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lm19's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
Overall a truly interesting book about a terrible period in Korean history. The first half of the book was the stronger portion for me but that might be because I never really bought into the romance between the main leads. It just ended up feeling forced and the turn from “enemies” to lovers didn’t flow as naturally as it could have been depicted. There also seemed to be too many easy plot conveniences in the second half that just felt lazy? I don’t usually advocate for longer books but maybe additional pages could have let the introduction of characters like “Crow” flow better.
I also wish that we got more of the actual coup from Daehyun’s perspective and even that there were more scenes with Yeonsan in the second half - he really just kind of disappeared towards the end. And in a way I almost wanted Yeonsan to be worse? He certainly did horrible things but so much was “told” and not enough was “show” to really build him into the terrible antagonist he was in real life.
But in general a strong book that could have been even better with some changes to the second half.
I also wish that we got more of the actual coup from Daehyun’s perspective and even that there were more scenes with Yeonsan in the second half - he really just kind of disappeared towards the end. And in a way I almost wanted Yeonsan to be worse? He certainly did horrible things but so much was “told” and not enough was “show” to really build him into the terrible antagonist he was in real life.
But in general a strong book that could have been even better with some changes to the second half.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Violence
spec_tacles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
moonlitreading_'s review
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
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Death of parent
praxagorathesmophoria's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- 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
A story of love, both romantic and familial, against a dark and dangerous period in Korean history. The relationship between Iseul and her sister, Iseul and her friend Yul, Iseul and old retired investigator Wonsik, and the romantic relationship between Iseul and Daehyun, are all rich, vivid and create a beautiful story that asks in the face of Evil, what ate you willing to do for those you love.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
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..tlsoe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Incest, Rape, and Suicide
qeenb33's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, and War
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, and Suicide
befthhh's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
5.0
*I received an eARC of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
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!
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
storiesatstarfall's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, and Pregnancy
cortanasreadingnook's review
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!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape
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