Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim

Source: Netgalley – Thank you to the publisher! I’ve also purchased my own copy.
TL;DR:

Plot: For the most part I found it very predictable, but that ending was a hell of an impact. I loved where it took the ending
Characters: Our main character, Channi, had the most personality and the rest definitely felt like pieces that were important – but not enough for a full personality?
Setting: I wasn’t completely clear on much of the setting. Individual locations were clear but the world at large was vague and a little frustrating?
Magic: This reads like a fable and the magic has that same, mysterious fable feeling. But in a way I enjoy a lot in these stories

Thoughts:

Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim was for me, almost entirely a cover buy/request. Not only did I pre-order this one but I requested a Netgalley copy based on that amazing artwork. I have to say, I’m not mad at it having read the book either! The other portion of my determination to read this was that I’ve been dying to try Elizabeth Lim and I thought this would be the push I needed. I am glad I picked it up, because -yes. She is worth the read.

Her Radiant Curse follows a young girl then young woman as she spends her life training to protect her sister. Her father, in a incredibly poor parenting moment, attempted to sacrifice Channi instead of her sister to a Demon to save his wife’s life. Instead Channi was cursed, and effectively a due date was placed on her sister’s life. She would die at 17, or Channi could hand her over. Through circumstances at this moment Channi’s face is twisted to appear as a snakes, and her blood incredibly toxic. She vows to her dying mother she’ll protect her sister against everything and everyone and thus kicks off her life.

The story has the feeling of a fable and by the end of the book that was my absolute favorite thing about this. It was fast paced, an easy and quick read and the ending seemed to present this setup of a world where more stories could be set and take flight. Not only is the ending wonderful as far as set up or a true ending, but it’s tragic and sad in a way that I didn’t see coming and one that I actually loved. For a YA Fantasy I’m impressed. Elizabeth Lim took a story that felt familiar and in the end gave it a profound and truly impactful feel.

If you enjoy fable style fantasy or YA fantasy in general this is one I can safely recommend.