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lavdisy's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
I'm not a fan of true crime or detective stories, but I liked how that subject was presented in this book set in a historical era. The way this book is inspired by real history interested me a lot and kept me reading. The plot is quite good and well-written, but I think there aren't enough stakes to drive the characters into the investigation; it felt too easy for them to go through it. Also, the twists were just okay, not surprising enough for me. When all the truth was finally uncovered, it felt too rushed until the ending part. I know the author put limitations on character details based on real people, but the fictional characters needed more development. The romance itself is cute and sweet; I adore their moments together.
Despite all of that, I still enjoyed reading this, but it's not really the best one I've read. Feeling like a K-drama is the right impression after finishing it. The atmosphere is just so good to enjoy.
Despite all of that, I still enjoyed reading this, but it's not really the best one I've read. Feeling like a K-drama is the right impression after finishing it. The atmosphere is just so good to enjoy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Murder, and Violence
moniquenguyen's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
libraryofdreaming's review
5.0
This book is *chef's kiss*
“To enter the palace means to walk a path stained in blood...”
/
Thank you to Macmillan Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review one of my most anticipated 2022 releases from a long time fave author! June Hur has done it again and created another MASTERPIECE historical mystery that has become an automatic 5 star read for me.
The Red Palace follows the story of Hyeon, an ambitious teenaged palace nurse in 18th century Korea who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. When her mentor is imprisoned after being accused of killing four women, she becomes determined to clear her name and find the true murderer. But her investigation leads her to the darkest heart of the palace where her path crosses with a young royal inspector conducting his own investigation…
This book is the perfect combination of Hur’s signature style, incredible historical detail, and complexity with the perfect cherry on top of slow burn romance. The one thing I felt was missing from Hur’s previous books was romance and our patience has been rewarded in The Red Palace with a subtle yet poignant relationship. This book pulls no punches when it comes to palace intrigue and social commentary. It’s deeply layered and impossible to put down.
Fellow mystery fans, RUN don’t walk to snag your copy! You’ll be kept up all night but you’ll thank me later…
Content warning: The Red Palace depicts several graphic murders, the after effects of torture, as well as scenes of intense suspense. It’s also tangentially related to one of the most disturbing events in Korean history which is not depicted on page but is described in the author’s afterword.
“To enter the palace means to walk a path stained in blood...”
/
Thank you to Macmillan Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review one of my most anticipated 2022 releases from a long time fave author! June Hur has done it again and created another MASTERPIECE historical mystery that has become an automatic 5 star read for me.
The Red Palace follows the story of Hyeon, an ambitious teenaged palace nurse in 18th century Korea who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery. When her mentor is imprisoned after being accused of killing four women, she becomes determined to clear her name and find the true murderer. But her investigation leads her to the darkest heart of the palace where her path crosses with a young royal inspector conducting his own investigation…
This book is the perfect combination of Hur’s signature style, incredible historical detail, and complexity with the perfect cherry on top of slow burn romance. The one thing I felt was missing from Hur’s previous books was romance and our patience has been rewarded in The Red Palace with a subtle yet poignant relationship. This book pulls no punches when it comes to palace intrigue and social commentary. It’s deeply layered and impossible to put down.
Fellow mystery fans, RUN don’t walk to snag your copy! You’ll be kept up all night but you’ll thank me later…
Content warning: The Red Palace depicts several graphic murders, the after effects of torture, as well as scenes of intense suspense. It’s also tangentially related to one of the most disturbing events in Korean history which is not depicted on page but is described in the author’s afterword.
tavi_vse's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
vishaka's review against another edition
4.0
3.75 stars! This book was definitely an engaging read, with the murder mystery and background romance. I liked Hyeon as a character, with her facing the challenges of being a women “bastard” child in Joseon Korea, along with her life in the palace. I loved how detailed the aspects of Joseon Korean were, with the medical practices, the classes and the social hierarchy, and the murder mystery aspect was great. The plot twists were good, but nothing really shocking.
One thing I didn’t really enjoy was the characters themselves. I found I wasn’t really able to connect with them, which is why when something sad or happy happened I just went “okay, sure”. I liked Eojin, he was sweet and kind but other than that there wasn’t really much depth to him. The pacing was a bit of an issue for me as well. It was fast at the beginning, then slowed down, and then towards the very end it all went super fast and I had to go through it a few times to comprehend what actually happened.
All in all, it was an above average read, and anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries and slow burn (by which I mean SLOW. BURN.) would definitely enjoy this!
One thing I didn’t really enjoy was the characters themselves. I found I wasn’t really able to connect with them, which is why when something sad or happy happened I just went “okay, sure”. I liked Eojin, he was sweet and kind but other than that there wasn’t really much depth to him. The pacing was a bit of an issue for me as well. It was fast at the beginning, then slowed down, and then towards the very end it all went super fast and I had to go through it a few times to comprehend what actually happened.
All in all, it was an above average read, and anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries and slow burn (by which I mean SLOW. BURN.) would definitely enjoy this!
macari's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
ashction's review against another edition
5.0
This is probably my favorite June Hur so far! I really enjoyed the mystery as well as the romance.
katterz's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. I absolutely have no words to describe how much I enjoyed reading this. The way the book was wrote, the characters, everything was written impeccably. I cannot wait to read the author's next book, A Crane Among Wolves.