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Six Crimson Cranes #1
Six Crimson Cranes
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2021)A princess in exile, a shapeshifting dragon, six enchanted cranes, and an unspeakable curse...
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.
Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
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.
Weaving together elements of The Wild Swans, Cinderella, the legend of Chang E, and the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter.
454 pages, ebook
First published July 6, 2021
About the author
Elizabeth Lim
38 books10.7k followersElizabeth Lim grew up on a hearty staple of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Her passion for storytelling began around age 10, when she started writing fanfics for Sailor Moon, Sweet Valley, and Star Wars, and posted them online to discover, "Wow, people actually read my stuff. And that's kinda cool!" But after one of her teachers told her she had "too much voice" in her essays, Elizabeth took a break from creative writing to focus on not flunking English.
Over the years, Elizabeth became a film and video game composer, and even went so far as to get a doctorate in music composition. But she always missed writing, and turned to penning stories when she needed a breather from grad school. One day, she decided to write and finish a novel -- for kicks, at first, then things became serious -- and she hasn't looked back since.
Elizabeth loves classic film scores, books with a good romance, food (she currently has a soft spot for arepas and Ethiopian food), the color turquoise, overcast skies, English muffins, cycling, and baking. She lives in New York City with her husband.
Over the years, Elizabeth became a film and video game composer, and even went so far as to get a doctorate in music composition. But she always missed writing, and turned to penning stories when she needed a breather from grad school. One day, she decided to write and finish a novel -- for kicks, at first, then things became serious -- and she hasn't looked back since.
Elizabeth loves classic film scores, books with a good romance, food (she currently has a soft spot for arepas and Ethiopian food), the color turquoise, overcast skies, English muffins, cycling, and baking. She lives in New York City with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,159 reviews
May 28, 2022
I am in love with this world and this book.
If you want:
- fairytale vibes
- arranged marriage trope
- family and siblings who would do anything for each other
- dragons, curses, quests, and talking paper cranes
then you need to read Six Crimson Cranes
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC!
If you want:
- fairytale vibes
- arranged marriage trope
- family and siblings who would do anything for each other
- dragons, curses, quests, and talking paper cranes
then you need to read Six Crimson Cranes
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC!
August 4, 2021
EL is just one of those reliable authors who never disappoints with their storytelling.
i knew this story would deliver in terms of immaculate world-building with lush mythology, easy-going writing that expertly tells intriguing legends, and strong characters who are worth rooting for. as anticipated, this is a really well-rounded story that lives up to expectations on every front.
the only downside is i thought seryu the dragon was the most interesting character in the entire thing and he got so little page time. such a bummer. BUT the next book is set up to take place in the land of dragons, so i have high hopes that seryu will play a larger part in the story and that has me very excited!
overall, another great addition to ELs bibliography and an excellent story for those in the mood for an east-asian inspired fantasy.
↠ 4.5 stars
i knew this story would deliver in terms of immaculate world-building with lush mythology, easy-going writing that expertly tells intriguing legends, and strong characters who are worth rooting for. as anticipated, this is a really well-rounded story that lives up to expectations on every front.
the only downside is i thought seryu the dragon was the most interesting character in the entire thing and he got so little page time. such a bummer. BUT the next book is set up to take place in the land of dragons, so i have high hopes that seryu will play a larger part in the story and that has me very excited!
overall, another great addition to ELs bibliography and an excellent story for those in the mood for an east-asian inspired fantasy.
↠ 4.5 stars
July 17, 2021
When I was first getting into reading, I was semi-obsessed with fairy tales. Okay, maybe I was fully obsessed.
I had this book called The Wild Swans. It made me so stressed. I'm not sure why. But I fell in love with the story.
As far as I know, there aren't very many novels inspired by this tale, one of my favorite folk stories. So when I found Six Crimson Cranes, I fainted and died, and then resurrected when I received an ARC (I LOVE YOU NETGALLEY).
This book definitely lived up to my expectations. I binged the second half of it, completely pulled into the story. It follows Princess Shiori and her brothers. All six of them were turned into cranes by Shiori's stepmother, Raikama. Shiori was cursed as well. For every word she speaks, one of her brothers will die.
Six Crimson Cranes frustrated me. It made me sad. It made me want to scream. Why? Because I cared. I wanted Shiori to defeat the curse. Every time she was set back, I felt her anxiety and stress and pain. I was shocked at how deeply I cared. I don't usually get very invested in books. Most of the time, I feel like I'm looking at characters from behind a glass wall. If a book isn't as excellent as this, I will be able to cackle as they suffer. I swear I'm not a psycho, just jaded.
I adore the way this book kicked stereotypes in the face and decided that it would follow a different path. I won't spoil the ending, but it really shocked me and made me rethink the way I perceived certain characters. It defied everything I thought would happen.
Shiori is such a strong and brave character, determined to save her brothers even if she knows she'll get hurt along the way. She's so easy to root for. She has a vibrant personality, believable goals, and an adorable origami friend. Each of her brothers has a unique, individual personality. It was easy to tell them apart.
The only part of this book I didn't like was right after Shiori had been cast out of the castle. She was roaming the streets searching for work. This lasted maybe three pages, and then a random person approached her and offered a job, even after everyone had been calling her a demon. This person didn't have motivation to hire her. It happened way too quickly and left me with whiplash, but honestly, this moment was so insignificant in comparison to the other events, so I'm not taking off part of a star for that. The rest of the book's pacing was pretty consistent.
Six Crimson Cranes was a delightful and heart-wrenching twist on an amazing fairy tale and I enjoyed every second of it, from the fleshed-out characters to the adorable romance to the awesome plot twists.
5 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley.
✰ Asian readathon ✰
Book 1: Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress : ★☆☆☆☆
Book 2: Jade City : ★☆☆☆☆
Book 3: The Paper Menagerie : ★★★★★
Book 4: Six Crimson Cranes: ★★★★★
______
Excuse me, I need to scream.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA'
review to come...
I had this book called The Wild Swans. It made me so stressed. I'm not sure why. But I fell in love with the story.
As far as I know, there aren't very many novels inspired by this tale, one of my favorite folk stories. So when I found Six Crimson Cranes, I fainted and died, and then resurrected when I received an ARC (I LOVE YOU NETGALLEY).
This book definitely lived up to my expectations. I binged the second half of it, completely pulled into the story. It follows Princess Shiori and her brothers. All six of them were turned into cranes by Shiori's stepmother, Raikama. Shiori was cursed as well. For every word she speaks, one of her brothers will die.
Six Crimson Cranes frustrated me. It made me sad. It made me want to scream. Why? Because I cared. I wanted Shiori to defeat the curse. Every time she was set back, I felt her anxiety and stress and pain. I was shocked at how deeply I cared. I don't usually get very invested in books. Most of the time, I feel like I'm looking at characters from behind a glass wall. If a book isn't as excellent as this, I will be able to cackle as they suffer. I swear I'm not a psycho, just jaded.
I adore the way this book kicked stereotypes in the face and decided that it would follow a different path. I won't spoil the ending, but it really shocked me and made me rethink the way I perceived certain characters. It defied everything I thought would happen.
Shiori is such a strong and brave character, determined to save her brothers even if she knows she'll get hurt along the way. She's so easy to root for. She has a vibrant personality, believable goals, and an adorable origami friend. Each of her brothers has a unique, individual personality. It was easy to tell them apart.
The only part of this book I didn't like was right after Shiori had been cast out of the castle. She was roaming the streets searching for work. This lasted maybe three pages, and then a random person approached her and offered a job, even after everyone had been calling her a demon. This person didn't have motivation to hire her. It happened way too quickly and left me with whiplash, but honestly, this moment was so insignificant in comparison to the other events, so I'm not taking off part of a star for that. The rest of the book's pacing was pretty consistent.
Six Crimson Cranes was a delightful and heart-wrenching twist on an amazing fairy tale and I enjoyed every second of it, from the fleshed-out characters to the adorable romance to the awesome plot twists.
5 stars
ARC provided by NetGalley.
✰ Asian readathon ✰
Book 1: Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress : ★☆☆☆☆
Book 2: Jade City : ★☆☆☆☆
Book 3: The Paper Menagerie : ★★★★★
Book 4: Six Crimson Cranes: ★★★★★
______
Excuse me, I need to scream.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA'
review to come...
February 10, 2022
Absolutely promising, fairy-tallish, dreamy, magical start to brand new fantasy series!
A well-executed, creative, original, Eastern mythology meets action packed adventure with dark fairytale vibes definitely put this remarkable book on your radar.
If you already enjoyed Blood and Stars duology and became fan of seamstress Maia, it will be easier for you to adore Princess Shiori and her dark magical adventure!
Shiori is the princess of Kiata, the seventh and only girl child, 16 years old, spoiled by brothers, having hot and cold relationship with her stepmother Raikama : the nameless queen, engaged to be married with third lord of barbarian North named Takkan.
But she neither wants to get marry nor wants to know more about her future husband. And she has a big secret to keep: she can do magic by giving lives to paper birds. This is small scale but it’s still threatening when you’re the princess of an empire who forbids the magic.
Her destiny changes the day her groom to be visits her alongside his father. During her own betrothal ceremony, she finds herself chase after Kiki( paper crane she’s created) and she jumps into palace lake fully clothed to catch the Crane and the last thing she sees before getting drowned is a sea dragon who saves her life.
But her only problem is not getting house arrest to sharpen her sewing skins with her stepmother. Takkan and his father perceived her attitude as an insult and they left the palace urgently.
But Shiori barely stays out of trouble. When she attends Summer Festival, she meets the human form of sea dragon. His name is Seryu and he offers her to teach magic.
And later she finds out she’s not the only magical entity at the palace. Her stepmother is also a snake-human who can perform dark magic and as soon as she catches Shiori who learned her secret: she curses her by putting a bowl magically glued to her head, even her eyes are covered by bowl so nobody can recognize her.
Shiori finds herself exiled to farther village and the bowl is not the only curse she has to deal. Raikama also forbids her to talk or write anything about her situation: if she opens her mouth to form a word her brothers will start to die one by one. She also turns her brother into six cranes and cursed their own father not to remember his own children.
