I really enjoyed this, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone without having read the Six Crimson Cranes duology which is a nice spin as often you'd wind up a little lost!

I feel like Lim effortlessly delivers every time, and this book was nothing unusual to that. We had an emotional story which reels you in, its fun and gives you all the feels at the right moments. It flowed so well and I'd have expected nothing less. I'm still an auto-buy I think.

Thankyou to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for a free e-arc in exchange of an honest review.

This book left me conflicted as its was just very average for me most of the way through.
I struggled to want to pick it up, however when i was reading it, it was easy to read and plodded along fine.
I think this could be due to being YA and my personal tastes being more Adult in writing style.
That being said the last 20% sucked me in and had me hooked.
I'm new to this author and this world (i believe this is meant to be a villain origin story) and because of the ending I'm now going to have to read the Six Crimson Cranes duology as i just cant imagine our characters being the villain.

3.5 stars!

Her Radiant Curse is the prequel to the enchanting Six Crimson Cranes duology, centred on the ill-fated Channari (aka Raikama) and how she became who we knew her as in Shiori’s story…

On the island of Sundau, there are snakes, tigers, demons and most importantly, two sisters, one radiant and one cursed. And for one sister to rise, the other must fall… Her Radiant Curse is a triumph of tragedy and family, brimming with Lim’s rich prose fans have come to know and cherish. It is exactly what makes prequels worthwhile.

The characters were well developed and truly loveable. I’d probably say the characters in Her Radiant Curse have been my favourite and Lim’s strongest to date. Channari was the perfect balance of fierce, maternal and humorous. Ukar, Channari’s snake side-kick (similar to Shiori having KiKi as her sidekick), was sassy and grumpy with a dash of sunshine. There’s then Vanna, Channari’s sister, who was the perfect balance of entitled, innocence and entirely compassionate. And there’s Hokzuh, who is a character readers will perhaps recognise, and I thoroughly enjoyed this version of him and seeing his connection with Channari/Raikama.

My only quibble with Her Radiant Curse, which I’ve felt in most of Lim’s novels with the exception of Six Crimson Cranes, is the pacing and energy of the story dwindles for a period. In Dragon’s Promise it was the middle of the novel, and with Her Radiant Curse, it was nearer the end. However, in spite of this, the ending of Her Radiant Curse is truly magnificent as it is heartrending. As fans of the duology know the story, and have followed the books over the last few years, this backstory has been years in the making and Elizabeth Lim delivered the Star Wars reverse-endings-of-all-endings. And anyone who follows my reviews will see Dragon’s Promise wasn’t the finishing instalment I’d hoped for, but with the prequel’s existence, it now makes details and context in Dragon’s Promise feel more worthwhile after the fact. A very clever and rewarding benefit to writing a prequel! I would throw bouquets of roses at Lim’s feet, but instead, shall aspire to grow a Moon Orchid in her honour.

Her Radiant Curse is magical, adventurous and every other sentiment that befits a novel as fairytale enchanting as this. The way Lim pulls this off all the while winding toward the bittersweet end, is nothing short of testament to how talented she is as a writer. She’s one of my favourite authors and has delivered an exceptional prequel that honours the duology by making such a detailed world with memorable characters. Thank you for such a beautiful adventure Elizabeth, I am your loyal reader and I can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon! Meanwhile, everyone who hasn’t immersed themselves in this world, you really need to get some radiant crimson in your life. Seriously, pick this series up!

I think the cover is very nice! It's really beautiful and a great eye-catcher. I also find the interior design of the book very beautiful and appealing. But unfortunately it's a real shame that NetGalley users don't get the book as a "ePub version" and therefore can't see the beautiful design of the book.

The author's writing style is not so easy to read and it took me some time to warm up to her writing style. It is written in a somewhat complicated way and I often found it difficult to understand. In addition, it was often not written vividly or I couldn't imagine what was being described. For example, it took me a long time to finally understand how exactly I was supposed to imagine Hokzuh or Channi, as I didn't find them sufficiently described. It was often difficult to follow the story.

Overall, the plot was nice and I liked it, but it was also very long-winded in places. It took me a long time to read the book because it is not easy to read. The plot was captivating, but it was just too drawn out. There were a few storylines that surprised me and that I wasn't expecting. Nevertheless, it was only mediocre for the most part and the ending was rather disappointing.

I didn't know beforehand that the book was the prequel to Six Crimson Cranes. I would have liked to have been given a note about it beforehand as I think that would have made it easier to read. But now I'm really looking forward to the author's dilogy and will read it straight after this book!

Edit: after reading Six crimson Cranes, I'm glad I read this book first. It allowed me to understand what the author is referring to when it comes to Channi's past. I like it very much!

3/5
Solid books but I prefer Six Crimson Cranes and Shiori to this book. I unfortunately wasn't that invested, but when I was reading it I enjoyed it.

