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    Books Like Six of Crows: 12 Reads You'll Love

    If you want more of Six of Crows's found family, start with The Gilded Wolves.

    Updated July 2026

    Books like Six of Crows: 12 picks. Hand-picked reads with the same mood and themes, from The Gilded Wolves to Foundryside.

    You devoured Six of Crows, didn't you? That feeling of getting swept into Ketterdam's grimy, glittering underbelly, watching Kaz Brekker pull off the impossible with a flick of his wrist and a glint in his eye? Yeah, we know that itch. It’s that exquisite blend of pulse-pounding action, razor-sharp wit, and characters who burrow deep under your skin. You’re not just looking for another fantasy book; you’re looking for that specific magic again, and we’re here to help you find it. Leigh Bardugo’s storytelling in Six of Crows is a masterclass in tension and character work. It’s not just the clever prose, though that certainly helps; it’s the way she crafts a narrative that feels like a tightly wound spring, each chapter ratcheting up the stakes until you're holding your breath. The emotional payoff isn’t just earned; it’s practically stolen from you, in the best possible way. And let's be real, the true heart of the series lies in those unforgettable character dynamics. The Dregs aren't just a crew; they're a found family, each member broken in their own way but fiercely loyal to each other. Their individual backstories, laced with trauma and ambition, make their shared quest feel incredibly personal, and their banter? Chef's kiss. It's the kind of book that leaves you feeling like you’ve been on a grand, dangerous adventure, and now you’re back, a little breathless, and desperate for more. The intricate plotting, the way every small detail comes back in a satisfying, often shocking, way—that’s the stuff of pure reading addiction. The blend of fantastical elements with the grounded grit of a criminal underworld creates a truly unique flavor of storytelling that’s hard to replicate. So, what are you really chasing after that breathtaking ride? It’s more than just a genre; it's the mood. You're yearning for that delicious tension of a high-stakes heist, the morally ambiguous charm of characters who walk the line between good and bad, and the undeniable pull of a found family fighting against impossible odds. You want intricate world-building you can sink your teeth into, with a setting that feels as much a character as the people inhabiting it. You’re seeking that particular brand of cleverness, where every strategic move is a puzzle piece snapping into place, and every character interaction sparks with hidden depths. You want to feel thrilled, connected, and utterly invested once again. This list is for anyone who loved the Young Adult (YA) thrill and complex characters of Six of Crows, generally ages 14 and up. While some picks lean a bit older, they all share that irresistible spark of danger, strategy, and heart. Expect themes of found family, intricate plots, and characters who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. If you enjoyed the intense action and emotional depth, you’ll find plenty to love here across a spectrum of fantasy subgenres. We’ve scoured the literary landscape to bring you books that capture the essential ingredients of Six of Crows. Think of this as your personalized guide to more intricate schemes, compelling crews, and worlds that buzz with dark magic and even darker secrets. We’ve blended some well-loved favorites with a few hidden gems you might not have stumbled upon yet, all chosen because they evoke that same feeling of
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    12 books like Six of Crows

    A ranked list of books similar to Six of Crows — if you liked it, start at the top and work down. Each pick includes why it works and who it's for.

    1

    The Gilded Wolves

    by Roshani Chokshi

    If you adored the intricate planning and found family vibes of Six of Crows, you’ll be utterly charmed by this series. It features a diverse, witty crew on a dangerous treasure hunt through a magical 19th-century Paris. While it leans a bit more into ancient mysteries and puzzles, the delightful banter and clever protagonist, Séverin, will have you hooked. It’s perfect for readers who loved the historical atmosphere mixed with fantastical elements.

    2

    Foundryside

    by Robert Jackson Bennett

    For those who loved Inej's stealth and the cunning magic system, Sancia Grado is a master thief with a unique ability to 'scrive' objects, altering their very properties. This leads to truly ingenious and high-stakes heist sequences in a fantastically original city. It’s got that morally gray character feel but with a magic system that’s incredibly fresh and satisfying to unravel. Great for anyone craving novel magic and clever thievery.

    3

    Skyhunter

    by Marie Lu

    If you were here for the fierce protagonists and the fight for found family against overwhelming odds, Skyhunter absolutely delivers. Talin, a Striker, proves her resilience and loyalty in a war-torn dystopian world, echoing the Dregs' unwavering bond. It offers a fresh science-fantasy twist on the high-stakes action you loved in Six of Crows, and it's perfect for readers who enjoy dystopian settings with strong female leads and intense battles.

    4

    Nevernight

    by Jay Kristoff

    If the darker, grittier side of Ketterdam called to you, Mia Corvere's journey through a brutal school for assassins is your next stop. This series is definitely more adult, reveling in themes of bloody revenge, finding your power among outcasts, and truly hardcore training. While it's more focused on assassination than heists, it shares that delicious moral ambiguity and a profound sense of found family that Six of Crows fans will appreciate. You'll love this if you want something darker and more intense like The Poppy War.

