Synopsis
Shiori, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control. At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted, but it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.
Raikama has dark magic of her own, and she banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes, and warning Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will die.
Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and, on her journey, uncovers a conspiracy to overtake the throne—a conspiracy more twisted and deceitful, more cunning and complex, than even Raikama’s betrayal. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in the very boy she fought so hard not to marry. And she must embrace the magic she’s been taught all her life to contain—no matter what it costs her.
Book Information
Author: Elizabath Lim
Publication Date: July 6th 2021
Page Count: 454
Review: 4.5/5
Review
I had seen this book floating around in many places and with so many great reviews and recommendations, it was inevitable that I was going to read it. The story is about a princess who has forbidden magic, cursed by her stepmother and a mission to free her brothers from turning into cranes every day. This story took me places I did not expect it to, when I thought one thing would happen, the complete opposite would happen instead. No one is as they seem and lies and deception are around every corner. I thoroughly enjoyed the deviation from western-centred books that I am used to reading and thoroughly enjoyed learning about folklore and myths from other areas of the world.
Shirori is a character everyone needs to be acquainted with, she is strong, fearless and despite being a spoilt princess, has high morals and fights for what she knows is right in the world. Her love for the brothers, father and kingdom is unmatched. I can barely wait to see where adventures take her next time.
abooktasia 