buys a slave at an auction, only to discover that he has a secret that could change everything.
The book explores themes of power, freedom, and the consequences of war. The tension between the characters, the strategic maneuvering, and the rich world-building will definitely appeal to fans of Six of Crows.
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang is a dark, intense, and beautifully written fantasy novel inspired by Chinese history. The story follows Rin, a war orphan who escapes her oppressive life by gaining entrance to an elite military academy.
However, she soon discovers that the world of war is far more brutal than she imagined. The book doesn’t shy away from difficult themes and contains graphic depictions of war, making it a heavier read.
The moral complexity, the intense character development, and the brutal world will appeal to fans of the darker aspects of Six of Crows.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Finally, if you’re looking for an epic fantasy with intricate world-building, complex characters, and a richly developed plot, The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is a must-read. This standalone novel features a sprawling world filled with dragons, magic, and political intrigue.
The story follows multiple characters from different corners of this world, each with their own agendas and secrets. The book’s scale and depth are reminiscent of Six of Crows, with a strong emphasis on character development and the interplay of power.
It’s a longer read, but if you’re ready to immerse yourself in another richly built world, this book won’t disappoint.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Red Rising by Pierce Brown is a dystopian science fiction novel that combines a brutal society, high-stakes rebellion, and a protagonist who is ready to tear down the world for justice. The story follows Darrow, a miner who discovers the harsh truth about the society he lives in and decides to infiltrate the elite ruling class to bring it down from the inside.
The intense action, the complex social hierarchy, and the morally ambiguous characters all contribute to a gripping narrative that will appeal to fans of Six of Crows.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling by Kristin Cashore is a fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world where certain people are born with special abilities known as Graces. The story follows Katsa, a young woman Graced with the power to kill, as she navigates a world of political intrigue and hidden dangers.
The blend of action, romance, and a strong, complex heroine makes this book a compelling read. If you enjoyed the strong female characters and the themes of power and survival in Six of Crows, Graceling is a great choice.
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman is a beautifully written fantasy novel set in a world where humans and dragons coexist, albeit uneasily. The story follows Seraphina, a young woman with a dangerous secret, as she tries to navigate the complex politics of her world while unraveling a mystery that could threaten the fragile peace.
The lush world-building, the intricate plot, and the themes of identity and acceptance make this a compelling read, especially if you’re drawn to books with deep character development and rich settings like Six of Crows.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
V.E. Schwab strikes again with A Darker Shade of Magic, a fantasy novel set in a universe with parallel Londons—each with varying levels of magic. The story follows Kell, one of the last Travelers who can move between the worlds, as he smuggles a dangerous artifact that could upset the balance between them.
The fast-paced plot, the richly imagined worlds, and the morally complex characters will appeal to anyone who enjoyed the intricate plotting and world-building in Six of Crows.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a dark and enchanting tale of power, betrayal, and survival in the cutthroat world of Faerie. The story follows Jude, a mortal girl who is trying to carve out a place for herself in the ruthless Faerie Court.
The political intrigue, the morally ambiguous characters, and the tension-filled relationships are all reminiscent of the dynamics in Six of Crows. If you enjoy tales of cunning and strategy in a dangerous, magical setting, this series is a must-read.
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty is a lush, historical fantasy set in 18th-century Cairo and the magical city of Daevabad. The story follows Nahri, a con artist with mysterious powers, who inadvertently summons a djinn warrior and is thrust into a world of magic, politics, and danger.
The intricate world-building, the complex characters, and the blend of historical and fantastical elements make this a captivating read. Fans of Six of Crows will appreciate the layered plot and the richly imagined setting.
The Diviners by Libba Bray
The Diviners by Libba Bray is a supernatural thriller set in 1920s New York City. The story follows Evie O’Neill, a young woman with a secret ability, as she becomes entangled in a series of occult murders.
The book combines historical fiction, horror, and fantasy in a way that’s both eerie and immersive. The diverse cast of characters, the dark, atmospheric setting, and the high-stakes plot make this a must-read for fans of Six of Crows who are looking for something with a supernatural twist.
The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson
The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson is a dark, complex tale of political intrigue and rebellion. The story follows Baru Cormorant, a young woman determined to bring down the empire that conquered her homeland—but to do so, she must join it and rise through its ranks.
The book delves deeply into themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal, with a protagonist who is both brilliant and morally complex. The strategic plotting and the exploration of the cost of power will resonate with fans of Six of Crows.
The Witchlands series by Susan Dennard
Starting with Truthwitch, Susan Dennard’s The Witchlands series is a high-fantasy adventure that combines a unique magic system, complex characters, and epic world-building. The story follows Safiya and Iseult, two best friends with rare magical abilities, as they navigate political intrigue, war, and dangerous enemies.
The strong female friendships, the intricate world-building, and the high-stakes action make this series a fantastic pick for anyone who enjoyed the ensemble cast and fast-paced plot of Six of Crows.
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco is a dark fantasy novel about a young girl named Tea, who discovers she has the rare and feared ability to raise the dead. As she trains to become a powerful Bone Witch, Tea must navigate a world filled with magic, politics, and betrayal.
The story is rich in detail, with a beautifully crafted world and a protagonist who grows into her power in unexpected ways. The themes of power, identity, and the consequences of magic will appeal to fans of Six of Crows looking for something with a darker, more gothic twist.