So firstly it’s worth saying that I wouldn’t have chosen this book based on the original cover. However, the one here in the picture is what caught my eye and made me decide to give it a go – and I was pleased that I did. The second thing to say is that I’ve not read any of Elizabeth Lim’s writing before. To enjoy this book I really don’t think you need to have read any others prior.

If you’re looking for a magical re-telling, a fairytale re-imagined, plenty of curses and family drama… then this is the book for you! It’s inspired by the Grimm Brother’s fairytale, Six Swans, and is an evocative fantasy that follows Shiori on a difficult journey.

Stereotypes are banished and you think it will have a typical fairytale ending… but you’ll see. There are a few curveballs in this book that are nicely surprising! Looking forward to book two being published…

About the Book…

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.

Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 8th July 2021

About the Author…

Elizabeth Lim grew up on a hearty staple of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Her passion for storytelling began around age 10, when she started writing fanfics for Sailor Moon, Sweet Valley, and Star Wars, and posted them online to discover, “Wow, people actually read my stuff. And that’s kinda cool!” But after one of her teachers told her she had “too much voice” in her essays, Elizabeth took a break from creative writing to focus on not flunking English.

Over the years, Elizabeth became a film and video game composer, and even went so far as to get a doctorate in music composition. But she always missed writing, and turned to penning stories when she needed a breather from grad school. One day, she decided to write and finish a novel — for kicks, at first, then things became serious — and she hasn’t looked back since.

Elizabeth loves classic film scores, books with a good romance, food (she currently has a soft spot for arepas and Ethiopian food), the colour turquoise, overcast skies, English muffins, cycling, and baking. She lives in New York City with her husband.

Connect with the Author…

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