So you finished Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, and now you’re on the hunt for more books like it. It’s not just about the heist; it’s about the people behind it and the choices they make.
Readers love this book, which is why we’re rounding up books like Six of Crows with similar vibes and the same mix of action, strategy, strong characters, a smart plot, and a layered crew.
This book stands out from others because of the way it handles trust, survival, and loyalty. This list brings together books that share those same core elements.
Some are about clever plans. Other novels focus on unlikely friendships, dangerous missions, or broken worlds. A few are set in fantasy lands, while others lean more into crime, politics, or power struggles.
You don’t have to read these in order. Each one is included because it speaks to the spirit of Six of Crows — not by copying it, but by exploring similar themes in a new way.
Whether you’re here for the group dynamic, the tension, or the risk, this guide is meant to help you find your next good read. Let’s take a closer look at the books that might just give you that same feeling again.
Last Updated: 13 July 2026
What Makes a Book Like Six of Crows?
If you haven’t read Six of Crows yet, some of these picks may land differently—but don’t worry, each book stands on its own.
- A fast-paced, layered plot often involving schemes or missions
- High-stakes action that doesn’t overshadow emotional depth
- Characters that change (or don’t) in ways that matter
- Worldbuilding that feels lived-in but not overwhelming
- A tight-knit group of outcasts or morally conflicted characters
Not all books are exactly fantasy or the same, but they share the DNA of Six of Crows in a meaningful way.
Finished Six of Crows? Here Are 13 Similar Books You’ll Love Next
1. Vicious by V.E. Schwab
Genre: Fantasy / Science Fantasy / Superhero Fiction
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Pages: 364
Goodreads Rating: ~4.20/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — minimal romance, no explicit content
Vicious is widely recommended after Six of Crows, and it earns that reputation. It’s the story of two former college friends, Victor and Eli, who discover that under the right conditions, a person can develop superhuman abilities.
What starts as a research project turns into a personal war between them. The book moves between past and present, showing how their choices lead to a dangerous conflict.
What makes this book stand out is how it explores power, revenge, and the thin line between hero and villain. Victor and Eli both believe they’re doing the right thing, but the book never tells you who to side with.
Instead, it lets you watch their actions and decide for yourself. There are no clear heroes here, just people trying to survive with the power they chose to create.
It feels close to Six of Crows in its focus on morally gray characters, sharp planning, and quiet tension. Like Kaz Brekker, Victor is careful, controlled, and locked onto his goal. Both stories build tension without needing constant action.
What Makes It Similar:
Focuses on revenge, moral ambiguity, and a sharp mind playing the long game. Victor and Kaz both operate outside rules, shaped by past betrayal.
2. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Pages: 464
Goodreads Rating: ~4.27/5
Spice Level: 2/5 — romantic tension, no explicit scenes
This novel is set in a ruthless empire inspired by ancient Rome, where power is maintained by fear and force. It focuses on two main characters: Laia, a Scholar girl who is undercover to rescue her brother, and Elias, a top-ranking student at the empire’s military academy who secretly wants to escape.
Both are stuck in worlds they didn’t choose, and it’s easy to stay hooked from the first chapter. What’s great about this book is that it shows us the price of survival in a world where violence is everyday life.
Each decision they make has great significance, and there’s no easy way out. This book slowly builds tension with fear and trust that get intense under pressure. This is a strong match for Six of Crows fans.
Although the book scenes are not exactly the same, both books have themes of resistance, loyalty, and how far individuals will go to protect others. Like Kaz and Inej, Laia and Elias are also imperfect heroes.
They are survivors, shaped by pain and driven by purpose. You’ll see plans fall apart and characters struggle to stay true to themselves.
What Makes It Similar:
Set in a brutal world where survival means sacrifice and strategy. The dual narrative and emotional weight feel close to Six of Crows’ layered tone.
3. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Genre: Epic Fantasy / Fantasy Adventure
Publication Date: June 27, 2006
Pages: 752 (Del Rey paperback edition)
Goodreads Rating: ~4.31/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — very little romance
The Lies of Locke Lamora is a book about a small gang of thieves known as the Gentleman Bastards, led by Locke Lamora, a clever con artist who targets the rich in the city of Camorr.
