12 must-read science fiction and fantasy book releases for a magical July
By Lacy Baugher
July 2021 release: Six Crimson Cranes – Elizabeth Lim
The new series from the author of the “Blood Like Stars” duology, Six Crimson Cranes is Elizabeth Lim’s newest fantasy retelling that blends elements of The Wild Swans and East Asian folklore into something entirely new.
Sixteen-year-old Princess Shiori is the only daughter of the Emperor of Kiata, and is chafing under the news of her impending betrothal to a Northern warlord that will take her far away from the home and family she loves. But Shiori is also keeping a potentially deadly secret: She has magic, in a kingdom where such things are forbidden.
Unfortunately, so does her stepmother, Raikama, and when she realizes Shiori has discovered her dark abilities, she banishes the princess and curses her six brothers, turning them into cranes. Worst of all, Shiori can speak to no one of what has happened to her – for if she uses her voice, every word she speaks will kill one of her brothers.
Alone and voiceless, Shiori must undertake a quest to save her family – and her kingdom – with the help of a dragon, the boy she tried her hardest not to marry, and a paper bird her magic has brought to life. And she’ll have to learn to wield the magic she’s spent most of her life trying to pretend she doesn’t have.
The official synopsis describes the story in much greater detail.
"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."
Six Crimson Cranes is available on July 6.