Shiori, the only sister to all her brothers. A magical sister, and also princess of the kingdom of Kiata. Her magic, though beautiful, is also feared, concealed, forbidden. Concealed until it's mistakenly unleashed on the day she's betrothed to someone she doesn't want. The wedding is put on hold, but her future stepmother, the sinister Raikama, fixates her attention on Shiori from that moment on, and sees to it that Shiori is banished. Shiori, now fallen from grace, also loses her brothers, for Raikama has turned them into cranes, and sealed Shiori's lips with threat of their certain death. Shiori must gather her courage and her wits to find her brothers, learn more about her magic, discover the positive qualities in her betrothed, and save her kingdom from her snake of a stepmother.

How do you solve a problem if you can't tell anyone about it, least of all your parents? Shiori has to figure that out in this interesting, beautifully imagined story about a girl with magical gifts who is targeted because of them, and unseated from her birthright. She then learns more about herself and her kingdom, and also the person she was supposed to be betrothed to, and realizes that it's not just her who's at risk, it's her entire kingdom! I really enjoyed the dynamic between Shiori and her brothers, as well as how her views evolved about her betrothed. Her magic starts off as something rather unimpressive, but seeing it grow into a more respectable power was great. Shiori is one of the coolest youngest sisters you're bound to read about, and Six Crimson Cranes is her story. Recommended for readers who enjoy stories about family ties, girls saving kingdoms, budding magical powers, and giving others a second chance.

Ahhhh! I loved this book, I truly did. This is one of my favorite books in 2021 so far, and my top book for a new series. I was hooked by the first chapter. It was my first time reading anything by Elizabeth Lim and I'm really looking forward to Spin the Dawn now. Its light and magical and has beautiful emotional moments. I really enjoyed how the author wove in different fairytales into this, I recognized a couple from my own childhood.

Shiori is also an incredible character. I struggle with first person POVs because if you don't like the character's personality it can get pretty annoying but I didn't have this issue with Shiori. Her growth though out the book is really well done.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me an ARC of this! ^.^ I ended up pre-ordering from Books of Wonder half-way through my read haha.

I finished Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim a few days ago, and I am still in awe of this fantasy tale. The storytelling, world-building, and characters are all just exquisite and weave together to tell a story I did not want to stop reading, even when there were no more pages.

What I Loved

I already mentioned world-building, characters, and storytelling. What could be left to love? So, so much! The theme of family and the relationship between Shiori and her six brothers is heartwarming. It gives each of them an added dimension that enables the reader to instantly connect to them and empathize with their plight, even when the brothers are cranes and Shiori is trying to break the curse that has them all bound in one way or another. Shiori tells the story, so you get to know her brothers as intimately as only a sister can share them.
Dragons! Did I mention that there are dragons in this story? They have magical pearly hearts, can take human form, and live in an underwater city that is said to be so amazing it is beyond human imagination. I especially loved the mischief and cleverness that is the very essence of Seryu, Prince of the Easterly Seas and favored grandson of the Dragon King, Nazayun. I eagerly anticipated his appearance as the story developed and was never disappointed with his wit, wisdom, and playfulness.

I also enjoyed the Cinderella story threads that snuck in at various points. Lost slippers, a wicked stepmother, and a princess that is cursed to do menial labor by her stepmother all reminded me of Cinderella, but that is where the similarities stop. So do not think this is a Cinderella story because I made that mistake and found myself blindsided by the twists and turns in the book's last quarter. Twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat and are the reason I ended the book, never wanting to leave this world.

I also loved how the love story played out and the lessons Shiori learned as she had to manage in a world with a bowl over her head that covered her face and not communicate by talking or explaining her situation to anyone until breaking the curse. The only thing that bothered me about the story is that bowl over Shiori" s head. The essential specifics were not explained to my complete understanding initially, so there were a few things about it that puzzled me, such as seeing through the bowl because no one could see her eyes, so the wooden bowl must have covered them, yet she could see everything.