One must fall for the other to rise. Channi was not born a monster. But when her own father offers her in sacrifice to the Demon Witch, she is forever changed. Cursed with a serpent's face.

This story is a prequel to another duology I love Six Crimson Cranes, but I would definitely say read that first before this book. It fills in the gaps of one of the characters and explains their motivations further as well.

If you have seen my other reviews you know that I love me some Elizabeth Lim and I was not disappointed. The world building continued on from SCC and there some good nods to it as well if you knew what you were looking for. You could also read this book as a standalone and not be confused.

However, I did think the the story dragged on a little in the middle and the pace slowed. The romance was fairly non-existent which I enjoyed as a meh on romance person.

I thought that the friendships in this book were great and I want my own sassy snake sidekick! Channi and Vanna’s sister dynamic was gorgeous and I really enjoyed a pair of siblings who were as protective of each other.

The ending was a real zinger and I was sad, shocked, betrayed and all the feelings! I can’t say too much for spoilers but if you struggle in the middle stick around for the end!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I've enjoyed most of Lim's other work, including the companion piece to this story, Six Crimson Cranes. While it was interesting to see how Channi ended up as Shiori's stepmother in that tale, I felt it lacked a bit of the magic of the previous books. I did enjoy the relationship between the two sisters, which felt very realistic. But I'd probably reocmmend the Spin the Dawn/Unravel The Dusk duology over these books.

What a joy this book was, and what a beautiful addition to The Six Crimson Cranes duology. I adored it and I bloody love Lims writing style. You need need NEED to read this!

"Find the light that makes your lantern shine. Hold on to it, even when the dark surrounds you. Not even the strongest wind will blow out the flame."
Channi is only five when her father takes her to be sacrificed to a demon so that her mother might not die after giving birth to her beautiful baby sister. The demon, which takes the shape of a tiger, makes a prophecy: one sister will fall so another might rise. But after her father leaves her in a forest, a serpent offers Channi his protection, which saves her life. In response, the demon curses her, giving her a monstrous face that looks like a snake's, and says she will come for the baby when she turns 17.

Years later, Channi's 17-year-old sister, Vanna is getting ready for a betrothal, their father arranging a kind of auction so she can be married off. Vanna is extraordinarily beautiful, with a radiant light emanating from her face and body. Channi doesn't think what her father is doing is right, but how can she help her sister when she's confined to their house because of her face? She promised their mother she would protect Vanna, but Channi feels helpless.

But when things go awry at the betrothal, Channi decides she'll stop at nothing to save Vanna. This results in a high-stakes adventure that features evil kings and queens, a dragon with a hidden motive, and an unexpected romance.

I adored Channi. She is so strong and resolute, a warrior with a beautiful soul. I bristled with anger over the way she was treated, particularly by those meant to love her. It's a credit to the author that I could feel her pain as if it were my own.

'Her Radiant Curse' is set in the same world as the 'Six Crimson Cranes' duology, and is also inspired by Asian mythology, but can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this book more though, largely because I felt it was less 'sweet' and 'gentle' and more intense, raw and impassioned. Channi is a character you can back with all your heart.

A highly enjoyable fantasy.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was SO GOOD. It is the prequel to her previous book, Six Crimson Cranes (which was amazing), and tells the back-story of Channari.
Full of emotions that have you on your rollercoaster throughout filled with love, heartbreak, tears and cheers. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

I don't know what to feel after reading this. I believe this is the most painful book I've read this year.

I was utterly gutted and devasted from the turn of the events. It was a fairy tale, but even a fairy tale ought to make me cry. This was such a heartbreaking story for Channi and Vanni — two sisters with undying love for one another.

It wasn't even a happy ending — only a pretend of sorts. Channi spent all her life protecting Vanna from a curse and a prophecy, fell in love only to banish it, and forced to live a lie.

I wasn't even happy while I was reading this because how can I when I shared Channi's pain like my own?

This was an amazing prequel — you'll learn to love snakes, accept love when you thought you don't deserve it, and feel that connection - be it with your family and friends - be strengthened.

I loved this book but it was painful to read it. I was sobbing at the very last pages — appalled, and baffled about everything.

Light fantasy reading that focuses on a sweet sisterly relationship, perfect for a younger teen audience.

If you weren't sympathetic for the stepmother character in SIX CRIMSON CRANES you'll definitely change your mind one you read HER RADIANT CURSE! Elizabeth Lim is a master at the fairy-tale-esque settings and stories. This is a perfect light fantasy read that focuses on Channari and her self-image, and the relationship with her sister. There is a romance but it's so barely present that you could take it out and nothing would change (I genuinely think it was included to fulfill a 'YA book romance quota', but it's not badly written or anything), and very nicely ties into the Kiatan duology.

WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR? Obviously.

