I wish I had known this was a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes before I read it. I wasn’t prepared for this book to be a tragedy, and I would have been if I’d known. The book is really lovely - I love Lim’s writing style! But I did feel gut punched, a little.

This was such a beautiful book, I love Elizabeth work already. But I do believe this will be a new favorite for me. I love how will define the plot and characters are.

This interconnected series of books is one of my favorites! Elizabeth did a phenomenal job having me root for Channi. She was not always the “monster”.

Even though this is a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes, you could definitely read this without prior knowledge of the original series. It's set in the same world, but though you could probably guess how the pieces fit together, it's not fully revealed until the end of the book.

This was an interesting story, but for whatever reason, I never really connected with the characters. The concept behind the curse was very interesting, and I did like the sisterly bond this showed!

Brilliant just like all of Elizabeth Lim's other books. Don't usually like prequels but this one grabbed me and I honestly could not put it down! Beautifully written

“When Channari was a toddler, her father sacrificed her to Angma, the Demon Witch. Now she’s cursed to live out her days with the face of a serpent, a cruel contrast to her younger sister Vanna’s glowing beauty. When Vanna turns seventeen, the time comes for her binding selection. Wealthy suitors, both young and old, travel to Puntalo Village to bid for her hand in marriage. When it becomes clear that only the village leaders and one suitor will benefit from what’s taking place, Channi knows she has to fight on her sister’s behalf against cruel and greedy intentions, even if it means being out in the open with her face on display. What she doesn’t foresee is a journey that will take her off the island of Sundau and across the sea. She’ll do absolutely anything for her beloved sister Vanna . . . or so she thought. As it’s been alluded to in stories past, ‘one sister must fall for the other to rise.’”

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Knopf Books for Young Readers, imprint of Random House Children’s Books, through NetGalley in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

After the high of “Six Crimson Cranes” and the low of “The Dragon’s Promise,” I was feeling cautious but optimistic about another trip to the Lor’yan world. I loved the mountainous region of Kiata and was ready for more exploring because Elizabeth Lim never disappoints with her locations and atmosphere. This time, readers are taken to the island of Sundau where sisters Channari and Vanna Jin’aiti live. Though you don’t need to read any other books to understand this particular story, there are Easter eggs for those who have visited before. I won’t reveal anything but will confirm there are references to both The Blood of Stars and Six Crimson Cranes duologies.

I was excited for something different in “Her Radiant Curse,” fully expecting an emphasis on sisterhood and little to no romance. The relationship between Channari and Vanna is sweet and compelling and only gets better as the book goes on. I also love the adventures of Channi and her animal companions which feels like something out of a Disney movie. Some romance did creep in, and I tried my best to give it a fair chance. The identity of the love interest makes complete sense and is an interesting detail. However, the progression of the relationship moves so quick and never feels organic. I understand why this element was included but am of a strong opinion that it should’ve been reworked or omitted. It took me completely out of the book which is devastating because the sisters’ side of the story had my whole heart.

In the beginning, I was leaning towards a perfect rating; in the middle, I knew this wasn’t as good as “Six Crimson Cranes” but just as good as The Blood of Stars duology; and by the end, I was willing to place this above “The Dragon’s Promise” but no higher which is how I landed on 3.5 Stars. I’m still very much in love with the world Elizabeth Lim has created and will continue to read any future prequels and sequels. Someday, sometime, I will feel the five-star magic of “Six Crimson Cranes” again.

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Content Breakdown: Abuse (physical & verbal), Alcohol & Drunkenness, Animal Cruelty & Death, Arson, Betting, Blood, Bonemaker’s Arena (people are forced to fight to the death), Bullying, Captivity (animal & human), Charms & Talismans, Child Sacrifice (attempted), Clairvoyance & Prophecies, Cussing/Cursing, Death, Demons, Drugging (only mentioned), Face & Body Marks/Scars, Familial Death, Fights to the death (animals & humans), Hunting, Kidnapping, Killing (murder & self-defense), Kissing, Magic & Witchcraft, Parental Abuse (physical & verbal), Poison & Poisoning, Suiyaks (former witches who feed on blood), Superstition, Threats of bodily harm, Traumatic Childbirth (fatal), Violence (animal & human), Weapons (Knife, Spear, Sword, etc), & Witches (including one who consumes children & adults for immortality)

Arranged Marriage/Marriage Contest: A group of kings, varying in age from young to old, travel to Puntalo Village to compete for the hand of 17-year-old Vanna. It’s referred to as a “binding selection”, & bidding is involved. Gag accordingly!

Religious Beliefs & Rituals: Altars & Shrines (for gods & relatives), Gods & Goddesses, Heaven & Hell, Incense, Luck, Offerings, Prayer, Shamans, & Temples

Self-Inflicted Wounds: More than once, Channi cuts herself to make use of her poisoned blood. She also mentions fruitless attempts to cut off her facial scales, & at one point, purposefully gives herself a facial scar.

A wonderful prequel to a beautiful story. It takes us back to understand how the curse came to be in the first place. I adored the sister dynamic and the way a character is further fleshed out and revisited. The author has a beautiful use of langauge that creates a soothing and fascinating story.

Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim is a captivating blend of myth and magic. My favorite part is the intricate relationship between the sisters, Sura and Mina, whose bond is tested by a powerful curse. Lim’s character development is exceptional, with each sister’s growth and struggles deeply engaging. The world-building and lyrical prose enhance the story, making it a must-read for fantasy fans.

