Review: Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
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*I would like to start off this review by saying a huge thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Blurb:
Shiori, 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. Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die. Peniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama's betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.
My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Six Crimson Cranes is a Young Adult Fantasy retelling of the fairytale of The Six Swans, a story I used to love when I was younger (I always felt sad after reading it, but I just kept coming back. Maybe that's something I should think about?)
I was really excited to read this book, but it had so many raving reviews that I was so sure it would disappoint me. As you can tell from my five star rating, it obviously didn't.
There are a few reasons why I wanted to read this book in the first place, other than the reviews (and apart from the absolutely stunning cover, I mean look at that!)
First of all, a fantastical world with royalty and kingdoms and betrayal and magic and romance. Do I need to continue? If you've read my own book, Asyra's Call, you'll know that that vibe is exactly what I love in a book world. So, obviously, I was already eager to read it and love it and be in love with it.
Secondly, the arranged marriage trope. Seriously, need I say anymore?
And thirdly, I love a good fairytale retelling! You could sell me anything as a fairytale retelling, and chances are I would read it!
And I absolutely did fall head over heels in love with this story! The writing was beautiful, the setting was amazing, and the author managed to include just enough description to keep me interested but not bore me so I would just skim over it (that's a thing that I do. I know I shouldn't but I do).
The characters in the story were each so unique and loveable in their own different ways, and even though this story was absolutely inspired by The Six Swans, it was also so different from the original, and so fresh in the absolute best of ways.
So, the only problem I have now is waiting for book 2. Because I really need it!
If you enjoy books with:
the arrange marriage trope
dragons (and other magical creatures)
a fast-paced plot
fairytale vibes
Then you absolutely need to read this book!
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