This is a sequel. I did like the book but it wasn’t as good as the first one. I liked the world building. The author is very good at writing mythology.
The ending was very convenient

In "The Dragon's Promise" by Elizabeth Lim, we are transported to a kingdom embroiled in political turmoil, where protagonist Shiori finds herself entangled in a web of danger, love, and self-discovery.

At the heart of the narrative lies political intrigue, as the kingdom grapples with factions vying for power. Shiori becomes a pawn in this game of thrones, navigating treacherous waters and facing mythical creatures, hostile forces, and daunting trials.

As Shiori's bond with the dragon prince Seryu deepens, she confronts the complexities of their forbidden romance and the potential sacrifices it entails. Alongside themes of love and loss, Shiori embarks on a journey of self-discovery, unearthing hidden truths about her family, her magic, and her own identity.

The story delves into moral conflicts, as Shiori grapples with difficult choices involving loyalty, duty, and personal desires. Through her journey, readers are invited to explore complex themes of family, sacrifice, identity, and political power.

Positives abound in Lim's tale, with compelling characters taking center stage. Shiori emerges as a strong and relatable protagonist, complemented by a diverse and well-developed supporting cast. Lim's rich world-building vividly brings Ai'long to life, immersing readers in its captivating underwater setting.

The narrative unfolds at a fast pace, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with constant action and suspense. Lim's beautiful prose adds to the allure, painting a lyrical and evocative picture of Shiori's world.

However, the novel is not without its drawbacks. Some readers may find certain plot points predictable, and the presence of a love triangle trope might not appeal to everyone. Additionally, the antagonist's motivations may feel underexplored, and certain sections of the story could suffer from slow pacing.

In conclusion, "The Dragon's Promise" offers a captivating fantasy experience, replete with strong characters, vibrant world-building, and an exhilarating adventure. While it may not be devoid of flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile journey for fans of the genre.

I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Lim's books and after six crimson cranes, I was looking forward to the sequel.
I loved the underwater world and how the story progressed in the sequel and the romance was just to cute.
All in all it was a superb read.

After reading Six Crimson Cranes I really had high hopes from this one. However, the plot seemed pretty slow paced to me and the character development was not upto the mark. A lot of unnecessary details could have been avoided and the book could be made shorter. The part I anticipated reading the most was the marriage ceremony of Takkan and Shiori, however that was the least mentioned topic in the book. I did like the characters of Quinnia and Kiki, but not so much of Seryu and his family.

I found immense pleasure in reconnecting with the characters and witnessing the resurgence of magic in this world. The characters underwent significant challenges and trials throughout the narrative, and the unfolding of their journeys was truly entertaining.

However, in contrast to the first installment, the focus of the story in this sequel seemed less defined. While the initial book had a crystal-clear objective—to break the curse and save the protagonist's brothers—the narrative in this one seemed to deviate. The primary storyline involving the return of the pearl to its owner was diverted by the introduction of the religious fanatic plot, the demon plot, and the dragon world plot. This diversification made the story feel somewhat scattered and occasionally meandering.

Without revealing too much: the exploration of a potential romantic subplot (hinted with the lambda symbol) lacked the expected charm. I never sensed a genuine romantic chemistry between Shiori and any of the male characters, making the idea feel rather forced. Had there been a more emotional connection between Shiori and Seryu, the dynamic might have resonated differently, but from Shiori's perspective, they seemed more like close friends.

Setting aside these minor concerns, my overall experience with the book was highly enjoyable. I particularly appreciated Shiori's exploration of her mother's history, delving into the motivations behind her decisions. This plotline captivated my interest the most.

This book was good, but i am not usually a huge fan of anything that has a fair bit of politics and navigating that, so I wasn't very keen on it. Overall though, the characters made the story enjoyable.

This felt so much like a sequel that had Lim had been forced to write - from the going-nowhere Dragon Palace start, to Shiori making reckless impulsive mistake after mistake, and somehow getting away unscathed, which felt so unrealistic and only served to making every threat feel non-existent as a result. I'm just going to treat Six Crimson Cranes as a standalone instead. Such a shame, as I really enjoyed that story and hoped for more of the same.

🔥 Embark on a Mythical Odyssey with 'The Dragon's Promise' by Elizabeth Lim 🔥

In the alchemy of storytelling, Elizabeth Lim doesn't just mix elements; she forges them into pure magic. 'The Dragon's Promise' is not merely a book; it's a journey – a phoenix rising from the ashes of ordinary tales.

