You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
soundlysmitten's review against another edition
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: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Confinement, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Torture, Blood, Death of parent, and War
azrah786's review against another edition
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
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
moncuries's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
points only deducted because i wanted more seryu :P but i imagine the sequel will feature him at length.
amazing read and i loved the settings very much. they felt real and familiar. it reads almost like a bedtime story, in that it advances pretty linearly and i am always eager for the next step in the plot. i loved our love interest, our main character and all the side characters.
i found that despite their motives being justified, there were just too many catty/jealous/mean female characters. its always off-putting to me. was happy to see one of them resolved at the end though.
amazing read and i loved the settings very much. they felt real and familiar. it reads almost like a bedtime story, in that it advances pretty linearly and i am always eager for the next step in the plot. i loved our love interest, our main character and all the side characters.
i found that despite their motives being justified, there were just too many catty/jealous/mean female characters. its always off-putting to me. was happy to see one of them resolved at the end though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent
alboreader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was fucking immaculate. Wow. There was literally not a moment of boredom. It wasn’t as if too much was happening unnecessarily, it all made sense and I loved it.
I normally don’t like fantasy written in first person but Elizabeth Lim’s writing is so beautiful and the way she writes her books is amazing. Normally I won’t see much characterization through first person, the same goes for world building, but Elizabeth Lim writes in a way that you can see each characters individuality through the main character. I felt so connected to each side side character. Kiki is my favvv 😌 so much character and sass for a paper bird haha.
I loved finding the little Easter eggs that’s linked to ‘spin the dawn’, I didn’t realize it was in the same world. I also knew nothing about ‘the six swans’ which was the fairytale that’s this books was inspired by so I went into this book knowing nothing and I loved every second of it. It was a journey.
I CANNOT wait for the second bookðŸ˜
I can’t wait to see what the second book will hold omg I’m so excited.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Self harm and Murder
Minor: Animal death and Death of parent
More...