I just love an Elizabeth Lim book and this one was no different! I was nervous going in, after being disappointed by The Dragon's Promise last year... but I'm pleased to say that Her Radiant Curse was a worthwhile addition to this world! Elizabeth Lim's writing is so immersive and vibrant, I felt completely pulled into the world and into Channi's mind.

Channi is a really interesting main character to read from, particularly if you know the role she plays in Six Crimson Cranes. She's very fierce and determined, and you can really feel the love she has for her sister radiating off the page; Vanna is her main priority at all times and I thought that was really lovely to see. Despite knowing what must happen (if you've read the main duology), you still root for the sisters throughout and become gripped by their story, particularly the conflict with the demon witch Angma.

I really enjoyed this and I'm excited to see what comes next from Elizabeth Lim!

Elizabeth Lim’s writing is always easy to follow; the sentence construction and the use of language are easily understandable that it makes reading her work relaxing. The rating I gave of 3 out of 5 stars is therefore not a reflection of her work which is 4 out of 5 stars. I gave 3 stars because I read this story when I was in a reading slump and had to push myself to finish it, so my rating is a reflection of my emotional state not the work. This book and the Six Crimson Cranes duology are a great read, you can check out my review of the duolgy after this.

What a wonderful way of diving back into the World of Six Crimson Cranes. I've read a lot of books by Elizabeth Lim now and she has not failed me yet.

The way she writes about these worlds is something else and one I could only dream of being able to do.

I love the backstory and the easter eggs but I would definitely recommend reading Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragons Promise first.

I really enjoyed this prequel to Six Crimson Cranes! I loved getting the backstory for Channi to understand her actions better in the duology. The sisters relationship is the true focus the story, and I loved how fiercely Channi protects her sister! Once agian Elizabeth Lim’s writing was so magical and her world building is lush and interesting. I can’t wait to read more of her books in the future!

The book was well paced and had really lovely writing - it was a really enjoyable read. I loved Channi as a character and the strong sibling bonds in this book.

I haven't read the Six Crimson Cranes duology (but I really want to!) yet I didn't feel like I needed to enjoy this book, it works great as a standalone. I look forward to reading more books in this world and I love Elizabeth Lim's writing!

I also have to say that I love the cover of this book - it is stunning!

It took me nearly halfway through the book to realise that this is a prequel to 'Six Crimson Cranes', a work that I truly adored. Who wouldn't wonder about Shiori's stepmother after reading it? So it is with evident glee I delved into the rest of the narrative eager to uncover the fate that awaits the two sisters.
Channi is nothing like the future queen who commands everyone's attention with her regal presence. Instead, we find an impulsive girl who doesn't always make the right decisions. It is hard to like her but we also get to see the gruelling experiences that made her future self. The bond that she shares with her sister Vanna is even more admirable. Still, I can't forgive her for the way she treated Hokzuh. Looks like the time has come for me to finally dust off 'The Dragon's Promise' from the TBR pile.

This was such a good standalone. I love the world Elizabeth Lim has created and how reading the first page of any of these novels feels like dipping your toes in a fairytale.

In this stand-alone prequel to Six Crimson Cranes we follow Channi before she became Raikama and discover how she ended up with the pearl Shiori carries with her in The Dragon's Promise. But mostly, this is a story about sisters, about strength and loyalty, bravery and determination, about who you are on the inside and about finding your family.

I loved Channi as a character. Her and Shiori would have been the best of friends had they been kids at the same time. And Ukar, he's such a sweet cinnamon roll and I can't remember if he makes an appearance in The Dragon's Promise but I hope he does. Hokzuh, however, would have benefited from a little more character development, I think.

That being said, the plot was great, the pacing was spot on and I really enjoyed the whole thing. I just love how all these stories are connected to each other, it feels like exploring a fairytale world that has no end. I hope Elizabeth Lim never tires of this world and we can get to explore it more. I mean, Seryu needs an epic love story.

3.5/5

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book is a prequel to Elizabeth Lim's Six Crimson Cranes duology, and it follows Channari and her sister Vanna. Channari is cursed to look like a monster, whereas Vanna has been blessed with a radiant light that enchants all she meets. However, Vanna is in danger, and Channari is the only one who can save her.

I enjoyed this much more than I enjoyed Six Crimson Cranes, and while I do think you could probably read this without reading Six Crimson Cranes, there are a lot of fun little Easter eggs that make the story even more enjoyable.

As with most of Elizabeth Lim's books, this was a very slow-paced book with not a lot of plot, but a whole lot of gorgeous writing. I enjoyed getting lost in the world, and I also loved Channari as a character.

Even though I enjoyed this story overall, I do feel like something was lacking. It didn't go deep enough for me to care that much about the characters and their arcs, and I sadly think that this will be quite a forgettable read. However, for those who love Lim's books or simply enjoy sweeping, fairytale-like books with gorgeous atmospheres, I'd highly recommend this!