This was a pretty strong follow-up to Six Crimson Cranes! Though I felt the middle got bogged down by too much going on, the beginning was so compelling and I did feel that the series tied together well overall in the end.

This is a strange review to write because I enjoyed parts of the story, but as a whole, there seems to be some major disconnect with the first book.



I will preface this to say, I absolutely loved SIX CRIMSON CRANES. It had been such a long time since I had read a story that reminded me of watching an Asian drama/tv show unfold with all the right pacing, story, and chemistry of the characters. Which made reading THE DRAGON’S PROMISE strange because the story felt so unrelated most of the time. I will go with the strange and odd first in this review.



In SIX CRIMSON CRANES, it felt like the story could have wrapped from that book, but we end the first book with Shiori getting ready to go into the seas, the realm of the dragons, to fulfill a promise of reuniting a pearl to its owner. We pick up in A DRAGON’S PROMISE where Shiori enters the dragon realm and must survive. The story in itself has a great sense of adventure and urgency, BUT not related to the rest of the story it feels as a whole. I felt no urgency or stake of why Shiori needs to get home, other than the fact that being in the dragon realm, one doesn’t quite age, compared to how fast time goes by in the mortal realm. Shiori spends what feels like half the book navigating the politics of dragons, escaping forced marriage in some ways, to returning back to her homeland. There doesn’t seem to be much of her learning her magic or growing her magic despite being a sorceress princess. I actually almost completely forgot about this part, because her magic in the first book brought a paper crane to life, but in this second book, she had the pearl to help her breathe underwater for example. But she didn’t really use any other magic that I remember that felt truly hers, aside from Kiki, her paper bird come to life.

Reuniting with her loved ones was good, but it felt odd that many characters that I came to love from the first book felt more like major SIDE characters. On this front, Shiori now must continue to try to find the rightful owner of the pearl she carries before it falls into the hands of a demon, who was introduced at the end of the book of SIX CRIMSON CRANES, and makes an appearance during the midpoint of A DRAGON’S PROMISE.

Then roughly through 85%, we’re thrown into a mix of religious cults/ priestesses trying to go after Shiori because they see her as an evil witch, so think the burning of witches. There are a lot of gaps in the story which requires a lot of assumptions on the reader's part. Additionally, I felt so many things were crammed in towards the end. So I don’t know if this is to leave the story open for the author to come back and revisit the dragon realm, since we had a second-lead-love-interest who is a dragon prince, who disappeared after the first half. I am so confused and wish in many ways, this was a separate story from SIX CRIMSON CRANES. Within THE DRAGON’S PROMISE, I felt the first half of the book was separate from the second half too!

The moment I finished the ARC copy I received from NetGalley, I preordered the book.
Yes, I loved it that much.
One of the biggest things that I remember from Six Crimson Cranes that kept me from giving the book a full five stars was how young Shiori read. Looking back, I see that "youngness" more as naiveté. Even from where Shiori left off in the first book, she grew so much in this book.
I love how Lim structured the plot of this book with three mini "episodes" each driving the plot further and higher as the book progresses. Everything in these little "episodes" formed a crucial part to the overall plot that Lim wove, without which the conclusion would have had little to no impact.
I loved everything about this book and cannot wait to have the finished copy on my shelf.

Short review to prevent spoiling anything from book one!!

This was a delightful duology. Book two was very consistently in line with book one for me! The pacing is a bit choppy and the writing is a bit childish, but it's also extremely wholesome and beautiful. It doesn't take me out of my enjoyment. The world-building is flawless enough to melt into and I love how it blends Asian mythology into its tapestry. Takkan and Shiori are still great characters, but I also grew to really love Kiki in this book. I wished for more development from Shiori's brothers, but it was not their story.

All-in-all, I found this to be a delightful conclusion to Shiori's story and loved the ending. Despite me being a bit old for the tone of these books, I think they are hyped for a reason, and I am very thankful to have gotten my hands on them. If you enjoyed book one, I think you will really like book two.

I was so excited to get the second book in this duology because I LOVED the first book. I was so taken with the story, the mythology and the language and I was ready to be transported to this world again. This book absolutely did not disappoint! We find ourselves under the lake in the land of dragons as Princess Shiori tries to follow her stepmothers last wishes but the Pearl is a bigger gift and burden than she knew it was. As Shiori journeys to different lands to save Magic and her home from the demons she finds love with her family and Takkan that may just help her save her soul. As with the first book the language is gorgeous and transports you into the clouds or under the sea with Shiori and her companions. The ending is excellent, I won’t give it away, but this duology is

If I were Netflix, I would hop on the Elizabeth Lim bandwagon, and get this duology ready for development. It has everything - a world rich with culture, magic and colors. Shiori has to be one of the most resilient female protagonists we have ever encountered in a fantasy novel and her story is full of unexpected adventures, love and loyalty. Now that the curse has been broken, Shiori finds herself with a new quest and problem to overcome - will her magic and love for her family be enough to keep her alive?

