A twisting, turning, gripping story about the power of sisterly love. Both Channi and Vanna would do everything they could to keep the other safe, even if it means a terrible sacrifice. Vanna annoyed me throughout the beginning of the novel, until I began to truly see her reasoning behind the decisions she makes. She may have been doted on to excess, which made her seem a bit vapid, however, she does everything for her sister. She is sacrificing her happiness to keep Channi protected from those who would call Channi a demon and hurt her. Although, her using her powers on Channi enraged me. I do think chapters from Vanna's point of view would have added more to the overall story, as well as encouraging character growth and sympathy for her character. The relationship between the dragon Hokzuh and Channi was so intriguing and endearing. These two are so broken, but they are working towards making themselves whole. They begrudgingly trust each other and find a kindred spirit on their journey together. But, while Channi has control over herself, when Hokzuh's demon half takes over he is essentially locked away from rational thought. Therefore, neither can truly trust the other when there are barriers between them and the life of a sister hangs in the balance. For Hokzuh, being whole means having his pearl back, for Channi it means accepting who she is and embracing herself. I did love when Vanna was poking fun at Channi over Hokzuh, it was a great way to lighten such a dark story, making me laugh, but also showing the camaraderie and love between the two sisters (their hope for happiness for each other). These two young women face a world fully against them, both with little say in their own destiny. While Vanna is beautiful, she is a commodity to her father and community. While Channi is free to travel throughout the jungle, her community would kill her if she revealed her true face in public. So they both hide themselves away from the world, Channi specifically lives in the kitchen where she has the loveliest memories of her deceased mother and Vanna remains caged in their home until she can be sold to the highest bidder. Together these sisters help each other to feel more whole, more loved. This bond between them is unbreakable, as seen when Channi chooses familial love over romantic love. To Channi, her sister is the love of her life, the one person she would give everything for, the person she protects from danger, the one she would fight an all powerful demon witch to save. She loves her fiercely, just as we see Vanna loves Channi. That Vanna would give up the love she has for a certain man in order to secure a place in a court that would allow Channi to live freely. The end broke my heart in two, knowing that Channi escaped one curse only to be gifted one that is seemingly better, but truly much worse. My favourite character was Ukar, Channi's best friend who happens to be a magnificent snake. As she was cursed to be like a snake she also has the ability to talk to snakes and holds venom in her blood. She feels most comfortable with the snakes in the jungle, considering them more family than her father ever was. Ukar is also funny and is not worried about dropping out of the sky to kill those who would harm Channi. He is quippy and dislikes Hokzuh right away, not only because of the rivalry between snakes and dragons, but because of his personality and oddness when Channi first meets him. He was a true hero throughout the story. This has been my favourite Elizabeth Lim book so far. I loved all the backstory we received for a certain character from Six Crimson Cranes. It truly made me appreciate that character more and had me wanting to reread that book just to now take in the story with this new perspective on their past, their pain, their loss. I highly recommend reading all of Lim's wonderful fantasy novels.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Currently ReadingGraphic Novel
Romance Audiobook
Archives
April 2024
|