8.75/10

"I was not born a monster."

Channi, Channari, the moon-faced girl was very young when her sister was born with a light in her chest. Her mother lost a lot of blood at her sister's birth, Vanna. Then her father for saving her mother, tried to sacrifice a child, Vanna's radiance was so powerful that he chose Channi to offer her to Angma, the Demon Witch. He ran into the jungle and offered his girl instead of the health of his wife to that tiger, Angma. But before the tiger arrived, the serpent king poisoned Channi's blood, so she became useless to the Demon, for that Angma cursed the moon-faced girl to never look at her face without feeling pain.

She became a monster and the only way she could undo it was, to bring Vanna for Angma before her seventeenth birthday, If not, she would come for them both.

“One sister must fall for the other to rise,”

Channi, with the strongest poison in her blood, can talk to snakes; only snakes are immune to my poison, as she is to theirs. They call her “Lady Green Snake,” raised her, and taught her their wisdom, lore, and ways. She considers them brothers and sisters and her loyal and hectoring closest friend is Ukar.

With green-brown scales on Channari's face, she should have always hidden in the shadows and behind a mask till no one saw her cursed face which is more like a snake than a human, men shriek in terror and her sister Vanna is the only one who fell in love with her. Channi swore never to let the Demon Witch take her. Not ever.

Her Radiant Curse is an individual and a spin-off of Six Crimson Cranes in a land far away from Kiata, the kingdom of the crimson crane, where the magic is more potent than Kiata which the gods suppress.

An Asian fantasy full of red eyes demons, witches, dragon stories, dragon' pearl, and Hokzuh a Dragon Prince whose destiny is tied with the Serpent Queen!

I got a headache when rating this book, I like the love and good friendship in it, enjoyed the snakes much, but sometimes I hated the sense of revenge and despise, and then I hate that I hated it; other times story became a little silly, childish, there should be a red line for magic and fantasy, shouldn't be exaggerated and unbelievable!
So, this was entertaining, enchanting, and heartbreaking but not flawless!

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton via Netgalley for giving me a chance to read Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim, I have given my honest review. Pub date will be 29 Aug 2023.

I LOVED the six crimson cranes duology so when I saw this was set in the same world I pressed that request button so fast. This book was beautifully written. It told the tale of 2 sisters and their battle to remain together despite all the odds. I absolutely adored Channi and it definitely explained somethings about her personality in SCC. Gorgeous world building as per usual.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book for an honest review.

This book is a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes however it can be read without any prior knowledge to this world. There are some references to SCC but not in the sense of you feel like you are missing some of the story by not understanding the references.

This book is perfect for anyone that loves whimsically dark stories with a thread of mythology. It is ultimately a story about the power of familial love and the strength that it can give us, whether by blood or not.

I would say that there are some trigger warnings that should come with this book such as death, blood, torture and human sacrifice.

I really enjoyed this book and was another great edition to this world that Lim has created.

After feeling a bit let down by The Dragon's Promise I was a bit hesitant going into this book, but I was pleasantly surprised! It was great to get some insight into Channi's life before the events of Six Crimson Cranes, as she's originally presented as the villain of the story, but it's eventually revealed all is not what it seems. Despite knowing how the story was going to end it was still a very sad ending. Overall a great instalment in this world!

Thank you to NetGalley for the free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

As with all of Lim's books in this universe, this book was such an easy read. If I had had the time, I could easily have devoured this whole book in a single sitting. In fact, I may very well do that when my physical copy arrives because I absolutely adored this!

There is something about the books in this world that are just so beautifully addictive and they only ever seem to get better. I absolutely adored Spin the Dawn and, when I read it, I didn't think I would be able to love the sequel any more. When the next book came out, I thought the same. Yet, I am continuously proven wrong and that fact makes me so very happy.

Before I even get excited about Channi and her arc throughout this novel, I want to take a moment to appreciate the extent of the world building throughout these novels. We have seen so many different parts of it and it is so rich with culture, landscapes and religions. It is an absolute joy to get to see more of it, especially when it is crafted so seamlessly.

Now... Channi! Oh what a fun character she is to see this world through. She is a character forged by the necessities of the world she is in and we see that in her every interaction. She is not a happy, friendly girl who is ready to take on the world; she is angry and hurt, but also determined and loyal. I absolutely loved seeing how she adapted and grew from the first to the final page.

I absolutely adored this book and am so grateful that I got to read it already. It's got me even more excited for its release than I already was!

DAMN, THOSE LAST CHAPTERS!

Her Radiant Curse is a prequel to the Six Crimson Cranes series which tells the story of love, betrayal, pain, and heartache.

*spoiler*

It is not a bittersweet ending. It is not a happy ending but a haunting one for the protagonist.

