Reviews tagging 'Rape'

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

66 reviews

cortanasreadingnook's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

Thanks to June Hur and Feiwel & Friends for sending me an ARC through Netgalley! This does not affect my thoughts about the book in any way. Out on May 14, 2024! 

This was a remarkably heart-shattering high-stakes tale of mystery and treacherous court politics with a longing-filled slowburn romance. Iseul and Daehyun reminded me a lot of The Red Palace trope wise, but this was unexpectedly a tale of violence and tragedy and is a historically accurate story that serves as a reminder of Korea’s darkest periods. 

A Crane Among Wolves transports a reader back into the beauty of the ancient Joseon Dynasty of Korea while narrating an equally dark murder mystery behind the scenes with bits of romance on the side and lots of little twists. Not only does June give us a new romantic pair to be emotionally invested in (with a handsome and clever prince by the way), but this story also concentrates on the bravery and strength of women, especially that of the main character, and openly challenged misogyny and sexual abuse. The characters were day I say, all strategically placed like game pieces on a board, with their own peculiarities and flaws to complement each other that fueled this story to the end. I would, with no hesitation, always recommend this! 

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mrsclappreads's review

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adventurous dark emotional 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? It's complicated

4.0


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r1vana's review

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adventurous challenging emotional 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? Yes

4.0

"History moves its course, Young Mistress Iseul. But it is the youth who point the current in its direction.”

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

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gi_reads30's review

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dark emotional mysterious 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? 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.
The other thing is that I wished I would've seen a bit more of the "great event.", but I understand why it was not heavily presented. 

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. 

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chiaramoodreads's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75


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poppy_warphan's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

5.0

Review to come 

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