The main storyline moves between the gang’s current schemes and Locke’s past, showing how he learned to outsmart everyone around him.
It’s not just about stealing money; it’s about beating the system, no matter the cost. If you watched the Money Heist series, you know what I am talking about.
What makes this book stand out is how much detail it gives to both the plan and the people behind it. Each heist feels earned, and every trick has a purpose. The world of Camorr is full of risky crime lords, corrupt nobles, and rules that can change without warning.
This book is a strong match for fans of Six of Crows. Both stories center on a tight crew, difficult plans, and main characters who use brains over brute strength.
Like Kaz, Locke isn’t the strongest in the room, but he’s usually the smartest. The friendship and trust between crew members also feel like the real deal, built over time and tested often. It’s worth the read if you haven’t picked it up yet.
What Makes It Similar:
Built around a clever, flawed thief and his loyal crew. Both stories rely on tight plans, shifting stakes, and bonds formed in the underworld.
Must Read- Top 11 Friends to Lovers Books You Shouldn’t Miss
4. We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Pages: 480
Goodreads Rating: ~4.14/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — slow-burn romance, no explicit content
We Hunt the Flame is set in a kingdom where magic has vanished and darkness rules. It has two main characters: Zafira, a skilled hunter who hides her identity to support her people, and Nasir, the prince known as the “Prince of Death,” who follows orders without any question.
Both are sent on the same mission—to recover a lost artifact that could bring magic back. The story puts together survival, loyalty, and identity. Zafira struggles with being both needed and hunted.
Nasir carries the weight of being a weapon for his father’s rule. As their paths cross, the mission grows harder—not just because of the dangers around them, but because of what they begin to learn about themselves and each other.
This book fits well for Six of Crows readers. It features a deadly journey, characters with hidden pain, and slow trust built under pressure.
Like Kaz and Inej, Zafira and Nasir carry guilt and purpose. They aren’t just trying to win—they’re trying to live with the choices they’ve made.
What Makes It Similar:
Centers on two broken leads bound by duty and inner conflict. Like Six of Crows, it’s a mission story with slow trust and layered character arcs.
5. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
Pages: 368
Goodreads Rating: ~3.97/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — clean romance
From the same author of Six of Crows, Leigh Bardugo, The Shadow and Bone trilogy introduces the Grishaverse, the same world where Six of Crows takes place, but earlier in the timeline—essentially a prequel.
This trilogy lays the groundwork for the world of Six of Crows. It explains the history of the Grisha, how power is viewed, and why places like Ketterdam matter so much later on.
The story revolves around Alina Starkov, a young mapmaker who finds out she has a rare power that could shift the balance in a country divided by war and darkness.
After she learns how to control her power, she gets into politics, promises, and the dangers of the Grisha elite.
While the story is more focused on Alina’s personal journey than on a crew dynamic, it still explores trust, survival, and the cost of leadership—themes that are reflected in Bardugo’s later books.
For Six of Crows fans, this trilogy offers useful background, and a few characters do reappear.
One note if you’re planning to watch instead of read: Netflix adapted the first season around this book, but the show was cancelled after two seasons in November 2023, and the planned Six of Crows spin-off series was scrapped along with it. Right now, the books are the only way to get the full story.
What Makes It Similar:
Shares the same universe, with overlapping themes of power, identity, and survival. It builds the foundation that gives Six of Crows its depth.
6. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy / Urban Fantasy / Science Fiction
Publication Date: August 20, 2013
Pages: 466
Goodreads Rating: ~3.80/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — minimal romance, no explicit content
I already talked about this book in my Dark Fantasy Romance Books. The Bone Season takes place in a future London controlled by a powerful, dystopian force.
In this world, clairvoyants—people with abilities to connect with the spirit world—are hunted and imprisoned. Paige Mahoney is one of them. She works in the criminal underworld, using her rare ability to scout the minds of others.
But when she’s captured and sent to a hidden city run by an even more secretive regime, she learns her world is far more twisted—and dangerous—than she thought. There’s a deep magical system, an authoritarian society, and a hidden war brewing beneath it all.
But at its core, it’s Paige’s story—about resistance, survival, and learning who to trust when the lines between captor and ally blur.