To Read or Not to Read

This is the best fantasy I have read so far this year (and I have read some great stories), so YES! I think you should sit back and let this tale whisk you away to an imaginative world with genuine characters and elements that will take your breath away.

I absolutely judged this book by the cover (both US and UK), they’re both stunning but after reading the premise it became one of my anticipated releases. I love retellings and Elizabeth Lim has spun an enchanting fairytale that easily grips you with it’s simplistic writing and story.

Six Crimson Cranes follows Shiori, a princess with forbidden magic, who along with her six brothers are cursed by their step-mother, causing them to become cranes and preventing Shiori from speaking. And so starts her adventure as she sets off to break the curse.

My favourite aspect has to be the writing. Lim uses effortless and mesmerising prose throughout to create vivid settings and an engaging character traits. I was immersed into the chapters, moving through the pages quickly as the story moved forward and could clearly envision the landscapes, forests or palaces like I was transported there myself. Adding East Asian folklore, magic, and action to the exquisite writing it felt like I was reading a fairytale.

Shiori was a delightful protagonist—curious, headstrong, reckless at times but determined. The first person narrative made Shiori’s character all the more interesting to follow because we’re given direct insight into her thoughts, struggles and internal monologues. Her character arc was really strong as she went from a privileged princess to a girl who strived to survive and save her brothers.

Family relationships were a great addition to the story. Her bond between Shiori and her brothers was heartwarming. Despite the rivalry and misunderstanding they come together to form a great support system. I always looked forward to their interactions. And her friendship with Kiki was so adorable!

While the romance was not the main focus in the book, we get the arranged marriage trope with a swoony and slow burn romance. The friends-to-unknowns-to-lovers build-up was so lovely and pure to read about.

The plot is fast paced, packed with action. I was quickly invested in Shiori’s journey, in a state of anticipation as the events unfolded. The writing made it easy to breeze through the book. I loved to see Shiori make progress and face her mistakes. The magic system and worldbuilding never felt like info dumps, but were brought to attention as and when the scenes required them to, which is another reason I enjoyed reading it so much.

Six Crimson Cranes is a promising and refreshing YA fantasy, best for readers looking for a book with fairytale vibes, fast paced action, magical adventure and delightful bonds. I’m so excited for whatever awaits me in the sequel!

I have some big mixed feelings about this one. Six Crimson Cranes took my enjoyment of it through a roller coaster of a ride. Six Crimson Cranes follows Shiori, a princess with secret magic who doesn't want to wed the boy her father has chosen for her. Her magic captures her stepmother, Raikama's, attention, and Shiori finds herself banished to the north and her six brothers turned into cranes. If she says a word to anyone about anything, her brothers will die. Shiori's journey takes her all across Kiata into some unexpected places, putting her in the paths of nobility, dragons and demons who all vie to control her magic, and Shiori must break the curse before the kingdom descends into war. I had high expectations for this one, and in some respects those expectations were met, and in others they weren't. I am rating this 3.5 stars, but not enough to get it up to 4. I really loved the gorgeous worldbuilding the author employs in this novel. The way she brings elements of East Asian mythology, culture and folklore to life is nothing short of stunning. Lim's prose is lyrical and lush and very readable, and the plot of this book is super unique and original, unlike any book I have read before. So props to the author on that. Also, can we talk about Takkan for a minute? What a dreamboat. I loved how his and Shiori's burgeoning romance played out through the novel and all the twists and turns inherent to this. I also loved Kiki as a sidekick. She was adorable and a fun addition to the novel. All this being said, I had two major problems with this book that kept me from rounding it up to 4 stars. First, I could NOT stand Shiori for the majority of the novel. I thought she was kind of bratty and selfish, which is a good place I guess to start a character off, but her major character development didn't really kick in until the last like 20% of the novel. I recognize she's a teenager and that's all well and good but characters who just whine and feel sorry for themselves and act that way don't rub off well on me. Secondly is the pacing. The first 3/4 of this novel felt excruciatingly slow at times and I just wanted more of the darker elements of the story and the magic system. The ending was fantastic and really redeemed this book for me. I wanted more foreshadowing throughout the plot though. If there had been more of the type of action, magic and lore that we see towards the end of this book just sprinkled throughout the book, my rating would be different. Also would have loved to see more character driven choices in this book and more Raikama. I think her story is a bit more compelling than Shiori's to be honest and I am kind of sad we only got to see just a little bit of her at the end. So Six Crimson Cranes was a mixed bag for me, but I am sure that there are people who will really love this more than me. And in the end, I liked it. I just wish some things had been improved upon.

