Kaz Brekker is no ordinary teen on the streets of Ketterdam. He's a criminal mastermind with a knack for pulling off impossible heists. When he's offered a chance to make a fortune beyond his wildest dreams by the Merchant Council to steal an important secret from one of the most heavily guarded buildings of a rival nation, Kaz gathers a crew of misfits and outcasts to take on a deadly mission. From a sharpshooter with a troubled past to a runaway with magical abilities, each member has their own skills and secrets. Together, they must navigate betrayal, danger, and their own dark histories. If they succeed, they'll be legends. If they fail, well, they just might end up dead.
What makes this book stand out is its ability to balance heart-pounding action with deeply emotional character arcs. You’ll find yourself rooting for every member of Kaz’s crew, despite their flaws and dark pasts. Bardugo’s world-building is top-notch, painting a vivid picture of the gritty streets of Ketterdam and beyond. The stakes are high, the twists are unexpected, and it keeps you on your toes the entire read. This book is recommended for anyone from 13-16. The only slight issue I had while reading was that this book is quite a lot to understand, with such an in-depth fantasy world with not a lot of explanation, opening up much inference from the reader. Nevertheless, once you understand it, it is amazing.