Once again, Elizabeth Lim’s storytelling shows an incredible range in the prequel to Six Crimson Cranes, Her Radiant Curse. From the moment the story began, it was impossible not to get sucked into the story and become immersed in Channi’s world. From unforgettable characters to gut wrenching realizations, this book provides everything needed for a five star YA fantasy.

Having read the Six Crimson Cranes duology, it was an absolute pleasure to see the story from a new point of view. While this narrative takes place long before the events of Six Crimson Cranes, it was nothing short of fascinating to see how tightly the strands of the story were wound. A fast paced flow from event to event fit perfectly as it allowed the characters to grow quickly without losing their depth. Despite the fact that I have previously read other books in this series, I can easily imagine this book being read on its own. While the connections to other stories are fun to find, the story is also self contained and separate, which is refreshing as well.

The world is richly described and stunning in fact that even the small details are important. The connection between the characters and their homes is explored deeply and the results are a whole, well rounded story line. I would love to go into more details about the characters themselves, but I fear that any details I provide could end up being spoilers. I will only say that the characters and their relationships to others were full of inspiration, loyalty, and dedication. Watching each of them react to all of the hardships that were thrown at them was insight into who each of them were at their core.

5/5 stars for a book that absolutely made me go and reread the rest of the series the moment I was done with this one.

A huge thank you to netgalley and Random House Children’s for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

As a huge fan of Lim's previous works--especially the Six Crimson Cranes duology, of which this book is a prequel--I was excited for this new story. And it didn't disappoint! I do wish there had been a bit more time spent on describing the dfferent settings, as it was a bit difficult to imagine where the characters were and the places they traveled. But overall, the strength of the characters (even Vanna, whom I initially didn't connect to due to her static personality and weakness) and their arcs, along with the suspense created by the unexpected plotlines, made this one I was glad to engage with!



Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.

I’m beginning to become a huge fan of Lim and her writing. The books she writes are so beautiful and I can never put them down.

I requested this book from Netgalley not knowing that it is a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes (which I have yet to read. It's on my TBR). However, this did not hinder my enjoyment of the book. Immediately within the first chapter, Lim's writing was so vivid and unique that it sucked me right into the story. I adored Channi's strength and her desire to protect her little sister. Dynamics between sisters in books always hook me, whether the dynamics are messy or not.

Overall, I loved the story, the main character, and the writing was absolutely beautiful. This book has definitely bumped Six Crimson Cranes up on my TBR list!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC

I absolutely adored Her Radiant Curse. Getting to experience Channi's story was heart-wrenching on its own, but even more impactful knowing how things play out in Six Crimson Cranes. Elizabeth Lim's writing is beautiful, the tale is gripping, and the world is lush. An absolute must-read for Six Crimson Crane fans.

Elizabeth Lim became an autobuy author when I read Six Crimson Cranes for bookclub, and every time I hear she is releasing a new story I do my happy dance! Filled with a fantastical adventure, readers of all ages can relate to the sisters and their relationship in this book.

Elizabeth Lim is such a fantastic writer you can't help but get swept away when reading her books, Her Radiant Curse included. Each time I read one of her books I can't help but feel like I am reading an original fairytale for a classic collection. The stories feel new but somehow like I've known them forever.

While not my favorite book of hers, Her Radiant Curse was still beautiful to read. Filled with adventure, love, and a surprising ending. (I was very thrown). I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good fantasy that feel like a fairy tale.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwpGtJ6upmD/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

EL has been a staple author for me for her rich and vibrant Asian-inspired tales that immediately immerse yourself into a fantasy world full of magic and wonder. This story is just as beautiful as her others, with characters that have depth and beauty to them. Loved this!

This is my first Elizabeth Lim book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Six Crimson Cranes has been on my tbr for ages, and reading this prequel has made me even more excited to read the rest of her books!

I absolutely loved Channi and Ukar and it is so refreshing to read a novel where the main "love" of the story is between sisters - where that love trumps all others, including romantic love. While Vanna was not my favorite character given her apparent passivity and spoiledness, she really grew on me during the final 1/4 of the book. Overall, this one was a fun, wild, ever surprising ride, and I'm immediately downloading the rest of the author's novels!

