Six Crimson Cranes

Chapter One 

The bottom of the lake tasted like mud, salt, and regret. The water was so thick it was agony keeping my eyes open, but thank the great gods I did. Otherwise, I would have missed the dragon.

He was smaller than I d imagined one to be. About the size of a rowboat, with glittering ruby eyes and scales green as the purest jade. Not at all like the village-sized beasts the legends claimed dragons to be, large enough to swallow entire warships.

He swam nearer until his round red eyes were so close they reflected my own.

He was watching me drown.

Help, I pleaded. I was out of air, and I had barely a second of life left before my world folded into itself.

The dragon regarded me, lifting a feathery eyebrow. For an instant, I dared hope he might help. But his tail wrapped around my neck, squeezing out the last of my breath.

And all went dark.

In hindsight, I probably shouldn t have told my maids I was going to jump into the Sacred Lake. I only said it because the heat this morning was insufferable. Even the chrysanthemum bushes outside had wilted, and the kitebirds soaring above the citrus trees were too parched to sing. Not to mention, diving into the lake seemed like a perfectly sensible alternative to attending my betrothal ceremony--or as I liked to call it, the dismal end of my future.

Unfortunately, my maids believed me, and word traveled faster than demonfire to Father. Within minutes, he sent one of my brothers--along with a retinue of stern-faced guards--to fetch me.

So here I was, being shepherded through the palace s catacomb of corridors, on the hottest day of the year. To the dismal end of my future.

As I followed my brother down yet another sun-soaked hall, I fidgeted with my sleeve, pretending to cover a yawn as I peeked inside.

Stop yawning, Hasho chided.

I dropped my arm and yawned again. If I let them all out now, I won t

Elizabeth Lim

"A dazzling fairytale full of breathtaking storytelling. Six Crimson Cranes elegantly weaves between whimsical and heart pounding as it takes readers on a magical adventure full of entwined fates, surprising curses, and beautiful mythology. It also has a very sexy dragon. " Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of Caraval

"This book is magic! The writing will transport you, and you will love Shiori. I myself loved her from the moment she jumped out the window to escape her betrothal ceremony which was the very first scene." Kristin Cashore, New York Times bestselling author of Graceling

"A stunning remake of a fairytale. Six Crimson Cranes is the perfect blend of whimsy and ferociousness, with twists and turns that will tug at your heartstrings." Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

"A resilient heroine, a cast of imaginative characters, and creative plot turns make this gem of a novel sparkle." Stacey Lee, award-winning author of The Downstairs Girl

A gorgeous version of an old fairy tale, told with flair and originality. A must-read for lovers of folkloric fantasy. Juliet Marillier, award-winning author of Daughter of the Forest and Wildwood Dancing

"An unputdownable, sweeping fairytale that thrills as much as it delights. Lim is a master storyteller which is apparent with every magical turn of the page." Kerri Maniscalco, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Kingdom of the Wicked

"Six Crimson Cranes is a fairytale that feels at once both epic and intimate. Shiori s quest to save her brothers, her kingdom, and herself is heartfelt, riveting, and as magical as the talents the princess tries so hard to hide." Sarah Henning, bestselling author of Sea Witch and The Princess Will Save You

"Seamlessly intertwining western and East Asian folklore, Lim embroiders a richly imagined landscape in this vibrant, fast-paced duology starter." Publishers Weekly, starred