🐉 Scales, Scrolls, and Spellbinding Prose:
Lim's writing isn't ink on paper; it's a dragon's breath, weaving intricate spells that transport you to a world where mythical creatures and human emotions dance a tango. It's a page-turner where every chapter is a scale in a mesmerizing melody.

🌌 Starry-Eyed Adventure Awaits:
This isn't your average dragon tale. 'The Dragon's Promise' is a celestial odyssey where constellations are characters, and every page is a portal to a universe where destiny and desire collide like shooting stars.

👩‍🚀 Heroines That Soar Above Expectations:
Move over, damsels; Yona is in town. Lim gifts us a heroine who isn't just the protagonist – she's the architect of her destiny. It's a narrative where courage isn't loud; it's a silent roar that echoes through every decision.

🔮 Magical Realism on Steroids:
If you thought you knew magic, Lim invites you to think again. 'The Dragon's Promise' is an enchanting brew where reality and fantasy engage in a dance so enthralling you'll question where one ends and the other begins.

🚀 Why 'The Dragon's Promise' is a Literary Treasure:

For lovers of fantasy seeking a celestial escape.
If you adore tales where magic and emotion entwine seamlessly.
Anyone who believes in the power of destiny and the allure of the mythical.
🌟 Final Verdict:
Elizabeth Lim doesn't promise dragons; she promises an odyssey. 'The Dragon's Promise' isn't a book; it's an incantation that beckons you to a realm where every turned page is a step into the extraordinary.

📚 Snatch 'The Dragon's Promise' and be prepared to soar on the wings of Lim's narrative prowess. It's not just a story; it's a promise fulfilled. 🌠📖 #BookReview #FantasyReads #TheDragonsPromise

I was not prepared for how much I would love this. Thank you for the early copy to review. I was not prepared for how much I would love this. Thank you for the early copy to review.

They say don't judge a book by it's cover but this does it perfectly - it has such a stunning cover and the inside matches because it is an incredible sequel!

As soon as I finished Six Crimson Cranes, I wanted the next book. I adore the world and I was excited to dive into The Dragon's Promise. I really enjoyed seeing Shiori continue the journey she was on in Six Crimson Cranes and I loved the way The Dragon's Promise ended. I can't wait for more books from Elizabeth Lim.

Six Crimson Cranes was such an enjoyable read, I was excited for more (and it’s got yet more beautiful cover art) but sadly this book felt unnecessary and was a struggle to get through. It just doesn’t feel like the book accomplished much, the plot felt convoluted yet uninteresting, the world building not nearly as effective as book 1 and i didn’t feel the romance. While I loved SCC, the quality of that book makes this one so much more frustrating as it doesn’t feel like carries across well and it was a difficult read to push through. Shiori doesn’t even feel the same person we left in SCC.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review, I really wanted to love this.

To be fair, I fully expected Six Crimson Cranes to be a standalone back when I read it, so I went into this already thinking this sequel was kind of unnecessary... and reading this only fortified that.

I feel like a lot happened in this book, but it basically didn't amount to anything, or barely anything? I mean, I'm glad we got some more of Shiori, Kiki, Takkan and Shiori's gang of brothers, but judging from the title, I expected a lot more Seryu and he was only present for the first half, if that.

I'm also not sure if Elizabeth Lim's writing is for me anymore. There's a lot of telling, and I always feel very far removed from the action and whatever is happening.
I did like the ending though, so I guess this wasn't all bad!

The Dragon´s Promise was one of my most anticipated sequels of 2022 and overall, it did not fully disappoint me. While it felt (at least for me) quite different from the first book and I have some mixed feelings about certain things and the ending, I truly enjoyed diving back into Shiori´s world.

The story picks up right where we left off… Shiori, accompanied by her devoted paper crane Kiki, going to the dragon realm with our shapeshifting boy dragon Seryu. The first approx 30% of the story which we spent in the underwater dragon kingdom felt a bit different and kind of disconnected from the rest of the book. And while I enjoyed the rest too and missed Takkan at the beginning, I think I prefer it. The dragon´s realm called Ai'long is magical and very dangerous at the same it. It´s full of ruthless dragons, giant turtles, and shark and jellyfish patrols. I loved seeing Shiori, Kiki, and Seryu navigate this sea world and the unexpected problems that came their way. It managed to enchant me and keep me on my toes. Overall, the first half of the book was incredibly enjoyable.

