Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse has become a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature, captivating millions of readers and viewers worldwide. The journey often begins with the foundational Shadow and Bone Grisha Trilogy, a sweeping epic that introduces us to the war-torn nation of Ravka, the magical system of the Small Science, and the complex social hierarchy of the Grisha. This initial trilogy sets the stage, but for many fans, the universe truly expands and deepens with the subsequent stories, most notably the gritty, character-driven heist narratives found in the Six of Crows duology. Understanding the connection between these series is key to fully appreciating Bardugo's meticulously crafted world.
The Grisha Trilogy establishes the core conflict: the Shadow Fold, a sea of darkness teeming with monstrous volcra, splits Ravka in two. We follow Alina Starkov, a seemingly ordinary mapmaker who discovers she is the legendary Sun Summoner, the one person who might destroy the Fold. Her story is one of destiny, power, corruption, and love, set against a backdrop inspired by Tsarist Russia. It's a classic chosen-one narrative that brilliantly builds the rules of magic (Grisha Corporalki, Etherealki, and Materialki), the political tensions, and the geographical landscape that later stories depend on.
While the trilogy concludes Alina's arc, it leaves a world profoundly changed. Ravka's political landscape is in flux, Kerch's merchant city of Ketterdam thrives as a hub of commerce and crime, and the Grisha face an uncertain future. This is where Six of Crows enters the scene. Set a few years after the events of the trilogy, the duology shifts focus from epic battles and royal courts to the gritty underworld of Ketterdam. The connection is not through direct character continuation (with a few delightful exceptions) but through consequence and shared universe. The aftermath of the Shadow and Bone wars directly impacts trade, creates refugees, and fuels the demand for a dangerous new substance—a drug made from Grisha powers—which becomes the central MacGuffin of the Six of Crows plot.
Why the Six of Crows Duology Resonates
For readers who enjoy intricate plots and morally grey characters, the Six of Crows and its sequel, Crooked Kingdom, are often cited as peak Leigh Bardugo writing. The story follows Kaz Brekker, a ruthless young criminal prodigy with a cane and a thirst for revenge, as he assembles a crew of outcasts for an impossible heist. What makes this heist novel so compelling is its ensemble cast. Each member—Inej the stealthy Wraith, Jesper the sharpshooting gambler, Nina the heartrending Grisha, Matthias the conflicted Drüskelle hunter, and Wylan the runaway demolitions expert—has a rich, explored backstory and complex motivations.
The duology is a masterclass in multiple-perspective storytelling and high-stakes suspense. Unlike the more traditional fantasy journey of the original trilogy, Six of Crows is a tightly wound clockwork of deception, strategy, and unexpected alliances. It expands the Grishaverse geographically and thematically, delving into the corruption of Kerch, the piety of Fjerda, and the shattered remains of the Shu Han. The magic system established in the earlier books is used in clever, practical ways by the characters, especially Nina, whose Grisha abilities are crucial to the crew's success.
The Perfect Entry Point: The Six of Crows Boxed Set
For new readers intrigued by this YA fantasy phenomenon or longtime fans looking for a beautiful collector's item, the Six of Crows Boxed Set is an ideal choice. This bestseller box set contains both Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom, presenting the complete duology in a cohesive, visually stunning package. Owning the set allows for an immersive, uninterrupted reading experience of one of the most acclaimed fantasy stories of the last decade.
The boxed set format is particularly rewarding for this duology because the two books form one continuous, escalating narrative. The cliffhanger ending of Six of Crows demands an immediate dive into Crooked Kingdom, and having both books together facilitates that. It's a testament to the duology's enduring popularity and its status as a modern classic within the broader Grishaverse saga.
Reading Order: Trilogy First or Crows First?
A common question among new readers is where to start. While Six of Crows can technically be read as a standalone story, the depth of understanding and appreciation is significantly enhanced by starting with the Shadow and Bone Grisha Trilogy. The trilogy provides the essential world-building glossary: what is the Fold? Who are the Grisha? What is Ravka's history? Knowing this context enriches the reading of Six of Crows, as you'll understand the geopolitical tensions, the prejudice against Grisha, and the origins of certain elements that drive the plot.
Reading in publication order (Trilogy -> Six of Crows -> Crooked Kingdom) also makes the occasional cameo or reference from the original series a delightful surprise rather than a confusing footnote. It allows you to witness Leigh Bardugo's evolution as a writer, from the more traditional epic fantasy to the complex, multi-POV heist narrative. Ultimately, both pathways lead into the vast, interconnected Grishaverse, but beginning with Alina's story provides the most solid foundation.
Leigh Bardugo's Lasting Impact on Fantasy
The success of the Grisha Trilogy and the Six of Crows duology has cemented Leigh Bardugo as a leading voice in fantasy. Her work is praised for its gritty realism, diverse and flawed characters, and its unique blending of fantasy with real-world cultural inspirations—Ravka with Tsarist Russia, Kerch with Dutch mercantilism, etc. This has paved the way for a new wave of YA fantasy that isn't afraid to explore darker themes and morally ambiguous protagonists.
The Grishaverse continues to grow with the King of Scars duology, which circles back to characters and nations from both earlier series, weaving their stories together. This interconnectedness is a hallmark of Bardugo's planning and a huge draw for fans. It creates a living, breathing world where actions have consequences that ripple across years and continents, from the battlefields of Ravka to the gambling dens of Ketterdam.
Whether you are drawn to the epic scale and magical conflict of the Shadow and Bone trilogy or the cunning schemes and found-family dynamics of the Six of Crows duology, Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse offers a rich, expansive fantasy experience. The boxed set is a perfect gateway into the latter, promising hours of relentless adventure, shocking twists, and character development that will leave you deeply invested in the fate of the Crows. Start your journey today and discover why this world has captured the hearts of readers around the globe.
