Shiori is a princess with six brothers. She has made friends with a dragon and has some magic which is illegal where she lives. Her stepmother seems to have magic too and disguised Shiori and turns the brothers into cranes.
As she tries to survive away from home, she tries to figure out what is happening, who to trust, and how to undo the curse that is harming her family. She needs to speak her stepmother's true name. However, if she talks at all a brother or hers will die with any words. Epic story with several parts as each challenge is faced and overcome. ( )

Even knowing it's a fairy tale, I found the situations and events to be too unbelievable, and I didn't find the main character to be very sympathetic. ( )

* I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts*
I really loved this read. I thought it was super unique read. The structure reminded me so much of the structure of spin the dawn. I was a tad more invested in these characters and really loved how the fairytale elements was mixed with fantsay elements. This book also had some really fun and unexpected twists and turns. I also really loved the main character of this read and the focus on siblings realtionships. I also really loved the political alliance (marrige that was featured) def excited for the sequel! ( )

* I got this book for review from the publisher for my honest thoughts*
I really loved this read. I thought it was super unique read. The structure reminded me so much of the structure of spin the dawn. I was a tad more invested in these characters and really loved how the fairytale elements was mixed with fantsay elements. This book also had some really fun and unexpected twists and turns. I also really loved the main character of this read and the focus on siblings realtionships. I also really loved the political alliance (marrige that was featured) def excited for the sequel! ( )

SO YOU JUST GONNA LEAVE ME LIKE?

:Cracks knuckles: Folks I just spent the last two chaptere crying because Lim decided to be like "Oh Lexie you think you're sooo clever knowing all the fairy tales involved? SUFFER"

Because fairy tales are honest to god misery machines I swear it.

What starts as a story about a spoiled, if likeable, princess learning that curiosity does skin the cat weaves itself into a tale of family, friendship, jealousy and love...making it indeed worthy of the Tales it takes inspiration from.

Dragon Rights however.

In some ways knowing the principle Tale this book pays homage to, I felt a little impatient to get to my favorite bits of that Tale. That's a problem of MY OWN and no reflection on Lim's writing. She deftly moves Shiori through the seasons, teaching her humility as well as her own patience. We linger longest in the North (Iro), but as the pieces come together that makes sense.

I wished for more Seryu, but it looks like my wish comes true in the next book. For this one we wrap up the Curse, as well as mysteries about Raikama and Shiori's own magic.

And of course I CRIED for a character who deserves their OWN book if we're being honest. ( )