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starrynews's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely follow up to Six Crimson Cranes. The beginning headed in the direction that was expected after the first book, but I was surprised when the story later veered off. There were some delightful references to The Blood of Stars books, which were very fun to see (and made me want to reread those!) It was nice to get more answers and to see more fairy tale connections. There are some open ended situations that I wonder if we will see in a new book sometime in the future - I would be interested to read more set in this world!
tirz_joy's review against another edition
4.0
Is it bad I enjoyed the sequel better than the first book?
The first one is a bit too slow for me. While I understand it’s to forge the romance between Shiori and Takkan and make it strong for this sequel, I just wanted more action to take place in the first book. In this book, the pacing is so much better. Yet I do have a slight level of disappointment though. I felt like Seryu should have had a bigger role towards the second half of the book. He shouldn’t have been just there for only half! I wanted him to aid her in her journey and have some type of like plot twist. Something that would make him just a little more complex than what we got.
Major spoiler ahead paired with a mini rant. Read at your own risk.
Legit because of Seryu, Shiori lives! It’s his wish that she lives!! Like, excuse me, I feel like this guy should have shown up at the last minute and made it known! He’s the sole reason why she breathes still towards the end and can reunite with her lover. I feel like we’re owed a slight reunion of our favorite dragon. Maybe we can get a series focused on just him? Maybe?
The first one is a bit too slow for me. While I understand it’s to forge the romance between Shiori and Takkan and make it strong for this sequel, I just wanted more action to take place in the first book. In this book, the pacing is so much better. Yet I do have a slight level of disappointment though. I felt like Seryu should have had a bigger role towards the second half of the book. He shouldn’t have been just there for only half! I wanted him to aid her in her journey and have some type of like plot twist. Something that would make him just a little more complex than what we got.
Major spoiler ahead paired with a mini rant. Read at your own risk.
Legit because of Seryu, Shiori lives! It’s his wish that she lives!! Like, excuse me, I feel like this guy should have shown up at the last minute and made it known! He’s the sole reason why she breathes still towards the end and can reunite with her lover. I feel like we’re owed a slight reunion of our favorite dragon. Maybe we can get a series focused on just him? Maybe?
liornessa's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
isabelladaisy's review against another edition
5.0
Elizabeth Lim… you are one of the most beautiful writers I have come across in the last 5 years! I was gifted the first Six Crimson Cranes book as a secret santa present at work - my expectations weren’t exactly low, yet they were exceeded all the way to the moon. The way Lim writes her characters, their growth, their relationship to one another, to you as a reader, it’s just incredible. Such a delightful story to read. Not only that, but this gruelling battle between dragons, knights, demons and royalty is also laced with important lessons that can be applied to real life too, as well as a romance plot line that made me smile and squeal to myself even in public (embarrassing). It’s one of those books that you stroke the cover in awe at once you finish, letting the story sink in as deep as it can go. I think this book may stay with me for life. Definitely worth a read.
swcheng15's review against another edition
4.0
A little long but a satisfying ending. I wish I knew the folklore behind this series, but I enjoyed it even without the knowledge.
alexis_readsbooks30's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
anneliseb23's review against another edition
5.0
4.5, rounded up. I debated how many stars to give this book. On one hand, I was incredibly sad when Seryu exited so soon. Maybe ~25-30% in? I loved his character and I would read a spin off novel just about him. Additionally, I wish we got to spend more time with Gen. He had potential to be such a fun character, but again he departed too soon. I liked the balance between the dragon and demon plots but it could have been tied together a little better so that the story flowed.
On the other hand, the ending really got me and was super sweet. If I tear up, I know the characters meant something to me. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Shiori and her brothers - and I love that they were actually important to the plot, not just people mentioned a few times then forgotten. I love Kiki and her apparent blood-thirst too. Takkan is still sweet and I wish he was a bit more fleshed out, but I’m glad he played a supportive role to Shiori.
The book was a little long and I think a bit of the middle could have been removed and the story would be much the same, but I enjoyed it all the same. We spent too little time with the dragons and too much with the demon. I do wish there was some resolution with Elang as well! Again, another interesting character who was present for only a couple pages.
On the other hand, the ending really got me and was super sweet. If I tear up, I know the characters meant something to me. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Shiori and her brothers - and I love that they were actually important to the plot, not just people mentioned a few times then forgotten. I love Kiki and her apparent blood-thirst too. Takkan is still sweet and I wish he was a bit more fleshed out, but I’m glad he played a supportive role to Shiori.
The book was a little long and I think a bit of the middle could have been removed and the story would be much the same, but I enjoyed it all the same. We spent too little time with the dragons and too much with the demon. I do wish there was some resolution with Elang as well! Again, another interesting character who was present for only a couple pages.
pretty_books's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly this fell short of the expectations I had since the first book was amazing. This started off so intense, dragon world, higher stakes etc
But then that was done and the book slowed down so much. I had to put it down and come back to it later the pace was slowing too much for me to thoroughly enjoy.
This set precedence for Raikama’s book as aloy about her past was withheld.
And I’m sorry but what was with the trope of villains who’ve not even been active in the story showing up as a plot driver 25% till the book ends. The priestesses becoming a problem was not expected/flushed out properly.
But then that was done and the book slowed down so much. I had to put it down and come back to it later the pace was slowing too much for me to thoroughly enjoy.
This set precedence for Raikama’s book as aloy about her past was withheld.
And I’m sorry but what was with the trope of villains who’ve not even been active in the story showing up as a plot driver 25% till the book ends. The priestesses becoming a problem was not expected/flushed out properly.
bookishserpent's review against another edition
3.0
Definitely not as good as book 1. Almost wish book 1 was a stand alone.