As far as sequels go, this was done exceptionally well!
I loved that the transition from book one wasn't jarring, the character development is lush.

'Your heart is your home. Until you understand that, you belong nowhere.’

The second and final book to this East Asian folklore inspired duology. First of all, the book covers are absolutely gorgeous; a literal work of art. I loved how this book shows how family bonds can be strengthened even with distance and tragedy. It shows the importance of promises and the purpose of last wishes.

I loved it. The characters grew so much from the beginning of Six Crimson Cranes (book 1). All of Shiori’s brothers were really likeable characters. And Takkan ;) Their relationship was soo cute and he’s just so in tune to her. Even so, there are a few things which could have made it better - like including Shiori’s wedding (finally)!

If you like the sound of magic, dragons, demons, a fierce female main character with a paper bird as a sidekick, you should definitely read this.

"Your heart is your home. Until you understand that, you belong nowhere."

This was wonderful!

The Dragon's Promise starts out with Shiori travelling to the Dragon Realm with Seryu. The descriptions of everything were beautiful and it was all fascinating but I did start to lose interest a little as it felt like Shiori was there forever.

There was slightly more action here than in Six Crimson Cranes, with Shiori finding herself in many different places.

I love that we got answers to a lot of questions posed in the first book, and that Shiori found out more about her stepmother.

I am a big fan of books with family dynamics and I was so happy that we got to know Shiori's dad, The Emperor, too. His conversations with his daughter and the love he had for his children were heartwarming.

And Takkan was just the sweetest, I truly loved him and Shiori together.

The ending wasn't my favourite - I thought things were going one way, then it all ended up differently with another legend/tale thrown in which possibly wasn't completely necessary. I guess it worked though, and I really loved this book.

i really enjoyed six crimson cranes when i read it last year so it hurts to acknowledge how painfully average its sequel is.

the first 30% was completely disconnected from the rest of the plot and felt like a whole other story. the magical underwater dragon city is a pretty nice concept so i don't understand why the author decided to abandon it for the demon plotline, which was frankly lame and boring as hell. the main goal was vague and not as compelling as the one in the first book. the plot after the first 30% felt random and all over the place, especially towards the end - it felt like the author was coming up with ideas on the spot to keep the story going somehow. plus, some ideas from the first book were repeated here - it almost felt as if the author was forced to write this sequel.

personally, i think characters like shiori and takkan can only remain charming for one book - the more i got of them, the more they started to wear me out (although i admit their romance is cute). there were a couple of new characters introduced who had a lot of potential but sadly they turned out to be pointless and played no significant role in the plot.

honestly, the dragon's promise feels a bit of an unnecessary book to me - six crimson cranes would've worked perfectly well as a standalone.

overall, this is still a fast-paced, compulsively readable book with a nice writing style and if you really really love the characters, i think you'll like it (most of the early reviews are positive so i might be in the minority).

thank you to netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review

Elizabeth Lim simply does not know how to miss. She's just a wonderful young adult fantasy writer, one who has such a clear vision for what she writes and can execute it beautifully. My favorite in a very full pond of writers attempting to do what she always manages to pull off with aplomb.

Six Crimson Cranes should have remained a standalone. I'm disappointed with this sequel.

If there's one thing I dislike it's character regression. I don't want to commit to a series in which the MC is experiencing growth only to have it swiped away in the sequel to create drama or to have an excuse to write a follow-up. Here, Shiori is naive and childish like in the past. She doesn't take things seriously, she hurts people with her words, she gets tricked time and time again... She didn't learn anything.

We spend the whole book with Shiori trying to get the pearl back to its owner. Let's say that 400 pages of a girl having side inconsequential quests and the only real plot being this pearl is not super exciting... To top it all off, every drama or hint at excitement never come to fruition. I don't like to be teased if nothing is going to come out of it. This book is about Shiori wandering around, being the victim of the villains' plans . Unconvincing, easily-defeated villains at that. Seryu is never seen again after the episode in the sea, except at the end just to say that the author didn't forget him. I was counting on this friendship, and the author didn't deliver.

The ghosts, the demons, the magic, the war... They're not developed. Even the new characters don't have a huge purpose, same as Takkan and the brothers. I feel like the author didn't know what to do with her characters anymore. Bandur doesn't feel like a huge threat honestly, he didn't do anything serious. He could have done more considering his powers but he prefers to talk.

The last 30% are the most interesting. I liked to learn more about Raikama's past. However, the ending was so cheesy I was rolling my eyes.

3,5/5 stars. Look, I’m the no 1 Elizabeth Lim advocate, my keyboard automatically suggests “Elizabeth Lim” when I type “El”, and I liked the book, but I’ve also been disappointed from time to time.