For fans of Six of Crows, The Bone Season offers the same kind of strategy, secrecy, and emotional weight. Paige, like Kaz, guides systems created to control her, using her mind more than pure strength.
There’s also a strong sense of chosen family, high chances, and characters shaped by loss and loyalty.
What Makes It Similar:
Features a criminal underworld, high-stakes missions, and a lead with rare abilities. Paige and Kaz both challenge controlling systems while carrying deep scars.
7. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Genre: Fantasy / Parallel Worlds
Publication Date: February 24, 2015
Pages: 400
Goodreads Rating: ~4.09/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — very light romance
A Darker Shade of Magic introduces a world where parallel Londons exist: Red, Grey, White, and a fourth, Black, sealed off long ago after its magic consumed it. Each London has a different relationship with magic. Kell, one of the last rare magicians who can travel between these worlds, smuggles items across borders, even though it’s forbidden.
When one thing goes wrong, he meets Delilah Bard, a thief who wants something more than just survival. Together, they are pushed into a struggle that could disturb the balance of magic itself.
The storyline is impressive for its focus on control, choice, and how power can change people. Kell gets duty and secrets, which he gets burdened with. Lila wants freedom but can’t understand the price of it.
Their relationship progresses through pressure and shared risk. The magic system is clear in the book, but what matters most is how characters use it or resist it.
Vicious and A Darker Shade of Magic are both written by the same author, V.E. Schwab.
Like books like Six of Crows, this book also offers similar kinds of strengths: morally gray leads, found-family energy, and a plot built on sharp moves and dangerous moves.
Like Kaz and Inej, Kell and Lila are survivors who learn to work together without losing their edge. There’s no wasted space; the story moves with purpose, and the emotional core stays steady.
What Makes It Similar:
Follows morally gray characters balancing risk, secrets, and power. Like Six of Crows, it’s driven by sharp planning and fragile alliances.
8. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Genre: Young Adult Urban Fantasy / Paranormal
Publication Date: September 18, 2012
Pages: 409
Goodreads Rating: ~4.05/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — slow-burn romance, no explicit scenes
Some stories begin with fate, and this one begins with a warning: if Blue Sargent ever kisses her true love, he will die.
It’s about Blue and four boys from a private school—Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Noah—who are on a search for a long-dead Welsh king said to grant a wish. Together, they bump into an unseen world filled with ley lines, hidden truths, and magic that feels just out of reach.
The heart of the story is the bond between these five characters. Each one has its own secret, and the strength of the book lies in how they fit together—messy, loyal, and always changing.
The plot moves between real-world problems (class, grief, family tension) and the supernatural. The magic isn’t loud or showy; it’s mysterious and often quiet, which makes it feel more real.
For Six of Crows readers, this book offers the same focus on a close-knit group where loyalty is earned, not assumed.
Like Kaz’s crew, the Raven Boys are shaped by their pasts and held together by a shared purpose. There’s also a similar kind of mystery, risk, and emotional weight.
The story doesn’t feel rushed—it lets each character grow at their own pace, which makes the payoff land harder.
What Makes It Similar:
Centers on a found family with complex loyalties and emotional depth. The quiet magic and deep character focus echo the heart of Kaz’s crew.
9. The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
Genre: Adult Fantasy / Historical Fantasy
Publication Date: November 14, 2017
Pages: 544
Goodreads Rating: ~4.18/5
Spice Level: 2/5 — mild romantic content, no explicit scenes
The City of Brass begins in Cairo in the 18th century, where Nahri, a healer and con artist, accidentally calls up a powerful djinn while performing one of her tricks.
That one action puts her into an underground realm of politics, magic, and ancient power struggles. She’s whisked away to Daevabad, a city with djinn sections warring for power, and where her own mysterious background could tip the scales.
This book blends real history with rich world-building scenarios. The magic system draws on Middle Eastern mythology but never overwhelms the human side of the story.
Nahri’s sharp instincts and outsider status make her a grounded guide through a complex situation. Alongside her are Dara, a mysterious warrior with a troubled past, and Prince Alizayd, caught between duty and belief.
It earns its place on this list through its political conspiracy and morally complicated cast.
