Author: Elizabeth Lim
Series: Six Crimson Cranes #1
Genre: Magic/Fantasy/Retelling
Publisher: Random House Children's, Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: July 6th, 2021
Edition: Kindle Edition, 464 pages
Source: NetGallley
Purchase: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | BAM | Book Depository | Bookshop | Powell's
Synopsis:
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.
This was such an enjoyable book. It reads like a classic fairytale, and the naivety of the main character is realistic and believable. This book was magical and I was instantly drawn into the world and fell in love with all the characters. More than once I got anxious for the characters, worried about how they planned on getting out of their dire situations. Though I'm not familiar with the tale this is inspired by, The Wild Swans, I don't think it's important to do enjoy this book. The setting and the East Asian folklore make this a unique and magical story that draws you into the world.
Shiori is a fantastic main character. Where she starts, and the growth she has along the way never comes across as unrealistic or unbelievable for her situation. Her resourcefulness helps her get out of many situations that could have been much worse. Luck is also on her side.
I wish her brothers were part of this story a little more, I don't feel like I got to know them very well. The other side characters had more of a presence, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I really like Tekkan, I hope he's part of the sequel. His character wasn't what I was expecting, and I think the dynamic he develops with Shiori, even before he knows exactly who she is was really sweet.
The other characters who are introduced while she is at his palace, at first I thought they were taking away from what I thought the main story was, but there were some unexpected reveals that tied things together nicely.
The ending was really intense and unexpected, I can't wait to see where things go from here, and I really do hope that Shiori and Tekkan get their happy ending. I found out after I read this that this is a prequel to Spin the Dawn, which I haven't read yet, but now I am eager to read it and maybe see if I notice any easter eggs.
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