This was the book that put an end to my very long reading break that lasted years. And I’m glad it was Six Crimson Cranes because it brought my love for reading back, with its whimsical and colourful world.

I read it recently both to refresh my memory before starting its sequel and to write a review because the perfectionist in my brain won’t leave me alone if I have a book in my “read” shelf without a review.

I thank myself for pushing through the first chapters the first time. Either because my reading skills were rusty or because my attention span was catastrophically reduced because of constant use of social media, I found it very difficult to care about the main character at all in the first pages, wasn’t amused by her recklessness and her mischief which I actually came to enjoy a lot in the later chapters. It’s only when the curse hit that it hooked me, and since then it was a great ride that took me on a journey across Kiata. And successfully cured my short attention span.

I came to love Shiori, a carefree child that was forced to mature rapidly in the span of a few days. I loved her growth, I felt pity for her, trying to keep her screams inside to the point she might burst from it. But “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” and she transformed into a strong lady, ready to face anything to save her beloved brothers and her country. In a way, she reminded me of Yona, another of my favourite characters of all media combined. Those who know both will see some similarities. 

The plot was well woven, nothing too intricately complex, yet still engaging. The pacing was just right, juggling intense scenes with more quiet, peaceful moments. 

The romance was enjoyable and actually made me feel some emotions. It evolved naturally, without overshadowing the main plot, but instead strengthening it. It also played a huge part in Shiori’s character development, which is something I haven’t seen in the books I’ve read so far, so props to the author for pulling this off. 

The secondary cast was just as great as Shiori and well-developed in the page time attributed to them. Each brother had their own distinct voice, allowing us to tell who is who just by their actions. But the one I loved more than them all together was definitely the villain. Mysterious from the beginning to the end, her presence was powerful, despite being known through her few gestures off-screen and in the flashbacks. The bits of her backstory consolidated her character, and I’ve come to love her even more, yet so much was left to tell which made me hungry to know more. Out of everyone, she remained the most memorable but alas I can’t tell more without spoiling. If you plan to read, you should brace yourself for a plot twist. 

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve read this book a second time, yet it didn’t make it any less intriguing. I got played by the same cliffhangers, felt the same emotions again as if I was reading it for the first time. This truly shows how well written it is.

Overall, a very easy fantasy read I’d recommend to everyone. Don’t miss out on it.