Where to Begin: The Recommended Reading Path
Elizabeth Lim has crafted a beautifully interconnected multiverse of East Asian-inspired high fantasy, alongside standalone works and contributions to Disney's popular A Twisted Tale series. If you want the most satisfying experience, we recommend starting with the Legends of Lor'yan / Blood of Stars shared universe, which is the heart of her original writing.
For the best introduction to her signature style, follow this recommended route:
1. Start with the Six Crimson Cranes Duology
While Lim's first publication was the Blood of Stars duology, Six Crimson Cranes is widely considered her most refined entry point. Steeped in folklore, it offers a magical, character-driven story that serves as an excellent gateway into her world-building. Read these first:
- Six Crimson Cranes (2021)
- The Dragon's Promise (2022)
2. Explore the Prequels and Standalones
Once you finish the main duology, you can dive into the prequel and standalone companion novels set in the very same universe. These provide deeper lore and satisfying character cameos:
- Her Radiant Curse (2023) — A prequel focusing on the tragic backstory of Shiori's stepmother, Raikama (Channi). Reading this after the main duology is highly recommended to preserve the mystery surrounding her character.
- A Forgery of Fate (2025) — A standalone adult fantasy set in the same world, following a heist and art forgery plot, complete with subtle easter eggs for returning readers.
3. Travel to A'landi with the Blood of Stars Duology
Though set in the same world, this duology takes place in a different nation (A'landi) with a separate cast of characters. It is a wonderful next step for readers who want a high-stakes adventure featuring a magical tailor:
- Spin the Dawn (2019)
- Unravel the Dusk (2020)
Chronological vs. Publication Order: The Prequel Debate
The biggest point of discussion among Lim's readers is when to read Her Radiant Curse. As a prequel to Six Crimson Cranes, it takes place years before Princess Shiori's adventure. You have two main choices:
The Publication Order (Recommended)
Reading Six Crimson Cranes and The Dragon's Promise before Her Radiant Curse is the preferred route for most fans. This sequence allows you to experience the stepmother, Raikama, as a mysterious antagonist first. When you finally read her origin story in Her Radiant Curse, the emotional payoff is much stronger, and the tragedy of her curse hits harder. It also prevents early spoilers regarding the secrets of the dragon pearl and the stepmother's true motivations.
The Chronological Order
If you prefer a linear timeline, you can start with Her Radiant Curse, follow it with Six Crimson Cranes, and finish with The Dragon's Promise. This lets you watch the tragedy unfold in real-time, giving you a deeper understanding of the stepmother's actions when she first appears in Shiori's story. However, this order does strip away some of the mystery built into the main duology.
Deep Dive: Series and Book Breakdowns
The Legends of Lor'yan / Shared Universe
Lim's original fantasy works are loosely connected under a shared universe. While you do not need to read both duologies to understand the other, they enrich each other through shared lore, magical elements, and geographical connections.
The Six Crimson Cranes Cycle
- Six Crimson Cranes (2021): A reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's The Wild Swans set in the East Asian-inspired empire of Kiata. Princess Shiori possesses forbidden magic. When her stepmother banishes her and turns her six brothers into cranes, Shiori must embark on a silent quest to save them, aided by a paper bird named Kiki and a mysterious dragon prince.
- The Dragon's Promise (2022): Picking up immediately after the first book, Shiori travels to the realm of dragons to return a magical pearl. There, she must navigate court politics, face a rising demonic threat, and fulfill a final promise to her stepmother.
- Her Radiant Curse (2023): A companion novel and prequel. It tells the story of Channi, Shiori's stepmother, who was cursed with a monstrous face. In order to protect her beautiful sister from a terrible fate, Channi must face monsters, demons, and her own tragic destiny.
- A Forgery of Fate (2025): Marking Lim's crossover into adult fantasy, this standalone companion is set in the same universe. It tells the story of two siblings who orchestrate a magical art heist, featuring appearances from familiar characters in the Lor'yan world.
The Blood of Stars Duology
- Spin the Dawn (2019): Often described as "Mulan meets Project Runway," this story follows Maia Tamarin, who disguises herself as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor. To win, she must embark on a dangerous quest to sew three magical dresses out of the sun, the moon, and the stars.
- Unravel the Dusk (2020): The stakes escalate as Maia is forced to assume the identity of the imperial tailor while dealing with a dark transformation. She must travel to the war-torn edges of A'landi to protect those she loves and preserve her own humanity.
Disney's A Twisted Tale Series
Aside from her original fantasy, Elizabeth Lim is a frequent contributor to Disney's official A Twisted Tale series, which explores alternative timelines for classic animated films. These books are completely standalone and can be read in any order:
- Reflection (2018): A dark retelling of Mulan, asking: "What if Mulan had to travel to the Underworld to save Shang?"
- So This Is Love (2020): A reimagining of Cinderella, asking: "What if Cinderella never tried on the glass slipper?"
- When You Wish Upon a Star (2023): A twist on Pinocchio, focusing on the Blue Fairy's backstory and her relationship with Geppetto.
- A Twisted Tale Anthology (2023): Elizabeth Lim edited and contributed a short story to this collection of Disney "what-if" tales.
Upcoming Standalones
- Fishbone Cinderella (Scheduled for July 28, 2026): This historical fantasy marks a major departure from Lim's typical high fantasy settings. Set across two timelines—1940s Hong Kong and 1960s San Francisco—it follows a mother with the power of invisibility and her daughter uncovering family secrets.
What to Know Before You Start
- Are the series connected? Yes, but loosely. You will notice minor cameos and references if you read both Blood of Stars and Six Crimson Cranes, but they are entirely self-contained stories.
- Target Audience: Most of Lim's books are Young Adult (YA) fantasy, characterized by clean romance, fairy-tale aesthetics, and fast-paced adventure. However, A Forgery of Fate is written for adult audiences, featuring more mature themes, and Fishbone Cinderella blends historical fiction with magical realism.
- Folklore Roots: Lim heavily incorporates East Asian mythology, Chinese folklore, and classic European fairy tales (like Mulan, The Wild Swans, and Cinderella) into her worlds, creating a unique cross-cultural fantasy blend.