Lim's prequel expands on her already impressive worldbuilding, adding depth to an already intriguing and fascinating character

I enjoyed this fairy tale-ish book. Two sisters, one is blessed with extreme beauty and inner light, the other is cursed with the face of a snake and poisonous blood. While the plot is somewhat predictable, there are some twists and the world-building was good, as were the characters. Plenty of suspense, action, and emotion.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free e-ARC of this book.

Her Radiant is a prequel of sorts to Six Crimson Cranes, and it is a great expansion on the existing story. It is a beautiful, compelling read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

I thought this was a unique and mystical story as usual from Elizabeth Lim but felt the setting changed so quick when they could’ve been explored more. It was a great intro to “Raikama” but it still felt like it was written after the fact rather than an actual prelude. It also was stagnant in parts that could’ve been expounded on and places we went into detail that we could’ve cut out.

This book is a prequel of sorts to Six Crimson Cranes, and it doesn't disappoint! This focuses on Channi's journey while being cursed with a serpent's face. Despite being shunned by her family, Channi still tries to protect her sister from being sold, What ensues is quite the story! I enjoyed the world building and getting to know the characters throughout the story. Pacing was a bit of an issue at times, but it didn't keep me from reading the wanting to know how it all ends.

"One sister must fall for the other to rise."

A complex, moving fairytale for those who don't believe in the simplicity of happily ever after.

When a sacrifice went wrong, one daughter was left with a supernatural golden glow, while the other daughter bore the face of a snake and poison in her veins. Channi's been told the only way to break her curse is to bring her sister to Angma, a tiger witch, before her eighteenth birthday. Now, Vanna, the golden one, is participating in a selection ceremony to find her new home and kingdom, while Channi tries to find a way to save Vanna from Angma, who has sworn to kill her on her birthday.

This is a tale of unlikely allies, betrayals and the power of sibling love. It kept me enthralled, with a sarcastic talking snake best friend and an untrustworthy dragon. The world is rich and enchanting, as Channi and Vanna travel far beyond their village home as they struggle to understand the power they have been granted. The action is non-stop, but it also doesn't skimp on character development as each of the sisters comes into her own.

Her Radiant Curse is set in the same world as Six Crimson Cranes but can definitely stand on its own. I didn't realize it was a prequel for much of the book and enjoyed it for its own merits.

Her Radiant Curse proved to be a captivating read, seamlessly picking up the threads left by the enthralling Six Crimson Cranes. It effortlessly delivered everything I sought in a post-series narrative, maintaining the same level of enchantment and intrigue that initially drew me into this fantastical world. The storyline flowed smoothly, with well-crafted characters and a plot that kept me hooked from beginning to end. What truly sets this novel apart is its seamless integration with the broader universe of related books, enhancing the overall reading experience. In essence, Her Radiant Curse is not only a satisfying continuation but also a testament to the author's skill in weaving together a rich tapestry of interconnected tales.

Channi is used to being a monster. Ever since her father tried to sacrifice her life as a child to save her mother, she has been cursed with the face and venomous blood of a snake. Her sister, Vanna, is her opposite - she is beautiful, radiant, and her heart glows with pure power. She was the one who should have been sacrificed, but her father couldn’t bear to lose her and tried to sacrifice Channi instead. Now, years later, Vanna is in the middle of a competition of suitors to determine the king who earns her hand, but Channi knows the curse is coming for them. For when she was cursed, the demon Angma swore to return by Vanna’s seventeenth birthday to take what was meant to be her’s - Vanna’s life and magic. Channi must find Angma first and kill her, before her sister is taken from her forever.

This book is incredible and powerful and sad, honestly. It’s important to note this book is a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes, but it is not necessary to read Six Crimson Cranes and its sequel beforehand. I am actually looking forward even more to reading it now because I want to continue past the ending of this book to see where the world goes and what happens to the characters I know and love.

