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vic_to_ria's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
2.75
I didn’t love it- which surprised me a lot considering I loved the first one.
Positives first - the fairytale like energy that first book had was in the end of this one. It gave it a really nice ending that I liked and thought was a perfect way to send the characters off.
The romance between the main couple is still as cute as ever- they are the literal definition of rude or die and sometimes take it too seriously. They have really good chemistry and banter and that makes their interactions really good and fun to read- like he never lets her live it down that when he met her she had a bowl cursed onto her head.
The world was described really well and very whimsical and dangerous at the same time depending on the place. The ideas the book brings are really cool and would have liked some aspects developed more or gotten their own book (like the prequel to this story about how them demons got trapped?? Sounds epic??)
Now … onto what I struggled with.
This book was so hard for me to read, there was too much going on and too many plot lines to follow. We only spent 30% of the book with the dragons- and it didn’t amount to a lot. We don’t compete the quest and we get into more trouble than when we started waste so much time there because of the time conversion.
There were 4 different antagonists, one for each detour she went on, on the way to returning the pearl. I forgot about one of them for a second that’s how short a time we spent on that. It felt like each time we finished one thing it was like “welp where we go again” and onto another plot line. I think the problem is that they didn’t feel like sub plots on the way to the larger ending but each complete plot lines on her way to return the pearl, which isn’t where the book ends too so idk. Also … halfway through she does something that I am so confused about like the magic could have been used ANY OTHER WAY WHY THAT?? Iykyk but I am still so confused why she did that.
It was just overall hard for me to click with and it could 100% just be me but I think it had too many things going on and needed to narrow down the journey. This is not one I will be re-reading even though I would 100 times over re-read the first one. Again there were parts I liked but it was just overshadowed by the fact that I wasn’t being drawn into the story the same way I was before. Which could just be me not being in the right reading mindset so please support the author and read their work cause it was very beautiful and poetic when it wanted to be.
Positives first - the fairytale like energy that first book had was in the end of this one. It gave it a really nice ending that I liked and thought was a perfect way to send the characters off.
The romance between the main couple is still as cute as ever- they are the literal definition of rude or die and sometimes take it too seriously. They have really good chemistry and banter and that makes their interactions really good and fun to read- like he never lets her live it down that when he met her she had a bowl cursed onto her head.
The world was described really well and very whimsical and dangerous at the same time depending on the place. The ideas the book brings are really cool and would have liked some aspects developed more or gotten their own book (like the prequel to this story about how them demons got trapped?? Sounds epic??)
Now … onto what I struggled with.
This book was so hard for me to read, there was too much going on and too many plot lines to follow. We only spent 30% of the book with the dragons- and it didn’t amount to a lot. We don’t compete the quest and we get into more trouble than when we started waste so much time there because of the time conversion.
There were 4 different antagonists, one for each detour she went on, on the way to returning the pearl. I forgot about one of them for a second that’s how short a time we spent on that. It felt like each time we finished one thing it was like “welp where we go again” and onto another plot line. I think the problem is that they didn’t feel like sub plots on the way to the larger ending but each complete plot lines on her way to return the pearl, which isn’t where the book ends too so idk. Also … halfway through she does something that I am so confused about like the magic could have been used ANY OTHER WAY WHY THAT?? Iykyk but I am still so confused why she did that.
It was just overall hard for me to click with and it could 100% just be me but I think it had too many things going on and needed to narrow down the journey. This is not one I will be re-reading even though I would 100 times over re-read the first one. Again there were parts I liked but it was just overshadowed by the fact that I wasn’t being drawn into the story the same way I was before. Which could just be me not being in the right reading mindset so please support the author and read their work cause it was very beautiful and poetic when it wanted to be.
Content Warnings
Minor: Torture, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
wpapnik's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This books jumps RIGHT into the action and wastes no time picking up where Six Crimson Cranes left off.
Firstly, I really enjoyed this book! It had great characters and relationships, a good plot, wonderful world building, and was over all a lovely read! Unfortunately, I feel like this book was a little rushed. While I found Six Crimson Cranes to occasionally be lacking extra detail, The Dragon's Promise overall rushed through the plot.
I really wish we got to see more of Seryu's story - I feel it was cut short after the action between him and his father. I also would have loved to see more of Elang and his character instead of having him only be there to give Shiori the Wraith's name.
The later half of the book went at brake-neck speed and I had a hard time keeping up with all the scene changes. Although that might speak more to my own reading habits and the books I've read recently.
Overall, I would still recommend this book to anyone who like fantasy! Especially if you are interested in getting into High Fantasy.
I really did love this duology and the characters will always have a special place in my heart!
Firstly, I really enjoyed this book! It had great characters and relationships, a good plot, wonderful world building, and was over all a lovely read! Unfortunately, I feel like this book was a little rushed. While I found Six Crimson Cranes to occasionally be lacking extra detail, The Dragon's Promise overall rushed through the plot.
