In my opinion Elizabeth Lim can do no wrong. I absolutely love her lyrical and descriptive writing. Her world building is incredible.

I think Her Radiant Curse may be my favourite so far as, if you have read Six Crimson Cranes, it really helps you understand a lot of things that happen.

Channi and Vanna's relationship despite the different paths their life has taken is so strong. I think one of Elizabeth's strengths as a writer is how well she writes familial relationships.

Also Channi's best friend is a sassy snake named Ukar!

Highly recommend if you are looking for a new whimsical world!

One thing I love is a good fantasy I love a book that can make me forget what's going on in the world and go into an imaginative world where the impossible happens and you meet characters and creatures you would never meet for real and this book had ot all

Was expecting much but was an ok read... 3 out of 5 stars somewhat felt the story to be dragging.. a medium paced book and a predictable ending...

I have read the majority of Elizabeth Lim's books and by far have found this to be one of her best.

I loved learning more about Channi and her sister. The monstrous and the beautiful one. But at its core, what really mattered and was important was the family love and bond between them both, regardless of everything else. I found this book gripped me in terms of storyline, but it really moved me with some of the plot choices. I highly recommend reading this if you've read the rest of the series!

Prequels are a precarious situation cause they can either be a hit or a miss. I don't think there's a way for them to be mid. Thankfully, this was a hit for me. Coming back the characters that I already know in a world that I am fond of, felt like a warm hug. This book is great and does well to establish a back-story for beloved characters in the main story. A definite must read!

This was a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes and because I'd already read that duology and pretty much knew how this was going to end, I still enjoyed this very much.
This is not exactly a happy tale, but it does end with a message of hope for a better future, and well... we all know how that worked out for Channi in the end..

I did not expect to like Channi as much as I did, but I actually really loved her! She's badass, she's a fighter, but she's also very insecure. In the end she lost almost everything, and I can totally understand how she ended up being the semi-villain because of this origin story.

Prequels scan sometimes be a hit or a miss and this one fell somewhere in between for me.

I love Lim for her incredible world building and rich storytelling and Her Radiant Curse continues to dazzle in her unique manner.

However, while I very much enjoyed diving back into this world, i found that I just didn’t care much for the story

⭐️ 5 ⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

I think this was my favourite book by Elizabeth Lim. My criticism was always that I really loved book 1 and that the sequel seemed unnecessary. I am glad she chose to do a standalone for Channi´s backstory.

The whole story was heartwarming and gut wrenching. The end made me quite emotional. I highly recommend reading the book, although I would still say read Six Crimson Cranes before this one.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Channi is a young girl who has turned into a monster because of her father and she decides to offer herself as a sacrifice to the Demonic Witch for her sister Vanna, who's the only one that can still see the beauty in her despite her face resembling that of a snake.
I loved the story and Channari, I felt super emotional reading it as I've always loved Raikama in the Six Crimson Cranes duology. I believe Elizabeth Lim is one of the best authors out there and she keeps feeding us these beautifully written masterpieces!

I was drawn in by the premise and shallowly the beautiful cover but this just fell quite flat for me and I found myself uninterested in finishing

Brilliant enjoyable read, first time reading this author’s works which I have heard quite a lot about. Loved her writing style and the book kept me entertained throughout.

elizabeth lim can do no wrong. i haven't read a single "bad" book by her yet. six crimson cranes still remains my favourite book, although i still really loved her radiant curse. i particularly enjoyed reading about vanna and channi. i loved their sibling relationship and the twist at the end!

A huge thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for giving me the chance to read Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim in exchange for my honest review.

This was trully a beautiful book and as always Elizabeth Lim's writing takes the reader through a beautiful world of asian folklore and vivid colours to show us the story of Channi and her sister Vanna .
In a marvelous tale of love and sisterhood, Channi will face all types of adversities all for the sake of her sister. Through love and courage, she will fight against all evils , magic and not ,all for her sister's wellbeing, even if that means she will lose everything in the process ,including her own self.
Even though it is considered the prequel of her Six of cranes duology, it is also a standalone and even if you read it after her duology, the characters that make an appearance will be like a congratulatory easter-egg for any reader. In simpler words, it doesn't matter when you read it (prior of post to the duology) , it is simply so good it will only enhance your reading experience no matter when you read it because it simply that good !