As her six brothers fly around the empire to find her, poor Shiori is caught by merciless woman to work at the kitchen of a dilapidated inn. Now she’s a poor maid, humiliated by the kitchen crew, trying so hard to her way back to her home!
As soon as one kind and charming soldier arrives to the inn to borrow her money and his dagger, her fate will change and she will get a chance to find her brothers and break the curse her stepmother put on them.
But this is the only beginning of her compelling adventure and nothing as it seems. As she learns more about herself, the curse, she slowly finds out how naive she is from the beginning and she is the only one to change things radically at the empire!
Overall: interesting, intriguing, riveting start of epic series! I loved Shiori and her complicated love-hate relationship with her stepmother.
Takkan was one of the sweetest heroes I’ve ever read. He can sing, draw and read poems. Yes, he’s adorable cinnamon bun!
I’m looking forward to read the second book! This is one of the most amazing fantasy reads of 2021!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children���s / Knopf Books for young readers for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
A well-executed, creative, original, Eastern mythology meets action packed adventure with dark fairytale vibes definitely put this remarkable book on your radar.
If you already enjoyed Blood and Stars duology and became fan of seamstress Maia, it will be easier for you to adore Princess Shiori and her dark magical adventure!
Shiori is the princess of Kiata, the seventh and only girl child, 16 years old, spoiled by brothers, having hot and cold relationship with her stepmother Raikama : the nameless queen, engaged to be married with third lord of barbarian North named Takkan.
But she neither wants to get marry nor wants to know more about her future husband. And she has a big secret to keep: she can do magic by giving lives to paper birds. This is small scale but it’s still threatening when you’re the princess of an empire who forbids the magic.
Her destiny changes the day her groom to be visits her alongside his father. During her own betrothal ceremony, she finds herself chase after Kiki( paper crane she’s created) and she jumps into palace lake fully clothed to catch the Crane and the last thing she sees before getting drowned is a sea dragon who saves her life.
But her only problem is not getting house arrest to sharpen her sewing skins with her stepmother. Takkan and his father perceived her attitude as an insult and they left the palace urgently.
But Shiori barely stays out of trouble. When she attends Summer Festival, she meets the human form of sea dragon. His name is Seryu and he offers her to teach magic.
And later she finds out she’s not the only magical entity at the palace. Her stepmother is also a snake-human who can perform dark magic and as soon as she catches Shiori who learned her secret: she curses her by putting a bowl magically glued to her head, even her eyes are covered by bowl so nobody can recognize her.
Shiori finds herself exiled to farther village and the bowl is not the only curse she has to deal. Raikama also forbids her to talk or write anything about her situation: if she opens her mouth to form a word her brothers will start to die one by one. She also turns her brother into six cranes and cursed their own father not to remember his own children.
As her six brothers fly around the empire to find her, poor Shiori is caught by merciless woman to work at the kitchen of a dilapidated inn. Now she’s a poor maid, humiliated by the kitchen crew, trying so hard to her way back to her home!
As soon as one kind and charming soldier arrives to the inn to borrow her money and his dagger, her fate will change and she will get a chance to find her brothers and break the curse her stepmother put on them.
But this is the only beginning of her compelling adventure and nothing as it seems. As she learns more about herself, the curse, she slowly finds out how naive she is from the beginning and she is the only one to change things radically at the empire!
Overall: interesting, intriguing, riveting start of epic series! I loved Shiori and her complicated love-hate relationship with her stepmother.
Takkan was one of the sweetest heroes I’ve ever read. He can sing, draw and read poems. Yes, he’s adorable cinnamon bun!
I’m looking forward to read the second book! This is one of the most amazing fantasy reads of 2021!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children���s / Knopf Books for young readers for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
April 14, 2022
stop
STOP
S T O P
This was so good 😭
every single person needs to read this and that is an order.
GO! What are you waiting for?
I had honestly forgotten what it was like to read a fantasy book with a good plot. *cough*sjm*cough*
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this. There are no words in the English dictionary to do so.
I am so glad Elizabeth Lim has blessed us with her characters and amazing plot.
Shiori is one of my favourite main characters ever because
1. She is not literally useless like every other main character to ever exist. She is not clumsy, not 'not like other girls and is not just plain boring.
2. She and Kiki are so cute together
3. She is so smart and helps those who deserve her help, and she loves her brothers with all of her heart.
Seryu was also the best I loved him so much. He was so funny and the most adorableperson dragon ever. The fact that he has red eyes and green hair makes him even hotter. The way he cared for Shiori was too much for my fragile little heart. I hated how little we saw of him in this book and I'm extremely excited for the next book so I can see more and more of him.
Now onto the prince Takken. Now I do love Shiori but this stupid little bitch thought he was a menace and the worst person alive and it turns out he is the loveliest person alive wtf. I do love Takken and he is an angel but I love Seryu more I'm sorry, not sorry. I'm manifesting no love triangle and that she will end up with Seryu and no Takken. They can be besties for life. I'm so sorry Takken my love but dragon boy wins.
I have to mention the plot. It is so good and the end?! That plot twist was not expected at all. I was screaming + crying.
Live footage of me reading this book:
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
SPOILERS START HERE THERE WILL BE SIRENS AGAIN WHEN SPOILERS END
oh my god?! That ending?? What was that? The bad guys were good and the good guys were bad? WHATT I was really thinking that this witch bitch was the real deal but i lover so much. ELIZABETH LIM WHAT ARE YOU DOING MESSING WITH MY HEAD.
Alsoooo, if I were Shiori once i told the world who i was and that i was alive i would see everyone that was rude to me and say OFF WITH THEIR HEADS
is that selfish?
Yes
Do I give two shits?
Not one bit
What was that ending? THEY JUST JUMP INTO THE OCEAN AND NOW I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THE 30th OF AUGUST?!?!
And how is Shiori gonna talk to the dragon king? he has the anger of Zeus and that's not good at all. Miss gurl better have her wits about her otherwise shits gonna be messy af.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
SPOILERS END
If this review has not convinced you to read this book then all hope is lost.
I have decided that I am starting the rebellion where we stop reading romance books with naked men on the covers, so start with reading this instead! Join my cult! Not really but really.
peace out.
Have fun in my cult!
-Zoe
{previous review of other edition}
this cover is one of the most beautiful things ive ever seen in my life
STOP
S T O P
This was so good 😭
every single person needs to read this and that is an order.
GO! What are you waiting for?
I had honestly forgotten what it was like to read a fantasy book with a good plot. *cough*sjm*cough*
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this. There are no words in the English dictionary to do so.
I am so glad Elizabeth Lim has blessed us with her characters and amazing plot.
Shiori is one of my favourite main characters ever because
1. She is not literally useless like every other main character to ever exist. She is not clumsy, not 'not like other girls and is not just plain boring.
2. She and Kiki are so cute together
3. She is so smart and helps those who deserve her help, and she loves her brothers with all of her heart.
Seryu was also the best I loved him so much. He was so funny and the most adorable
Now onto the prince Takken. Now I do love Shiori but this stupid little bitch thought he was a menace and the worst person alive and it turns out he is the loveliest person alive wtf. I do love Takken and he is an angel but I love Seryu more I'm sorry, not sorry. I'm manifesting no love triangle and that she will end up with Seryu and no Takken. They can be besties for life. I'm so sorry Takken my love but dragon boy wins.
I have to mention the plot. It is so good and the end?! That plot twist was not expected at all. I was screaming + crying.
Live footage of me reading this book:
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
SPOILERS START HERE THERE WILL BE SIRENS AGAIN WHEN SPOILERS END
oh my god?! That ending?? What was that? The bad guys were good and the good guys were bad? WHATT I was really thinking that this witch bitch was the real deal but i lover so much. ELIZABETH LIM WHAT ARE YOU DOING MESSING WITH MY HEAD.
Alsoooo, if I were Shiori once i told the world who i was and that i was alive i would see everyone that was rude to me and say OFF WITH THEIR HEADS
is that selfish?
Yes
Do I give two shits?
Not one bit
What was that ending? THEY JUST JUMP INTO THE OCEAN AND NOW I NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THE 30th OF AUGUST?!?!
And how is Shiori gonna talk to the dragon king? he has the anger of Zeus and that's not good at all. Miss gurl better have her wits about her otherwise shits gonna be messy af.
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨
SPOILERS END
If this review has not convinced you to read this book then all hope is lost.
I have decided that I am starting the rebellion where we stop reading romance books with naked men on the covers, so start with reading this instead! Join my cult! Not really but really.
peace out.
Have fun in my cult!
-Zoe
{previous review of other edition}
this cover is one of the most beautiful things ive ever seen in my life
Read
January 13, 2022I'm honestly not really sure how I feel about this one! I was physically reading it until about halfway, if even, and then switched to the audiobook because I was finding it so slow. The audiobook did make a big difference, I started enjoying it more. But I still didn't really fall in love with this. I didn't dislike it, but I was so captured by the world of Spin the Dawn and this one didn't quite do that for me. I don't think it helps that I had seen so many people love this one, so my expectations were quite a bit higher. But it was just a solid fantasy for me. I will say, the story had a super unexpected twist that set it apart from a lot of other similar stories I've read. That was really cool. As for if I'll read the sequel, I'm really not sure. If I had to guess I'd say probably not. But I think this one is worth checking out if you're in the mood for a fantasy. I just have others I've enjoyed more.
June 15, 2021
A stunning remake of a fairytale. Six Crimson Cranes is the perfect blend of whimsy and ferociousness, with twists and turns that will tug at your heartstrings.
Shelved as 'maybe'
October 23, 2020another beautiful Asian girl on a beautiful cover who I am in love with!!!!!
October 13, 2024
Six Crimson Cranes, like many books before her, is one that I fell in love with upon first sight.
The cover, the synopsis, the author...
I promptly preordered it and she's been sitting on my bookshelf, gathering dust, since July of 2021.
Recently, when a book friend mentioned she wanted to read it soon, I jumped on board. Yeah, it's about time that I got to this and unsurprisingly, I had another 5-star read just waiting to be discovered right in my very own stacks.
