Hello NDP readers! In this month’s book review, we are going to cover one of my favorite young adult fantasy books of all time – “Six Crimson Cranes” by Elizabeth Lim. This was one of the books that inspired my love for reading, and also happens to be one I have re-read countless times.
“Six Crimson Cranes” may be a lesser-known novel, but I can guarantee the worldbuilding and magic remains on par with more popular series like “Shadow and Bone” or the “Lunar Chronicles”. My favorite part about this book, however, is how it blends both traditional Chinese fairy tales, like the “Legend of Chang’e”, and western ones like “Cinderella”.
In this story, the only princess in a family of six sons, Shiori’anma finds herself in the worst scenario she can imagine, her wedding day. In her distress to escape this waking nightmare and hide the magic she possesses, Shiori ends up somewhere even more confusing than the altar – the bottom of a lake.
Even stranger is the fact that Shiori is not alone, swimming alongside her is a creature she thought only existed in her late mother’s stories. A dragon. This unexpected encounter successfully delays her wedding and puts her in the perfect position to learn more about her magic under the tutelage of an otherworldly master.
Unfortunately, this dream does not last. After discovering the malicious intents and history behind her snake-like stepmother, Shiori is outcast from the castle by none other than her stepmother, cursed to never talk and never be recognized.
Shiori’s troubles do not stop there, as a painful curse was also placed on all her brothers. Shiori now finds herself alone, broke, and with just one goal – to save her brothers and take revenge on her evil stepmother.
Six Crimson Cranes is an amazing and vivid story about strong women, love, and intricate magic. This book is perfect for people looking to read about Asian inspired fairytales and dynamic characters. This book dives into so many great questions and tackles so many stereotypes while also being laugh-out loud funny and full of lovable characters.
Because “Six Crimson Cranes” is full of so many quotable moments, I knew I had to share at least one with you the moment I chose this book. So before you go straight to the library to find this book (which you totally should) remember this line as you continue to go about your daily struggles-
“Pain doesn’t get easier. You just have to get stronger.”
-Shiori’anma, princess of Kiata