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praxagorathesmophoria's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
As the author says, this reads like a period KDrama, and I would love to see it get adapted 1 day, but the visuals the writing created are perfect in themselves.
Also highly recommended reading along to the author's curated mood playlist on Spotify. Creates the perfect reading environment.
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Blood, Trafficking, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual harassment
Minor: Incest, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, and Torture
This book deals with the historical atrocities committed by a particular king during Korean history. Please read the content warnings in the front of the book. But understand that these are all dealt with inappropriate and well-thought-out and well treated ways..befthhh's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I enjoyed this book immensely! I loved the dual perspectives from Iseul and Daehyun. They were both so cantankerous and yet loving with each other. I particularly love that it seems like they are truly protecting each other, that they are a team in everything.
The mystery elements of the book also kept me on my toes. I was desperate to find out who Nameless Flower was, and was very surprised by who it was but loved how everything connected in the end.
The settings described were so vibrant I felt like I was running through the woods and mountains and cities in Korea. I did not know anything about the reign of King Yeonsan and was shocked to learn that many of the characters/events were real. Hur's rich and descriptive writing about this frightening period in Korean history makes me want to learn more!
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
justinekorson's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW
I throughly enjoyed all the characters in this book and the plot (minus the TW aspects of it). Iseul was funny and fiercely confident in an almost foolish way. I loved how she threw herself into things with barely a thought (as I feel I do the same at times). I also loved how she gave the people she didn't like nicknames instead of trying to learn their actual names. I thought that was really funny of her. I also enjoyed Prince Daehyun. He was charismatic and clever when he needed to be. The plot twist at the end really got me there. I was so stressed about the outcome of the story. Wonsik and Yuel were great characters too.
I'm really glad I ended up buying a special edition version of this book! It's going to look so pretty and I'm excited to add it to my collection.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Slavery, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
lisashelves's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Suicide
r1vana's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is my second book from the author, and like the Red Palace this has also became a beautiful gem.
As an avid Korean drama watcher and have a special liking for historical, this book has satisfied that love.
This book is filled with crime, political war, evil king, a strong FMC, a charming, protective and righteous MMC.
RTC
Graphic: Death, Rape, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
poppy_warphan's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Suicide, Grief, and Death of parent