The later half of the book went at brake-neck speed and I had a hard time keeping up with all the scene changes. Although that might speak more to my own reading habits and the books I've read recently.
Overall, I would still recommend this book to anyone who like fantasy! Especially if you are interested in getting into High Fantasy.
I really did love this duology and the characters will always have a special place in my heart!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Grief, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Torture
lauramcc7's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
pixellatxd's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and War
niatella's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book more so than the first, probably because the plot has already been established, making easier to understand some of the complex explanations.
I understand that the MC's character-development is part of the plot, though I would like to say I don't really enjoy it. She can be a bit too stubborn and overbearing to read.
The romance is fine, simply, WHERE CAN I GET MYSELF A TAKKAN?!?!?!?!
I understand that the MC's character-development is part of the plot, though I would like to say I don't really enjoy it. She can be a bit too stubborn and overbearing to read.
The romance is fine, simply, WHERE CAN I GET MYSELF A TAKKAN?!?!?!?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death and Torture
Minor: Death of parent
pastelmeganes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I think the magic of the first book didn’t transition well into the sequel. I think the whole plot of her navigating this world unable to communicate enticed me to pick up the series in the first place. Without that there anymore, a little of the magic was faded.
The first third of the book was a little odd for me personally. We spent so much time in the dragon realm and i just didn’t feel connected with anybody but Seryu (whom is by far my favorite character).
The book definitely picked up my interest again in the middle when were back in the human realm. Learning about Raikama’s past was my favorite part of the story by far.
My least favorite character of the main cast was Takkan. He just didn’t add anything in for me and was pretty boring, in a way he made Shiori a lot more boring in my opinion. I found myself rolling my eyes a few times at their interactions. I mean it’s cute but lacked elements that made me want to ve interested in their relationship.
If i were to do anything to make the book better for me personally, id change out the Dragon realm arc for something different, make Raikama’s home a bigger portion of the book, have shiori learn more magic and abilities, keep Gen more in the story, and have Seryu end up with Shiori instead of Takkan.
I will say Shiori choosing to free the demons was an interesting choice which i appreciated. It was some nice growth.
The first third of the book was a little odd for me personally. We spent so much time in the dragon realm and i just didn’t feel connected with anybody but Seryu (whom is by far my favorite character).
The book definitely picked up my interest again in the middle when were back in the human realm. Learning about Raikama’s past was my favorite part of the story by far.
My least favorite character of the main cast was Takkan. He just didn’t add anything in for me and was pretty boring, in a way he made Shiori a lot more boring in my opinion. I found myself rolling my eyes a few times at their interactions. I mean it’s cute but lacked elements that made me want to ve interested in their relationship.
If i were to do anything to make the book better for me personally, id change out the Dragon realm arc for something different, make Raikama’s home a bigger portion of the book, have shiori learn more magic and abilities, keep Gen more in the story, and have Seryu end up with Shiori instead of Takkan.
I will say Shiori choosing to free the demons was an interesting choice which i appreciated. It was some nice growth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Grief, and War
Moderate: Body horror and Torture
Minor: Physical abuse
kbairbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Wow! The imagery, the colors, the scenery, the outfits, the food. This book is so rich with culture and flavors and texture it’s just so good. I am really enjoying Elizabeth Lims writing style and I currently have her other duology in my library audiobooks holds which I’m super excited to read as well. It was just such a lovely story. Though there were moments where I would fall out of intrigue and there were moments of dullness for me I guess… I did really enjoy it and my fairyloot edition is absolutely stunning.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Elizabeth Lim’s gorgeous follow up (and conclusion) to the Six Crimson Cranes duology was another intricately crafted and vibrant tale of identity, family and learning to embrace your power that I genuinely fell in love with!
It picks up immediately after the events of Six Crimson Cranes and sees our Protagonist, Shiori journey into the watery realm of Dragons (Ai’long) and risk untold danger into the forbidden land of Spirits (Lapzur) to fulfill a promise to her stepmother —and the action is pretty much non stop the entire time.
If you’re familiar with any of Lim’s previous books then you’ll know just how dreamy and immersive her world-building can be and Shiori’s world of demons, dragons and magical paper cranes is no exception. But, if you’re not all that familiar then you’re in for a treat as this vividly detailed and sweeping, fantasy is chock full lush descriptions and loveable characters that fans of fairytale retellings and East Asian mythology will definitely adore. As this is a sort of prequel to Lim’s previous duology which references the events which take place here, I do think for newbies who haven’t read them —you’d be best starting out with this duology (Six Crimson Cranes, The Dragon’s Promise) to get the most enjoyment.
We don’t actually spend much time in the Dragon Realm (only about the first third of the book) but fans of Lim’s The Blood of Stars duology will be delighted to know we encounter a familiar fan favourite from that series during Shiori’s time there and his scenes were just soo delightful!
