Six Crimson Cranes

  • Author Elizabeth Lim
  • Release Date July 6, 2021
  • Publisher Knopf Books for Young Readers
  • ISBN/ASIN 978-0593300916
  • Our Rating
  • Reviewed by SJ

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Our Review

This is my first book by Elizabeth Lim, and it was fantastic. I’m a huge fan of fairytale retellings, and the sharp characters, wonderful world-building, and clear prose made this a book I had a tough time putting down. Note, this is a YA fantasy with hints of romance.

Based on the “The Wild Swans” fairytale, the story revolves around Princess Shiori, who lives in a land where magic is forbidden. She has a father, six older brothers, and a stepmother who doesn’t like her. She’s also engaged to be married to a boy she’s never even met. Shiori practices some forbidden magic, a small thing, and that small thing spirals into something much bigger, ending in a curse that turns her brothers into cranes, and which keeps her silent about what she knows or else they’ll be killed. To protect her family, she’ll have to manage in silence on an adventure that takes her on a journey of self-discovery and magic.

SIX CRIMSON CRANES is a lovely tale that sticks with you long after you finish. Filled with awesome storytelling and wonderful characters, it’s a fantasy not to be missed!

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