I didn't like it as much as I loved Six Crimson Cranes, but it was still fascinating to see this prequel concerning a major character in Six Crimson Cranes. Reading this really wants to make me reread that for more context! I did like the main character and really felt for her story. This is a compelling adventure filled with notes of Asian-inspired mythology that really bring it to life. And there's nothing like the bond between sisters.

I loved the Six Crimson Cranes duology, so I was stoked to read this companion novel. It's a great addition to that world! Elizabeth Lim's vivid and lush writing transported me to the Asian mythology-based setting. The dynamic between the sisters and the magic was fascinating, and I even found myself getting emotional at times. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will read anything Elizabeth Lim writes.

This is the first book I read by Elizabeth Lim. I then found out (probably halfway through) that it is a prequel for Six Crimson Cranes, and set in the same world as her other books. I mention that because by the time I got the end, it felt like it was setting up events while wrapping up the story of Channi and Vanna. I found the story interesting; a fantasy world, “cursed” sisters, and even an animal companion. The “romance between sworn enemies” wasn’t the most appealing. The twist at the end left me with mixed feelings. But as I said, it seemed to be setting up events for the duology.

This series is one of my absolute favorites. I loved getting a prequel and learning about the two sisters. This was genuinely such a fun read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
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It was enjoyable to go back in time to see the back story of the step-mother from the duology! It was definitely sad to read about all of the trauma she endured , but fascinating to see the journey.
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I definitely think this prequel could be read as a stand alone and still enjoyable! But finding the Easter Eggs to things we knew from the duology was fun!

Another stunning work by Elizabeth Lim.

I absolutely LOVED Six Crimson Cranes and this prequel gave so much more insight into Chani.

ABSOLUTELY. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. Reading this makes me want to reread Six Crimson Cranes & A Dragon Promise after gaining new insight from on Channi’s story from this prequel. I had no idea how much I would love Channi and Vanna’s story. A love like no other, a love of sisters. True friendships, with a snake for a best friend. Characters so well written and brought to life. I’ve already read some really good books this year, but this might be my favorite so far.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the eGalley I initially began reading for review!

I'm going to split this review into two: one for those who haven't read the Six Crimson Cranes duology and those who have.

For those who have NOT read the Six Crimson Cranes duology, I am leaning toward telling you to wait to read this prequel until after you've read the duology because the impact hits differently when you do, but I think it may be alright to read it before reading the duology as it sets up things very well. It's your call. It also works well as a standalone book, as a tale of two sisters who love each other unequivocally and the tragedies that befall them once they've become cursed. The Legends of Lor'yan world is rich in lore, with fantastical mythology and fairy tales inspired by Asia, and it is so much fun to read about them through the characters. I can guarantee at least one character will capture your heart. So whether or not you read it first or read only it, it is worth the read.

As for those who HAVE read the Six Crimson Cranes duology, rest assured that answers you were seeking when reading The Dragon's Promise especially will be answered and you will love the expansion of the story's lore. Several times I found myself going "Aha!" when there was an allusion to something or someone in the duology or a reveal and it made me want to re-read the duology with this new information. While it didn't make me devour it in a single sitting like Six Crimson Cranes, by the end of it I was legitimately crying and wishing for the part of Channi's story where she finally gets to Kiata to be written next. It's endeared me more to the character for sure and I have a new appreciation for her.

Even if I hadn't known where the story was going because I had read the Six Crimson Cranes duology, I still would have enjoyed this story. It's tragic but so full of love and action and amazing mythology that it wasn't hard to feel connected to it. It's another excellent story by Elizabeth Lim and I can't not recommend it!

Book Name: Her Radiant Curse
Author: Elizabeth Lim

ARC
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's | Knopf Books for Young Readers for an ARC of Elizabeth Lim’s Her Radiant Curse

Stars: DNF
Spice: DNF

I wish the summary mentioned that this book is a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes. That was a book I just wasn’t into. I hoped by trying this one out I would see the author grow/ plot lines become more compelling but that just wasn’t in the cards. These books are VERY YA (not bad just not for me) The pacing feels odd and the author comes off very much like she’s preaching/teaching a moral lesson rather than telling a story. This makes the characters feel flat and stifles the reader's connections to them. If you had said this was middle grade I would have understood but the darker content and nature (IE Physical Abuse | Mental Abuse | Child Sacrifice | Violence | Kidnapping) demand a YA rating.

Overall I DNF’d this at around 30%

Due to the Negative Nature of this review, I will not be posting it to Goodreads or retail sites with respect to the publisher and author.

I enjoyed the fact that we got to revisit and gain a better understanding of a character we were already somewhat familiar with. SCC and TDP already hinted at the Channi’s complexity and backstory so I’m glad this delved deeper. Overall, I appreciate the ease of reading Lim’s stories and the vibrant world she has created.

This was such a beautiful story, yet so sad. I was honestly not expecting what happened at the end and although it was a happy ending (in a way) I would have loved the story to take a different path (your girl is just a fan of enemies to lovers sorry ) .
I loved the world building and the characters and I just didn’t now what I needed this month was to read a book with the main villain as a tiger lol. I read this in 36 hours you guys. The story was just really easy to read, the characters likable and the writing style very smooth.
I really feel for some characters and what happened to them at the end and I wonder if I’d get to read a bit more of their fate in the next books.
I really loved Channi and her love for her sister so I’m really curious what will happen to her in SCC.
This was my first EL book and although that made me sad I love it and now I want to read all her books

Thank you NetGalley for Irving me an arc in exchange of my honest review.

4.5 stars

4.5 Stars

I love this world! I was really excited to be approved an ARC. Elizabeth Lim is such a fantastic writer.

I loved Channi's character and the story around her. It was the perfect novella to add to this series.

I definitely recommend it!