Reviews tagging 'Kidnapping'

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

12 reviews

necroplasm's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

this one was soooo up-and-down for me? like it's been a day since i finished it and i'm just still not sure how to feel about it?? i didn't LOVE it but i can't really put into words why that is...... i know at least a few reasons why i didn't hate it, though! shiori honestly rly grew on me as a protag, she seemed kinda flat to me at first but idk that development just started hittin i guess! i'm also a really big fan of the original fairy tale this book is based on, and the spins the author put on it were pretty neat to me, especially the late-game twist with raikama. i'll probably go on to read the sequel, hopefully it'll leave me feeling a bit more satisfied :P

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claudan's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0


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calicat42's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


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bones_jackson's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Achei incrível, eu não sei porque eu não continuei a ler ele antes, a história é muito criativa e bem escrita, e o romance é maravilhoso. 
Agora que acabou nesse clifthanger gigantesco eu preciso ler o próximo urgentemente 

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monniebiloney's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

This book really reminded me of the movie BRAVE (Disney)
It's definitely its own thing, but it is weirdly similar on the bases of it's exciting insidient.

If you liked Brave, you will LOVE Six Chrimson Crains.

I love that I didn't read the back of the book, cuz some of my favorite plot points that grabbed me by surprise were greatly spoiled on the back of the book.

So please, just read the first page to see if you'd like the book 

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the_books_music_life's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I was very wary and had low expectations going into this book and honestly, I don’t really know why. It could have been because of how big the book is, the words and names I knew I was going to mispronounce, or because it is a retelling I’m not at all familiar with. Whatever my reasons were for being weary this book OBLITERATED them.

I ADORE this book so very much. The writing was lyrical and descriptive, the characters are so well developed and their flaws and the struggles they faced helped the characters grow in a way that was slow but felt real. The magic system was honestly amazing. Not once was I confused about the magic system, everything is explained in a way that makes it easy for the reader to grasp. This book and its magic system is probably one of my favorite magic systems.

Don’t even get me started on the world building. I want to visit this world, I want to eat the food that is mentioned and I want to meet a dragon!

I loved watching Shiori grow from a pampered princess to the woman she is at the end of the story. The things she faced and went through changed her, but changed her for the better. They didn’t deter her and she never complained, she took lessons from everything she was faced with and it made her stronger.

The relationship between Shiori and her brothers was incredibly sweet and felt real. I know as the youngest I have my ‘favorite sister’ just like Shiori had a favorite brother. I think it’s something every sibling does/haves. 

Elizabeth Lim has a way with writing that just grabs you and sucks you into the world and the story.

I was SHOCKED at the big twist. I can’t say too much about it because of spoilers but you know what villain twist I mean if you’ve read it.

I love me some morally grey characters.

The romance wasn’t so front and center, all in your face. It was a nice slow build that made me fall in love with Shiroi and Takan.

I would definitely recommend going the audiobook route if you’re worried about mispronouncing things.

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beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


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mrsschreave's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

this book got me out of a month long reading slump and is the second book to get a 5 star rating from me if that says anything 

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soundlysmitten's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Six Crimson Cranes is a balance of adventure, whimsy, and heart. From the intricate customs and traditions of Kiata to the snowy landscape of Iro, the world building is dreamy in its depth. The pacing is quick and mostly consistent, but even when the action lags, there are slower moments of quiet emotion to appreciate. And the cast of characters is endearing, to say the least 💞

Determined princess Shiori narrates the story. She’s a spaz with a kind heart who is just as curious and impulsive as she is compassionate. It’s hard to imagine such a vibrant soul being silenced and sent out into the world alone, but the whole ordeal ends up growing Shiori in some essential ways. Trial after trial, she refuses to be cowed, and each experience helps her learn better what to value and how to discern. The trials do not leave Shiori without scars, but she emerges with a new air of wisdom and agency, assured of both her place and her strength.

While only a small fraction of the content centers on Shiori’s brothers, it’s clear that she has a unique relationship with each of them. Her connection with Hako is especially heartwarming. But odd as it may sound, I found Shiori’s bond with her cheeky little paper crane even more adorable. Their dynamic reminded me a bit of Kiki & Jiji from Kiki’s Delivery Service. And Shiori & Seryu reminded me a bit of Chihiro & Haku from Spirited Away. It’s possible I’m just too preoccupied with Studio Ghibli, though 😹 The only critical thing I have to say in this area is that while I came to care for all the characters, I didn’t truly connect with any of them. But I can’t put my finger on why, so it might just be a me issue.

As for the romance, I’d call it slow and sweet. Not a whole lot comes of it, but I’m actually glad the book doesn’t make romance the ‘be all, end all’.
Did anyone else feel some love triangle vibes/jealousy from Seryu over Shiori & Takkan, though?? Or am I just a freak?


Overall, I really enjoyed the combination of elements in this retelling. Despite drawing inspiration from a number of old fairytales, Six Crimson Cranes maintains a uniquely magical premise, further enriched by a fusion of East Asian cultures and fares. I’d like to say all good things, but there is one kind of major piece I don't quite understand… so if you’ve read the book, let me know what you think, please!
Were the brothers really cursed to die if Shiori spoke? Seems to be some contradiction regarding that, especially considering they didn’t… And if Raikama cared for Shiori all along, why couldn’t she just tell her what was up?

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azrah786's review against another edition

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4.5

 **I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

CW: banishment, confinement, death of a parent, animal death, abuse, bullying, kidnapping, poisoning

Six Crimson Cranes is predominantly a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's The Wild Swans with some elements of East-Asian folklore woven in too, and it is just as beautiful and magical as it's stunning cover!

Elizabeth Lim has written an absolutely entrancing tale which has that strong feeling of familiarity that fairytales bring but also that of going on a whole new adventure. There's fascinating magic and lore, quests, a loveable paper crane familiar called Kiki, DRAGONS, heart-warming family dynamics and a soft slow burn romance.
It is a slow going story and I’ll admit I caught onto the twists pretty early on but the major Studio Ghibli vibes meant that I really enjoyed it all the same!

I thought all the characters were brilliant and I particularly loved following our protagonist Princess Shiori on her journey through this story. I do have a slight qualm with something that was hinted at the end to lead into the sequel… I’m excited to read more in this world and with these characters but I just hope I don’t find myself wishing this was a standalone.

Anyways if you love your fairytales I highly recommend checking this one out!
Final Rating - 4.5/5 Stars 

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