Elizabeth Lim is such a phenomenal writer. I knew that going in, but I was still a bit intimidated by this one. I sort of always feel that way going into a new fantasy world. I'm always concerned it will go over my head, or that I won't be able to track all that is happening.
I shouldn't have been worried. This was so smooth and easy to get into. The characters were charming and fun. The world, robust and well-developed, and the plot was exciting and so addictive that I finished it in 2-days.
Shiori, our main character, is the princess of Kiata, and she's hiding the fact that she has forbidden magical powers. Shiori is one of seven children, all of her other siblings being brothers. As the only girl, Shiori certainly holds a special place amongst her family.
On the morning of Shiori's betrothal ceremony, something she is completely against, her emotions get the best of her and she loses control of herself. In her ceremonial garb, she plunges into a lake and almost dies. The bright-side being, she did avoid the ceremony.
Shiori's powers though have caught the attention of her stepmother, Raikama, who has a dark magic of her own.
Raikama banishes Shiori and turns all six of her brothers into cranes. Raikama warns Shiori that she must not speak of the curse to anyone. For every word that she utters, one of her brothers will die.
On her own and without a voice, Shiori must find her brothers and do whatever she can to reverse the curse. In order to do so though, she ends up having to put her trust in the very same boy she fought so hard not to marry. She also must learn to embrace her inner magic and courage.
I became fully invested in this story very, very quickly. By 15% into the audiobook, I was already shouting my love for it from the proverbial rooftops.
There were so many intriguing characters and elements to this story. The magic and the lore behind the entire creation was just stunning. Lim truly created a magical tale within these pages.
I would definitely recommend the audiobook to people who enjoy that medium. The narration by Emily Woo Zeller succeeded in bringing this story to life. I could not stop once I started. It's truly that compelling.
I also felt like the way that Lim continued to build the tension and up the stakes throughout was exceptional. It just had such an easy way about it. A classic build to a huge climax. The ending brought me to ugly tears.
I feel like I went full on journey with Shiori. I became so attached to her. Watching her grow and find her strength and courage was so satisfying, but it doesn't end here. Shiori has big challenges ahead in the sequel, The Dragon's Promise, which I plan to start on Monday.
If you're like me and have had this book sitting on your shelf unread for years, stop the madness now. Pick this up. Give it a read. She deserves it!!!
The cover, the synopsis, the author...
I promptly preordered it and she's been sitting on my bookshelf, gathering dust, since July of 2021.
Recently, when a book friend mentioned she wanted to read it soon, I jumped on board. Yeah, it's about time that I got to this and unsurprisingly, I had another 5-star read just waiting to be discovered right in my very own stacks.
Elizabeth Lim is such a phenomenal writer. I knew that going in, but I was still a bit intimidated by this one. I sort of always feel that way going into a new fantasy world. I'm always concerned it will go over my head, or that I won't be able to track all that is happening.
I shouldn't have been worried. This was so smooth and easy to get into. The characters were charming and fun. The world, robust and well-developed, and the plot was exciting and so addictive that I finished it in 2-days.
Shiori, our main character, is the princess of Kiata, and she's hiding the fact that she has forbidden magical powers. Shiori is one of seven children, all of her other siblings being brothers. As the only girl, Shiori certainly holds a special place amongst her family.
On the morning of Shiori's betrothal ceremony, something she is completely against, her emotions get the best of her and she loses control of herself. In her ceremonial garb, she plunges into a lake and almost dies. The bright-side being, she did avoid the ceremony.
Shiori's powers though have caught the attention of her stepmother, Raikama, who has a dark magic of her own.
Raikama banishes Shiori and turns all six of her brothers into cranes. Raikama warns Shiori that she must not speak of the curse to anyone. For every word that she utters, one of her brothers will die.
On her own and without a voice, Shiori must find her brothers and do whatever she can to reverse the curse. In order to do so though, she ends up having to put her trust in the very same boy she fought so hard not to marry. She also must learn to embrace her inner magic and courage.
I became fully invested in this story very, very quickly. By 15% into the audiobook, I was already shouting my love for it from the proverbial rooftops.
There were so many intriguing characters and elements to this story. The magic and the lore behind the entire creation was just stunning. Lim truly created a magical tale within these pages.
I would definitely recommend the audiobook to people who enjoy that medium. The narration by Emily Woo Zeller succeeded in bringing this story to life. I could not stop once I started. It's truly that compelling.
I also felt like the way that Lim continued to build the tension and up the stakes throughout was exceptional. It just had such an easy way about it. A classic build to a huge climax. The ending brought me to ugly tears.
I feel like I went full on journey with Shiori. I became so attached to her. Watching her grow and find her strength and courage was so satisfying, but it doesn't end here. Shiori has big challenges ahead in the sequel, The Dragon's Promise, which I plan to start on Monday.
If you're like me and have had this book sitting on your shelf unread for years, stop the madness now. Pick this up. Give it a read. She deserves it!!!
February 29, 2024
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“𝓕𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷 𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮, 𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓭 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝓲𝓽, 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓝𝓸𝓽 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓵𝓸𝔀 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓯𝓵𝓪𝓶𝓮.”・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
➸4 stars
⛄02/29/24
~spoiler-free review💫~
⤿buddy read with my lovely lila😽💘 I had sm fun reading this with you baby!🥹🫶🏻
This is a long overdue review, I have been too busy with most of my time now spent studying,I miss reading😭 Hence, I'm going to write whatever I remember while reading this book😌✋🏻
So let's dive into the characters' world now🤸🏻♀️:
𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓸𝓻𝓲 & 𝓣𝓪𝓴𝓴𝓪𝓷💘
Shiori~ princess of Gildara, troublemaker, chatterbox, prankster, most loved. Her life turns upside down when her stepmother curses her and her brothers. She is separated from her family, struggles alone in an unknown place, and is now determined to find her brothers. She has become selfless throughout the months, and her character development is something I came to love in this book. I wished I could give her a tight hug for all the pain she had to go through🥺🫂❤️🩹
Takkan~ lord of Iro, betrothed to Shiori, a thorough gentleman, a man of his words and down-to-earth person. He is an artist, and a storyteller (he might have written many stories in form of letters to Shiori which she never read🤭) He never gave up on finding Shiori🤧 He protects Lina aka Shiori without knowing she is the princess. I love him so much and can't wait to see him in the next book😩💘
Raikama~ aka 'the Nameless Queen' , is the most misunderstood villain of this book. She is the type where you hate in the beginning due to the things she does to Shiori and her brothers, but in the end, you can't help but love her. She deserved better😭💔 I would be lying if I said I didn't cry towards the end of the book.
Kiki~ the paper bird who was given life by Shiori through magic, is her guide/companion/friend bird. I wish I had magic to get a kiki too🤧 She was brutally honest every time, makes the funniest remarks, gives wise advice even tho it's just a paper bird, and protects Shiori. If it wasn't for kiki's friendship, I don't think Shiori would have survived those months. All the more why she is the most favorite character for me from this book😍
Side characters I loved the most: Kiki (the wisest paperbird😇), Megari (the cutest😍, takkan's little sister), and Seryu (the jealous dragon🐉🤭)
Side characters I loathed the most: Hasege and Zairena💀🔪
❥ 𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓣𝓪𝓴𝓴𝓪𝓷💞~
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝒫𝓇𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⛄02/10/24
My thoughts are too mixed up, RTC soon💌it's a crime there is no crane emoji
⛄02/02/24
Not me doing another br now🙈 I don't think I'll finish my current read anytime soon🤸🏻♀️
Doing this br with ma prettiest lila🥰💘lila said it's good, so I'm trusting her, because if we suffer, we suffer together🤭
➸4 stars
⛄02/29/24
~spoiler-free review💫~
⤿buddy read with my lovely lila😽💘 I had sm fun reading this with you baby!🥹🫶🏻
This is a long overdue review, I have been too busy with most of my time now spent studying,
So let's dive into the characters' world now🤸🏻♀️:
𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓸𝓻𝓲 & 𝓣𝓪𝓴𝓴𝓪𝓷💘
Shiori~ princess of Gildara, troublemaker, chatterbox, prankster, most loved. Her life turns upside down when her stepmother curses her and her brothers. She is separated from her family, struggles alone in an unknown place, and is now determined to find her brothers. She has become selfless throughout the months, and her character development is something I came to love in this book. I wished I could give her a tight hug for all the pain she had to go through🥺🫂❤️🩹
“Emuri’en, be kind. Let us survive the trials that await us. Don’t knot our threads together, only to sever them.”
Takkan~ lord of Iro, betrothed to Shiori, a thorough gentleman, a man of his words and down-to-earth person. He is an artist, and a storyteller (he might have written many stories in form of letters to Shiori which she never read🤭) He never gave up on finding Shiori🤧 He protects Lina aka Shiori without knowing she is the princess. I love him so much and can't wait to see him in the next book😩💘
“I would tell you stories from dawn to dusk if it meant filling your eyes with happiness.”
“I’m bound to you first. I always have been.”
“I would not have you be alone, Lina, not in your joys or your sorrows. I would wish your strand knotted to mine, always.”
Raikama~ aka 'the Nameless Queen' , is the most misunderstood villain of this book. She is the type where you hate in the beginning due to the things she does to Shiori and her brothers, but in the end, you can't help but love her. She deserved better😭💔 I would be lying if I said I didn't cry towards the end of the book.
“Your curiosity will be the doom of you one day, little one.”
“I wanted to give you memories of your mother. Memories that would make you smile, even when you came to despise me.”
“You are my daughter, not of my blood, but of my heart.”
“Learn from my mistakes, and learn from my joys. Surround yourself with those who’ll love you always, through your mistakes and your faults. Make a family that will find you more beautiful every day, even when your hair is white with age. Be the light that makes someone’s lantern shine.”
Kiki~ the paper bird who was given life by Shiori through magic, is her guide/companion/friend bird. I wish I had magic to get a kiki too🤧 She was brutally honest every time, makes the funniest remarks, gives wise advice even tho it's just a paper bird, and protects Shiori. If it wasn't for kiki's friendship, I don't think Shiori would have survived those months. All the more why she is the most favorite character for me from this book😍
“Generous of Radish Boy. I’m starting to like him already.”
“Suit yourself. All I’m saying is, he doesn’t seem quite like the barbarian you pictured.”