Ms. Lim mesmerized her readers once again with the world of Six Crimson Cranes. I do love the first book but we don't speak of the second one haha.

Channari and Vanna's characters are well developed and these are the type of characters you would be so invested with.

I am so sorry to say that this book was disapppointing to me.
While I loved Six Crimson Cranes, I just felt this book felt flat in comparison when it came to worldbuilding and character development.
Our main character Channi is portrayed as the evil stephmother in the other series. She is an amazing snake queen and I was so rooting for her own story. We follow her growing up with her father and sister as her mother died when her sister was born.
And ever since her father is mean and her sister is honestly a happy little sunflower b*tch. I did not like the family setting at all. The way Channi was treated just because she has a snake face that she literally did to sacrifice herself for her sister. Who is obviously a radiant beauty and everyone wants her. Competition style no one is good enough just because she is gorgeous was discusting. Especially as big sister Channi was not allowed to disturb or diminish her value by showing her fking face. I am sorry this just aggrivated me.
The story with the dragon pearl was intruiging, but Channi picking her sister over herself over and over again was just too much.

Every time I read a book from this world it is somehow better than the last. Elizabeth Lim writes so fun, fast paced fantasy stories with the serious and emotional elements. I love how she writes her characters, the in depth world building. I loved reading the story of these two sister, especially after the part we read in Dragon's Promise. I really hope there are more books set in this world. If there is or not, I will most certainly be reading whatever Elizabeth Lim writes next!

I was delighted to get eARC ofHer Radiant Curse - it's the standalone story of Her Radiance/Channari, aka Shiori's stepmother from Six Crimson Cranes. This expands on the story that was first told in The Dragon's Promise. Channari is an incredible, engaging character. She goes from strength to strength and believable doubt and the tension between her and her sister over their fates is utterly gripping. We also get to learn more about Kharamelan the Dragon and how he ended up in his particular mess through his relationship with Channari and the witch that cursed her.
Also I never thought I'd love a snake but Channari's best friend, Uruk is a fabulous danger noodle and so sassy.
I absolutely tore through this absolutely gorgeous story, full of Lim's sumptuous world building and a twisting tale that hurt you every chance it got. You don't even need to have read The Six Crimson Cranes Duology to enjoy it as it truly stands alone.

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Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the advance copy of Her Radiant Curse for an honest review.

Her Radiant Curse is a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes covering Ramaka or Channi's story.

Channi was made a Monster by her father's offer to sacrifice her to the Demon Witch Angma. Now cursed with the face of a serpent Channi is the opposite to her sister Vanna who is beloved. Vanna is the only person Channi trusts and who sees her as more than a Monster.

At 17 Vanna is to be married off for money and Channi is intent on preventing her getting married to some of the vulgar suitors. In doing this she gets mixed up in one suitors wrath and ends up over seas starting a battle to return to Vanna's side and protect her from the curse of the Demon Witch.

After The Dragon's Promise felt abit disjointed I was interested to read Lim's next offering and I must say this is a return to form.

Her Radiant Curse was a fantastic epic YA fantasy steeped in Asian Folklore. I was hooked on this book and couldn't stop reading.

The story was well crafted the characters were enjoyable and it gave us fantastic insight into Channi's origin. While being a prequel I wouldn't say you need to read Six Crimson Cranes first but it does give good context and there are some moments dropped in that lead you back to aspects of Six Crimson Cranes.

A fantasticly crafted story and I look forward to whatever Elizabeth Lim releases next.

This absolutely beautiful prequel to Six Crimson Cranes duology was amazing!
This book was amazing and one I stated I couldn’t put it down. It was absolutely heartbreaking at points and I really felt all the emotions coming across from the writing. The world building is fantastic and the author truly captivates a magical story.
Channi is such a strong and Beautiful character, I enjoyed learning her backstory and everything she did to protect her sister.
I loved meeting all the characters and they were beautifully developed throughout the book. I absolutely loved going back into this beautiful world and would love more stories from this world.

Thank you to the author, netgalley and the publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is a prequel to the Six Crimson Cranes duology that introduces the empresses back story to us and it was action packed and heart-wrenching. It made me tear up and feel so many different emotions. My favourite yet from the author

This brilliant prequel of the Six Crimson Cranes series immerses readers in the captivating world of Channari's heart-wrenching and epic backstory! If you are already a fan of alum's previous works, this book will undoubtedly exceed your expectations, delivering an action-packed, thrilling, and intense fantasy experience intertwined with exquisitely crafted magical realism. Prepare yourself for heart-throbbing battles, incredibly compelling trials, and the mesmerizing presence of dragons that adorn the pages of this extraordinary tale.

It look me a while to get into, but it was a beautiful book to read with a rather unexpected ending. So glad I got to read this book. The writing was so beautiful and touched on beauty standards, guilt and grief in such a profound way.
My only critique is that we got more character development from Vanna. It was clear the Channari loved her but it felt a bit flat at times as she was deemed as a nice person who was loving and protective of her sister.

