A princess in exile, the boy she left at the altar, six enchanted cranes, and a dragon from the deepest sea.
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim Published by Ember; July 26, 2022 Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Retellings, Fiction, Mythology Type: Duology Pages: 456 Pages Format: Paperback Source: My Bookshelf T/W: Blood, confinement, death, emotional abuse, murder, violence, self harm Rated: YA, Adult
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, Elizabeth Lim has crafted a fantasy like no other, and one that will stay with listeners long after they’ve turned listened to the last minute.
Review
Where has this book been all my life? Sitting on my bookshelf for the past couple of years, of course. I did not read it until recently, and I am astounded that I waited so long to open it.
Based on story elements from Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Wild Swans” and the legend of Chang’e, Elizabeth Lim’s reimagined vision of The Six Crimson Cranes weaves them together like a finely woven piece of fabric.
The writing has a lovely flow, taking the first-person perspective of Shiori, a princess with hidden magical abilities. Her relationship with her six brothers, father, and stepmother is beautifully represented as she goes through her adventures. She faces many struggles, and meet many different characters. But the main focus of the story, the relationships with the people around her, is a highlight to her character. She values them immensely.
“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 loved the dragon character, Seryu. He was aloof and proud, and the dialogue between Shiori and Seryu represents this trait clearly. I have already read the second book, and will review that in time, without spoiling what is to come after the first novel. However, this duology is worthwhile. I loved it, and it will stay with me for a long time.
“Food feeds the belly, thoughts feed the mind, but love is what feeds the heart.”
