Six Crimson Cranes

Book was beautiful! But packing and shipping was horrible! No bubble wrap caused my books to to have torn edges!

the unknown binding is just paperback btw …

Ugh, my heart. I loved this book! It completely swept me up in its adventure, magic and heartache. I loved Shiori’s rebellious and independent nature. I loved her strength and heart that continued to grow despite the challenges she faced (and there were many). I loved the bits of romance weaved throughout the book and the way it made me laugh with the character’s banter. I can’t wait to dive back into this world again when I read the second instalment.

Llego anticipado, en muy buenas condiciones y es simplemente hermoso. Tanto la portada como la historia son bellísimos.

Very enjoyable story, amazing story line just go for it.

Six Crimson Cranes is a fairytale retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “Wild Swans,” but also integrates elements of East-Asian folklore. The story follows Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, a land that has outlawed magic. When her stepmother Raikama discovers that Shiori possesses magical ability and Shiori discovers Raikama’s own secret magic, Raikama curses Shiori into silence, turning her six brothers into cranes and exiling them from home. If Shiori so much as utters one word, one of her brothers will die. Thus begins Shiori’s quest to break the curse.This book was a joy to read! It was actually a bit nostalgic: Lim’s writing style, plot and characterization reminded me of some of my favorite books growing up, Gail Carson Levine’s Ella Enchanted and Shannon Hale’s Goose Girl. They’re all fairytale retellings featuring young female protagonists who are shaped by the consequences of magic and come into their own as a result. There are hidden identities to be disclosed, earnest romances to root for... There's a beautiful simplicity to the storytelling that feels so comforting to read.The really lovely thing about Six Crimson Cranes is that I felt like I had my own “version” of these kinds of stories as an Asian reader; Lim weaves in many allusions to Asian culture: pickled cabbage with minced pork over rice (my favorite meal), plum blossoms, lantern festivals... The intricate details come together to create an immersive world that is both new and familiar. (Here I should note that this book is set in the same universe as Lim’s first duology, which I haven’t read yet, but will have to now!).If I had any criticisms, I felt the pacing moved along too quickly in the first act, but I think the book found its footing once Shiori makes her way to Iro. I also found that the magic system was maybe a bit nebulous. However, this is probably because I read another fantasy book right before, and that book was very specific and consistent about how magic worked in its world down to a science. I don’t think this book promises to be that nor has to be that to still be thoroughly enjoyed!But I loved the complexity of Shiori’s character arc: her impulsivity is tempered by the consequences of acting and speaking carelessly, so that she more carefully assesses her circumstances; she also learns about the danger of blind stubbornness in overlooking what is good and beautiful. But what clearly rings through from beginning to end is the love she has for others even if it means making her own sacrifices. The relationship she has with her brothers is heartfelt, and though there are six of them, Lim does a great job of giving each distinct traits individually and in how they interact with Shiori. The arranged marriage trope is present (kind of!) in Shiori's romance with Takkan, who is a kind and gentle love-interest, and a lover of story and poetry which is a bonus in my eyes! I’m looking forward to seeing how Shiori will continue to develop along with these relationships in the sequel.-------------------------------------Thank you to Random House Children's Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

O livro chegou em excelentes condições. E amei a história.