Elizabeth Lim continuously outdoes herself with every one of the books that she writes. Gorgeously written, it's lyrical, imaginative, enchanting and just all round perfect.

I received a review copy of this book from Hodder & Stoughton vis NetGalley for which my thanks.

Set in a mythical far east, on the island of Sundau and its wider surrounds, Her Radiant Curse (2023) by Elizabeth Lim is a fantasy quest story which explores many themes from identity and family to burdens that people have to carry for no fault of their own (as also people not truly understanding those of others) but at its heart (despite some romance thread) is the deep bond between two sisters whom fate perhaps has made completely different from each other but who are each other’s strongest support.

Channari or Channi lives on the island of Sundau with her parents and as the story opens, a new family member, her baby sister Vanna is born—Vanna is a golden child, not only beautiful beyond compare but one who emanates a light that few are able to resist. Channi, the moon-faced older (though not much) sister through the actions of one person in particular ends up cursed by Angma, the demon witch, having to live with a serpent face and eyes, though Angma’s original target was Vanna, who she still means to claim when she turns seventeen. Channi’s curse makes her abhorrent to her father (and stepmother) and indeed the villagers so much so that she is kept confined to the house and must always wear a mask. Her only friend is Vanna who truly loves her and can see beyond her face into the real person that Channi is and the snakes of the island (among them her best friend Ukar) whose monarch sacrificed his life for Channi.

As the years pass and Vanna grows more and more beautiful, she becomes only a source of money for her father and stepmother being sent all forms of precious gifts by potential suitors. But their greed knows no end and they plan their ultimate bid, organising a selection ceremony for Vanna—only a cover for ‘selling’ her off to the highest bidder. In all this the threat of Angma has been all but forgotten and Channi alone prepares for the danger, even Vanna brushing it off. Channi is the only one who can protect her sister, both from Angma and equally cruel even if less dangerous possible suitors. With this begins a journey and adventure in which Channi must face many dangers and many foes but her biggest challenges don’t come from these alone for along the way difficult decisions must be made—ones which affect the only people she loves and values, and her relationship with them.

Although described in its blurb as a standalone (and it is in a sense one) Her Radiant Curse is more rightly a companion book, even a prequel to Lim’s previous duology, the Six Crimson Cranes books which I have read and reviewed earlier. While one can read it on its own or even before those books, I think reading those first made the experience more enriching.

I had had a mixed experience with the Six Crimson Cranes duology in that though I enjoyed it overall, I found the second book The Dragon’s Promise didn’t work as well as it was a little too ambitious in its scope, attempting to explore a few too many threads and ideas each of which would have made for an entire story in itself. Her Radiant Curse, however, doesn’t suffer this problem. It is nicely crafted with its central quest and storyline being in focus all through and the story tying in well with the story and characters of the Six Crimson Cranes books (you don’t necessarily need to know them to read the book but things make more sense if you do).

Channi is of course the character at the centre of this story and it is her backstory that we are fully learning here. A tragic figure, she must bear the burden of a curse that has been placed on her for no fault of her own and as a consequence face rejection and loathing from those whose love and approval she most seeks. She isn’t friendless though for Vanna despite her beauty and charm (and a little vanity too) can see Channi for who she truly is and wishes to never be parted from her, no matter what lands her life takes her too. Channi loves her as deeply and with her talents and curse will leave no stone unturned to protect her from danger. Channi also had other friends in Ukar the son of the snake king, and the dragon Hozkuh who bears a curse of his own. It is on them that she must rely as she is briefly separated from Vanna and must track her down facing enemies human and demon. In many ways she is the typical teen character, headstrong, impulsive but also one the reader can feel much sympathy for.

