Best direction to go first in Order of the Sinking Star

In Order of the Sinking Star, reaching the Crossroads offers four directions, and the in-game recording recommends going north or east while avoiding the west. North leads to Heroes of Hauling and east to The Mirror Isles, both with simpler puzzles, while the west's The Promise is the hardest area. You are not locked into a direction and can return to the Crossroads from the menu at any time.