Six Crimson Cranes

What a story. The world-building! The characters! The plot! This was my first introduction to Asian folklore and mythology, and I have to say there is a specific magic to it that has me stumped when it comes to finding something like it. It’s one of my biggest re-reads ever, and its sequel is just as grand as the first.

The Wild Swans by Hans Christian Andersen was one of my favorite fairytales as a child, so I always knew I would love this book. From the opening scene, where Shiori is rescued by a shapeshifter dragon, the story completely sucked me in.

With whimsical touches such as a magical paper bird, a sweet love slow-burn romance, and the inevitable wicked stepmother, this book is a young adult fantasy fairytale retelling done right.

YA retellings deserve their own category, but I wanted to include at least one, and Elizabeth Lim’s book is a lovely, sprawling adventure inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Wild Swans.

I particularly like the centering of family. Oh sure, there’s some romance (which is fun), but the heart of the story is Shiori's efforts to save her six beloved brothers who have been turned into cranes. 

This is a delightful re-telling of the classic fairy tale, The Six Swans, with surprising twists on the stepmother trope that I found fresh and engaging.

While the main character of this NYT best-seller is Princess Shiori, it’s her beautiful and mysterious stepmother, Raikama, who upends the young princess’ life when Raikama discovers Shiori’s secret magic. Raikama is a formidable character working to preserve her own powers and secrets.

The world-building and magical creatures are inspired by East Asian themes that give this book a unique take on an enduring story that I’ve always loved.