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tlsoe's review against another edition
- 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
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Incest, Rape, and Suicide
lettuce_read's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Rape and Suicide
qeenb33's review against another edition
- 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
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
bearavenclaw's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Rape and Suicide
phua_jieying's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
Minor: Animal cruelty, Child death, Incest, Rape, and Suicide
eliaflight's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Violence, and Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Incest, Rape, and Suicide
The author includes content warnings at the beginning of the book in the author's note.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
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