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s3ag0at's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Chronic illness, Death, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
dollwon's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
Minor: Animal death
broccoli_j's review against another edition
- 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
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!!!
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, and War
nerdysread's review
- 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
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Grief, Death of parent, and War
lotoblanco's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Animal death, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Slavery, and Gaslighting
Minor: War
pastelmeganes's review against another edition
- 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 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 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
Graphic: Violence and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, Murder, and War
the_books_music_life's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Bullying, Death, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Animal death and Body horror
franticfreya's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
Moderate: Death, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Murder and War
deluna's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
soundlysmitten's review against another edition
- 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
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!
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