<i>I would like to thank Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.</i> What an immense privilege it was!

This book was truly wonderful! I loved everything about it and I’m not sure I have words in me to do it justice. The cover however, is stunning and a perfect package for this beautiful story.

<i>“A promise is not a kiss in the wind Channi, it is a piece of yourself that is given away and will not return until your pledge is fulfilled.”</i>

Elizabeth Lim is a master of storytelling and created a heartwarming story full of love, adventure and magic. The writing is beautiful and completely immersed me in this world. The characters are wonderful and I was fully invested in their journey and outcomes.

Channi and Vanna are exactly the type of female characters I want to see more and I’m glad the new generation of readers will grow reading about it. They are strong, smart and able to fight for themselves but their greatest strength is their love and bonds.

This book is the prequel of <b>Six Crimson Cranes</b> and it was my introduction to this world. I must say, in no way this affected my enjoyment of the book and it was probably the twist I was needing to pick up a story that I already know and love.

Her Radiant Curse will be published in August 29th and I couldn’t recommend it more. I hope I can get my hands in one of the exclusive editions.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Her Radiant Curse' by Elizabeth Lim.

Elizabeth Lim does it again!! 'Her Radiant Curse' is the newest fantasy novel by Lim and it sparks so much joy inside my heart. Beautiful writing with lush characters and plot points - Lim truly is a standout author in the YA Fantasy genre.

With thanks to @hodderpublicity @hodderbooks @netgalley for the DRC of this amazing book.
Her Radiant Curse is a spin-off of Six Crimson Cranes about Raikama.
Once again full of adventure and action the emotional story of Channari and her sister Vanna and the lifechanging fight against Angma the demon witch. The story grabbed me because I have also read Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragon's Promise and in them you get to know the story of Channari's future. Combined with her childhood makes this a complete and emotional story. Channari grows up with a snake face while her sister grows up as the coveted and beautiful sister.
There is little romance in it but the build up in tension between Hokzuh and Channari was impossible to ignore. The role of Ukar, Channari's best friend, brings the necessary humor. Channari's love for Vanna and mutually is heart breaking and makes this a story about two sisters and their love and loyalty for each other. I think you can also read this book before you start Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragon's Promise that will give you a sequence of events.
Elizabeth has proven herself again with this story that does not disappoint at all but leaves you wanting more! I hope there will be another book!!!

Aannesjnrkenjw. Review: done. Mic: drop.

Just kidding. I was so thrilled to hear about a standalone Six Crimson Crane spinoff and boy, when it was revealed it was going to be about Raikama/Channari, hoot! I was awed by the layers that got peeled back in The Dragon's Promise (SCC #2) as it deepened a misunderstood character, got me to root for her even more and more fascinated by the additional mystery of her history. I ended up going back to TDP to refresh my memory of the snippets of Raikama/Channari's past and it was gratifying and remorseful to know how things ended and imagining how the time passed had affected the characters. I think if one digs into HRC right before starting the SCC duology or after finishing it will have their guts punched a little harder.

Elizabeth Lim's writing is light and smooth as always, making it incredibly easy to flow from one paragraph, then chapter, to the next. Yet, she never fails to pepper imagery into every chapter, tackling you with descriptors of (especially) food, geography and fashion. I'm in love with Ukar, Channari's best friend who's a snake and the son of the Serpent King, whose level-headedness balances out Channari's impulsive angry personality. Their sarcastic, pessimistic outlook unites them. Again, it was so satisfying to go back to TDP and realise where he had fit in, smiling at his brief mention. We also get to see a host of characters that made brief roles or mention in that novel, like Oshli, Vanna and Khramelan. Whatever secrets and feelings they harboured in TDP, we see their origins here. Breathtakingly, the novel spans only a few days, yet their life courses are forever determined by the events of HRC. Despite the scope of the events that make the story feel epic, the story is always grounded by Channari's sisterly love for Vanna and beats on a solemn quiet heart.

I'm so excited to see what's up next for Elizabeth Lim and will eat up whatever she writes.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

As beautiful as everything Elizabeth Lim writes, her work is poetic and flowing in nature, and this book is no exception. The characters are well crafted, and their storylines make complete sense for who they are as characters. We have gorgeous descriptions of the world, and where and how the characters came to be. The connection to the other stories in the series is also excellent and fits in nicely with everything. The story telling is so vivid, and the use of mythology to tie everything together – I couldn’t get enough! The words and pages flowed beneath my fingers, it was over before I realised, and my only complaint, I want more of these characters and this world!

An interesting novel steeped in mythology. Fast paced and unusual, perfect for fans of daughter of the moon goddess.