First off, what was that first 25% of the book? Everyone was out of character, I almost started hating Seryu for his weird—to say the least—actions, the plot tasted like the water I’d dip my lollipop in. If I didn’t love Six Crimson Cranes this much, I would have thought about DNFing this book.

But luckily, the entire book wasn’t about that beginning. After that first fourth, the story picks up from the right place it left, and it makes me want to erase my memory and convince myself the book starts at that point. I liked the new perspective on demons, the last spoiler-y allusion, and much more, even though I could feel the narrative being a little sloppy at times.

The characters go through amazing arcs in Six Crimson Cranes. Though everyone has the arcs, you fall especially in love with Shiori’s growth, the amazing amazing, beautifully written change in her thought process and priorities. But maybe since it was this drastic and charming in the first novel, the sequel was very lacking on this aspect. It makes sense, since everyone already reached their potential, but I think some doubts, maybe-i-should-let-everyone-die-and-run-off-to-the-woods-with-my-lover kind of thoughts would be beneficial for the reader’s experience. Since we’re told everything from Shiori’s perspective, we could go through the confusion together. Especially the presence of demons was a great opportunity in my opinion, as they could distort her view of reality in many ways.

Yes, that brings us to the writing. I wasn’t that amazed by it. Reading the book at the speed that I read it in (i finished the whole thing in approx. 3 hours), I only stopped twice and reread a passage. This is not a great sign, as reading SCC was a totally different experience. As mentioned, Shiori goes through pretty much no change in this one, which makes the writing a little dull and empty at times.

Anyway. LOVED the ending. It wasn’t too tragic, it wasn’t too happy-ever-after. Might even have cried a little reading it.

Endless thanks to the publisher for this copy, I seriously couldn’t have waited until August 30!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Another beautiful story by Elizabeth Lim.More adventure,more character development and more world building. what more can you ask for. looking forward to future work from this author.

What an amazing & totally enchanting book . Full of good , Evil, love , passion ,Life & Death as our heroine fights Ghosts & Demon's in order to fulfill a promise made to her dying Stepmother , she encounters Dragon's & even stands up to their King , a book that will enthrall children & adults alike so I highly recommend it #NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB,#Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/358a5cecda71b11036ec19d9f7bf5c96d13e2c55" width="80" height="80" alt="100 Book Reviews" title="100 Book Reviews"/>, <img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. A positive review is not required.

**Thank you to NetGalley, #HodderBooks, and #HodderPublicity for my advance copy!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Note: The Dragon's Promise is Book 2 of the Six Crimson Cranes duology. I advised readers to best read the books in order, starting with Six Crimson Cranes. Although not required, this series can be further enjoyed by reading the Spin the Dawn series since there are some "hints" of things to come that readers may enjoy.

The Dragon's Promise's pace was good and well done! The POV is still only from Shiori'anma. There were many new and "grey" characters in the book, BUT all intentional in shaping Shiori and the story's development. The conflicts were a lot, if not abundant, to digest. There was always something to wedge between Shiori and Takkan's HEA. Some of these were a hopeful suitor/friend, a lost pearl, people wanting the bloodsake (Shiori) sacrificed, and demons, dragons, ghosts, etc., are all thrown in the mix. I don't know where to hug the author or cry my eyes out as many dilemmas, frustration, and grief riddled each chapter! I had little relief at each turn as new characters came forth complicated things - friend or foe is always at the back of Shiori's head, even her beloved Takkan!
There is some slight reference to the Spin the Dawn duology, but readers are not required to read it before diving into this series.

I enjoyed the comedy injection in perfectly timed scenes. Else, I would have been a total wreck! It would have taken me forever to finish the book with the many sobbing and emotional moments that the author wrote. Most of the clever comments and laugh-out moments came from Kiki, Shiori's paper crane. From the witty banter and side comments, Kiki's got spice, spunk, and humor tastefully delivered with a side of sarcasm that is an art form on its own! Each retort or comment will bring out a chuckle in any reader.

I love the author's character development for Shiori. Shiori grew up a lot in this book. She evolved and grew stepped up on empathy, duty, and acceptance of her role in Kiata's betterment. She is far from perfect, and there were many times Kiki would chastise Shiori of her. In Book 1, Shiori, the young, impulsive, and "carefree" princess of Kiata, learns about responsibility, humility, and destiny within herself and her royal duties - consequences and love. In this book, she further explores her magical side and its connection to Kiata. She discovers that she is more than just a princess.
Simply put, she embraces her fate while still holding to her beliefs. She matured to be a brave and honorable princess, even if faced with fierce temptation and times of giving up. She maneuvered the future to how she saw fit for everyone - sacrificing everything for peace in her country, upholding her word, and being impossibly selfless.

