Scan barcode
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
nanatsai's review
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Animal death and Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault and Death of parent
catreads247's review
5.0
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Kidnapping
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
mrsclappreads'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? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Blood
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
gi_reads30'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
4.5
“All I desire...is to live a peaceful and honorable life, and above all, to be remembered well by you once I’m gone. Then in the next life, perhaps, you will not pass me by.”
Thanks to NetGallery and A Feiwel and Friends Book (MacMillan Imprint) for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 ! What a wonderful, heartbreaking yet beautiful story.
Review/Brief description:
The story takes place in 1506, Joseon, where hope and freedom were non-existent because of the horrible tyrant King Yeonsan. Despite the reality of most of the kingdom, Iseul has lived a sheltered, privileged life. That is until she finds herself alone, and seeking for ways to bring back something that she loves. Prince Daehyun has lived his whole life in the terrifying shadow of his despicable half-brother, the king, and his desire for revenge against his own blood will put him in a dangerous place. When Iseul's and Daehyun's fates collide, they reluctantly join forces to launch the riskiest task they have ever encountered.
It goes without saying that I really enjoyed this story. Although heartbreaking at times, because of the reality behind the fiction (June does a wonderful job with historical fictions, this book is no exception), the story is compelling, and so beautifully written. Iseul, Daehyun, Yul, Wonsik, all powerful characters that have endured so much, yet are just so strong and determined. I loved Iseul even in moments where she was a little rash with her decisions. She was just 17 so it is understandable. Daehyun had me swooning, and was also such a strong character. After his horrible past by the hands of his brother, his determination was admirable. Other side characters like Yul and Wonsik were great additions to the story as well.
As I said I love the story, I loved the writing. The atmosphere made me feel like I was actually watching a K-Drama. I only had 2 problems with the book. There was a subplot, a murder mystery that at times (because of how many characters were in play) confused me a bit, and I had to go back some sentences to fully grasp what was happening.
Other than that another wonderful book by June Hur. I would recommend it to everyone that loves historical fiction, slow burns (this is YA, so keep that in mind), and K Dramas.
Minor: Death, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicide, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
chiaramoodreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Gore, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Rape and Suicide
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