We also get to see more of Seryu, the dragon mercurial dragon prince Shiori befriended in Six Crimson Cranes and I loved getting to explore his character on a deeper level—and learn more about the dynamics and culture of the dragons.
Kiki (shiori’s magical paper crane companion) is still one of my favourite characters and loved her witty banter, antics and dynamics with a few of the other characters.
The opportunity to delve into Shiori’s stepmother’s past was really interesting and definitely added a poignancy and depth to her actions in Six Crimson Cranes. I truly felt for her here, and it seemed definitely help Shiori gain a deeper understanding too.
Overall, another spellbinding, fairytale inspired YA Fantasy that I urge everyone to check out—after you’ve read Six Crimson Cranes, that is!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Torture, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief and Death of parent
shannasbooksnhooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"Twilight crept over the Holy Mountains. The Moon was a crown faint against the coal-black sky, but the breach glowed a deep, visceral red."
This was an amazing follow-up to Six Crimson Cranes, and I was absolutely in love. I couldn't set this book down for long - I kept picking it up to read another chapter or two. Seeing how much the characters grew - both in Six Crimson Cranes to The Dragons Promise and in The Dragons Promise on its own - was so endearing to read. Everything about this book was pure magic, and I definitely recommend it if you've read Six Crimson Cranes.
This was an amazing follow-up to Six Crimson Cranes, and I was absolutely in love. I couldn't set this book down for long - I kept picking it up to read another chapter or two. Seeing how much the characters grew - both in Six Crimson Cranes to The Dragons Promise and in The Dragons Promise on its own - was so endearing to read. Everything about this book was pure magic, and I definitely recommend it if you've read Six Crimson Cranes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body horror, Torture, and Death of parent
azrah786's review against another edition
4.25
**I was provided with an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
CW: violence, blood, death, murder, confinement, torture, grief, injury, self harm
--
The Dragon’s Promise is a sequel that was just as fun and magical as the first book.
The story picks up exactly where Six Crimson Cranes left off and has us following Shiori on her mission to uphold her promise by travelling all over the kingdom.
I avoid revealing too many plot details when reviewing a sequel due to spoilers but honestly I wouldn’t even know how to summarise the storyline more here. This is one of those books that you won’t be able to guess what direction the adventure will take you next.
There is still a Studio Ghibli / fairytale adventure vibe overall but the scope is a lot broader. From diving deep into the depths of the dragon kingdom to voyaging across the seas to far isles Elizabeth Lim allows us to further explore this beautifully rich world she has imagined which was one of the things I really loved about this book.
Another was Shirori and Takkan. Rereading book one before picking this up made me become enamoured by their slow burn relationship once again and my heart was just swelling watching it continue to blossom here.
Alongside exploring new parts of this world there is a lot more emphasis on the political tensions particularly in Gindara, as well as how the opinions and superstitions of the people surrounding magic come into play. Themes of grief, fear and loss are deeply explored but also love and remembrance.
I felt there was a slight set back however, in that there were various new (and old) characters and lore being introduced which weren’t given enough time to be explored as the focus was very much on Shirori and her journey. The pacing was also quite fast so some of the action scenes felt a little bit rushed and over as soon as they started but it was all so entertaining through and through.
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
CW: violence, blood, death, murder, confinement, torture, grief, injury, self harm
--
The Dragon’s Promise is a sequel that was just as fun and magical as the first book.
The story picks up exactly where Six Crimson Cranes left off and has us following Shiori on her mission to uphold her promise by travelling all over the kingdom.
I avoid revealing too many plot details when reviewing a sequel due to spoilers but honestly I wouldn’t even know how to summarise the storyline more here. This is one of those books that you won’t be able to guess what direction the adventure will take you next.
There is still a Studio Ghibli / fairytale adventure vibe overall but the scope is a lot broader. From diving deep into the depths of the dragon kingdom to voyaging across the seas to far isles Elizabeth Lim allows us to further explore this beautifully rich world she has imagined which was one of the things I really loved about this book.
Another was Shirori and Takkan. Rereading book one before picking this up made me become enamoured by their slow burn relationship once again and my heart was just swelling watching it continue to blossom here.
Alongside exploring new parts of this world there is a lot more emphasis on the political tensions particularly in Gindara, as well as how the opinions and superstitions of the people surrounding magic come into play. Themes of grief, fear and loss are deeply explored but also love and remembrance.
I felt there was a slight set back however, in that there were various new (and old) characters and lore being introduced which weren’t given enough time to be explored as the focus was very much on Shirori and her journey. The pacing was also quite fast so some of the action scenes felt a little bit rushed and over as soon as they started but it was all so entertaining through and through.
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Self harm, Torture, and Fire/Fire injury