If you love a multi-layered fantasy full of magical creatures, action and adventure - please check out The Dragon's Promise.

This is the second book in a duology. It is a fantasy that feels a little like Chinese folklore and the first book Six Crimson Cranes was a beautiful story with difficult choices testing the worth of Shiori, the princess in exile. This book is very dependent on the first. It is a softened version of folklore, with a romance at its center and without what feels like the crueler aspects of traditional tales. Despite the challenges and choices that face the protagonist Shiori this is a story with the princess finding her happily ever after.

Lim never disappoints! This beautiful, lush tale had me laughing, crying, and wishing I'd never have to leave these characters. The love story is so potent and the world Lim has build over two duologies just keeps growing.

I can't wait for more from this author (and this world--hint, hint, publisher).

This was a good ending to the first book. I enjoyed how the main character learned about sacrifice and love. I thought the ending was good. Thankfully there wasn't a love triangle which I enjoyed. I would like to see how the young dragon heir finds love. It was good book.

I was really looking forward to this sequel, having loved the simple fairytale that was Six Crimson Cranes last year. Overall, I’d say that while this book didn’t resonate with me as strongly, it provides satisfying closure.

Some of the criticism I had at the end of the first book, namely, the convoluted way magic worked as the plot began to grow jam-packed, returned in full force this time since it builds on those events: Shiori must journey to the dragon kingdom to seek the true owner of the pearl her stepmother has requested she return, while dealing with the fact that her untimely death might unleash a whole host of demons on her land who have been sealed away for centuries. This book is very much a “journey story,” even more so than the first. I admittedly didn’t really enjoy the first third of the book, when Shiori was with the dragons; I just didn’t care much for these new characters and I found that some elements of the world-building and dialogue felt a bit juvenile or cartoonish (Turtle guards? Fish servants?), but thankfully I think the book picked up once Shiori was reunited with her family. In the end, the resolution felt a bit like a quick fix (maybe due to the vagueness of the magic/world-building) and it’s definitely bittersweet, an ending that not everyone will necessarily love for all the characters, but it felt fair given the stakes.

But the things I loved about the first were also present here: Shiori's resolve and desire to protect others as a driving impulse, her sweet dynamic with steadfast Takkan, getting to see Takkan’s interactions with Shiori’s brothers more in this installment, and learning more about Shiori’s stepmother’s history. Though, I do wish we got to see more of those family moments, which felt a bit pushed aside to make room for the new characters. Ultimately, I think there was “too much” in this book: too much journeying, too many characters, too much to be explained via magic; that enjoyable “simplicity” of the first book was often obscured here. But where the book does get things right is in continuing to build in those moments and conversations with the original characters we grew to love in the first.

Those who have read Six Crimson Cranes will still find it worthwhile to pick up this conclusion to see how everything is resolved! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's Books for the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

3.5/5 Stars

Elizabeth Lim could publish a grocery list and I would read it! Her masterful weaving of her own heritage into this fantastical folktale-like story was amazing. I loved this book from the moment I opened it and I loved the addition of the dragons and their world. I’m looking forward to whatever Lim publishes next.

I was very excited to get an Advance Reader's Copy of "The Dragon's Promise" since I really enjoyed "Six Crimson Cranes". The book continues where the first book left off. Shiori now has to fulfill her promise given at her stepmother's deathbed and deliver the pearl to its rightful owner. Shiori's time at Ai'long (Dragon world) to her time at Lapzur (where ghosts and demons abound) was just one action-packed scene after another. Shiori (and the readers) barely have time to catch their breath before she is launched into defending herself against wriggling kelp and guard sharks to fighting with demons hungry for her life-giving blood. One of my favorite characters is Takkan who has remained steadfast and loyal by her side despite long absences and countless perils they get into. Without losing himself, he plays a good supporting role to Shiori. The story stays true to form as a YA fantasy novel with magic, and sorcery intertwined with a feisty princess and her noble lord. The book is a nod to Chinese deities, dragon worship, and demons prevalent in its folklore. It's a great read love action, adventure, and love. The book is set for release on August 30th, 2022!

I loved this. It felt really realistic as to what to expect from a teenaged protagonist, but I also really wanted more Shiori and Seryu and did not get that much of them, which was unfortunate. I think there are tons of qualities about this book that come off as maybe archetypical, but I also think that that is something to expect, and that there are tropes for reasons. Because they work.

The Dragon's Promise kicks off right where Six Crimson Cranes left us. Shiori delves into the dragon kingdom to find a way to fulfill her promise to her stepmother. She needs to find the true owner of the pearl.