Both Nahri and Dara are shaped by tragedy, and like Six of Crows, this is a story about people struggling to survive in a world that was never built with them in mind.
What Makes It Similar:
Blends rich political tension with morally complex characters navigating shifting alliances. Like Six of Crows, it centers on survival, identity, and power plays in a dangerous world.
10. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy / Dystopian
Publication Date: February 10, 2015
Pages: 400
Goodreads Rating: ~4.00/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — romantic tension, no explicit content
Red Queen splits its world into Silvers, who have powers and rule, and Reds, who don’t and must serve. Mare Barrow is a Red, living in poverty and stealing to survive, until a twist of fate reveals she has powers of her own. Thrust into the Silver Court, she has to pass as one of them while secretly helping the growing Red rebellion.
The tension comes from one central question: what happens when the people with power aren’t the ones who deserve it? Mare doesn’t start as a fighter; she becomes one through betrayal, strategy, and choice.
The clearest similarity to Six of Crows is the lead character herself and how she’s shaped by hardship.
Mare’s story leans more into rebellion than crime, but the stakes and emotional turns echo Kaz’s world, where no one is exactly what they seem, and trust is earned moment by moment.
What Makes It Similar:
Both stories explore corrupt systems and divided classes, with a sharp lead navigating lies and betrayal. Mare and Kaz are shaped by survival, not privilege.
Also Read This- 14 Addictive Step Brother Romance Books to Explore
11. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy / Fantasy Romance
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Pages: 528
Goodreads Rating: ~4.03/5
Spice Level: 2/5 — some open-door romance, mild explicit content
It’s a story about a witch named Lou who is hiding from her past and a witch hunter named Reid who was raised to see magic as evil.
A twist of fate forces them into marriage, built on lies and fear, and pushes them closer together whether they like it or not.
The book is set in a world where the church hunts witches and magic comes at a cost, and every choice gets harder because Reid follows rules and believes in order. The tension builds slowly, and Lou uses wit and instinct to survive.
Both stories feature characters who operate in the gray, doing what is not clean or easy. There’s sharp dialogue, moral conflict, and growing trust between people who start on opposite sides. Like Kaz and Inej, Lou and Reid navigate danger while trying to stay true to themselves.
If you liked the balance of tension, risk, and emotional shifts in Six of Crows, Serpent & Dove delivers those same elements through a clash of belief, identity, and survival.
What Makes It Similar:
Features a reluctant partnership between enemies and a slow-burning bond built on distrust. Like Six of Crows, it blends magic, danger, and moral gray areas.
Also Read This- 10 More Books Like Fourth Wing to Add to Your TBR
12. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy / Fae Fantasy
Publication Date: January 2, 2018
Pages: 384
Goodreads Rating: ~4.06/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — romance-focused tension, no explicit scenes
After witnessing her parents’ murder, Jude is taken to the High Court of Faerie, where she grows up determined to earn a place among those who see humans as inferior.
To survive in a world that sees her as lesser, she decides to become more ruthless than the fae around her, especially Prince Cardan, who’s made it his mission to humiliate her.
What makes this one compelling is Jude’s refusal to stay a victim. She schemes, lies, and claws her way toward power in a court built on cruelty and games within games.
Cardan reads as a clear antagonist at first, but like most of Holly Black’s characters, he’s more complicated than he looks.
This is a strong pick for Six of Crows fans because it runs on the same fuel: political scheming, characters who trust almost no one, and a lead who wins through cunning instead of strength. Like Kaz, Jude plays a long game and doesn’t flinch at the cost.
What Makes It Similar: Both stories center on an outsider clawing for power in a world built to keep her down, using intelligence and ruthlessness instead of magic or strength.
13. Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Publication Date: July 17, 2006
Pages: 541
Goodreads Rating: ~4.48/5
Spice Level: 1/5 — light romance, no explicit content
Mistborn is set in a world where the villain already won a thousand years ago, and has ruled as an immortal emperor ever since. Ash falls from the sky, and a class of people called the Skaa live as slaves under his rule.
Kelsier is a criminal who survived the empire’s most brutal labor camps and now wants to do the impossible: pull off a heist to overthrow the empire itself.
He recruits a crew of thieves and con artists, including Vin, a street urchin who discovers she has rare magical abilities.
