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kenny_2288's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I struggled to get into this book for the first 100 pages or so, but then it picked up and became more worth the read.
By the end, I enjoyed the journey of the two main characters, even if it took me awhile to warm up to Iseul.
I think the book struggled balancing the inner turmoil of its two main characters, the murder mystery, & coup storyline, so the story often felt imbalanced or awkwardly paced. Most of the time I felt like the murder mystery seemed rather unimportant in light of other things going on in the story, but the mystery itself could have used some more development.
Occasionally I felt like the story got bogged down in some nitty gritty historical facts or irrelevant characters who were only ever mentioned but not seen, and I think this problem would be fixed if the book was a bit longer and had more time to flesh these parts out. Similarly, the supporting characters were nice enough, but I wished I had gotten more time with them to explore their personalities and really care deeply about them. As is, they’re a bit flat, and one in particular, Woonsik, feels especially disappointing because he comes off as more of a spring board for plot/characterization motivation rather than a fully developed character in his own right (which is a shame, cause he does have a lot of heart to him). I just wish the book was able to accommodate a further dive into his character.
I grew to appreciate the romance of this story, but again, at first I struggled to buy into it in comparison to the incredibly pressing and dark subject matter of the rest of the story. However, romance didn’t ever seem over the top or too out of character and I was glad it remained rather limited as befitting of the rest of the story. This story is a historical fiction & drama book first, romance second, so if you’re hoping for a heavily romantic book, this ain’t it.
Overall, a good read and I’m glad I pushed through my lackluster impression at the beginning. This book is a good example of historical fiction that doesn’t shy away or dilute the horror of history. The story is often bleak but not without hope, and while it doesn’t necessarily have a “and they lived happily ever after ending,” I think it is better for the more realistic ending (which still felt satisfying).
By the end, I enjoyed the journey of the two main characters, even if it took me awhile to warm up to Iseul.
I think the book struggled balancing the inner turmoil of its two main characters, the murder mystery, & coup storyline, so the story often felt imbalanced or awkwardly paced. Most of the time I felt like the murder mystery seemed rather unimportant in light of other things going on in the story, but the mystery itself could have used some more development.
Occasionally I felt like the story got bogged down in some nitty gritty historical facts or irrelevant characters who were only ever mentioned but not seen, and I think this problem would be fixed if the book was a bit longer and had more time to flesh these parts out. Similarly, the supporting characters were nice enough, but I wished I had gotten more time with them to explore their personalities and really care deeply about them. As is, they’re a bit flat, and one in particular, Woonsik, feels especially disappointing because he comes off as more of a spring board for plot/characterization motivation rather than a fully developed character in his own right (which is a shame, cause he does have a lot of heart to him). I just wish the book was able to accommodate a further dive into his character.
I grew to appreciate the romance of this story, but again, at first I struggled to buy into it in comparison to the incredibly pressing and dark subject matter of the rest of the story. However, romance didn’t ever seem over the top or too out of character and I was glad it remained rather limited as befitting of the rest of the story. This story is a historical fiction & drama book first, romance second, so if you’re hoping for a heavily romantic book, this ain’t it.
Overall, a good read and I’m glad I pushed through my lackluster impression at the beginning. This book is a good example of historical fiction that doesn’t shy away or dilute the horror of history. The story is often bleak but not without hope, and while it doesn’t necessarily have a “and they lived happily ever after ending,” I think it is better for the more realistic ending (which still felt satisfying).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
lunarstrudel's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
The audiobook version is so good! Highly recommend!
Like other reviews it took me a little while to get hooked but I'm so glad I kept trying, it was definitely worth it.
Like other reviews it took me a little while to get hooked but I'm so glad I kept trying, it was definitely worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Blood
rknitss's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This book comes with a page one content warning. It is important to check that out if you're a younger reader or looking to give this book to a younger reader. I wouldn't say that any of the atrocities in this book are described graphically (and in most places are strongly implied rather than shown), but they are mentioned. This is historical fiction that takes place during the reign of a monster. The author has been extremely up front about all of this.
With that in mind, I think a younger reader could handle this. I would have been ok to read this at 13 or so but I know I shouldn't be the bench mark. The writing is excellent but clearly leans hard to a young adult/teen audience.
This was really hard for me to get into (hence the less than 5 stars). Our main POV character is an angry, spoiled girl when she starts and she stays angry through out. Rightfully so. Her journey to get back to her sister is difficult to say the least, there's a serial killer on the loose putting a rebellion in danger... but she is very easy to dislike up front and that made it hard for me to follow her journey. At First. Struggling past the 60ish page mark, I hit my stride and the book sucked me in.
This book features a dual POV that I haven't seen before. In mostly alternating chapters we have the first person narrative from Iseul, the aforementioned angry girl, and then a third person narrative that follows Daehyun, the "favorite" brother of the Tyrant King. It took me a bit to get used to the POV shift but it made for a very interesting read, especially when the characters interacted.
I would recommend this book to anyone (even young readers) who liked Red Palace by June Hur and fans ofhistorical fiction. I would even say this is a good introduction to it.
With that in mind, I think a younger reader could handle this. I would have been ok to read this at 13 or so but I know I shouldn't be the bench mark. The writing is excellent but clearly leans hard to a young adult/teen audience.
This was really hard for me to get into (hence the less than 5 stars). Our main POV character is an angry, spoiled girl when she starts and she stays angry through out. Rightfully so. Her journey to get back to her sister is difficult to say the least, there's a serial killer on the loose putting a rebellion in danger... but she is very easy to dislike up front and that made it hard for me to follow her journey. At First. Struggling past the 60ish page mark, I hit my stride and the book sucked me in.
This book features a dual POV that I haven't seen before. In mostly alternating chapters we have the first person narrative from Iseul, the aforementioned angry girl, and then a third person narrative that follows Daehyun, the "favorite" brother of the Tyrant King. It took me a bit to get used to the POV shift but it made for a very interesting read, especially when the characters interacted.
I would recommend this book to anyone (even young readers) who liked Red Palace by June Hur and fans ofhistorical fiction. I would even say this is a good introduction to it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Incest, Suicide, Torture, and Blood
serendipity421's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: Rape
darkclouds's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Sometimes I wonder, just how many levels of devastation one can endure or expect when faced with a harrowing tale? In this case, June Hur highlights a significant historical period that took place in Korea and she does not shy away from disclosing the little details that can be so easy to overlook because it makes you uncomfortable.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Rape, Violence, and Blood
221bpinkst's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Minor: Cursing, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Blood, Stalking, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
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.
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.
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
cepbreed's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Rape
jartone93's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
jiffygiraffe's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Blood and Murder
Minor: Rape