Vanna on the other hand may feel a lighter figure, enjoying the power of her beauty, revelling in her lovely clothes, aspiring to become a queen, but as the story progresses one finds she has much more depth to her than one sees. While Channi’s burdens are quite literally written on her face, Vanna has her own share to carry, not as apparent on first glance. Her decisions may seem typical, yet one soon sees they are never selfish, and she too is as much at the receiving end of their father and stepmother’s nefarious objectives as Channi though things may seem attractive on the surface.

As the two sisters face love, loss and tragedy in their own ways, it is their bond that is their strength since whatever happens or doesn’t, they know they are there for each other.

As things come to a head, one starts to see that there can be no easy answers here. The shape they take are heart wrenching though satisfying and the only way it can be for those other stories to play out as they did. Like in the previous books, many of the characters surprise (also, some don’t) and first glances or impressions are not enough to quite understand their complexities and being.

Beautiful and engaging, but also heart rending.

4.25 stars

4.25

Channi’s journey begins with a difficult birth, where she faces threats from her own father. It’s the same day she’s cursed by Angma, setting off a chain of events that will shape her destiny. Despite the hardships she faces, Channi’s unwavering love for her sister Vanna shines through. Their sibling bond is at the heart of the story, driving Channi to do whatever it takes to protect her sister, even if it means facing her own demons. Elizabeth Lim got me hooked with Her Radiant Curse. From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. The way the author wove together Channi’s story with the larger world of the Six Crimson Cranes duology was just brilliant.

One thing that really stood out to me was Channi’s resilience. Despite being treated as a monster by those around her, she never resents her sister or gives up hope. Her relationship with Vanna and her affinity with snakes are her only sources of comfort in a world that fears her. As Channi ventures out into the wider world, she forms an unlikely bond with Hokzuh, a dragon. Their relationship is filled with uncertainty, but Channi’s determination to protect her sister drives her forward, making her one of the fiercest protagonists I’ve come across.

Reading Her Radiant Curse after the Six Crimson Cranes duology was such a treat. It was fascinating to see how the two stories are interconnected and to gain a new perspective on Channi’s character. Elizabeth Lim’s writing drew me in from the very beginning, and I couldn’t help but devour the book in one sitting. It’s a companion novel that adds depth to the larger story while standing strong on its own.

I just love the way Elizabeth Lim writes. I adored Six Crimson Cranes, and was so excited to see we were getting a story about Channi.

Channi's life takes a tragic turn when her father sacrifices her to the Demon Witch, leaving her cursed with a serpent's face. Despite her monstrous appearance, her sister Vanna sees beyond it, offering Channi love and trust. As Vanna faces a marriage contest, Channi must protect her from ruthless suitors, becoming a target herself. Their journey unfolds into a gripping tale of battles, romance, and difficult choices, blending elements of well-known stories like Beauty and the Beast and Helen of Troy with Asian folklore. Elizabeth Lim crafts a captivating fantasy that delves into themes of beauty, sisterhood, and the sacrifices made for love.

"Her Radiant Curse" is a rollercoaster of emotions—dealing with grief, facing prejudices, but also celebrating sisterly love. I also really enjoyed how fantastical it was - curses, creatures, wicked villains and lots of magic. If you love a YA fantasy, and you're looking for page-turner, add this and Six Crimson Cranes to your TBR.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodderscape for the e-arc.

I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Lim’s books. I always know I’ll love the story she writes and “Her radiant curse” didn’t disappoint.

I haven’t read “The dragon’s promise” yet, but you can read this one without reading any of the previous books! It’s a beautiful, sad and warm story, about two sisters and their love. Great characters, great love choices, great magic and world building.

I rarely cry at books, but this one broke me! The ending was so so sad, but it made me happy. I loved to see the short connection between this one and “The six crimson cranes”. It’s a very thrilling and engaging story and you’ll find yourself rooting and crying for these characters. Totally recommend!

I will read quite literally ANYTHING Elizabeth Lim writes but I think this has to be my favourite🥹
This was the perfect prequel to the Six Crimson Cranes duology and now I need to read it all over again😭

What a beautiful book. This was my first read by Elizabeth Lim, and I was not disappointed. The writing is poetic and flows beautifully, with characters and settings crafted expertly. I am looking forward to more books by this other, especially as I now understand this is a prequel.