Her Radiant Curse

I like the characters the most out of this book the plot was fine.

The relationship between characters was really the driving force of the book and there were something's that were important to the plot but were just repeated for plots sake like we could forget.

I haven't read the Crimson Cranes series and I think that was okay for me, it did make me want to read the other books!

I really wish the summary mentioned that this book is a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes. I haven't read SCC and I didn't know these stories were connected so I went in 100% blind.

Let me start by saying that for about 75% of the novel I was thinking of rating 4 or 5 stars. I enjoyed the fast paced plot, I liked Channi, the world building was decent. But then I got to the ending...and I was so deeply offended with how the author wasted my time that I'm dropping my rating down to 2 stars. The ending legitimately made me angry. Even after ranting about it to two friends and my husband I am still mad about how it ended. I will never stop being mad about the ending. Justice for Hokzuh!! The author did him totally dirty!

I wasn't ever that interested in reading Six Crimson Cranes so I have no idea if that series is much better or about the same as this one. But I do know that the author has totally lost my trust and I'm so upset by this ending that I might never read another novel from her again. I feel like I can't trust the author not to pull the rug out from under me again.

The prequel to the Six Crimson Cranes duology, telling the story of Channari's life before she moved to Kiata and became known as Raikama.

Never will I apologize for being the monster they made me.

I find this one a lot more engaging than The Dragon's Promise right from the start, mainly because Channari is such a strong and consistent character. She would do literally anything to protect the people she loves, and this personality trait stays exactly the same many years later. The difference is that in this book, she lives for her sister Vanna. It's an action-packed story about family, though it does have a little bit of romance which I honestly find unnecessary. A platonic friendship would've worked just as good, considering how fast it got dashed anyway. But Channi and Vanna's sisterhood? Channi's friendship with Ukar? Good stuff. 👌✨

What I did not like, though, is how Hokzuh's action was painted as a betrayal. He literally did not have control over himself. He didn't do what he did willingly. It's even made clear plenty of times what would happen if he lost his talisman, so it's not a betrayal no matter how you look at it and it bothers me a lot how the book and Channari insist that it is. If anyone or anything is to blame, then shouldn't it be the pearl instead of him? Speaking of which, it's also never explained how Vanna was born with the pearl either.

I was also under the idea that this book would show more of Channari's ties to Hanriyu, but it doesn't. This particular part was so rushed. Her reason for going to Kiata is crammed in at the last minute, and the selection where she chose him gets entirely skipped. I can't help but feel like some of the scenes in the middle, especially the parts where they hop from Shenlani to Yappang, could've been removed to give more spotlight on their friendship instead. Still, it's an easy book to read and it gives a lot more depth to Channari so it does make a nice addition to the series.

This book was truly wonderful! I loved everything about it and I'm not sure I have words in me to do it justice. The cover however, is stunning and a perfect package for this beautiful story.

“A promise is not a kiss in the wind Channi, it is a piece of yourself that is given away and will not return until your pledge is fulfilled.”

Elizabeth Lim is a master of storytelling and created a heartwarming story full of love, adventure and magic. The writing is beautiful and completely immersed me in this world. The characters are wonderful and I was fully invested in their journey and outcomes.

Channi and Vanna are exactly the type of female characters I want to see more and I'm glad the new generation of readers will grow reading about them. They are strong, smart and able to fight for themselves, but their greatest strength is their love and bonds.

This book is the prequel of Six Crimson Cranes and it was my introduction to this world. I must say, in no way this affected my enjoyment of the book, and it was probably the twist I was needing to pick up a story that I already know and love.

Her Radiant Curse will be published in August 29th and I couldn't recommend it more. I hope I can get my hands in one of the Fairyloot exclusive editions (update: I will indeed have the signed fairyloot edition!)

I would like to thank Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. What an immense privilege it was!

Rating: 4.5

The plot itself was an interesting read, with the characters involved each being quite determined, almost. Channi herself acted with little self-interest the majority of the book, absolutely taking to heart her mother's words. Vanna, on the hand, was extremely naive, albeit she was eighteen and sheltered.

The only downside was the romance aspect felt a little sloppy and thrown in just to tie the loose ends together for the main duology.