Her Radiant Curse

i thought it was a good prequel that explained some aspects of the other books in the series, but wasn’t wowed. it followed the same theme in the other 2 books, so nothing new

justice for hokzah

currently crying this book was amazing, it captured my attention at every moment. i loved six crimson cranes and the dragon’s promise but this book surpassed them both. full of emotion and adventure, heartbreak and happiness. a beautiful story.

🦇 Her Radiant Curse Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

❝ "Find the light that makes your lantern shine," I say softly. "Hold onto it, even when the dark surrounds you. Not even the strongest wind will blow out the flame." ❞

❓ #QOTD What's your spirit animal? ❓

🦇 One sister must fall for the other to rise. When her father sacrifices her to the Demon Witch to save her mother and sister, Channi's life changes forever. She's cursed with a serpent's face, scales and all, while her sister Vanna is a radiant source of light. Her scales and slanted snake eyes convince the village she's a monster, but that doesn't keep Channi from keeping her promise to protect her sister, even from her radiant curse.

💜 Elizabeth Lim weaves together pieces of Asian folklore, Beauty and the Beast, and Ember in the Ashes in this stunning prequel to her Six Crimson Cranes duology. Despite a curse that would leave most with self-esteem issues and self-doubts, Channi's love for her sister becomes a far more powerful force. As the older sister to three younger ones, I understand that ferocity. Even a curse can't sever the powerful, unrelenting bond between them. I'm grateful that this was a story of two sisters. Even when they're apart, even with the conflicts—internal and external—Channi is forced to face, that never wavers. Lim also touches on important themes: that we put too much weight on someone's outward appearance, and that beauty is its own curse in disguise.

🦇 Given that this is a prequel to the events in Six Crimson Cranes, I understand the ending. However, it's difficult to continue empathizing with Channi when—blinded by rage and grief—she allows history to repeat itself. The ending has to happen the way it happens, I know, but that doesn't make it easier to swallow. The poignancy is almost there, but as someone who can bawl at a well-written cartoon, I'm disappointed to say I didn't have as much as a glisten in my eye at the end—Channi's cold rage eclipses her grief, weakening the ending.

🦇 Recommended to fans of all Beauty and the Beast retellings, Six Crimson Cranes (of course), Ember in the Ashes, and The Selection.

✨ The Vibes ✨

🐍 Cursed MC

🐍 Asian Folklore

🐍 Found Family

🐍 Animal Sidekicks

🐍 Fantasy YA

🦇 Major thanks to the author @elimpix and publisher @randomhousekids for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #HerRadiantCurse #SixCrimsonCranes #ElizabethLim