If you loved the crew dynamic in Six of Crows, this is close to required reading. Kelsier’s team plans and improvises the same way Kaz’s crew does, and Vin’s arc from suspicious survivor to trusted crew member echoes Inej’s growth in a lot of ways.
What Makes It Similar:
A crew of thieves planning the impossible, led by a charismatic mastermind, with a young survivor learning to trust people for the first time. The heist-against-a-broken-system structure is the closest match on this list to Kaz’s world.
Vicious vs. The Lies of Locke Lamora: Which One Should You Read First?
If you are confused between Vicious and The Lies of Locke Lamora, here’s a quick breakdown to help.
Tone & Focus:
- Vicious is darker and more introspective. It dives into themes of revenge, power, and the line between hero and villain. It’s character-driven, with a tight focus on two central figures.
- The Lies of Locke Lamora is fast-paced and plot-heavy, filled with clever cons, twists, and a rich criminal underworld. The tone is lighter in style, but still sharp and smart.
Characters:
- Vicious explores rivalry and moral tension between two ex-friends.
- Locke Lamora builds around friendship, trust, and a crew dynamic similar to Six of Crows.
Worldbuilding:
- Vicious keeps the setting minimal and grounded in a near-modern world.
- Locke Lamora offers detailed fantasy with politics, class systems, and a vibrant city.
Choose Vicious if you want:
- A morally complex story
- A study of power and identity
Choose Locke Lamora if you want:
- Heists, humor, and crew chemistry
- A richly layered fantasy world
Where to Buy These Books
You can find all the Novels listed in this guide at trusted retailers, both online and in-store. Whether you prefer physical copies or digital formats, here are some reliable places to buy them: (note: this link is non-affiliated)
- Amazon—Offers both print and Kindle editions, often with fast delivery and bundle deals.
- Kindle Store—Perfect for eBook lovers who want instant access on mobile, tablet, or Kindle devices.
- Barnes & Noble—Great for hardcover and paperback editions, with exclusive signed copies for some titles.
- Penguin Random House—Visit the publisher’s site for direct purchases, exclusive releases, and bonus content.
Final Thoughts
I hope you love the list above — share it with a friend who’s always looking for their next fantasy read.
Six of Crows hit a rare nerve in YA fantasy, not just because of its heist plot or magical world, but because it treated its characters with real weight.
Every book above carries that same spirit forward, whether in fantasy cities, post-apocalyptic futures, or grounded magic realism.
Each of them is worth your time, and you don’t need to rush. If a title catches your eye, dig in; you might just find a new favorite crew.
Tell me in the comments which book from this list is going on your TBR first.
FAQ:-
Q: Are these books all YA?
Ans: Most are YA, though some like The Lies of Locke Lamora or Vicious lean into adult territory.
Q: Is there romance in these books?
Ans: Some have it, some don’t. If you’re looking for subtle or slow-burn romance, several picks above deliver it without being the main focus. You can also check out my different posts with a main focus on romance tropes.
Q: Do I need to read Shadow and Bone before Six of Crows?
Ans: It’s not necessary to read Shadow and Bone before Six of Crows, but it helps. Six of Crows is set in the same world but features new characters and a separate plot. Reading Shadow and Bone first provides deeper world-building context, especially regarding the Grisha and Ravka.
Q: What should I read if I mainly want the heist and crew dynamic?
Start with The Lies of Locke Lamora or Mistborn: The Final Empire. Both center on a crew pulling off something they shouldn’t be able to, the same way Kaz’s crew does.
Hi, I’m Nik — a passionate reader with a soft spot for romance and a deep love for fantasy. I started this journey to connect with fellow book lovers and help readers discover magical worlds, epic adventures, and hidden gems that deserve more attention. Whether it’s a slow-burn romance, a best-friends-to-lovers story, or an epic fantasy with rich lore, I’m here to guide you to your next favorite read. My content is all about sharing honest book reviews (I am not a pro), thoughtful reading guides, and diving deep into the fantasy and romance genres. If you’re looking for real opinions, underrated book recommendations, or just a place to celebrate the joy of reading, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore powerful love stories and unforgettable worlds—one book at a time.