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chrisljm's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
amazing
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Violence, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Torture
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Vomit, War, Murder, Grief, Ableism, Self harm, Body horror, and Body shaming
Minor: Sexual harassment
readerperson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Blazed through this book, it was so easy to fall into the world. This definitely had Daughter of The Moon Goddess vibes but held its own really well and didn't bare that many similarities in a way that meant it didn't feel like the same story. I also *SPOILER* loved that the person introduced as an antagonist is revealed as this loving protector character and I genuinely felt a little sad at how her story unfolded. I'm so excited for book 2!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Gore
Minor: Torture
rensreading's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
when people said it gave them studio ghibli vibes, they really weren’t kidding! still, i had my doubts so it kind of caught me off guard how right these people were about it.
it took me a hot sec to figure out which area of asia this story was drawing inspiration from though. i think i may have just been confused by the studio ghibli comments but idk. the elements of chinese folklore became more clear only once someone pointed them out to me so im probably just slow. the red string of fate was a dead giveaway for sure though.
the plot was okay. it took a little too long to start in my opinion and certain details were brought up in the very end to try and link them as an explanation for why the beginning was so long but it still felt clunky. it seemed like lim had a plan™️ for her ending but didn’t execute it smoothly enough to make sense. there was just a lot of rushing at the end, which i get because its the end but the change of pace was weird and kind of unnecessary too. slow and steady wins the race after all.
i didn’t really care for our mc or how she seemed to enrapture two boys. the romance was just meh to me. it felt like it was missing something but i honestly couldn’t tell you what it was. probably just plain old chemistry. either way, i thought there would be more emphasis on her brothers since they’re the whole reason she’s trying to break the curse anyway but, sadly, we get to learn very little about them. instead we get a good chunk of the book about someone else’s sibling instead :)) how fun :)))
all in all, this was an okay read. there definitely were some overdone cliches and hiccups in the plot but it wasn’t enough to make me dislike this book either.i didn’t care for the random power-ups or how quickly the stepmother was forgiven though. all of that should have been expanded on for sure.
because of all of the above, i give this 4 stars
it took me a hot sec to figure out which area of asia this story was drawing inspiration from though. i think i may have just been confused by the studio ghibli comments but idk. the elements of chinese folklore became more clear only once someone pointed them out to me so im probably just slow. the red string of fate was a dead giveaway for sure though.
the plot was okay. it took a little too long to start in my opinion and certain details were brought up in the very end to try and link them as an explanation for why the beginning was so long but it still felt clunky. it seemed like lim had a plan™️ for her ending but didn’t execute it smoothly enough to make sense. there was just a lot of rushing at the end, which i get because its the end but the change of pace was weird and kind of unnecessary too. slow and steady wins the race after all.
i didn’t really care for our mc or how she seemed to enrapture two boys. the romance was just meh to me. it felt like it was missing something but i honestly couldn’t tell you what it was. probably just plain old chemistry. either way, i thought there would be more emphasis on her brothers since they’re the whole reason she’s trying to break the curse anyway but, sadly, we get to learn very little about them. instead we get a good chunk of the book about someone else’s sibling instead :)) how fun :)))
all in all, this was an okay read. there definitely were some overdone cliches and hiccups in the plot but it wasn’t enough to make me dislike this book either.
because of all of the above, i give this 4 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Body horror, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Confinement, Cursing, Medical trauma, Violence, Animal death, Death, Blood, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Torture
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Minor: War
woolgathering_jane's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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
“I would tell you stories from dawn to dusk if it meant filling your eyes with happiness.”
This was such a magical, beautiful read! I fell in love with the writing and the world instantly. Although the way Shiori, the protagonist, was written, she seemed to me like she was twelve, not sixteen. But when I aged all of the main characters down in my mind, the story felt even more magical, so I'm not complaining haha
The plot was a little predictable, but I didn't mind, I loved it anyway.
The plot was a little predictable, but I didn't mind, I loved it anyway.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, and Confinement
Minor: Death of parent, Torture, and Animal cruelty
handful_of_frogs's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Murder, Blood, Body horror, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, and Death
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal cruelty, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Torture, Child abuse, Death of parent, Blood, Kidnapping, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death
mrsschreave's review
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Grief, Death, and Blood
Minor: Death of parent, War, Vomit, Murder, Torture, and Kidnapping
soundlysmitten's review
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?
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’.
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Murder, Physical abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Violence, and Confinement
Minor: Death of parent, Animal death, Blood, Torture, and War
bestla9900's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent and Death
Minor: War, Torture, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
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