“Do you want me to poke her eyes out for you?”
“When you die, I die. If you’re not afraid, I won’t be either. I’ll stay with you to the end, Shiori.”
“Ignorant brute, I’d pay good gold to see his face when you tell him who you really are.”
Side characters I loved the most: Kiki (the wisest paperbird😇), Megari (the cutest😍, takkan's little sister), and Seryu (the jealous dragon🐉🤭)
Side characters I loathed the most: Hasege and Zairena💀🔪
❥ 𝓢𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓪𝓿 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓣𝓪𝓴𝓴𝓪𝓷💞~
“I owe you my life, from now on, Lina is my guest here, free to come and go as she pleases.”
“I’m glad I finally met you, Shiori’anma.”
“I wish you would speak to me, sometimes, the way you move your lips, I swear that you can. Even if I’m wrong, I wish I could at least see your eyes.”
“Just know that I care about you, Lina. I couldn’t be there for Shiori, but I will be there—for you. Whether you need me or not.”
“You almost got yourself killed, rushing into the fire like that.”
“I would do it again without hesitation. To hear your voice. To finally see your eyes.”
“What are you doing?”
“What does it look like? I’m coming with you.”
“I don’t—”
“You can’t expect to steal my horse and take off without me. Besides, I have a story I think you may like.”
“If you think that there is anything you could say to dissuade me from coming with you, then you are sorely mistaken.”
“But the demons—”
“Would have to rip me from your side. I’m afraid you are stuck with me, Shiori, even if you don’t ever wish to marry me. I pledge to protect you.”
“You know, you’re even bolder when you can speak, Princess Shiori.”
“I have many months to make up for.”
“The odds of death were high, but not assured.”
“You courageous fool.”
“If that’s what you call me now, rather than ‘that barbarian lord of the third rank’ —then it was well worth it.”
“My brothers aren’t going to put you in the dungeon for giving me a hug,”
“I know, I only worry that I won’t want to let you go.”
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝒫𝓇𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⛄02/10/24
My thoughts are too mixed up, RTC soon💌
⛄02/02/24
Not me doing another br now🙈 I don't think I'll finish my current read anytime soon🤸🏻♀️
Doing this br with ma prettiest lila🥰💘
August 7, 2021
4.5 Stars ⭐️ I loved this book inside and out. I wish the next book was already available 😕
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
June 2, 2022
the beginning of this book was strong, very strong but once they leave the castle it gets very boring, it’s a good 200+ pages of absolutely nothing and useless plot. i liked the characters and the world but i wasn’t interested in the romance and i thought the end was a total cop for me to have been sitting here for like 400 pages for that.
Want to read
October 24, 2020This cover singlehandedly coerced me into reading the synopsis, adding it to my TBR, scouring Netgalley in hopes of requesting a copy, and then looking into the author and her other books.
Damn you, gorgeous cover.
Damn you, gorgeous cover.
March 16, 2023
Książka przy której można sobie odpocząć od świata. Świetnie się ją czytało.
August 9, 2023
a story just as enchanting inside as it was out!! lush, ghibli-esque settings, dragons, atmospheric writing, found family, impossibly loveable characters... colour me utterly enchanted
> 4.5 stars
—☆—
elizabeth lim’s cover artist is really out here doing the most for us, huh. thank you tran nguyen
> 4.5 stars
—☆—
elizabeth lim’s cover artist is really out here doing the most for us, huh. thank you tran nguyen
January 2, 2022
Shiori is the youngest sibling of seven and the only princess of Kiata. Unbeknownst to the rest of her family, forbidden magic runs through her veins. On the day of her betrothal ceremony, she loses control and catches the attention of her stepmother, Raikama, who has dark magic of her own.
Raikama casts a curse, turning Shiori’s brothers into cranes and banishing her from home, unrecognizable to anyone and unable to speak because for every sound that passes her lips, one of her brothers will die. Forced to work with the boy she didn't want to marry and a rebellious dragon she’s been taught not to trust, Shiori searches for a way to lift the curse from her brothers and herself.
I’m sorry, but I was super bored while reading Six Crimson Cranes. This was very close to a DNF, and I finished it through sheer will.
What I Liked:
- The Asian inspired world building.
- The fairy tale vibes.
- Dragons, because who doesn’t love dragons?
- The descriptive writing.
- The super gorgeous cover.
What I Didn’t Like:
- There was good action at the beginning and the end, but the middle 300+ pages had little plot and was comprised of Shiori traipsing around a castle, cooking or sewing.
- None of the characters were compelling. Shiori is your basic spoiled princess who learns humility and hard work by being banished and having her privileges stripped. Takkan is your cliché too perfect prince, who was able to implausibly deduce every situation with no context. Seryu was interesting but he was barely present. It was hard to get to know the brothers because there were six of them and they were usually cranes.
- I remember the romance felt unbelievable and was mainly comprised of lingering glances, but it’s been a little while since I read this and I don’t remember specifics.
- A big deal was made out of Shiori’s forbidden magic, but it seemed like nothing but a plot device.
- The truth behind the stepmother, Raikama, and why she cursed Shiori and her brothers.
- The weird and uncomfortable love triangle that started to form.
If I read the sequel, it will solely be for Seryu and the underwater dragon world and nothing more.
Raikama casts a curse, turning Shiori’s brothers into cranes and banishing her from home, unrecognizable to anyone and unable to speak because for every sound that passes her lips, one of her brothers will die. Forced to work with the boy she didn't want to marry and a rebellious dragon she’s been taught not to trust, Shiori searches for a way to lift the curse from her brothers and herself.
I’m sorry, but I was super bored while reading Six Crimson Cranes. This was very close to a DNF, and I finished it through sheer will.
What I Liked:
- The Asian inspired world building.
- The fairy tale vibes.
- Dragons, because who doesn’t love dragons?
- The descriptive writing.
- The super gorgeous cover.
What I Didn’t Like:
- There was good action at the beginning and the end, but the middle 300+ pages had little plot and was comprised of Shiori traipsing around a castle, cooking or sewing.
- None of the characters were compelling. Shiori is your basic spoiled princess who learns humility and hard work by being banished and having her privileges stripped. Takkan is your cliché too perfect prince, who was able to implausibly deduce every situation with no context. Seryu was interesting but he was barely present. It was hard to get to know the brothers because there were six of them and they were usually cranes.
- I remember the romance felt unbelievable and was mainly comprised of lingering glances, but it’s been a little while since I read this and I don’t remember specifics.
- A big deal was made out of Shiori’s forbidden magic, but it seemed like nothing but a plot device.
- The truth behind the stepmother, Raikama, and why she cursed Shiori and her brothers.
- The weird and uncomfortable love triangle that started to form.
If I read the sequel, it will solely be for Seryu and the underwater dragon world and nothing more.
March 3, 2022
“Find the light that makes your lantern shine,” she used to say. “Hold on to it, even when the dark surrounds you. Not even the strongest wind will blow out the flame.”
I am about to commit a crime by calling this book cute. This book was very cute. I loved it. I wasn't sure if I was going to love Shiori because of how arrogant and naive she was in the beginning but she had a great character development by the end. Though there are two things I don't understand.
1. How did she ever wash her hair without removing the bowl. I mean just look at this:
It does not make sense. (Or maybe it does but my bowl-less privileges is making me act like an asshole).
2. Who taught her sign language? And how does everyone tends to know what she's speaking? Like I can't even make out what my friend's saying when she's sitting just beside me during the boring classes. Maybe I should go and take lessons from Shiori. My friend's going to be so happy.
“Mother and Father always say that courage is the Bushian creed, but in times like these I wish it were more like ‘Keep to yourself and drink tea.’
Now Shiori's brothers were nice guys but they could have been great if only they stopped treating Shiori like she was going to break. I mean I know elder brothers are way too protective of their sisters but these guys just took it on another level. (or maybe it's just me being jealous because I desperately want an elder brother).
Seryu and Kiki were the best characters in this book. If only Takkan didn't like a boyfriend (and husband) material I would have shipped Seryu and Shiori. But well if she ends up with Seryu now then I'm committing murder. Of my brain.
The plot twist...was very predictable. I knew what was going to happen. If this was some other book I would have already dnfed it. But even though I knew what was going to happen, I enjoyed it. The last 20% had my heart racing. This is a great book if you like a little light fantasy and if you are willing to ignore some questionable issues.
January 8, 2022
Very cool.
The Wild Swans gets a makeover with an Asian setting that kicks things up a notch!
Now I haven't read many retellings of this particular fairytale, but I was engrossed in Shiori's plight from the get-go. And I loved her BFF origami bird.
The gist?
There's a world that has walled its magic away, a clever young princess on the verge of adulthood, a bossy dragon-boy, a bunch of annoying but lovable brothers who turn into birds, an unwanted betrothment, an evil stepmother, and a whole lotta twists that change your opinion about the way you see the story to boot!
The only weird thing (to me) was that Shiori had a wooden bowl magicked onto her head to keep people from realizing who she was. I had to look it up because I was just like, a bowl?! What the hell? Anyway, with my degree from Google firmly in my hand, I poked around on the web and found the Japanese story Hachikazuki that's about a woman who is so beautiful her grandmother makes her promise to always wear a bowl on her head (for fairytale reasons) and (after fairytale tribulations) eventually marries a prince. <--ta-da!
Mystery of the bowl solved!
I think if you like retellings you'll find a lot to enjoy with this one.
Fair warning: this isn't a stand-alone book so it ends on...not a cliffhanger per se, but it isn't completely resolved with a nice tidy HEA at the end. I'm fine with that because I think I'd like to go back and revisit this world.
Recommended.
The Wild Swans gets a makeover with an Asian setting that kicks things up a notch!
Now I haven't read many retellings of this particular fairytale, but I was engrossed in Shiori's plight from the get-go. And I loved her BFF origami bird.
The gist?
There's a world that has walled its magic away, a clever young princess on the verge of adulthood, a bossy dragon-boy, a bunch of annoying but lovable brothers who turn into birds, an unwanted betrothment, an evil stepmother, and a whole lotta twists that change your opinion about the way you see the story to boot!