Overall, The Dragon's Promise is an enchanting, fantastic read! There is much worldbuilding that I am convinced that places like Kiata, Ai'Long, Tambu, etc., can be seen on the world map with the care and detail provided!
The story is written and developed very well. It honors all the characters as a bittersweet farewell, from the main characters, and from Emperor Hanriyu to temple keeper Oshri. Beautiful people who will imprint themselves into readers' hearts.
Expect a rollercoaster of emotions and a winner's circle win at the end! I am sad to see the end of Shiori and Tekkan's story, BUT I am also happy with how the author wrote the ending. There were still some twists (hint: more waterworks coming), BUT what a spectacular ending worthy of being termed "Happily Ever After" in its truest sense!

*Chef Kiss*

The Dragon's Promise is the amazing sequel of Six crimson cranes and one of my most anticipated read in 2022! I was so happy to have gotten the chance to read it early and this book is as magnificent as the first!
Deeply entranched with intrigues, lies and secrets, dangers and new discoveries, Shiori is determined to mantain her promise to the dragon, but her journey won't be simple at all. Forced to navigate the kingdom of dragons, to fend off thieves, to be involved in politics, as she tries to get the pearl back to its rightful owner. But the pearl itself isn't a simple cargo, willing to help Shiori and betray her at the same time, complicating everything. Shiori will be forced to do anything to protect herself and the love she found.

I loved reading this book so much! The setting is magnificent, Shiori is a wonderful main character, stronger and even more stubborn than the first book, willing to do anything in order to complete her mission, adapting herself in a new world and hiding her dangerous magic. I loved so much The dragon's promise and Elizabeth Lim is such an amazing writer!

Six Crimson Cranes was one of my favorite books of 2021, so I had very high expectations going into The Dragon's Promise. I'm happy to report this was everything I wanted and more !!
Shiori, the main character, is met with new challenges and obstacles; and we witness her grow even stronger. I loved her character arc ! I was also enthralled by the magic and myths inspired by Asian folklore.
Highly recommend this duology, and can't wait to read more by E. Lim !!

Thank you, Hodder & Stoughton, for the advance copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Dragon's Promise is a good sequel to the acclaimed Six Crimson Cranes novel! I remembered vividly how fascinating and colorful book 1 was, especially the great premise and story. Lim manages to create beautiful and astounding storytelling.

But I do have a problem with the new sequel. I don't know if the first half should be the main plot or the second half of this book. Six Crimson Cranes ended with a huge plot hole where Dragon's Promise fill-in the holes in the story. The first half is magical actually. I do get the Studio Ghibli -ish vibes with the setting and especially with the vivid writing of the scenes. But the first half seems rushed and underwhelming just to give way to the plot of the second half of the story. I didn't feel the connection with this sequel that I had with the Six Crimson Cranes plot. It felt dragging and just a filler.

The second half is good also. I do like that Lim still gave moments with Shiori's brothers.

The whole book is good. The premise in the second half is fast-paced and action-packed. I still looked forward to the last sequel!

P.S. What makes this sequel underwhelming and not as magical as the first book is that the first and second half don't jive with each other.

I absolutely loved the first book in this series so I was a little bit nervous that this wouldn't match the high standard. How wrong was I this is just as good, if not better. Totally loved being back in this fantasy world and a bit sad the series has ended but looking forward to what the author writes next.

4,5 stars

“But a promise is a promise,” I said softly. “Not a kiss in the wind, to be thrown about without care. It is a piece of yourself that is given away, and will not return until your pledge is fulfilled.”

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton for sending me this advanced reading copy through Netgalley! This has no influence whatsoever on my review.

I was so glad to be back in Shiori’s world where dragons visit mischievous princesses and where danger, magic, adventure as well as romance lurks at every corner!

This is the sequel of Six Crimson Cranes and you must read the first story before The Dragons Promise.

The Dragons Promise begins right where we left, when Shiori will accompany Seryu, the dragon prince, to find the rightful owner of the dragon pearl her dying mother in law gave her.
Shiori made a promise to reunite the pearl with its rightful owner and she intends to be true to her word!
Even if in the meantime demons threaten to leave the mountain and invade her beloved Kiata.

What will follow is first the journey in the dragon beautiful but also deadly underwater realm. The Dragon’s king is fierce and determined to get the pearl at all costs.
Shiori will face danger after danger and I had to hold my breath more than once thinking all was lost! Shiori has magic but it will truly be her wits and her friends help, that will save her from what the dragon king has in store for her! Her strength of mind and heart is admirable. It will help her endure frightening ordeals!

But the story was far from finished and will go on dry land, in the air, on an island, in the heart of a mountain… There was never a moment of respite for Shiori, her brothers and her beloved Takkan! Oh and lets not forget the magic paper crane: Kiki!

