20 Must-Read Fantasy Picks For Fans of “Six of Crows”

“Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo has captured the imaginations of fantasy readers worldwide with its gripping tale of a daring heist, unforgettable characters, and a richly crafted world.

Its blend of dark fantasy, complex heists, and deep character development make fans eager for more tales with a similar mix of magic, mischief, and moral ambiguity.

If “Six of Crows” left you craving more adventurous teams, magical worlds, and morally gray characters, look no further! Here’s a collection of 20 must-read books that echo the spirit and thrills of “Six of Crows”, ready to pull you into new realms of adventure.

Top 20 best books to read if you liked “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo

1. “The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch

In a city brimming with crime and corruption, Locke Lamora leads a band of skilled thieves, but even he can get in over his head.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A cunning and charismatic leader.
• A complex heist that drives the plot.
• A richly built, atmospheric world.

2. “Mistborn: The Final Empire” by Brandon Sanderson

Vin discovers her Allomantic powers and joins a crew determined to overthrow an ancient empire.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A group of specialists coming together for a grand scheme.
• A blend of magical abilities and political intrigue.
• Complex world-building and a gritty atmosphere.

3. “The Gilded Wolves” by Roshani Chokshi

In a magical version of 1889 Paris, Séverin and his team of misfits hunt for an ancient artifact.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A diverse and talented crew on a mission.
• Hidden magic and historical intrigue.
• Puzzles and secrets driving the plot.

4. “Foundryside” by Robert Jackson Bennett

Sancia Grado is a thief who steals a magical artifact, plunging her into the city’s magical industrial revolution.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A heist with high stakes.
• Magical technology and innovation.
• A plucky, resourceful protagonist.

5. “An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir

Laia enters a brutal military academy as a spy to save her brother, finding allies and enemies along the way.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A rebellion against a powerful empire.
• Characters with conflicted loyalties.
• A blend of magic and militaristic society.

6. “Truthwitch” by Susan Dennard

Safiya and Iseult are witches on the run, caught in the politics of empires and the pursuit of a rare magic.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• Magical powers that define the world.
• Strong bonds between characters.
• Factional intrigue and betrayal.

7. “The Bone Season” by Samantha Shannon

Paige Mahoney navigates a world where clairvoyants are hunted, leading her into the heart of a mysterious, otherworldly prison.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A hidden society of magical abilities.
• A dark, oppressive government.
• An underworld of crime and resistance.

8. “A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab

Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare ability to travel between parallel Londons.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• Intrigue and magic across multiple worlds.
• A dangerous, interdimensional adventure.
• Complex characters with shadowy pasts.

9. “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” by Laini Taylor

Karou is drawn into an ancient war between angels and demons, uncovering her own mysterious heritage.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A lushly imagined fantasy world.
• Secrets and supernatural elements.
• A quest that challenges the protagonist’s identity.

10. “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo

Alina Starkov discovers her extraordinary power and enters the world of the Grisha, where she must learn who to trust.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• Set in the Grishaverse, sharing the world with Six of Crows.
• Political maneuvering and magical battles.
• Deep character development and moral complexity.

11. “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard

In a world divided by blood—red and silver—Mare Barrow’s Red blood conceals a deadly power of her own.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A society divided by innate powers.
• Rebellion against a corrupt hierarchy.
• A heroine discovering her true potential.

12. “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black

Jude, a mortal in the High Court of Faerie, navigates dangerous political waters to secure her place of power.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• Court intrigue and deception.
• A world rich in fae lore and magic.
• A strong, resourceful female protagonist.

13. “Nevernight” by Jay Kristoff

Mia Corvere is trained in the arts of assassination, seeking vengeance against those who destroyed her family.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A dark, gritty fantasy world.
• Themes of revenge and survival.
• Complex, morally ambiguous characters.

14. “Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin

Lou, a witch, and Reid, a witch hunter, are forced into marriage, balancing their survival against their loyalties.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• Enemies forced into alliance.
• A magical system intertwined with politics.
• Themes of secrecy and identity.

15. “The Falconer” by Elizabeth May

Aileana Kameron, a noblewoman by day and fae hunter by night, battles an ancient evil threatening her world.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A dual-life protagonist with a mission.
• Steampunk elements with magical undertones.
• A blend of history and fantasy.

16. “These Violent Delights” by Chloe Gong

In 1920s Shanghai, Juliette Cai and her former lover must put aside their vendetta to combat a monstrous threat.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A historical setting with fantastical elements.
• Feuding factions and dark secrets.
• A complex romance amidst political turmoil.

17. “City of Bones” by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray discovers the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, as she searches for her missing mother.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A hidden magical world within our own.
• A group of young warriors with special abilities.
• Secrets that challenge the protagonist’s understanding of their world.

18. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer

A retelling of Cinderella set in a futuristic world, where Cinder, a cyborg mechanic, becomes entangled in intergalactic politics and a looming pandemic.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A protagonist with a unique skill set.
• A plot that intertwines rebellion and survival.
• A world where science meets magic.

19. “The Wrath & the Dawn” by Renée Ahdieh

Shahrzad volunteers to marry the Caliph of Khorasan, notorious for killing his brides, to avenge her best friend’s death.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A story of revenge and intrigue.
• Rich, Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy setting.
• Complex relationships and character growth.

20. “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore

Katsa, graced with the skill of killing, must uncover the secrets of her kingdom to protect those she loves.

Elements in common with Six of Crows:

• A heroine with extraordinary abilities.
• A journey that challenges moral convictions.
• A web of political intrigue and dark secrets.

In conclusion, the 20 books mentioned here offer worlds as rich and characters as compelling as those found in “Six of Crows”.

Whether you are drawn to magical heists, dynamic ensembles, or intricate fantasy settings, each of the selections will transport you to realms where magic and mayhem intertwine.

So, if you’re looking for an exciting adventure, grab one of these novels, immerse yourself in their enchanting worlds and embark on an unforgettable journey. Happy reading!

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