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modernhobbitvibes's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Domestic abuse, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Animal cruelty
bookscatcoffee's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book was way more than I anticipated in the best way possible. I had to google so much, but I learned a great deal. Through all of that, the author kept the plot moving at a brisk pace. I loved the main characters! And the writing is really good. “You will not always be the wisest, nor the strongest, nor the bravest. That is why we need friends. They will guide you down the right path, no matter how dark it grows.“. Definitely good messages for our times as well. “When one is able to differentiate good from evil, it is impossible to accept the way things are.” Definitely worth reading! 5 stars
Historical fiction set in Korea featuring Korean characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Physical abuse, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Rape
kaneebli's review
dark
informative
mysterious
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Misogyny, Sexism, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicide, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
boomwormbrittany's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
A Crane Among Wolves follows Iseul who is trying to save her sister from the clutches of King Yeonsan who kidnaps women and terrorizes the country. When she finds herself embroiled in the mystery of a serial killer, she finds herself having to team up with Prince Daehyun to discover who is committing these murders and try to save her sister.
June Hur had me going in the last couple chapters of this book I swear! I was tearing up and trying not to cry while reading the last few chapters of this. I really came to love these characters so much!
June Hur has such a unique and amazing writing style. She drags you right into the story and really embroils you in not only in the characters lives but in the era she is writing in as well. I felt myself transported to 1500's Korea during the Joseon era.
You really come to love these characters even when they drive you nuts. Iseul is not a likable main character at first because she is spoiled and sheltered but you come to love and appreciate her more as you read the book. I really liked Daehyun from the first time we meet him because he clearly does not want to go along with what Yeonsan is doing but has to for his own survival.
The mystery element of this book was done so well and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The last couple chapters had me going in the first half but at the end it resolved itself and I absolutely LOVED it.
I really loved this book and think this is a very important story to highlight. I am so happy to have this book on my shelves and I would highly recommend picking it up.
June Hur had me going in the last couple chapters of this book I swear! I was tearing up and trying not to cry while reading the last few chapters of this. I really came to love these characters so much!
June Hur has such a unique and amazing writing style. She drags you right into the story and really embroils you in not only in the characters lives but in the era she is writing in as well. I felt myself transported to 1500's Korea during the Joseon era.
You really come to love these characters even when they drive you nuts. Iseul is not a likable main character at first because she is spoiled and sheltered but you come to love and appreciate her more as you read the book. I really liked Daehyun from the first time we meet him because he clearly does not want to go along with what Yeonsan is doing but has to for his own survival.
The mystery element of this book was done so well and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The last couple chapters had me going in the first half but at the end it resolved itself and I absolutely LOVED it.
I really loved this book and think this is a very important story to highlight. I am so happy to have this book on my shelves and I would highly recommend picking it up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Kidnapping
Moderate: Animal death and Murder
filipateodoro's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
It was darker and more violent than what I had anticipated, which I liked. Basically, this was not a 5 star read because I didn't love the way descriptions were handled. In some scenes I felt a bit lost and had to go back to recap where things were taking place, or in what positon characters were in a room. I found that travel between locations got a bit awkward too, I didn't feel like the author was giving the reader a good sense of how far away/near the locales were (maybe a map would've helped?). This was probably done to keep the narrative tight and moving along, but it made it harder for me to be immersed in the story. If the writing had dedicated a bit more space to describing the settings, the story and world would have felt a lot more atmospheric and rich, and this would have benefited the mystery plot.
In any case, it was a good time and I'm probably going to be reading the author's other work. The nerd in me loved that the author included the bibliography she used for research at the end. I'll probably look at some of those in the future.
EDIT: Forgot to add that there were a lot of korean terms that I had to look up on Wikipedia, even as someone who consumes south korean media and entertainment, for example the names for different ranks/types of palace maids/servants. Would've REALLY appreciated it if a clarification on these had been accessible (Keep in mind I read this on an ereader).
In any case, it was a good time and I'm probably going to be reading the author's other work. The nerd in me loved that the author included the bibliography she used for research at the end. I'll probably look at some of those in the future.
EDIT: Forgot to add that there were a lot of korean terms that I had to look up on Wikipedia, even as someone who consumes south korean media and entertainment, for example the names for different ranks/types of palace maids/servants. Would've REALLY appreciated it if a clarification on these had been accessible (Keep in mind I read this on an ereader).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Sexism, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, and Pregnancy
fullnessofjoy's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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
June Hur strikes again! If I can put into words how much I enjoyed this novel, it would be to describe it as a historical time-travel pill into the intrigue and danger and darkness but also the light and love and romance of a 16th century historical Korean tale. It is a heady, dizzying, wonderful feeling. Hur pitches this novel as a bit of a historical Kdrama - and if you know anything about me - that is one of my favourite genres ever! :) This novel combines beautifully the romance and drama and danger and action and loveable, emotional character moments, the soft lingering romance and exciting scenes - with the depth of historical knowledge, perspective and insight to a very difficult, painful period of Korean history. As a history lover, Hur’s attention to historical perspective and knowledge was truly admirable and made me so much more engaged with this story, knowing that these events and even some characters are drawn from real life. But Hur never trumps historical fact over character depth and the beauty of a well-told story. There were so many swoon-worthy, heart-pounding moments in this scene, I was HOOKED!
Can we also talk about the romance between those two loveable characters? Aww, I loved them so much - they were flawed, real and wonderful and I was rooting for them very much. There are some wonderful side characters too ahhh! My review is all over the place, but I just loved this novel SO SO MUCH and will encourage you to read it ASAP.
Can we also talk about the romance between those two loveable characters? Aww, I loved them so much - they were flawed, real and wonderful and I was rooting for them very much. There are some wonderful side characters too ahhh! My review is all over the place, but I just loved this novel SO SO MUCH and will encourage you to read it ASAP.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and War
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
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
dreamer626's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I was more interested in the mystery plot and the politics at play than the romance. For me, it seemed like the relationship between Iseul and Daehyun was more of a friendship. I also appreciated the author showcasing a piece of Korea's tragic past as an inspiration for this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Sexual content, and Violence
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