Reviews

Uncovering the mysteries of Reikama, from Six Crimson Cranes, is the premise for this prequel. We follow the story of Chinnari, a beloved daughter who is cursed with the affliction of a snake-like face, after her father refuses to offer his second daughter to a Demon Witch. A curse is bestowed upon Chinnari that will be removed upon the turning of her sisters 17th birthday - if Chinnari hands her sister to Angma.

Something so incredible about Lim's writing is the ability to create characters with true devotion and heart. Chinnari was devoted to protecting her sister through the accompaniment of Ukri, her snake companion, and a Dragon missing his pearl. From Vanna's prospects to become a queen of a neighboring land, the threat of Angma, and the revelations behind the curse and history of the dragon pearl, Chinnari still manages to uphold a sense of regality and strength in her ambition to protect Vanna.

Additionally, Lim constructs romantic ties in such a beautiful and winding fashion; a constant will they, won't they scenario that leaves readers with a sense of believabiloty as the companions slowly grow warmer to each others affections. And of course, diving back into the world was a treasure!

aljcehenry's review against another edition

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5.0

the way i hated raikama (channari) in the six crimson cranes duology but i now understand why she was the way she was at the duology— understanding her backstory and everything that she had to endure was vital in connecting with channi's character.

the comedic relief whenever hokzuh and ukar would banter with channi was precious; honestly, i expected to hate vanna as she grew spoiled and kind of put-perfectly but she was so nice and all she ever wanted was to take care and love channi as channi is to her; they were both the light that made each other's lanterns shine the brightest!

now, the story has come full circle to me and all at once, everything made sense.

moonsickness's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

4.5

girlreading's review

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Six Crimson Cranes is one of my favourite fantasies, so realising this was a spin off/prequel until around the 70% mark was the best surprise.

A vibrant story of sisterhood and the power young women hold, this was a superb standalone fantasy. Elizabeth Lim’s writing is so wonderfully readable and I ended up happily flying through this. It’s dark and action packed but in no way lacking emotion or heart. A well rounded and truly bittersweet story, this provided a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying reading experience.

thegiaour's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective 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

4.0

narrenkaiserin's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

4.75

A nice prequel, that explained how Channi became Vanna and got her magic

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