Six Crimson Cranes was one of my most anticipated releases this year and it did not fail to meet my expectations. Once again, Elizabeth Lim has weaved a magical tale of adventure, secrets, dragons, enchantments, family, and fate. I was absolutely drawn to Shiori’s story as she navigated the sudden change in her situation from beloved princess to being cursed and cast off with her brother’s lives dependent on her ability to stay silent. This world is sure to enchant readers, just like Elizabeth Lim’s The Blood of Stars duology. Six Crimson Cranes has cemented Elizabeth Lim’s space on my go-to author list and I eagerly await the sequel.

Six Crimson Cranes was a lovely fairytale-like book that was a fun read, but never exceeded my expectations of the genre.
I think I'm learning that fairytale retellings or inspired books tend to not be my cup of tea. Six Crimson Cranes has a lot of wonderful aspects that initially captivated me. The start of the story gives the reader dragons and magic and a fantasy world that is rich and alluring, but beyond the first 100 pages of the book, those elements begin to dwindle away to nearly nothing. The "quest" aspect of the book felt lackluster when more of the world's folklore and mythology could have been explored through the character's journeys.
To me, the book felt like it came to a grinding halt towards the second half of the story, making it difficult to keep myself entertained. The ending, while satisfying, was a whirlwind of chaos with the 'true' villain switching perspectives multiple times.
If you enjoy East Asian fantasies and fairytale-like books, make sure you check this one out!

Six Crimson Cranes is truly the perfect mix of fairytale, court intrigue, soft romance, and humor. It's an epic fantasy based on East Asian folklore, and the atmosphere and charming (but surprisingly unpredictable) story suck you right in. From the first few lines I was hooked, and spent hours lost in Shiori's world of forbidden magic and mouth-watering foods.

Shiori herself is one of my favorite YA heroines to date. She's bold, funny, has a good heart but can be careless and even hurtful, and it's impossible not to admire her determination in the face of despair and agonizing pain--yet she still feels like a 16 year old, rash and overconfident at times but striving to be better for her family. Her growth over the course of the novel is significant, and it's beautiful to watch her mature and strengthen.

And don't even get me STARTED on Takkan. Like Shiori, babe, I get that you don't want to be forced into a marriage you didn't want and get sent north, but he's ruggedly handsome, kind, generous to the point of absurdity, draws/sings/tells stories...I mean. Talk about a heart of gold.

If you, like me, are a sucker for fairytales and folklore, dragons (!!!), lovable side characters (Kiki, darling, you have my whole heart), and a heroine you can't help but root for, this is absolutely the book for you.

I absolutely adored this book! I already knew that I would enjoy this book because I really like Elizabeth Lim’s writing. I think her writing is beautiful, magical, and that she can fit a lot of story into a short about of pages. In my opinion this book was just as beautifully written as her others. I has everything I love: an arranged marriage trope, dragons, quests, curses, and the fairytale vibe.

Six Crimson Cranes. Is an atmospheric retelling of The Wild Swans with magic, curses, sibling dynamics, and a lot of hope. Shiori, the main character, is a strong, curious, and determined young woman. Her character development and growth were very enjoyable! Again all of this told from an author whose writing is magical, makes this book incredible. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed her The Blood of Stars duology. I cannot wait for the second and final book in this new series. I’m really looking forward to it.