The rest which could be described as the demon plot was still entertaining. I loved that we got to know more about Shiori´s stepmother, see more of the brothers, and reunite Shiori with Takkan but at the same time I missed Seryu and the underwater realm. On top of it, I missed Takkan´s sister who was an absolute delight in the first book. She is only mentioned there a few times and makes one brief appearance.

Nevertheless, thinking about the last ⅔ of the book, it felt a bit… underwhelming. I just think the first part of the story flew more naturally than the second where it started to be really complicated, yet kind of convenient, despite a certain level of recklessness of the characters. I still enjoyed it, it was not boring but I cannot overlook how convenient and kind of all over the place it felt. Shiori, Takkan, Kiki, and Shiori´s brothers are on the move most of the time, meandering from one place to the next. The stakes are HIGH and while the characters travel the realm to fulfill the quest and save Kiata from Bandur and his demons, they encounter many problems which take their toll, but in the end, it somehow feels a bit random and a bit much. While the plot was fine this time around -like I said, I enjoyed the book - it wasn't as great as I expected it to be.

In addition, let me say that Shiori is still an amazing main character, though still making a bit reckless choices, and I still love my precious lord Takkan. I felt their love and kept rooting for them but… yes, here comes the but… I think their romance was, kind of naturally, more intriguing in the first book. They are the sweetest but this time I missed more… spark. Speaking of romance, I was a bit concerned about the possibility of a love triangle and now I can assure those curious about it that it is not there.

While I cannot tell you much about the ending because of spoilers, I can safely say I feel VERY conflicted about it and it feels kind of bittersweet to me.

It was a pretty good enjoyable book but not as amazing as the first one - while I enjoyed it my heart was not in it AS FULLY AS it once has been, therefore I give it 4 stars instead of 5. My advice is… don't go into this with huge expectations, so you won't get disappointed.

Thankyou for allowing me to read The Dragons Promise. The writing style of Elizabeth Lim is fantastic, it is so easy to read and it just flows. I really enjoyed this sequel, when i finished Six Crimson Cranes i wanted to know what would happen next and this gave me my answers. I love the characters and i liked the plot. i will continue to read from this author.

Elizabeth Lim creates such incredibly rich worlds populated by fascinating characters and fast-paced plots. The writing style is accessible and the reader will find themself turning the pages in an effort to find out what happens next. I loved the romance in this one whilst also being a bit disappointed we didn't get more Seryu. Hopefully in another book!

2 stars are for the last few chapters and for Seryu. Generally this sequel felt absolutely pointless and managed to drag on for more pages than I was willing to commit to. The first 30% follows our heroine in the land of the dragons and begins to actual develop that friendship and the dragons…only for it to end super easily and the next 70% of the book to struggle along. I literally feel like you could remove the dragons entirely from the book and it would be almost identical. The only bit that was relevant was the pearls and that’s it. Which is really extra frustrating as we barely get any page time with Seryu in the first book and I honestly thought this book was it…and then Lim really decided nah. Who cares about the dragons from the title of this book? Not me.

The brothers still have a hive mind and I have no idea who is who. Kiki continued to be smarter than an actual human, her father has no real power apparently and just bumbles around, and we go on a world tour as Shiori wanders from place to place complaining and being self righteous. I was so bored. Literally what was the point other than to show she super loved her boyfriend who is less interesting than a cardboard cutout.

I think scc should have been a stand-alone and dragons promise if we needed it could have been another standalone with…you know, dragons. Also it’s hard to have a prequel involving demons since we know that isn’t properly resolved until STD and UTS so like what’s the point? The whole ending of this book essentially has to put the world in the position we are in during Spin the Dawn and so essentially removes all progress or need for the books at all.

The ending was also a bit out of left field. Unless it’s meant to be a nod to daughter of the moon goddess it doesn’t fit with the rest of the novels. Will I still read the next book? Yes. Will I be mad about it if it sucks? Yes.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, however The Dragon's Promise did not live up to its predecessor. The pacing was pretty all over the place, and I found the ending to be slightly unsatisfying.

