Title: Six
Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Reader: Yasmin, Grade 11
Rating: 4 Stars
Six Crimson Cranes is a story
set in a mythical world that follows the adventures of Princess Shiori as she
tries to save her six brothers from a horrible fate, as well as her country as
a whole. After tampering with magic banned within her kingdom and discovering
hidden corruption in the palace, Shiori is launched into a world of problems,
cursed to be unrecognizable to those around her and unable to access her magic.
This book is unique in that it skillfully plays off of traditional Asian myths
and legends to build its world and give a feel of reading a traditional
fairytale while also keeping the reader turning pages with its unexpected plot
twists and moments of high suspense. The main character, Shiori, is likeable
and undergoes huge development, displaying great growth over the course of the
book that draws the reader into her story.
Six Crimson Cranes is the first book of a series, and I highly recommend it
to anyone who enjoys classic fairytales with a twist, as well as fantasy based
on real world myths with a look into a different culture. It also concludes
with a big cliff hanger, so readers undoubtedly have an exciting second book to
look forward to.