What It's About

Princess Shiori is betrothed to some guy she doesn't want to marry

She's recently found out that she has magical powers and now she has a talking paper bird companion. Because it's said that people in Kiata aren't supposed to have magic, Shiori keeps her talents a secret. But on the day of her betrothal ceremony everything goes awry.

Shiori Falls into a lake, meets a dragon and then realizes her Step-Mother, Raikama, isn't who she thought she was.

Before Shiori can tell anyone, Raikama curses Shiori and her brothers, leaving her unable to speak, and turning her brothers into cranes. In addition to all of that, for every word that Shiori does speak one of her brothers will die.

Banished from the castle Shiori searches for her brothers and for a way to break their curse.

Oh and that guy she didn't want to marry, turns out he's not so bad.

How I Discovered It

This book had so much buzz on Instagram and on Goodreads. It became hard to avoid but in the best of ways.

My Thoughts

I wish I could take credit for saying that this book reads like a Disney movie, but another blogger wrote that and it's so incredibly true. If I could remember who they were I would attribute them, my apologies to you, dear blogger, if you ever read this. That thought was genius.

I loved this book so so much. It was unpredictable and adventurous. It had me craving all the food they talked about and yearning to learn more about asian mythology.

Shiori is a wonderfully strong female character and I am delighted and relieved that she and this book didn't push that strength and the strength of the other women in this book over the top or allow that message to overshadow the plot of the story.

I read this as I was travelling through eastern Canada and while in the past I have struggled to read books while travelling, I was glued to this. Finding spare moments to slip away and read, keeping me company on the long drive home (I played co-pilot, to my amazing husband who did the driving), the pacing, making it perfect to sit and read for long periods of time.

While Shiori was an amazing character I was very attached to Takkan and their relationship, silently rooting for him from the moment they met. One could argue that Lim made him almost too perfect, but I disagree, his vulnerability making him an even more authentic character.

After a reading slump, I was so happy to find myself out of it through Six Crimson Cranes. If this book was a person I would hug it. For now I will cherish it as a beautiful 2021 memory thats tied to a great summer vacation with family.

If I could choose one thing that I didn't like, it would be that I wished for more dragon action, but I have no doubt that will come in sequel.

My Rating: 5/5 Stars

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