The Six of Crows Duology

This book is the gold standard for heist-focused fantasy, featuring a band of clever, morally grey criminals navigating a dangerous underworld. Much like Kaz Brekker's crew, the Gentlemen Bastards rely on wit, elaborate schemes, and deep-seated loyalty to survive in a city that wants them dead.

Set in 1889 Paris, this novel captures the same 'found family of outcasts' dynamic as Six of Crows, with a diverse crew assembled for a high-stakes, puzzle-filled treasure hunt. It perfectly balances intellectual mystery with deep character backstories and a touch of magical intrigue.

Fans of Kaz Brekker's tactical genius will appreciate the intricate magic system and the planning that goes into a massive, city-wide heist to overthrow a tyrant. It features a ragtag team of criminals with unique abilities coming together for a seemingly impossible mission.

If you loved the morally grey, ruthless nature of the Crows, this story of two brilliant college roommates turned arch-nemeses is essential reading. It explores the dark side of power and ambition with a sharp, non-linear narrative style that keeps you guessing.

While significantly darker and more war-focused, this book shares the 'young people thrust into impossible, high-stakes situations' energy of Six of Crows. It features complex, flawed protagonists and explores the heavy toll that power and survival take on the human spirit.

Set in a city ruled by crime syndicates and magic, this novel mirrors the gritty, urban fantasy atmosphere of Ketterdam perfectly. It follows a young woman searching for her missing mother who gets pulled into the dangerous underworld by a charming, street-smart gang leader.

This series offers a compelling blend of magical travel, high-stakes adventure, and complex relationships that fans of Bardugo’s world-building will adore. The interplay between the characters—especially the thief and the prince—echoes the banter and chemistry found in the Crows' inner circle.

Though set in a futuristic dystopia, the core focus on moral dilemmas and characters forced to make impossible choices resonates deeply with the Crows' narrative. It explores the weight of responsibility and the corruption of power in a way that feels just as gripping and high-stakes.

This book features a cat-and-mouse dynamic between a prodigy soldier and a notorious criminal that feels very reminiscent of the tension between characters like Kaz and Inej. It is a fast-paced, action-heavy story about uncovering conspiracies within a divided society.

For readers who loved the banter and the 'ragtag crew on a journey' aspect of Six of Crows, this fantasy novel offers a gritty, hilarious, and unpredictable adventure. The protagonist is a thief who finds himself in over his head, surrounded by dangerous and fascinating companions.