(6/28/2021) 5 stars.

Six Crimson Cranes is a magical story following a young, impulsive, trouble-maker princess on her quest to save the ones she loves. Along the way she discovers new things about herself and the people she thought she despised and finds within herself the strength she needs to overcome the obstacles thrown at her. Lim has created a charming cast of characters that live in a beautiful backdrop. The mythology sewn within the story is fun to read and discover and the romance is so sweet, although I must admit...... I would've gone with the other choice. Is there a love triangle brewing? I feel like it would be a disservice to the love interest in this story and wouldn't make sense. But it just seems like there's a little bit there with the other character and I cannot ignore it (and I always lose when I pick a love interest so I am gonna keep my mind open - both characters are really great in different ways and I cannot wait to see Shiori spend more time with the other one!)

A jaw-droppingly beautiful adventure. It's a masterful retelling of "The Wild Swans" and "Green Snake," two of my favorite fairytales from childhood. It's about time someone retold them! Princess Shiori's journey is heartbreaking and powerful - I've never seen so much character development in one book. The plot is well paced, the characters all well developed, and the world building is sublime. The reader feels like part of the magical adventure the entire time. This has got to be one of my favorite fantasy novels now.

Elizabeth Lim’s writing is so immersive and atmospheric. I really liked her Blood of Stars series, and this is a great addition the lore of that world. The story is based off the fairytale The Wild Swans, with some Chinese and Japanese folklore woven in as well. It certainly does have the feel of a classic fairytale, but also has some twists and surprises that I found very rewarding. The middle of the book felt very slow to me, but I think the slow burn of the pacing paid off in the climax. I was also disappointed that there weren’t more dragons in the story. The blurb promises the help of a dragon, but he doesn’t actually help that much in this story. The way the sequel is being set up, however, leads me to believe dragons will play a larger role as the series continues. I know I will be eagerly awaiting for it.

First of all, thank you Knopf for an eARC of this in exchange for an honest review!

Six Crimson Cranes follows Shiori, the princess of Kiata. Shiori has magic, but it is forbidden. On the morning of her betrothal ceremony to Takkan, a man she believes to be boring, she loses control of her magic.

When Shiori discovers her stepmother, Raikama, has dark magic, she banishes Shiori and turns her 6 brothers into cranes. Trapped with a bowl over her head, she is told that for each word she speaks, one of her brothers will die.

I lovedSpin the Dawn and Unravel the Dusk, so I was extremely excited to see another book coming from Elizabeth Lim. This has a similar adeventure and trials setup for the story, but if even possible, Lim's writing has become truly magnificent. The imagery and the magic of the story is truly beautiful, and each section of the book really flows into the next. While parts of Spin the Dawn could be choppy, this was really well executed.

And, if you're wondering, there is quite a bit of romance! I loved the romance in this one. It is sweet, and it really takes its time to build. There are lots of spoilers, and an amazing twist at the end, but I cannot recommend this one enough! Can't wait for the next installemnt!

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim was a vibrant story filled with characters bursting with personality! I loved the story Shiori was a powerful protagonist that was easy to relate to and her interactions with the other characters were equally funny and emotional.

The overall setting and story was charming and the influences of the various fairytales and folklore woven into it created something that felt truly magical. Six Crimson Cranes read like a fairytale all its own and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

4.5 Hearts
SJ, Romance Junkies

This is my first book by Elizabeth Lim, and it was fantastic. I’m a huge fan of fairytale retellings, and the sharp characters, wonderful world-building, and clear prose made this a book I had a tough time putting down.

Based on the “The Wild Swans” fairytale, the story revolves around Princess Shiori, who lives in a land where magic is forbidden. She has a father, six older brothers, and a stepmother who doesn’t like her. She’s also engaged to be married to a boy she’s never even met. Shiori practices some forbidden magic, a small thing, and that small thing spirals into something much bigger, ending in a curse that turns her brothers into cranes, and which keeps her silent about what she knows or else they’ll be killed. To protect her family, she’ll have to manage in silence on an adventure that takes her on a journey of self-discovery and magic.

