Publisher: Penguin Teen Canada, July 6th 2021

Format: ebook

Pages: 464

Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

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.

My Review:

Thank you Penguin Teen Canada for the copy of this book.
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Read if you like: YA fantasy like Flame in the Mist and The Wrath and the Dawn.
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Shiori is a princess who has secret, forbidden magic. When her stepmother banishes her and turns her brothers into cranes, Shiori is sent on a journey to save her brothers and defeat her stepmother.
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I loved this story. The plot was fast paced and fun, full of adventures. Shiori was a great protagonist; strong willed and kind. There is a sprinkle of romance, which is great for a YA fantasy! I also loved the connection to Japanese folklore and the thousand cranes.
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CW: violence, death, torture, impersonation.