Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heavier, sister-focused Six Crimson Cranes prequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In HER RADIANT CURSE, when Channi's younger sister Vanna is born, everyone covets the brilliant light that shines from her chest, especially the tiger witch Angma, but also Channi's father. He won't sacrifice Vanna to save his dying wife after a difficult childbirth so he sends Channi instead. Angma shows her displeasure by cursing Channi with a snake's scaly face after the serpent king tries to protect her, and vows to come claim Vanna on her seventeenth birthday. Channi is worried but Vanna won't hear of it as that fateful birthday approaches. She's too busy entertaining royal suitors. They've come from afar to woo her and now Channi realizes she needs to protect Vanna not just from Angma, but from a mean old king and her father's cruel indifference as well.
Is It Any Good?
Darkness and light mingle beautifully in this East Asian-style fairy tale that pits a witch's curse against the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. It's hard to imagine sisters more different than snake-faced Channi and gorgeous Vanna, or ones treated more differently, yet they adore each other and hold onto the hope that the demon witch won't come for them. They make an appealing and intriguing pair, but Channi stands out for her resourcefulness in Her Radiant Curse -- she's got her serpent friends and has had many practice bouts with tigers in the jungle before the dragon comes for her. She's fierce throughout her trials and maybe overly vengeful as she wings her way back to Vanna before it's too late. Her uneasy truce and attraction to a dragon adds fascinating layers to the final demon witch standoff. While the ending is hard and heavy, it's also poignant. And a reminder that sometimes the most fascinating fairy tale characters end up that way by following a fraught and heart-wrenching path. A worthy read for fans and newcomers alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the curse in Her Radiant Curse. Is there just one curse or two? Even though Channi's hardships seem greater, how does Channi show empathy for her sister Vanna?
The dragon asks Channi, "Why do you let a few poisonous words hurt you?" What gives Channi strength and support to overcome the verbal abuse she endures?
Channi has the face of a snake and can communicate with snakes. If you could communicate with one animal in the forest or jungle which one would it be? What if you had to have the face of that animal to have this power -- would you do it?
Where do you think Channi gets the courage to keep fighting? Why does she persevere? Why do you think people who face hardship often have well-developed character strengths?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : August 29, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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