Reviews with content warning for Gaslighting - Six Crimson Cranes

Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

12 reviews

dollwon's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

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broccoli_j'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

5.0

I think this book has to grow on you! It has a relatively slow start, but I have never read a book with such an original take on the „chosen one“ Trope.

The worldbuilding, the characterarcs and the magic system are just insane and the story uses the found family trope in such a unique way!

This was a great first book and I’m excited for the rest of the series!!!

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nerdysread's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense slow-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

4.75

Et un livre du 12 months 12 books challenge en plus. Et surtout l’édition française et magnifique. Alors je me disais que le résumé spoilai pas mal, mais j’étais loin de m’attendre à ce qui m’attendais. J’ai beaucoup beaucoup aimé, l’histoire ce lit extrêmement bien, la plume et fluide, on a des surprises et en plus le personnage principal évolue. Bref c’était top. Encore un bon livre. Hâte d’avoir la suite

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lotoblanco's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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? No

5.0

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pastelmeganes's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense 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? Yes

4.5

The story of Shiori trying to break the curse of her stepmother had me enticed the whole journey. Having a main character that cannot speak but having to navigate this world outside of her comfort zone had me excited to turn every page. Her development throughout her journey i felt was handled well and i was rooting for her the whole journey. Personally I found her incredibly enticing and likable which made me enjoy following her adventure that much more. The journey felt very akin to magical girl anime mixed w studio ghibli which im very fond of both genres.

The story felt very spirited away-esque in a way. I enjoyed learning more if Takkan when we finally met him. I didn’t expect to like him as much as I did. My favorite character by far was definitely Shiori, she has come so far throughout this journey and endured so much as well.

Some memorable moments that stuck out to me are listed below:

- Shiori working at the Inn. I felt this arc really established humility for her and forced her to navigate a world without her nobility status
- Shiori cooking her soup for Takkan. It was just a cute foreshadowing of what their relationship was gonna be like.
- Shiori encountering her brothers for the first time after the curse was placed on her. I liked that the dynamic of the siblings didn’t change and that they were still very loving towards shiori for the most part.
- The true identity of Raikama!!! Oof i was shocked.
- Shiori finally saying Takkan’s name!!! Awww my heart swelled and I HAD to read the next chapter.
- My favorite scene was the when Shiori and Takkan fought off the wolves together. It was so nice seeing them work side by side.

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was adventurous, mysterious, i enjoyed the world the book took place in, the many weavings if different east asian folklores and tales, the romance and writing style. I will continue straight into The Dragon’s Promise today! I gotta know how Shiori is going to handle her new task.

Im giving the book a 4.5/5 because I really had fun reading this book and shouldn’t that be the most important thing of all? :)

I just wish Takkan was a little better written

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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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franticfreya's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

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deluna's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

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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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elly29's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

A fun, fast-paced novel with a refreshing setting. (I read it as mostly a Japanese-inspired environment.) There were all the elements of a good fairytale: dragons, enchanted paper birds, a girl with a bowl stuck on her head and a curse to be silent, a horde if brothers cursed to turn into cranes. Again, I enjoyed the non-Europeanness of it. There were some typical tropes (like the whole falling-in-love-with-your-betrothed-while-one-or-both-of-you-is-in-disguise...). It was mostly well-written with only some clumsy action, with fun characters, lots of plot, a transparent plot twist, and space wide open for a sequel, which I will probably pick up once it's been written.

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