The only weird thing (to me) was that Shiori had a wooden bowl magicked onto her head to keep people from realizing who she was. I had to look it up because I was just like, a bowl?! What the hell? Anyway, with my degree from Google firmly in my hand, I poked around on the web and found the Japanese story Hachikazuki that's about a woman who is so beautiful her grandmother makes her promise to always wear a bowl on her head (for fairytale reasons) and (after fairytale tribulations) eventually marries a prince. <--ta-da!
Mystery of the bowl solved!
I think if you like retellings you'll find a lot to enjoy with this one.
Fair warning: this isn't a stand-alone book so it ends on...not a cliffhanger per se, but it isn't completely resolved with a nice tidy HEA at the end. I'm fine with that because I think I'd like to go back and revisit this world.
Recommended.
February 19, 2024
→3.9✰
⤿buddy read with my lovely fadheela !! thank u soo much for reading this with me. i had so much fun 😽 ilyily 💝
-spoiler free review !
this review is going to be a very short one. i don't have the brain power to write a super long review rn 😭 i also don't remember much from the book so don't mind this review kind of being all over the place <3
my thoughts.
•i loveee retellings so no surprise that i ended up really liking this
•in some places in the book i kind of felt like the plot was dragging and i found myself trying to speed through the chapters
•THE COVER. so stunning
•the bowl thing was kind of interesting but i get its importance to the story
•raikama deserved better
•i hope there's more seryu in the next book
•don't go into this expecting romance bc there's not much
•KIKI 🤭🫶
•i loved shiori's growth throughout the book !
•takkan was cute
•turning into a crane looked like it hurt so bad
•i will definitely be reading the 2nd book
i can't find anymore quotes 😛 happy reading everyone xoxox
⋆｡°✩
pre-review
i'm trying to be more strict with my ratings hence the 3.9 starsi need to stop gas lighting myself. 3.9 is technically 4 🙈
rtc (btw there should be a crane emoji)
⋆｡°✩
preview
buddy read with my gorg girl fadheela 🤭💐 i've heard really good things abt this one, hoping this delivers for us !!🤞
⤿buddy read with my lovely fadheela !! thank u soo much for reading this with me. i had so much fun 😽 ilyily 💝
-spoiler free review !
🐉 ໋֢ 𖥻 “find the light that makes your lantern shine,” she used to say. “hold on to it, even when the dark surrounds you. not even the strongest wind will blow out the flame.”
this review is going to be a very short one. i don't have the brain power to write a super long review rn 😭 i also don't remember much from the book so don't mind this review kind of being all over the place <3
my thoughts.
•i loveee retellings so no surprise that i ended up really liking this
•in some places in the book i kind of felt like the plot was dragging and i found myself trying to speed through the chapters
•THE COVER. so stunning
•the bowl thing was kind of interesting but i get its importance to the story
•raikama deserved better
•i hope there's more seryu in the next book
•don't go into this expecting romance bc there's not much
•KIKI 🤭🫶
•i loved shiori's growth throughout the book !
•takkan was cute
•turning into a crane looked like it hurt so bad
•i will definitely be reading the 2nd book
i can't find anymore quotes 😛 happy reading everyone xoxox
⋆｡°✩
pre-review
i'm trying to be more strict with my ratings hence the 3.9 stars
rtc (btw there should be a crane emoji)
⋆｡°✩
preview
buddy read with my gorg girl fadheela 🤭💐 i've heard really good things abt this one, hoping this delivers for us !!🤞
July 10, 2024
♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴4 stars 🍡🩷
➼ “If fate is a bunch of strings, then I'll carry scissors. My choices are my own. I'll make them as I please.”
i love asian-inspired fantasy books and retellings and this was no exception 💗✨
♡₊˚🐉 read this if you want:
⊹ fairytale vibes and worldbuilding
⊹ a princess, cursed brothers, a dragon, and a talking paper bird as main characters
⊹ pretty writing 🤝 pretty cover
⊹ family themes
⊹ plot twists
⊹ cute love story with shiori + takkan <3
➼ i loved the writing and characters in this book!! i thought it was very magical and loved seeing themes of love and fate sprinkled throughout. shiori and takkan were also so adorable, so i cannot wait to see more of them in the second book. i kind of thought some parts of the book were a little bit dragged on, but besides that, i definitely enjoyed this! 🩷✨
(ignore how short this review is i kind of forgot everything which i guess is what happens when you decide to write a review and pick up the sequel a year later)
♡₊˚🐉 more quotes:
“Now I saw in his eyes the richness of summer soil. His nose looked endearingly ruddy from being in the cold, and his voice was like a favorite song I never tried of hearing. Funny how he’d stolen his way into my heart when I’d been the thief the day we meet.”
“Food feeds the belly, thoughts feed the mind, but love is what feeds the heart.”
“Fear is just a game, Shiori, I reminded myself. You win by playing.”
————— ୨୧ —————
pre-review: the prettiest cover doesn't exi-
just got my hands on book 2 so rtc before i read that 😌
➼ “If fate is a bunch of strings, then I'll carry scissors. My choices are my own. I'll make them as I please.”
i love asian-inspired fantasy books and retellings and this was no exception 💗✨
♡₊˚🐉 read this if you want:
⊹ fairytale vibes and worldbuilding
⊹ a princess, cursed brothers, a dragon, and a talking paper bird as main characters
⊹ pretty writing 🤝 pretty cover
⊹ family themes
⊹ plot twists
⊹ cute love story with shiori + takkan <3
➼ i loved the writing and characters in this book!! i thought it was very magical and loved seeing themes of love and fate sprinkled throughout. shiori and takkan were also so adorable, so i cannot wait to see more of them in the second book. i kind of thought some parts of the book were a little bit dragged on, but besides that, i definitely enjoyed this! 🩷✨
(ignore how short this review is i kind of forgot everything which i guess is what happens when you decide to write a review and pick up the sequel a year later)
♡₊˚🐉 more quotes:
“Now I saw in his eyes the richness of summer soil. His nose looked endearingly ruddy from being in the cold, and his voice was like a favorite song I never tried of hearing. Funny how he’d stolen his way into my heart when I’d been the thief the day we meet.”
“Food feeds the belly, thoughts feed the mind, but love is what feeds the heart.”
“Fear is just a game, Shiori, I reminded myself. You win by playing.”
————— ୨୧ —————
pre-review: the prettiest cover doesn't exi-
just got my hands on book 2 so rtc before i read that 😌
November 12, 2023
4 ⭐️
This was such an enjoyable read!! 🥰🥰 Looking for an Asian fantasy with beautiful writing, a great storyline and fairytale vibes? Then this is perfect for you!! 🥹🥹💗💗
“Find the light that makes your lantern shine,” she used to say. “Hold on to it, even when the dark surrounds you. Not even the strongest wind will blow out the flame.”
Six Crimson Cranes follows our mc Princess Shiori, who has a secret: she has forbidden magic running in her veins. Then on the day of her unwanted betrothal, she is discovered by her stepmother, Raikama. Raikama is also a sorceror and she banishes Shiori, placing a curse on her and her brothers. Her brothers have been turned into cranes and for every word that Shiori speaks, one of them will die. She must now find a way to save her family- and discover the dark conspiracies lurking in the kingdom.
“I would tell you stories from dawn to dusk if it meant filling your eyes with happiness.”
I've been wanting to read this for agess and i'm really glad i finally picked it up!! 🫶🫶 if you know the six swans fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, then this is a retelling of that with an asian twist ✨️
There were some many things i really enjoyed in this!! 🥰 One of my fav parts was definitely the writing- it was absolutely gorgeous 🥹🥹 Elizabeth Lim just has really beautiful writing and it paints such a good picture of what's going on. Plus the world was so so magical and i felt so immersed in it. It is completely made up but there was asian culture woven in, which was amazing 💗💗
I also really enjoyed the characters- our mc Shiori went through a ton of development and i really grew attached to her. Poor girl went through sm but she kept going and we love to see it 👑👑
There was a tiny little splash of romance in here and it was super cute!! 🥹🥹 there were literal CRUMBS but they were really sweet and wholesome together and i loved the guy a lot 🤭❤️
That ending tho??? 🫢🫢 the last part of this book was genuinely insaneee i couldn't put it down bc i needed to see what would happen next. and the way this ended definitely makes me want to pick up the sequel asap 🫶🫶
The only reason this didn't get a higher rating was bc it was pretty slow-paced and for the first half, it felt like we were kinda going in circles. it was worth it by the end, but it took me a while to get super invested bc of how slow it was 🫤
“No matter where life takes you, you will be like those stars - connected by the light you shine together.”
Overall, this gave me exactly what i wanted!! 💗💗 Definitely recommend if you're looking for:
✔ Asian fantasy
✔ Magical fairytale vibes
✔ Gorgeous writing
✔ Cute romance
I'm super excited to read the second book!! 🫶🫶
《 2023 Challenge: Book 138 of 110!! 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was really good!! 🥰🥰 such a beautifully written Asian fantasy 🥹🥹💗💗
RTC!
This was such an enjoyable read!! 🥰🥰 Looking for an Asian fantasy with beautiful writing, a great storyline and fairytale vibes? Then this is perfect for you!! 🥹🥹💗💗
“Find the light that makes your lantern shine,” she used to say. “Hold on to it, even when the dark surrounds you. Not even the strongest wind will blow out the flame.”
Six Crimson Cranes follows our mc Princess Shiori, who has a secret: she has forbidden magic running in her veins. Then on the day of her unwanted betrothal, she is discovered by her stepmother, Raikama. Raikama is also a sorceror and she banishes Shiori, placing a curse on her and her brothers. Her brothers have been turned into cranes and for every word that Shiori speaks, one of them will die. She must now find a way to save her family- and discover the dark conspiracies lurking in the kingdom.
“I would tell you stories from dawn to dusk if it meant filling your eyes with happiness.”
