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modernhobbitvibes's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Animal cruelty
darkclouds'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? No
5.0
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.
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Rape, Violence, and Blood
abbrown118's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Sexual violence, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Animal cruelty, Incest, and Rape
cepbreed's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
"History moves its course...But it is the youth who point the current in its direction."
She's done it again! Another irresistible Korean historical romance/mystery fusion by June Hur! I totally fell in love with Daehyun over and over again. There is something so compelling about an exiled prince that I think all girls agree with. From the start the tension between him and Iseul was DELICIOUS. Somehow June Hur could stick to her guns (mystery-solving-slow-burn-couple-with-headstrong-female-lead-and-concerned-but-strong-male-lead) without losing any impact. It's very obvious the tropes are recycled but that isn't to say they're boring. Hur is loyal to what she knows and we love her for it. The formula just works and boy does it work well. The devastation felt once I reached chapter 42 was stronger than my ability to brace for tragedy. All over her social media, Hur has made it known that something happens in chapter 42 but I just wasn't prepared. The entire novel was a lot darker than I expected. I really appreciate the time Hur spent researching this period of Korean history because it really shows. To know so much of the plot was rooted in the actions of real men hurts my heart. I can only hope all those girls found peace in whatever afterlife there may be.
As much as I love Hur's novels I found myself dealing with the same gripes I had during The Red Palace. Something about her writing can come off as clumsy. I think Hur wants to extend out of her comfort zone but the figurative language often feels out of place because it isn't cushioned by prose of particular note. When the writing is mostly on the level you expect a YA mystery/romance to be on it is glaringly obvious when some overly flowery metaphor is suddenly shoved in the mix. I also love a dual POV but the fact that Hur wrote Iseul exclusively in the first person and then would switch to Daehyun exclusively in the third person gave me whiplash. It was so disconnected. Plus I am a proud lover of the 3rd person POV so if Hur had made that choice consistently I would've been grateful. Daehyun's chapters deserved to be longer!
The cover art is gorgeous and reminds me of La Belle Dame Sans Merci by Francis Dicksee.
Songs:
- 바라만 본다 - 정세운
- Would've, Could've, Should've - Taylor Swift
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Rape
jayisreading's review
4.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Misogyny
Minor: Incest, Rape, and Suicide
lemonwrlds'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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Police brutality, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Police brutality, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, and Deportation
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
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
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