➽ <b>I loved Six Crimson Cranes, but it did NOT need a sequel 😭</b> I would definitely recommend Six Crimson Cranes, as it’s a great book, but if you want to read the sequel, you should be open for a <u>completely different vibe</u>. The Dragon’s Promise should have been a companion novel in my opinion, but not a sequel, as there wasn’t that much to continue with. The first book could have slightly altered the ending and wrapped up all the loose threads. Maybe that’s why this second book felt forced and <b>lost almost all of the magic the first book had.</b>

➽ <b>The plot was all over the place.</b> The main plotline is supposed to be all about the pearl and Shiori fulfilling her stepmother’s final wish to return it to its owner. We start out in the Dragon world and while I struggled with the beginning, I found this setting the most intriguing part of the story!! Getting more into the lore and life of the dragons was interesting and a breath of fresh air.

➽ <b>Sadly we switch settings at about 45% and it all goes downhill from there.</b> The pearl storyline gets sidelined multiple times throughout the book in favor of the demon storyline. Unfortunately, the <u>demons weren’t nearly as interesting and the main villain felt so cartoonish</u>. Generally, the middle of the book dragged, as not much happened. I feel like going back to the palace as the main setting was a mistake, as I found it such a boring setting. There were several promising storylines – such as Shiori’s new sister in law, the prejudice against Shiori’s magic – but none of them felt properly explored. <b>This book was all over the place</b> and didn’t manage to have a coherent, intriguing narrative.

➽ <b>The characters that I loved before got on my nerves most of the time</b>.  I liked following Shiori and co in the first book, but something about this book felt bland. <b>Shiori’s brothers felt indistinguishable from each other</b> when the previous book had at least attempted to work out their differences. Now it felt like her brothers lacked any personality to distinguish them at all. I found that their overprotectiveness got on my nerves much more. Same with Shiori’s father tbh. Takkan is still a sweet guy, but it began to annoy me how he’d try to play the martyr.

➽ <b>Don’t even get me started on some of my favorites from the last book! Seryu</b> was severely underused in this book and his character got assassinated so badly. <u>His friendship with Shiori felt so forced and inauthentic</u>, it didn’t even feel like they were friends at all. Even worse, <b>the author had to include a romantic subplot</b>, even though it was SO clear that Shiori and Takkan are a couple and soon to be married. <spoiler> It was so bizarre and I hated the forced marriage storyline. Shiori is already engaged but Seryu plans to make her his companion, as it’s the only way he can “save” her. <u>I hated how he seriously asked her if she would consider honoring this engagement when she had no say in it and was clearly committed to Takkan.</u> The fact that he thought she’d accept having her memories and sense of self erased for him was so strange to me. I didn’t get why he suddenly had romantic feelings for her when it was clear he had no chance, this just felt like a plot device for me. Then he disappears after half of the book and isn’t heard from again.</spoiler> <b>Even worse Megari doesn’t have a role in this book</b>. She’s Takkan’s little sister and I was so disappointed that she was sidelined and only mentioned, even though it was possible to include her in the plot. The fact that her friendship with Shiori was ignored, made it even more glaringly obvious that all important characters in her life are men. Even her sister-in-law was barely there.

➽ <b>Shiori’s character felt like it regressed a bit here.</b> I loved seeing her growth in the first book, especially as she couldn’t speak or make her identity known and therefore had to be clever. Sadly, I felt like she barely learned from this experience. I understood her frustration and agreed with her at times. However, <b>she makes so many impulsive, reckless, and bad decisions and then flails when the consequences catch up with her.</b> It pained me how often she acted rashly despite her plans being clearly dangerous and then got saved by someone else. After a while, it got tedious to watch her mess up, as I saw the problems coming a mile away.

<b<u>The bright spots</u></b>

➽ <b>Gen was amazing! </b>He’s a new character and I loved his humor so much! He’s a sorcerer trapped in the dragon realm where Shiori first meets him. Gen was simply hilarious and one good addition to the character cast!

➽ <b>Kiki is amazing as always!</b> As Shiori’s paper bird, she’s invested in her fate and always has a smart comment about what’s on going.

➽ <b>Shiori’s grief and complicated feelings toward her stepmother were so well-done!</b> I loved how we get some flashbacks from their past and see how Shiori is struggling with the grief and regret of not having truly known her stepmother until the very end. Their strong connection made me so emotional!

➽ <b>I did actually like the ending!</b> It was a good balance of having a happy ending, but also having stakes and consequences for the final confrontation. This part probably was the most engaging and made me tear up.

Thanks in advance to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a review copy.

After reading the first book, I was excited to read The Dragon’s Promise.
However the first one was pretty slow paced and Dragon’s Promise is even slower paced, which was not for me.
I also did not care much about her dragon friend and what happens with the pearl.
That’s why I didn’t finish the book.