I've been wanting to read this for agess and i'm really glad i finally picked it up!! 🫶🫶 if you know the six swans fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, then this is a retelling of that with an asian twist ✨️
There were some many things i really enjoyed in this!! 🥰 One of my fav parts was definitely the writing- it was absolutely gorgeous 🥹🥹 Elizabeth Lim just has really beautiful writing and it paints such a good picture of what's going on. Plus the world was so so magical and i felt so immersed in it. It is completely made up but there was asian culture woven in, which was amazing 💗💗
I also really enjoyed the characters- our mc Shiori went through a ton of development and i really grew attached to her. Poor girl went through sm but she kept going and we love to see it 👑👑
There was a tiny little splash of romance in here and it was super cute!! 🥹🥹 there were literal CRUMBS but they were really sweet and wholesome together and i loved the guy a lot 🤭❤️
That ending tho??? 🫢🫢 the last part of this book was genuinely insaneee i couldn't put it down bc i needed to see what would happen next. and the way this ended definitely makes me want to pick up the sequel asap 🫶🫶
The only reason this didn't get a higher rating was bc it was pretty slow-paced and for the first half, it felt like we were kinda going in circles. it was worth it by the end, but it took me a while to get super invested bc of how slow it was 🫤
“No matter where life takes you, you will be like those stars - connected by the light you shine together.”
Overall, this gave me exactly what i wanted!! 💗💗 Definitely recommend if you're looking for:
✔ Asian fantasy
✔ Magical fairytale vibes
✔ Gorgeous writing
✔ Cute romance
I'm super excited to read the second book!! 🫶🫶
《 2023 Challenge: Book 138 of 110!! 》
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was really good!! 🥰🥰 such a beautifully written Asian fantasy 🥹🥹💗💗
RTC!
August 30, 2023
If I had to recommend a YA (Young Adult) fantasy series - this would definitely be in my top 5!
**YA Note: There's a little bit of romance in a sweet/crush-like way - but overall, the story and the adventure are at the forefront of Six Crimson Cranes.
- One of the better immersive reads I've read in a long time.
- Beautifully written in a way that feels just challenging enough/ 'on grade level' for young adult readers (which in my experience is around 8-13 i.e. -- My Harry Potter years.) but still enjoyable for any new adult/adult readers.
- Themes of familial ties and coming-of-age courage are a large part of SCC
- Fast-moving timeline + dragons and a unique fantasy world build
**As one of the longer YA books I've read in a while, I'm glad I took a moment before writing this review to gather my thoughts. This book is LONG, and while that's not always a bad thing, I think my attention strayed a few times because I just had so many books I wanted to get through!
↑↑ Update - Finished May 26th, 2023 ↑↑
100/456 Pages Read: I started Six Crimson Cranes, and the writing is beautiful! I feel like I can see the landscapes of mountains and rivers on the Asian continent with their beautifully flowing silks and delicious food.
- SCC almost reads like a fairy tale retelling. I'm not sure if it is or not, but I'm enjoying it so far!!
↑↑ Update - Started May 23rd, 2023 ↑↑
Follow Me On Instagram! || More Bookish Posts Here
NOTES:
- Young Adult Fantasy
- World Building
**YA Note: There's a little bit of romance in a sweet/crush-like way - but overall, the story and the adventure are at the forefront of Six Crimson Cranes.
- One of the better immersive reads I've read in a long time.
- Beautifully written in a way that feels just challenging enough/ 'on grade level' for young adult readers (which in my experience is around 8-13 i.e. -- My Harry Potter years.) but still enjoyable for any new adult/adult readers.
- Themes of familial ties and coming-of-age courage are a large part of SCC
- Fast-moving timeline + dragons and a unique fantasy world build
**As one of the longer YA books I've read in a while, I'm glad I took a moment before writing this review to gather my thoughts. This book is LONG, and while that's not always a bad thing, I think my attention strayed a few times because I just had so many books I wanted to get through!
↑↑ Update - Finished May 26th, 2023 ↑↑
100/456 Pages Read: I started Six Crimson Cranes, and the writing is beautiful! I feel like I can see the landscapes of mountains and rivers on the Asian continent with their beautifully flowing silks and delicious food.
- SCC almost reads like a fairy tale retelling. I'm not sure if it is or not, but I'm enjoying it so far!!
↑↑ Update - Started May 23rd, 2023 ↑↑
Follow Me On Instagram! || More Bookish Posts Here
NOTES:
- Young Adult Fantasy
- World Building
May 13, 2022
BEYOND FIVE STARS
Wow, I loved this book like a mother, sister, aunt, daughter, brother, father, cousin...well...I think you get it.
nothing has enchanted me more than asian mythology, and once I saw a book with a pretty Asian girl on the cover and heard that it was based on ancient china and japan, you knew I was in. This book did not disappoint. I devoured it within days, and it made me forget I was reading.
Writing: Beyond 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Lim has a way with words. She's not pretentious with her writing but it's still intriguing and pulls you into the scenery. And I'm pretty sure I didn't come across a "he growled/purred/barked" so that's like a million extra brownie points. The most important part of writing isn't how pretty it is but how the words flow through your ear and are translated into real sensations, whether that be feelings, scents, imagery, vibrance. And especially empathy. In this case, Lim did it just write. Shiori has to be an amazing character, because she's so well-written. Every second her struggles and emotion are translated into words that are perfectly understandable. Also the scenery was amazing. Lim must have a book called "the beautiful words dictionary" because I'm pretty sure she put every single word from that dictionary in this book.
Worldbuilding: Beyond 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow, Lim had a chance to build such a wonderful world and she took it. I love worlds that involve Asian mythology so I'm a little biased on this part. But wow, just wow. I'm not just talking about the monarchal regime, but THE CULTURE. I can never highlight how important culture is in a book's setting. You can't be lazy with it, because readers will know. But my oh my, did Lim outdo herself. There were so many traditions, clothes, manners. There were even activities that represent apologies. It was so amazing because in every different location the cultures and beliefs shifted. Not to mention religion was also mentioned. I loved learning about offerings and the relationships between dragons gods, priestesses, and demons. Each race had specific cultures and events that played a big part in their evolution. Lim obviously took a long time to trace the cultures and weave the strings. And learning little tidbits of culture and information on the world made the book ten times more enchanting.
Characters: Beyond 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Character development is the biggest part of a story. Our main POV was from Shiori, and honestly enduring the journey with her was amazing. Shiori is such a strong woman, and no I don't mean the "strong female character" who's OP and somehow always wins. There's a difference between being a strong female character and a well-written female character. Shiori was the latter. Shiori lost a lot in the book. She didn't win most of the time. But that doesn't mean that she wasn't strong. Every loss she gleaned, she got back up and dusted her clothing. You can see that each event changed her and made her grow. That's what I love about well-written female characters. They don't win every situation and have powers that solve everything. They lose most of the time, but each loss makes them win something stronger in themselves. You can't connect to a character if they never reach their lowest point. What I also loved about her is that she didn't just master her magic, she took the time to learn it and understand it. She was kind but not too much of a damsel and distress. She was selfless but also did things that were best for her. She allowed herself to love Takkan without making him her entire life. She was strong and compassionate, and on every page, you can see her growth. I loved her cleverness as well, whenever she incurred an obstacle, she would take the time to formulate a plan instead of diving head-first into danger. I loved Takkan as well, judge me if you like but I love a country-loyal, respectful, royal. And look at that, I just rhymed.
Plot 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I can tell you that Lim has a penchant for originality. The plot was simple at first, as most retellings are. i thought she was going to keep it simple and stick to the baseline instead of adding complexity to the story. Well...i guess I underestimated her. She definitely wanted a differeent signature and the plot grew more complex throughout every page. There were twists and turns, and political intrigue that was so intense I think I bulged a nerve.
Elizabeth Lim has to most definitely be one of the best authors of the century.
Wow, I loved this book like a mother, sister, aunt, daughter, brother, father, cousin...well...I think you get it.
nothing has enchanted me more than asian mythology, and once I saw a book with a pretty Asian girl on the cover and heard that it was based on ancient china and japan, you knew I was in. This book did not disappoint. I devoured it within days, and it made me forget I was reading.
Writing: Beyond 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Lim has a way with words. She's not pretentious with her writing but it's still intriguing and pulls you into the scenery. And I'm pretty sure I didn't come across a "he growled/purred/barked" so that's like a million extra brownie points. The most important part of writing isn't how pretty it is but how the words flow through your ear and are translated into real sensations, whether that be feelings, scents, imagery, vibrance. And especially empathy. In this case, Lim did it just write. Shiori has to be an amazing character, because she's so well-written. Every second her struggles and emotion are translated into words that are perfectly understandable. Also the scenery was amazing. Lim must have a book called "the beautiful words dictionary" because I'm pretty sure she put every single word from that dictionary in this book.
Worldbuilding: Beyond 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Wow, Lim had a chance to build such a wonderful world and she took it. I love worlds that involve Asian mythology so I'm a little biased on this part. But wow, just wow. I'm not just talking about the monarchal regime, but THE CULTURE. I can never highlight how important culture is in a book's setting. You can't be lazy with it, because readers will know. But my oh my, did Lim outdo herself. There were so many traditions, clothes, manners. There were even activities that represent apologies. It was so amazing because in every different location the cultures and beliefs shifted. Not to mention religion was also mentioned. I loved learning about offerings and the relationships between dragons gods, priestesses, and demons. Each race had specific cultures and events that played a big part in their evolution. Lim obviously took a long time to trace the cultures and weave the strings. And learning little tidbits of culture and information on the world made the book ten times more enchanting.
Characters: Beyond 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Character development is the biggest part of a story. Our main POV was from Shiori, and honestly enduring the journey with her was amazing. Shiori is such a strong woman, and no I don't mean the "strong female character" who's OP and somehow always wins. There's a difference between being a strong female character and a well-written female character. Shiori was the latter. Shiori lost a lot in the book. She didn't win most of the time. But that doesn't mean that she wasn't strong. Every loss she gleaned, she got back up and dusted her clothing. You can see that each event changed her and made her grow. That's what I love about well-written female characters. They don't win every situation and have powers that solve everything. They lose most of the time, but each loss makes them win something stronger in themselves. You can't connect to a character if they never reach their lowest point. What I also loved about her is that she didn't just master her magic, she took the time to learn it and understand it. She was kind but not too much of a damsel and distress. She was selfless but also did things that were best for her. She allowed herself to love Takkan without making him her entire life. She was strong and compassionate, and on every page, you can see her growth. I loved her cleverness as well, whenever she incurred an obstacle, she would take the time to formulate a plan instead of diving head-first into danger. I loved Takkan as well, judge me if you like but I love a country-loyal, respectful, royal. And look at that, I just rhymed.