With that being said, this book is an epic fantasy journey full of unforgettable characters and incredible mythology, but it’s not necessarily for the readers who prefer happy endings, like myself. Despite trying to guard my heart against the possibility of heartbreak, I definitely cried and felt the tragedy to my core. This isn’t the BEST fantasy I’ve ever read, but it definitely holds its own. If you’re wanting a fantasy with twists and turns, hopeful moments and bittersweet ones, and an ending that leaves you feeling a lot of different things, this one is for you.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

In "Serpent's Embrace," Elizabeth Lim delivers a captivating and emotionally charged fantasy that delves into the complexities of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the unyielding power of love. With a rich tapestry of folklore and mythology interwoven into the narrative, the author creates a world that is both enchanting and dark, leaving readers spellbound from beginning to end.

The story revolves around the transformative journey of Channi, who, after being cursed with a serpent's face, grapples with the harsh realities of being perceived as a monster. Her unwavering love for her sister, Vanna, serves as the driving force behind her resilience and determination to protect her from the ruthless suitors in the village. Lim masterfully crafts Channi's character, infusing her with strength, vulnerability, and a depth of emotion that resonates with readers on a profound level.

The intricate bond between the two sisters forms the heart of the narrative, adding layers of complexity and depth to the storyline. Through their unbreakable connection, the readers are drawn into a world of intricate alliances, heart-wrenching choices, and the enduring strength of familial ties. Lim's portrayal of sisterhood is both poignant and authentic, capturing the essence of sacrifice and unwavering devotion in the face of adversity.

With an exquisite blend of fantasy and folklore, "Serpent's Embrace" pays homage to classic tales while offering a fresh and innovative take on the genre. The author's skillful incorporation of elements from "The Selection" and "Ember in the Ashes," alongside nods to timeless stories like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Helen of Troy," adds a layer of depth and familiarity that enhances the overall reading experience.

While the narrative unfolds with captivating momentum and intricate world-building, there are moments where the pacing feels slightly rushed, diminishing the impact of certain pivotal scenes. However, this minor flaw is overshadowed by the author's masterful storytelling and the intricate web of relationships that drive the plot forward.

In "Serpent's Embrace," Elizabeth Lim presents a mesmerizing tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. With its evocative prose, dynamic character development, and a richly detailed world, the novel stands as a testament to the author's storytelling prowess. Through the compelling narrative of Channi and Vanna, readers are invited to explore the profound depths of sisterhood and the relentless pursuit of hope in the face of adversity. "Serpent's Embrace" is a must-read for fans of fantasy, folklore, and stories that resonate long after the final pages.

I absolutely adored Elizabeth Lim's past works, and Her Radiant Curse did not disappoint. It follows the ultimate bond between sisters, Channi and Vanna against a cruel demon witch. I have read Six Crimson Cranes and found the parallels so enjoyable to read, but it is not mandatory to read it before this book. Overall, I think Lim creates an enchanting and immersive story that I cannot get enough of!

"Her Radiant Curse" follows Channi and Vanna, two sisters with intertwined fates that could lead to deadly consequences. When Channi was a child, her father sacrificed her to the Demon Witch and caused her to be cursed with a serpent's face. Her sister, Vanna, is the favored child of her father and stepmother, and the only person who doesn't see a monster when she looks at Channi. The sisters have an unbreakable bond - a bond that will be put to the test when cruel suitors, sworn enemies, and a deadly battle come into play.

Overall, I really enjoyed "Her Radiant Curse." I will say that I was unaware that this was a prequel to the "Six Crimson Cranes" duology - this had no bearing on my review or enjoyment of the story. I am curious to see how it will impact my understanding of Six Crimson Cranes when I read it since I now have some back story that most people didn't. I liked the relationship between Channi and Vanna, but sometimes would get very frustrated with Vanna as a person, and Channi's continued insistence on being the only one that could protect her. (Their father was also just an awful person). I loved the side character of Ukar - he was fantastic and brought some great depth to the relationship with Channi. I found the ending to be a bit all over the place, but I did look up how it plays into the SCC duology, so it makes sense. This wasn't my favorite, but it wasn't bad; a solid YA fantasy.