Reviews with content warning for Child death - A Crane Among Wolves

Reviews tagging 'Child death'

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

12 reviews

bookscatcoffee's review

adventurous challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

This book was way more than I anticipated in the best way possible. I had to google so much, but I learned a great deal. Through all of that, the author kept the plot moving at a brisk pace. I loved the main characters! And the writing is really good. “You will not always be the wisest, nor the strongest, nor the bravest. That is why we need friends. They will guide you down the right path, no matter how dark it grows.“. Definitely good messages for our times as well. “When one is able to differentiate good from evil, it is impossible to accept the way things are.” Definitely worth reading! 5 stars

Historical fiction set in Korea featuring Korean characters

Content Warnings

kailanlovescats's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Don't get me wrong, this was a good book. But I think I wasn't prepared for how heavy the book would be, despite the content warnings at the beginning. Actually, once I heard the content warnings I did get a minor sense of foreboding.... knowing some of the things in the book are historically accurate also made it feel heavier, as it was easier to put myself in their shoes! So if you struggle with what's mentioned in the warnings, proceed with caution!

ultimately there is a happy ending! You just may cry rivers to get there. Just ignore ch 42

The story is equal parts detective mystery, historical romance, and rescue mission; and has beautiful writing. It was a bit slow at times.

I do wish some words were written in korean vs English as it would've helped with the immersion. Example, having Iseul refer to her sister as Eonni instead of older sister.

Content Warnings

spellbindingtomes's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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darkclouds's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Sometimes I wonder, just how many levels of devastation one can endure or expect when faced with a harrowing tale? In this case, June Hur highlights a significant historical period that took place in Korea and she does not shy away from disclosing the little details that can be so easy to overlook because it makes you uncomfortable.

A Crane Among Wolves whilst marketed as the Young Adult historical sensation set during the 1500's of Joseon era - June Hur relentlessly executed a meticulous fictitious script that covered all the dark elements that took place during this period. This involves a high stakes coup led by Prince Daehyun, and a manhunt for a nameless murderer who threatens not just the current King Yeonsan, but also individuals with links to the palace. Whilst not on the astronomical levels of grim one can find in Rebecca F. Kuang's books, it doesn't deter from bringing the past to life and educating readers of this grisly moment in Korean history.

We desperately follow Iseul and her strive to free her sister from the clutches of a tyrant, all the while discovering what family means, what love means and overcoming her fears of allowing her emotions to consume her. The build up of the mystery, hunting a killer whilst planting the seeds of doubt in your mind as you question every character you come across - it's not often I am fooled into finding a book predictable and yet found to be at a loss of words by the end of it. June Hur's delivery is exemplary and she has carefully crafted an intense and highly articulate piece of work that keeps readers engaged and lost in hope.

Looking for a historical K-Drama coded fix? She has your back for that too. Daehyun and Iseul's painful slow burn had both caused the fissures in my heart, as well as healed them. The romance was a gentle sprinkle of light on such a dark story and it was folded in with vigilance and care. It's enough that you'll hear your heart pounding in your ears.

I've long since felt such a deep attachment to the budding characters we get to meet during Iseul's journey. There is an allocated place for each of them and they fit together like pieces of a jigsaw. Whole. Complete.

This was my first experience into June Hur's writing and it most definitely will not be my last.

Content Warnings

amyteurhour's review

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3.75

Content warning: murder, kidnapping, rape, torture, blood, violence, death of a parent, death of a child, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexism, sexual violence, imprisonment, pregnancy, miscarriage, suicide, suicidal thoughts

There's a content warning list at the beginning of the book provided by the author which I appreciated. This is really dark. Maybe it's because I recently read Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, but I found myself getting similar vibes from the two. Things start out kind of slow, and I found Iseul to be a bit frustrating at first (but I think that was kind of Hur's point).

If you're going to check this out, I'd recommend listening to the audiobook narrated by Greg Chun and Michelle H. Lee; I enjoyed their performances and listening helped me visualize what was happening. If you've watched historical k-dramas and are a fan of the political intrigue-y shows, then I think you would enjoy this book.

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moonlitreading_'s review

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adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“Hopefully in the next lifetime, we will meet again,” he said, glancing down at me. “And in kinder circumstances.”

I gazed up and offered him a small smile. “I hope so, too.”

A Crane Among Wolves is set during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty under the worst tyrant in Korean history, King Yeosan. The story follows Iseul as she goes after her sister when the king took her to be one of his consorts. The story also follows the king’s half-brother, Daehyun, who wants nothing more than to dethrone the king. By some twist of fate, their paths cross and their mutual hate for the king might change their lives forever.

This was my first June Hur book and I finished it within a day. I couldn’t put it down because of how invested I was in the story. King Yoseon’s acts were so sickening and the fact that they did happen in real life makes it even worse. I hope his soul suffers for all eternity.

Iseul and Daehyun were really good characters, imo. This book was told from both their POVs and it’s interesting that Iseul’s was in first person and Daehyun’s was in third. I loved seeing how their characters really grew throughout the story. Iseul went from being the pampered little sister to someone willing to sacrifice herself for others. Daehyun went from being emotionally detached to someone who acknowledged his feelings, good and bad.

Content warnings were provided by the author at the beginning of the book.

Content Warnings