Plot 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I can tell you that Lim has a penchant for originality. The plot was simple at first, as most retellings are. i thought she was going to keep it simple and stick to the baseline instead of adding complexity to the story. Well...i guess I underestimated her. She definitely wanted a differeent signature and the plot grew more complex throughout every page. There were twists and turns, and political intrigue that was so intense I think I bulged a nerve.
Elizabeth Lim has to most definitely be one of the best authors of the century.
August 21, 2024
₊‧ ୨୧ 4.7 stars ★
꒰🦢꒱ “𝐢𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢’𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬. 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐢’𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐬 𝐢 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞”
the plot, the characters, the romance… EVERYTHING in this book is perfect
people say don't judge a book by its cover but i did with this one. the moment i saw the cover i fell in love with it and it has not disappointed me. i found the story very interesting, i have never think it was boring, i always wanted to know what happened next, and the chapters are usually short which has made it easy to read. the characters are incredible too, i love shiori and takkan and i can't wait to see them in the next book! i also hope to see more of seryu's character since i think he has a lot of potential. the end of the book was beautiful too, i got emotional in the last pages, raikama has a place in my heart :(
“𝐢 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐤 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬” when i tell you i almost cry when i read this 🥹
꒰🦢꒱ “𝐢𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢’𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬. 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐢’𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐬 𝐢 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞”
the plot, the characters, the romance… EVERYTHING in this book is perfect
people say don't judge a book by its cover but i did with this one. the moment i saw the cover i fell in love with it and it has not disappointed me. i found the story very interesting, i have never think it was boring, i always wanted to know what happened next, and the chapters are usually short which has made it easy to read. the characters are incredible too, i love shiori and takkan and i can't wait to see them in the next book! i also hope to see more of seryu's character since i think he has a lot of potential. the end of the book was beautiful too, i got emotional in the last pages, raikama has a place in my heart :(
“𝐢 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐤 𝐢𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬” when i tell you i almost cry when i read this 🥹
December 31, 2021
Now a Goodreads Choice nominee in Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction!
It’s pretty rare for a book to have such stunning, yet different covers for both the initial runs in the US and UK, and yet Six Crimson Cranes was able to pull it off! Even though I ended up DNFing Elizabeth Lim’s debut Spin the Dawn, the cover alone was enough to make excited to pick up this first book in a new series.
Kiata has long been free of magic, both cast out from its borders and hidden under a mountain. Unless you are Shiori, the youngest child and only daughter of the Emperor, of course. The young princess possesses some of this forbidden magic, but so does her step-mother, Raikama, who upon finding out curses Shiori and her six brothers. They are expelled from the palace, and while the boys are transformed into cranes, Shiori loses access to her magic. In an extra twist of cruelty, Raikama’s curse makes Shiori unrecognizable as the princess and forbids her from speaking. For every word she utters will bring about the deaths of one of her brothers. After their banishment, Shiori and her feathered brethren must work to break their step-mother’s curse and protect their kingdom from a dark and looming threat.
It took a bit of time for me to get into this, and I’ve been trying to figure out why that is. I was afraid for the first third to half of the book it was going to be another DNF, but luckily either I or the story found its bearings.
I usually don’t have a problem with fast-moving plots, especially in YA fantasy, but for some reason the pacing here was a little off. Things would stall for a bit only to then rapidly move through pivotal plot turns and action sequences as if they didn’t hold consequence to the story. My impression is that Lim isn’t as comfortable writing those kinds of scenes, so she tries to get through them as quickly as possible. Perhaps I’m just used to more detailed descriptions of action or fighting sequences, but they felt rushed overall for me.
The other issue I had was that even thought there was less time spent on action, there still wasn’t enough focus on characters either. There were no character deep dives into their motivation outside of some superficial descriptors, and as a result I felt held at arms-length from everything they were going through. And because I didn’t know the characters that well, it was difficult to know whether something they were doing was in-character or not. Is this normal for Shiori? Her brothers? Raikama? I don’t know, and I think some of the important revelations later on would have been more impactful if I understood these people better.
I will say that Lim writes sensory aspects really well. There’s such great descriptions of the landscape, their clothing and the food—basically everything that brings a place and time to life. I never had any doubt as to where we were and how we were supposed to feel while there. And the second half of the book salvaged the plot for me, though I wish it didn’t take so long to get there. While I was still reading I wasn’t sure I’d be interested in picking up the sequel, but now that I’ve finished I assume that I probably will.
**For more book talk & reviews, follow me on Instagram at @elle_mentbooks!
It’s pretty rare for a book to have such stunning, yet different covers for both the initial runs in the US and UK, and yet Six Crimson Cranes was able to pull it off! Even though I ended up DNFing Elizabeth Lim’s debut Spin the Dawn, the cover alone was enough to make excited to pick up this first book in a new series.
Kiata has long been free of magic, both cast out from its borders and hidden under a mountain. Unless you are Shiori, the youngest child and only daughter of the Emperor, of course. The young princess possesses some of this forbidden magic, but so does her step-mother, Raikama, who upon finding out curses Shiori and her six brothers. They are expelled from the palace, and while the boys are transformed into cranes, Shiori loses access to her magic. In an extra twist of cruelty, Raikama’s curse makes Shiori unrecognizable as the princess and forbids her from speaking. For every word she utters will bring about the deaths of one of her brothers. After their banishment, Shiori and her feathered brethren must work to break their step-mother’s curse and protect their kingdom from a dark and looming threat.
It took a bit of time for me to get into this, and I’ve been trying to figure out why that is. I was afraid for the first third to half of the book it was going to be another DNF, but luckily either I or the story found its bearings.
I usually don’t have a problem with fast-moving plots, especially in YA fantasy, but for some reason the pacing here was a little off. Things would stall for a bit only to then rapidly move through pivotal plot turns and action sequences as if they didn’t hold consequence to the story. My impression is that Lim isn’t as comfortable writing those kinds of scenes, so she tries to get through them as quickly as possible. Perhaps I’m just used to more detailed descriptions of action or fighting sequences, but they felt rushed overall for me.
The other issue I had was that even thought there was less time spent on action, there still wasn’t enough focus on characters either. There were no character deep dives into their motivation outside of some superficial descriptors, and as a result I felt held at arms-length from everything they were going through. And because I didn’t know the characters that well, it was difficult to know whether something they were doing was in-character or not. Is this normal for Shiori? Her brothers? Raikama? I don’t know, and I think some of the important revelations later on would have been more impactful if I understood these people better.
I will say that Lim writes sensory aspects really well. There’s such great descriptions of the landscape, their clothing and the food—basically everything that brings a place and time to life. I never had any doubt as to where we were and how we were supposed to feel while there. And the second half of the book salvaged the plot for me, though I wish it didn’t take so long to get there. While I was still reading I wasn’t sure I’d be interested in picking up the sequel, but now that I’ve finished I assume that I probably will.
**For more book talk & reviews, follow me on Instagram at @elle_mentbooks!
January 15, 2023
Jak mogłaś, Elizabeth
May 4, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an ARC!
Why are Asian mythology books so addictive -
My dumbass didn’t realize that this book is an Asian retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Wild Swans.” I definitely should have known from the synopsis, or even from the fact that Elizabeth Lim’s entire repertoire consists of Asian fairytale retellings. But no. My brain cell doesn’t operate on logic.
Anyway, as I’m pretty sure everyone knows by now, I LOVE Asian retellings.
This did not disappoint.
The plot is, again, an Asian retake of “The Wild Swans.” Shiori, the princess of Kiata, has forbidden magic. She’s only ever used it by accident, but it escapes once more right before her betrothal ceremony. This could be considered lucky, since she didn’t want to marry that guy, and had been hoping to cancel the ceremony anyway. But she meets a dragon.
Now, dragons aren’t supposed to interact with humans, and most people have just dismissed them as old creatures of legend. But Seryu, the dragon Shiori meets, is about her age - and worse, he knows about her magic.
From there, a lot of shit goes down, involving Seryu’s dragon pearl, Shiori’s magic, and her very beautiful, slightly suspicious stepmother who definitely has secrets of her own.
Shiori ends up cursed, her magic contained, all six of her brothers turned into cranes, and dispelled from the palace. If she speaks, one brother will die for each word past her lips.
I have no complaints with the storyline. I liked “The Wild Swans” as a fairytale
You could say that the world-building of this book was similar to “Spin The Dawn” (walnut shells enclosing magic, enchanted remnants of the gods, enchanters becoming demons, etc.), but considering that she was drawing from the same mythology, that’s not really a sound argument.
The world-building of Kiata was so intricate and it was pretty well-done. There was some info-dumping, which made it hard for me to follow - I think it should have been integrated more smoothly into the storyline somehow.
But I loved the whole aesthetic of the world. I love the whole feel that Asian-inspired books have. Maybe it’s because I’m Asian, so I can connect to it more (although anyone who knows me can confirm that I have an unhealthy obsession with Greek mythology).
“Fear is just a game, Shiori,” I reminded myself. “You win by playing.”
The characters were written well, even if they weren’t developed and fleshed out as much as I think they could have been.
Shiori was a strong protagonist, and being in her head was a good experience. She was stubborn, a bit spoiled, and very entertaining. She could be impulsive and in over her head at times, but she was flawed in a good way. Her character grew pretty gradually, but I think the development was good over the course of the book.
Raikama was a very compelling, powerful antagonist and I was really interested in her backstory. But I feel like she could have been developed a bit more, and the transition of her character throughout the plot felt really choppy and abrupt.
Shiori’s brothers - there isn’t much to say about them, because they weren’t very major to me and I lowkey don’t remember their names. But they were good characters and I liked reading their relationship with Shiori.
Kiki was a mood, as much as an animated paper crane can be. She was so much fun to read and I really liked having her as a character.
Megari was hilarious and even though she was minor, I really liked her. She was such a fierce, bright character for a little girl.
