It is not necessary to read [[Shadow and Bone: The Grisha Trilogy Book 1 by Leigh Bardugo|Shadow and Bone]] before 'Six of Crows' in order to understand the story; however, I would definitely recommend 'Shadow and Bone' to any fans of fantasy, as well as [[Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor|Daughter of Smoke and Bone]] by Laini Taylor.