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A review by renpuspita
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I can't help to compare Six Crimson Cranes with The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, since I read Six Crimson Cranes 1-2 weeks after I finish The Girl Who Fell. Both influenced by mix and match of Asian Mythology and written by Asian American author, although Six Crimson Cranes apparently happen in the established world of Lor'Yan that also become setting for Lim's previous Novel (Spin the Dawn duology). Personally, I enjoy Six Crimson Cranes more than Girl Who Fell.
The strength of Six Crimson Cranes is in the heroine character's development. Shiori'anma or Shiori, the only daughter of Emperor Hanrinyu of Kiata Kingdom, first come of as a spoiled brat (or princess). She detest her betrothal to Lord Busian's son and prefer to be together with her six brothers. But, when her stepmother, Raikama, detect her magic and since magic is forbidden in Kiata, Raikama curse Shiori's six brothers into cranes while Shiori herself find her head covered by bowl and can't talk. One word escaped from Shiori's lip and one of her brother will die. Shiori's journey in order to save her brothers and expel Raikama's curse is the the highlight of this book, because Shiori changed from a spoiled princess to a girl with strength and determination forged by difficulties and obstacle that she face during her journey.
The story itself pretty much YA and straightforward, simple to follow but still enjoyable to read. I can't help to feel annoyed reading part when Shiori being bullied by Zairena. As for Shiori's spoiled attitude at first, I didn't mind it because well, Shiori act her age and Lim also write that Shiori kinda regret her past actions especially when she finally meet Takkan, Lord Bushian's son that she supposed to marry. The world building is also like the story, pretty simple and straightforward but still interesting to read. There are some twist near the end and the story also end in a cliffhanger that will continue in book 2, The Dragon Promise.
As for the romance, it's not a main focus but there's hint of romance, especially between Shiori and Takkan. I know that there's also possibilities of love triangle because Shiori also get close with Seryu, the grandson of Dragon King (so, he's also dragon), but although I can see that Seryu is infatuated with Shiori I feel that theirs relationship more like friends. I prefer Shiori with Takkan, lol, maybe because I like Takkan's soft boy personalities and I enjoy her interaction with Shiori. Not only romance, but the love between Shiori and her six brothers also a delight to read, and how complicated Shiori and Raikama's relationship was.
For a YA fantasy with Asian mythology at its core while also a retelling of The Six Swans fairy tale, Six Crimson Crane is a must read.
The strength of Six Crimson Cranes is in the heroine character's development. Shiori'anma or Shiori, the only daughter of Emperor Hanrinyu of Kiata Kingdom, first come of as a spoiled brat (or princess). She detest her betrothal to Lord Busian's son and prefer to be together with her six brothers. But, when her stepmother, Raikama, detect her magic and since magic is forbidden in Kiata, Raikama curse Shiori's six brothers into cranes while Shiori herself find her head covered by bowl and can't talk. One word escaped from Shiori's lip and one of her brother will die. Shiori's journey in order to save her brothers and expel Raikama's curse is the the highlight of this book, because Shiori changed from a spoiled princess to a girl with strength and determination forged by difficulties and obstacle that she face during her journey.
The story itself pretty much YA and straightforward, simple to follow but still enjoyable to read. I can't help to feel annoyed reading part when Shiori being bullied by Zairena. As for Shiori's spoiled attitude at first, I didn't mind it because well, Shiori act her age and Lim also write that Shiori kinda regret her past actions especially when she finally meet Takkan, Lord Bushian's son that she supposed to marry. The world building is also like the story, pretty simple and straightforward but still interesting to read. There are some twist near the end and the story also end in a cliffhanger that will continue in book 2, The Dragon Promise.
As for the romance, it's not a main focus but there's hint of romance, especially between Shiori and Takkan. I know that there's also possibilities of love triangle because Shiori also get close with Seryu, the grandson of Dragon King (so, he's also dragon), but although I can see that Seryu is infatuated with Shiori I feel that theirs relationship more like friends. I prefer Shiori with Takkan, lol, maybe because I like Takkan's soft boy personalities and I enjoy her interaction with Shiori. Not only romance, but the love between Shiori and her six brothers also a delight to read, and how complicated Shiori and Raikama's relationship was.
For a YA fantasy with Asian mythology at its core while also a retelling of The Six Swans fairy tale, Six Crimson Crane is a must read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: War and Murder