Seryu was a bit annoying and I wasn’t sure how to feel about him. I liked his beginning appearance, but I think he’s being built up to be something of an antagonist, or at least an antihero, in the next book. I found him too possessive and brash for me to really like him.
Takkan was a bit of a standard prince-with-a-heart-of-gold, but that’s not anything to complain about. His character wasn’t super memorable to me, but his romance with Shiori was sweet. I didn’t ship them, but I don’t really do shipping that much.
*cue laughter from all of my friends in the background*
Yes, that’s a bit of a lie. But I only really ship the couples that I’m intensely in love with, and Shiori x Takkan didn’t do that all the way for me.
I think my favorite thing about this book was just how well-built it was, from the way the fairy-tale was structured to how smoothly the Asian culture was integrated.
My least favorite thing was that Shiori’s perspective felt choppy. Her opinions about Raikama and her magic felt like they were switching from one thing to another so suddenly, and it took away from her development.
I also didn’t like the ending very much, because it felt a bit cliché and it didn’t really shock me the way I think it was supposed to.
Overall, I really liked “Six Crimson Cranes” and I’m really excited for the sequel. But looking back on it, I didn’t really love it the way I thought I did when I was reading it two months ago.
“Find the light that makes your lantern shine,” she used to say. “Hold on to it, even when the dark surrounds you. Not even the strongest wind will blow out the flame.”
May 19, 2023
REREAD!!!!!! Just amazing as the first time. I’m literally obsessed with this book, this series, this world, and everything that Ms. Elizabeth Lim writes.
pre-reread review:
5 STARS!!
talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, shit on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.
Holy shit, this was one amazing book!! The second I picked it up to read, my eyes are glued to the pages. I even had to fight myself to go to bed and not read more of this amazing book. Before I bought this book and read it I was afraid I wasn't going to like it since I didn't like Spin the Dawn. But oh wow I loved EVERY SINGLE WORD. The book is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. I haven't been this amazed by a book in a very long time so I'm happy that this book incredibly wowed me. It punched me in the face with how beautiful and well written this book is.
✨ What I Like ✨
1. The main character
Shiori'anma is our main character. And even though I don't always love young adult main characters, I truly fell in love with Shiori. She is feisty, mischievous, smart, and completely human. She has her faults and she isn't completely flawless like most YA MCs. She could be spoiled and want things to be her way but the character development is absolutely amazing. I read how Shiori'anma grew from a spoiled princess to a wonderful person. I enjoyed her voice so much and I loved that it was from her POV even though I don't normally like first person pov.
2. The Worldbulding
WOW OH WOW. WOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW. The lore and the worldbuilding are beautifully written. There are stories about the world and the lore and it's sooooo good. Everything felt so magical and beautiful. The east asian inspired setting was breathtaking and captivating. Absolutely wonderful.
3. The Writing
Beautiful, enchanting, and MAGICAL. The writing was absolutely gorgeous. I felt like I was completely transported into the book. It is so beautiful and I felt like the writing completely complemented the worldbuilding. Lush and beautiful, the writing kept me glued to the book for hours without complaining whether it was boring or not.
4. Takkan
MY SWEET ANGEL. An absolute sweetheart who deserves the world. He is the sweetest love interest ever oh my god just talking about him makes me want to CRY. He's EVERYTHING I LOVE HIM SO MUCHHHHHHH.
5. The plot twist
HOLY SHITTTTTTTTTT I DID NOT EXPECT THAT AT ALL. WHAT???? I MEAN??????? BYEEEEEEE.
✨ What I didn't like ✨
1.That I had to wait for a year for the sequel. I WANT IT NOW.
Oh my word. You guys, do yourself a favor and get this absolutely amazing book. (Don't blame me if you don't like it tho) It's absolutely amazing and I cant wait for the second book. PHEW I need to breathe now because this book left me breathless.
But basically: Buy this. Thank you for coming to my ted talk
and also: where were these Asian reps when I was growing up??? thank you thank you thank you to all Asian authors who write own voices books. I needed this when i was younger.
pre-reread review:
5 STARS!!
talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, shit on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it.
Holy shit, this was one amazing book!! The second I picked it up to read, my eyes are glued to the pages. I even had to fight myself to go to bed and not read more of this amazing book. Before I bought this book and read it I was afraid I wasn't going to like it since I didn't like Spin the Dawn. But oh wow I loved EVERY SINGLE WORD. The book is absolutely breathtaking and beautiful. I haven't been this amazed by a book in a very long time so I'm happy that this book incredibly wowed me. It punched me in the face with how beautiful and well written this book is.
✨ What I Like ✨
1. The main character
Shiori'anma is our main character. And even though I don't always love young adult main characters, I truly fell in love with Shiori. She is feisty, mischievous, smart, and completely human. She has her faults and she isn't completely flawless like most YA MCs. She could be spoiled and want things to be her way but the character development is absolutely amazing. I read how Shiori'anma grew from a spoiled princess to a wonderful person. I enjoyed her voice so much and I loved that it was from her POV even though I don't normally like first person pov.
2. The Worldbulding
WOW OH WOW. WOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW. The lore and the worldbuilding are beautifully written. There are stories about the world and the lore and it's sooooo good. Everything felt so magical and beautiful. The east asian inspired setting was breathtaking and captivating. Absolutely wonderful.
3. The Writing
Beautiful, enchanting, and MAGICAL. The writing was absolutely gorgeous. I felt like I was completely transported into the book. It is so beautiful and I felt like the writing completely complemented the worldbuilding. Lush and beautiful, the writing kept me glued to the book for hours without complaining whether it was boring or not.
4. Takkan
MY SWEET ANGEL. An absolute sweetheart who deserves the world. He is the sweetest love interest ever oh my god just talking about him makes me want to CRY. He's EVERYTHING I LOVE HIM SO MUCHHHHHHH.
5. The plot twist
HOLY SHITTTTTTTTTT I DID NOT EXPECT THAT AT ALL. WHAT???? I MEAN??????? BYEEEEEEE.
✨ What I didn't like ✨
1.That I had to wait for a year for the sequel. I WANT IT NOW.
Oh my word. You guys, do yourself a favor and get this absolutely amazing book. (Don't blame me if you don't like it tho) It's absolutely amazing and I cant wait for the second book. PHEW I need to breathe now because this book left me breathless.
But basically: Buy this. Thank you for coming to my ted talk
and also: where were these Asian reps when I was growing up??? thank you thank you thank you to all Asian authors who write own voices books. I needed this when i was younger.
August 12, 2024
when the author personally asks you if you want an arc of her new novel & asks her publicist to send you one ……… i simply cannot wait to fall in love with elizabeth’s gorgeous writing all over again :’)
May 4, 2024
➴
𝟰.𝟱 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 💌
a princess in exile, the boy she left at the altar, six enchanted cranes, and a dragon from the deepest sea.
“𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸?”
“𝘺𝘦𝘴,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. “𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
my heart is overflowing with so many emotions, i wept for my moon-faced girl, chapter thirty nine had me in tears, this was a beautiful beautiful story, this author is slowly becoming my comfort go-to author
i loved how the plot was plotting from chapter one
"𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦?"
𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶'𝗮𝗻𝗺𝗮, the princess in exile, the one cursed for her blood, i love her character deeply (not as much as i love channi but close), my heart ached for her, she went through hell to save her brothers and her father, my brave brave princess
part of why i picked this series up was the promise of a good ass fairytale in it and it did not disappoint, i adored it
"𝘪 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘬 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴."
𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗸𝗮𝗻, the “faceless” fiancé
the sweetest man to ever exist, i had a lil argument with myself trying to choose between him and seryu (takkan obviously), but I'm looking forward to more of the shape shifting dragon in 'the dragon promise'
the six crimson brothers were all great characters, i felt their connection and their love for one another
“𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘪, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.”
𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻, raikama, i don't even have to say that she's by far my favourite character, i found so much comfort in her story, you might call her monster or a demon but she was once a little girl who wanted nothing but a loving family, the most misunderstood villain of all times
𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝗸𝗶, those two characters warmed my heart, megari the little troublemaker made me wish for a younger sister myself, and kiki the paper bird, even tho both were side characters i loved 'em so much
i'd highly recommend this beautiful series for anyone with a love for fairytales with a touch of asian folklore
now with some of my 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀, 💌
"𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐’𝘥𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵."
"𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸.”
"𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘺, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴.”
"𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.”
𝟰.𝟱 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 💌
a princess in exile, the boy she left at the altar, six enchanted cranes, and a dragon from the deepest sea.
“𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘸?”
“𝘺𝘦𝘴,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. “𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
my heart is overflowing with so many emotions, i wept for my moon-faced girl, chapter thirty nine had me in tears, this was a beautiful beautiful story, this author is slowly becoming my comfort go-to author
i loved how the plot was plotting from chapter one
"𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘪𝘴𝘦?"
𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶'𝗮𝗻𝗺𝗮, the princess in exile, the one cursed for her blood, i love her character deeply (not as much as i love channi but close), my heart ached for her, she went through hell to save her brothers and her father, my brave brave princess
part of why i picked this series up was the promise of a good ass fairytale in it and it did not disappoint, i adored it
"𝘪 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘥𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘬 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴."
𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗸𝗮𝗻, the “faceless” fiancé
the sweetest man to ever exist, i had a lil argument with myself trying to choose between him and seryu (takkan obviously), but I'm looking forward to more of the shape shifting dragon in 'the dragon promise'
the six crimson brothers were all great characters, i felt their connection and their love for one another
“𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘰𝘳𝘪, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵.”
𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻, raikama, i don't even have to say that she's by far my favourite character, i found so much comfort in her story, you might call her monster or a demon but she was once a little girl who wanted nothing but a loving family, the most misunderstood villain of all times
𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝗸𝗶, those two characters warmed my heart, megari the little troublemaker made me wish for a younger sister myself, and kiki the paper bird, even tho both were side characters i loved 'em so much
i'd highly recommend this beautiful series for anyone with a love for fairytales with a touch of asian folklore
now with some of my 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀, 💌
"𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘩𝘦’𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐’𝘥𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘵."
"𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸.”
"𝘬𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘺, 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴.”
"𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.”
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