A review by pastelmeganes
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.5
The story of Shiori trying to break the curse of her stepmother had me enticed the whole journey. Having a main character that cannot speak but having to navigate this world outside of her comfort zone had me excited to turn every page. Her development throughout her journey i felt was handled well and i was rooting for her the whole journey. Personally I found her incredibly enticing and likable which made me enjoy following her adventure that much more. The journey felt very akin to magical girl anime mixed w studio ghibli which im very fond of both genres.
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
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:
Spoiler
- Shiori working at the Inn. I felt this arc really established humility for her and forced her to navigate a world without her nobility status- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Violence
Moderate: Death, War, and Murder