    5

    Jade City

    by Fonda Lee

    Talk about a gangster saga with magic! This book plunges you into the intense world of the Kaul family, one of two rival crime families vying for control of powerful jade. If you loved the complex underworld politics and the fierce loyalty of the Dregs, you'll be captivated by this. It’s more adult-oriented, with intricate power struggles and epic action that makes you feel like you're watching a martial arts movie come to life. Perfect for those who crave deep world-building and morally complex family dynamics.

    6

    The Raven Cycle

    by Maggie Stiefvater

    If the unique chemistry of the Dregs' found family and the atmospheric world-building were your jam, meet the Raven Boys. This series is less about heists and more about uncovering ancient Welsh magic in a small Virginia town, but the bond between Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Noah is absolutely unforgettable. It’s got a distinct magical realism vibe and quirky charm that will enchant you, and their loyalty to each other is as fierce as you could wish for. Ideal for readers who prioritize character relationships and a sense of shared destiny.

    7

    The Lies of Locke Lamora

    by Scott Lynch

    Calling all Kaz Brekker fans! Locke Lamora is another master thief you'll adore, leading his Gentlemen Bastards in elaborate, often hilarious, long cons. This book is the epitome of clever heists, intricate planning, and a deep dive into an unforgettable criminal underworld. While the magic is less overt than in Six of Crows, the sheer ingenuity and the brilliant banter will win you over. You'll love this if you want pure, unadulterated heist goodness with a side of witty repartee and a truly compelling found family.

    8

    Mistborn: The Final Empire

    by Brandon Sanderson

    If you loved the idea of a crew of gifted individuals taking down an oppressive regime, then this is your next epic fantasy. Kelsier assembles a team, much like Kaz, to undertake a seemingly impossible heist against a tyrannical Lord Ruler. The magic system is incredibly innovative, and the plotting is a masterpiece of intricate world-building and satisfying payoffs. It’s a bit more traditional epic fantasy, but the team dynamics and revolutionary spirit will resonate deeply. Great for those who enjoy grand scale rebellion and unique magic.

    9

    Among Thieves

    by M.J. Kuhn

    For readers who loved the intricate planning and the morally grey choices, this book is all about another impossible heist featuring a crew of outcasts. Ryia Nyx is a legendary thief, tasked with stealing a magical artifact. It's got that wonderful sense of found family and the thrill of watching a complex plan unfold with unexpected twists. It's a fantastic blend of fantasy and heist tropes, perfect for anyone who craves the strategic depth and character-focused thievery of Six of Crows.

    10

    Fable

    by Adrienne Young

    If the gritty, dangerous atmosphere of Ketterdam and the struggle for survival appealed to you, Fable offers a similar vibe but on the high seas. Fable, a young diver, fights to find her place among cutthroat traders and dangerous rivals, forming unexpected alliances. It's got that found family feel, a thrilling sense of adventure, and characters who are as cunning as they are loyal. You'll especially enjoy this if you liked the darker undertones and want a maritime setting.

    11

    The Serpent and Dove

    by Shelby Mahurin

    For those who were captivated by the intense enemies-to-lovers dynamics and the magical world, this story of a witch and a witch-hunter forced into marriage will enthrall you. While not a heist story, it features high stakes, forbidden romance, and characters navigating a world full of danger and difficult choices. The magic system is compelling, and the intricate web of secrets will keep you guessing. It's a great choice if you loved the emotional depth and the compelling relationships within the Dregs. If you enjoy the romance subplot in Six of Crows, this is perfect for you.

    12

    Assassin's Apprentice

    by Robin Hobb

    If you were drawn to the themes of training, espionage, and the journey of a young outcast finding their path, FitzChivalry Farseer's story is an absolute must-read. While it's more traditional epic fantasy and less heist-focused, the intricate political intrigue and the deep, rich character development are phenomenal. Fitz's bond with his King's assassin and the challenges he faces will remind you of the Dregs' fierce loyalties. This is ideal for readers who crave complex characters and a slower, more immersive build-up of a richly imagined world.

    Why readers loved Six of Crows

    You devoured Six of Crows, didn't you? That feeling of getting swept into Ketterdam's grimy, glittering underbelly, watching Kaz Brekker pull off the impossible with a flick of his wrist and a glint in his eye? Yeah, we know that itch. It’s that exquisite blend of pulse-pounding action, razor-sharp wit, and characters who burrow deep under your skin. You’re not just looking for another fantasy book; you’re looking for that specific magic again, and we’re here to help you find it.

    Across thousands of reviews, readers keep coming back to the same notes: found family, heist, fantasy. Every book on this list was chosen because it delivers on at least two of those threads.

    Shared themes & tropes

    The threads that connect these recommendations to Six of Crows.

    Who this list is for

    Age group

    Young Adult
    Adult

    Genre fit

    Fantasy
    Romance
    Thriller / Mystery
    Historical

    Perfect for readers who want…

    • found family — without losing what made Six of Crows special.
    • heist — without losing what made Six of Crows special.
    • fantasy — without losing what made Six of Crows special.
    • magic system — without losing what made Six of Crows special.
    • YA fantasy — without losing what made Six of Crows special.
    • magical realism — without losing what made Six of Crows special.

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