That story races from one magical universe to another, embarking our vivacious heroine on a very dangerous path where she will have to sacrifice many things if she hopes to reach her goal and fulfil her promise.

Shiori is a very likeable character! Always prone to mischief, reckless with a huge love for food, she wears her heart on her sleeve and loves her family and her country dearly. She also would rather sacrifice herself than her beloved ones even if her intended Takkan matched her in stubbornness and dedication.
These two were really made for each other!
“Your heart is your home. Until you understand that, you belong nowhere.”


Family is also a big theme in that story and this is something that I loved reading about seeing how tight the family bonds were between Shiori and her six brothers. For someone without siblings like me, this was really heartwarming and a sweet dream.

What I also loved in this sequel was that we got to see her mother in law not as a villain but as someone who loved Shiori deeply and had made great sacrifices to protect her and her brothers. I was all misty eyes learning about her youth and what she went through. Knowing that she was finally loved was a balm for the heart.
Cherry on top was Shiori’s encounter with a young enchanter that we get to know very well in another duology of Elisabeth Lim!


Elisabeth Lim has created a story filled with magic and action that will sweep you off your feet and make you forget the world for a few hours, wishing that you could make magic paper cranes, go on dangerous adventure and eat rice cake with Shiori while playing prank on her brothers!

I bought Six Crimson Cranes as an impulse purchase during Waterstones half price hardbacks and I fell in love with it. This did not disappoint! The writing is beautiful and the story is developed in a way that you cannot put down.

“You are the light that makes my lantern shine”

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The Dragon's Promise is the last volume that concludes Elizabeth Lim's Six Crimson Cranes dilogy.
Princess Shiori's journey was adventurous, often sad and emotional. After finishing Six Crimson Cranes and having such an exciting ending, I was very curious to know what was going to happen. I am infinitely grateful that I had the opportunity to preview this book.

Spoiler about the book
What's up?
Shiori promised on her stepmother's deathbed to return the dragon pearl to her rightful owner, but this proves very dangerous. Then she goes on a journey with Seryu, finds in this incredible world where a lot of political intrigues between dragons and humans await us, trying in every way not to get the pearl stolen.
Despite the magic in Shiori's blood, the pearl is imbued with evil power, helping her princess but at the same time threatening to kill her, Takkan, and her family.
Shiori finds herself fighting to defend love, family and above all life.

What Shiori faces in this second volume, the challenges she faces her put a strain on her, not only physically, but above all psychologically and emotionally. It will not be easy for her to deliver the pearl to her owner.
The last few chapters have thrilled me a lot, I cried and it was a perfect ending to say the least.

I LOVED THIS WITH MY WHOLE ENTIRE HEART AND SOUL.

I adored Six Crimson Cranes and this sequel just smashed my expectations out of the park. I love all the relationships developed in this book (I will give no spoilers but I am SO IN LOVE with the developments and new character relationships!) I especially loved our new comical character!

I really enjoyed the gripping plot line and the cliffhanger ending has ruined my life.

I NEED MORE PLEASE!

This book definitely had a different vibe and strayed away from the fairytale vibes of the first book but I loved the route Lim took with this book and I cannot wait for more.

3.5 stars

I didn't like this as much as Six Crimson Cranes, and lately I've been seeing a pattern because Elizabeth's first books in her series are always the best one in comparison to the sequel for me. Her world building and character introductions in the first books are definitely what draws me in to the story and unfortunately I didn't really feel that in the second.

Her prose is still amazing. The world still feels magical, and reuniting with these beloved characters was certainly fun. I also really liked the romance between Takkan and Shiori like I did in Six Crimson Cranes. What I didn't really like was the messiness of the plot - I feel like there was so much going on especially with Shiori and they weren't fleshed out fully. I feel like I jumped from a storyline to another but sadly, because they weren't fleshed out it was very hard for me to actually be engaged for the plot and not just for the characters. I also feel like Shiori lacked the development that she has had in the first book as well.

One thing I can say about Elizabeth Lim's books: the main character can never catch a break in their second book.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the e-ARC.

ARC REVIEW

This book is the sequel to Six Crimson Cranes which I absolutely adored, and I couldn't wait to read it.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book too. The story was gripping and compelling and I think the plot was very well executed.

It was a little bit more fast-paced than the first book; it seemed like way more happened in The Dragon's Promise than in Six Crimson Cranes.

I liked the characters a lot, especially Kiki and Shiori, and I loved the parts that were about Raikama. I do wish there was a little bit more interaction with the brothers in the book, because they blended into one a little bit, but that's just personal preference.

I gave this book 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5 for net galley) and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy. I can't wait to read whatever Elizabeth Lim writes next.