Elizabeth Lim is such an incredible storyteller. She takes these stories that we’re familiar with and not only elevates them to a new plane, but creates something entirely unique and new out of them. This amazing story will leave you breathless and aching to keep reading it long after you’ve finished the story. From start to finish, I found myself in nail-biting suspense attempting to figure out what was going to happen next. No character is safe, and there’s so much more beneath the surface than what there seems to be. People will fall in love with the characters, but even more, they’ll fall in love with the incredible world that Elizabeth has set up for her readers. Add this to your TBR, because you won’t want to miss this book.
Shiori is the princess of Kiata, and she’s got a secret. Through her veins runs magic forbidden to use in her father’s kingdom. She’s used to hiding her power, but on the morning of her betrothal, she loses control. It manages to stall her betrothal, but puts her under the eye of her stepmother, Raikama. With dark magic of her own, she banishes Shiori and turns her brothers into cranes, forbidding Shiori from speaking, because for each word that crosses her lips, one of her brothers will die. Shiori starts her search alone, penniless and mute, and the journey will be gruelling and long. She’ll uncover a dark conspiracy for her father’s throne that is even more complicated than her stepmother’s betrayal. Shiori’s only choice will be to embrace the magic she’s hidden for so long.
The beginning of this book makes it very clear that Shiori is a headstrong, but spoiled, princess. While she is not afraid to speak her mind, she does tend to do things her own way, but with her impending betrothal, she’s having to step into more of an obedient role that she doesn’t want. She essentially suffers from the consequences of her own actions, and while you might imagine that her being a little spoiled might make her a less likable character, it doesn’t. She’s quite smart, which allows her to realise when she’s faltered, but not until it’s too late. My favourite aspect of this book is her relationship with her brothers, because you can see how her personality melds and clashes with each of them…but their love is still prevalent. Even more interesting is Shiori’s relationship with Raikama. Shiori is weary of her, but also misses the relationship that they used to have.
The magic in this story is what truly stands out and creates this beautiful fantasy world that makes you want to stay. There’s Shiori’s version of it which she doesn’t understand, but has managed to use somehow, and then there is the magic of some of the others. I loved how Elizabeth uses the magic system to enhance the plot of the story further, and makes you want to know more about certain aspects of it. Something that stands out to me is how magic can be bright, but it’s easy to taint and turn into something darker and sinister. Moreover, there’s also a message about the consequences of having good intentions that I think really stands out in this story.
If you’re wanting to read a story with a light focus on romance, then I highly suggest this because there’s no one better at writing a light romance plot than Elizabeth Lim. There’s a little bit of a romantic triangle, but by the end it’s clear which relationship is more developed and you’re absolutely cheering for their romance to work out. Moreover, there’s such a deep respect between the characters that you want for their relationship to work out. There’s lots of little things I want to shout about because I just love how they enhanced the story, but I can’t without spoiling it, so please take my word and go add it to your TBR list!
I’m always a huge fan of retellings, and I love Elizabeth’s take on this particular fairytale. Not only does it add an incredible amount of depth, but it’s refreshing to see lesser known fairy tales retold and moulded into something new. I’m absolutely blown away by this story, and the ending left me in tatters because I cannot wait to see what the next book will have in store for us. It’s certainly going to be more exhilarating, because after the ending reveal, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT.
Six Crimson Cranes is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of July 6th 2021.
Will you be picking up Six Crimson Cranes? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse… Drawing from ‘The Wild Swans’ and East Asian folklore, this breathtakingly original fantasy from the author of Spin the Dawn is perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo or Tomi Adeyemi.
“A dazzling fairytale full of breathtaking storytelling.” –Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval
Shiori’anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.
A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.
Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she’s been taught all her life to forswear–no matter what the cost.