SIX CRIMSON CRANES is a lovely tale that sticks with you long after you finish. Filled with awesome storytelling and wonderful characters, it’s a fantasy not to be missed!

Can I just say, this cover is GORGEOUS. Breathtaking. I am deeply in love with this cover. I would marry this cover. I would adopt three kids with this cover.

Despite the beauty and absolute magnificence of the cover, Six Crimson Cranes was not my favorite- but that’s more of a me problem than the book’s problem. The tone is very fairy tale esque, which makes sense, because it’s built on the myths close to Elizabeth Lim’s heart.

I won’t go too in depth on plot, but Six Crimson Cranes is about a princess who discovers her stepmother is a demon and in retaliation her stepmother stops her from speaking and turns her brothers into cranes. It’s a story about loving yourself and being loyal to your family, as well as what it means to be heroic and what keeps you from becoming a “demon”.

This story is fun. It has all the elements of a good fantasy, with tropes and excitement. If you’re a fan of Katherine Arden, I think you’ll like this one.

For me, it was a bit subpar, mainly because I’m not one for the Katherine Arden style. I think this will also work well with individuals who want easy-to-read YA, because though the prose is beautiful, it’s simple, easy to make your way through.

I will be recommending it to others, even though it wasn’t my cup of tea.

A BIG thank you to NetGalley, Knopf and Ms. Lim for the opportunity to read an ARC of this title. An honest review was requested but not required.

This book has had a lot of hype. I mean, I was emailed twice with suggestions that I request an eARC. However, I do love a fairy tale retelling, and I was intrigued by the gorgeous cover, the description, and the high ratings of Ms. Lim's previous books.

Well. For once, the hype doesn't disappoint. This book was FANTASTIC. Easily one of the best I've read this year. Lots of action, characters that grow (both on you as a reader and into themselves), gorgeous setting, and a tight story. Yes, you can guess where the plot is going (I can't say that I was particularly surprised by any of the twists) but you absolutely don't care because the journey is so fabulous. Shiori is a terrific heroine and I am really looking forward to seeing her navigate her way in book #2. I don't want to spoil any plot points but the story potential in book #2 is absolutely huge.

Highly recommended especially to fantasy readers.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Overall, I did enjoy this book quite a bit. I liked the characters and how I was easily able to imagine them as real people. Like in some YA books, I found certain decisions that were made by the main character, Shiori, to be unrealistic, but I can usually forgive them due to the age range of both the characters and who it was written for.

I loved the magic in this book. I found the use of curses extremely interesting and quite unique. I have never read the source material that inspired this book, the Six Swans, but I found Six Crimson Cranes very magical quite immersive.

There were some things that I did not like as much. First, the action sequences weren't clearly written at all in my opinion. There seemed to be too much going on and there was no clear focus. These action sequences seemed to jump around from start to finish and it became confusing more than once. There was just too much going on anytime something exciting happened. I also found the ending a but predictable. There was a twist that I saw coming from a mile away that just sort of left the ending falling a bit flat.

While I did enjoy reading this book, there were times that I was just a tad underwhelmed by the time I finished.

I really enjoyed this book! The synopsis alone intrigued me: East Asian folklore? Evil step-mothers? Forbidden magic? DRAGONS? Yes please! I have learned that I am not really a fan of fairytale retellings, but this one was different. I would highly recommend this book.

Six Crimson Cranes is easily one of the best YA fantasy books that I have read this year, and should be one of the best-selling books of the summer. Although the beginning may seem a little bit slow, as you become immersed in this world, the story picks up rapidly. The details of landscape, magic, and myth are exquisitely incorporated throughout the story, with several twists and turns along the way. Our lead princess learns much about herself throughout the journey, including strength, patience, kindness, and wisdom. I have already recommended this book to multiple people, and will continue to do so. My only complaint? Waiting for book 2!