My biggest issue with this sequel is the lack of one cohesive plot line. Six Crimson Cranes had Shiori trying to break the curse, and then realizing there was something deeper going on. The plot for the Dragon's Promise was everywhere and nowhere. Every time there was a plot point it would be settled pretty early and then there would be a mother plot point. But because there was no overarching theme, or problem, the story felt disjointed. The characters we grew to love in the first book made barely any appearances or if they did, it was just the exact same character they were in the previous book, meaning there was no character growth.

But there was still some charm to this book. After all, I did give it three stars. Shiori is still a strong lead character. Her relationship with her family does really shine through. There was some mythical/fairytale-esque elements that were everywhere in the first book.

I was really looking forward to The Dragon's Promise having enjoyed Elizabeth Lim's previous books, but this was not as good as the first installment. The Dragon's Promise is a bit tedious and repetitive, and does not do a very good job tying all of the various plot threads together. The world building is quite lovely, and Lim's characters are well drawn, but this one just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Yes yes yes ! Thank you to the publisher and author for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Also thanks for making me not wait until It’s published for the ending. Absolutely love love this book.

It’s definitely on my to reread the series shelf

Sequels are a slippery slope for many and Elizabeth Lim's sequel to six crimson cranes is still worth the read. Not the strongest sequel from six crimson cranes but was plenty of fun to read. The writing is so beautiful. The world building is amazing and colorful and vivid. Shiori as an mc is such an adventure to read. The beginning feels a bit like meandering but if you're a fan of worlds and world building its not a problem. Excited to see what Elizabeth Lim writes next after this.

The Dragon's Promise begins with Shiori being "welcomed" to the kingdom of the dragon's. She has just left her betrothed (again) so that she can fulfill her promise to her stepmother, return the dragon pearl to it's rightful owner.
The characters are perfect, perfect, perfect. Each character that is a part of this story is written wonderfully, and leaves you wondering about who they are. Elizabeth Lim even makes the villains of the story interesting enough to know what happened before Shiori and what will happen after her. Shiori and Takkan have a realistic relationship with easy banter. I adore that he respects her wishes, while also being protective. Their relationship grew in the first book, Six Crimson Cranes, but it really solidified in this story. My heart was breaking towards the end when things were looking quite grim, and I even shed a few tears. A sign of well written characters is when a reader yearns to know more about the side characters and whenever the reader invests their emotions into their well being. Lim does a fantastic job of this! Props to her as well for writing characters that are flawed, but endearing without being overly badass. The characters were unique and refreshing.

As far as the plot, I thought it was fantastic. Sometimes, I felt like there was a lot going on in one book, especially for its size, but overall the plot left you on the edge of your seat. It allowed for a quick read, because there was never a dull moment. The short lulls between adventures made it seem believable. The romance was enough to keep you interested in what happens with their story without making it a large part of the story, which was refreshing.

I truly loved the culture and myths that was woven throughout the entirety of the story. It was a wonderful story, and one that I won't soon forget. I'm eager to pick up Elizabeth Lim's other books.

Of the duology, I think Six Crimson Cranes was the stronger book. This sequel felt a little divided into multiple parts, with the underwater kingdom, her home, and the mountains. While the story still had a lot of emotions and wrapped the plot up well, I did find myself less engaged with this book due to how abrupt everything was.

What really captured me was the tender love between the main characters and how supportive Takkan was throughout. He was fierce and never lost faith being by Shiori's side, easily my favorite character of the series.

I loved the ending; it was powerful and hurt but also tied up the story for me with enough of a happy ending for all.

Review of The Dragon’s Promise by Elizabeth Lim – ARC received by publisher from NetGalley

4 out of 5 stars (just barely hit the four mark for me!)

It sadly took me a while to finish this one. I was struggling with teaching this past month, and I’m not sure if it was the book or my spirit that kept me from reading.

I have to say that the ending of this novel made it a 4 for me. I enjoyed the beginning with Seryu and Gen, and LOVED when Shiori and Takkan were reunited. But I struggled getting through the descriptions and in betweens for this novel. I felt that a lot could have been cut to keep it going strong, though it seems like publishers these days have stopped cutting final drafts of novels completely.

The ending was so sweet, delicate, soft. I love the twist it took with folklore and I absolutely yearned for more of the epilogue. The cranes, the stars, the moon, the gods, the forgotten isles, the dragon heir….all of it swirls together to create so much more for me. Something almost magical. I easily spent 50 pages crying towards the end – not sobbing. Just those light delicate tears that are shed when you feel that the world is fighting against the things that should be fated. The ones you cry when you hope to see love and loyalty win by the end.

There was more that I had hoped to see though. I wanted more about the brothers. About the gods. About Seryu. I wanted MORE about Channari (maybe a prequel, even?) I know that the fates and folklore are never kind to all of the characters, but I would have liked to see more of a happy ending.

Nonetheless, I love Elizabeth Lim’s writing. I hope to read more by her soon and to see her grow as a writer.