Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim

Description from Goodreads:

Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.

Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.

Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama's betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she's been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.

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My Review:

With the sequel to this book coming out next month, I thought it was finally time to take it off of my tbr. I love fairy tale retellings and this story is my second favorite. The author did an amazing job with this retelling. I was still able to recognize its roots but there was still so much of the author's own spin on the story. I truly did not know what would happen next.

I have a few mixed feelings about Shiori. I get that she's young and a free spirit, but she felt really childish at times. Which I can concede since she is a teenager, but it was frustrating at times. However, I really liked her resolve and how she grew as a person. I liked that she realized how her actions affected others whether there was the intention behind it or not. So, I am interested to see what her character development will be in the next book.

I am also not sure how I completely feel about Takkan. I liked his character on how not only is he a good warrior, but that he really loves to write and tell stories as well as sketch. I don't know if it's because I re-watched the Hunger Games recently with my roommate, but his personality kind of reminded me of Peeta. However, I was not a fan of his romance with Shiori. I personally didn't feel any chemistry between them as well as I don't understand his compassion towards a princess who has done nothing but been completely rude to him. Maybe I am just too cynical, but I think I would have believed the romance a bit more if there was just a tiny bit of either resentment or even indifference. Not like the hate-to-love trope but just something a bit more realistic.

I really liked that the author added more to the plot than just having Shiori save her brothers from a wicked stepmother. It really raised the stakes and kept me thoroughly interested. There were parts of the book that felt slow, but I think it's a bit unavoidable as it set the stage for some good surprises and twists.

Overall, if you like retellings, mythology, and magical creatures, this is the book for you. It is a fantastic read. If you haven't read it already you definitely should with the second book's release happening next month. I already placed a hold on it from my local library.