Reviews tagging 'Torture'

A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

15 reviews

bkishmdstgal's review

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? It's complicated

5.0

“You needn’t look at me in such a manner.”
“In what manner?”
“As though I will force you.”
“You do not wish to… kiss me?”
“What does it matter what I wish? You said no, and I will receive your word as a royal command”
This dialogue AH.
All of the romantic interactions were so well written 

OH MY WORD

I started this book at 6:30 and had it finished in 3 hours. It was so good. 

The King was a genuinely horrible man, and I appreciated that the book didn’t try to make him redeemable to make him act out of character. He was a garbage man and acted like it all throughout the book. 

The enemies to lovers had me hooked, with me actually screaming and crying about what was happening. It was such a nice path from enemies to lovers and it didn’t feel rushed at all, and their ending was honestly one of the best for characters in a book like this. 

It was amazing, and if I could pay to read this book again for the first time I would. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Torture, Kidnapping, Murder, and War

amyteurhour's review

3.75

Content warning: murder, kidnapping, rape, torture, blood, violence, death of a parent, death of a child, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexism, sexual violence, imprisonment, pregnancy, miscarriage, suicide, suicidal thoughts

There's a content warning list at the beginning of the book provided by the author which I appreciated. This is really dark. Maybe it's because I recently read Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, but I found myself getting similar vibes from the two. Things start out kind of slow, and I found Iseul to be a bit frustrating at first (but I think that was kind of Hur's point). 

If you're going to check this out, I'd recommend listening to the audiobook narrated by Greg Chun and Michelle H. Lee; I enjoyed their performances and listening helped me visualize what was happening. If you've watched historical k-dramas and are a fan of the political intrigue-y shows, then I think you would enjoy this book.  

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy

lemonwrlds's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious 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

5.0

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Content Warnings

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

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. 

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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..

googles's review

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

 Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy!!! I'm not one for historical fiction, but this was a blast. There is a coup, romance, murder mystery, and a lot of interesting characters. With a tight deadline to solve the mystery, and not just because of more victims, this one kept trying to make stay reading when I had a real world to return to. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexism and War

Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Torture