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emily_mh's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Once again I find myself in awe of June Hur!! This author can craft one hell of a historical murder mystery. I had such an easy time reading this and enjoyed myself hugely. The plot was fantastic, its pacing near perfect. Almost every scene moved the mystery forward, meaning the story was investigation-driven (just how I like it). While the reveal could have been executed a little better, the resolution was satisfying and provided a good conclusion.
As per, the historical setting was built immaculately. The devil is in the details, and Hur makes sure to include them, giving a real sense of place. She also brought the palace to life - it felt like such a foreboding place, like a trap reading to snap shut on Hyeon. I would genuinely feel a sense of relief whenever she left it. And once again I found it incredibly interesting to read a murder mystery that was so intwined with real historical events.
Hyeon was such an interesting MC. She’s driven, determined and loyal, and I loved how steadfast she was in her quest for justice. Because she was abandoned by both parents she’s driven by this desire for love, and so when she finds it she either defends it with all her might, or shies away from the threat of re-abandonment. I really liked how throughout the novel Hyeon realises that she may have thought she wanted her station as a palace nurse, when in reality her true desire comes back to this need for love; if she has love, the details of her life don't matter. It’s cool to see an MC whose dream changes because lord knows that’s a daunting reality for lots of people. Her story poses the question: who are you if you change your dream?
Surprisingly I enjoyed the romantic element of this story. It was unobnoxious and comprised of elements I generally like, for example, an oblivious MC and historical propriety masking passion. Eojin was a likeable LI, not at all cocky, but serious, caring, and driven.
Throughout the book Hur explores the abuse of power. Whether it’s the king, prince, court ladies, Hyeon’s father, or the police, the reader can really see the pattern of people with power using it to further increase that power to the detriment of marginalised groups (in particular, women and the lower classes). This theme never felt in your face, instead being effortlessly woven into every aspect of the book. The result is a critique of the power systems the book depicts.
I know Hur is turning to fantasy/romance for her next couple of books so I shall wait with baited breath for an announcement regarding her next murder mystery! (Hopefully we get another!)
Rep: Korean MC, Korean SCs
As per, the historical setting was built immaculately. The devil is in the details, and Hur makes sure to include them, giving a real sense of place. She also brought the palace to life - it felt like such a foreboding place, like a trap reading to snap shut on Hyeon. I would genuinely feel a sense of relief whenever she left it. And once again I found it incredibly interesting to read a murder mystery that was so intwined with real historical events.
Hyeon was such an interesting MC. She’s driven, determined and loyal, and I loved how steadfast she was in her quest for justice. Because she was abandoned by both parents she’s driven by this desire for love, and so when she finds it she either defends it with all her might, or shies away from the threat of re-abandonment. I really liked how throughout the novel Hyeon realises that she may have thought she wanted her station as a palace nurse, when in reality her true desire comes back to this need for love; if she has love, the details of her life don't matter. It’s cool to see an MC whose dream changes because lord knows that’s a daunting reality for lots of people. Her story poses the question: who are you if you change your dream?
Surprisingly I enjoyed the romantic element of this story. It was unobnoxious and comprised of elements I generally like, for example, an oblivious MC and historical propriety masking passion. Eojin was a likeable LI, not at all cocky, but serious, caring, and driven.
Throughout the book Hur explores the abuse of power. Whether it’s the king, prince, court ladies, Hyeon’s father, or the police, the reader can really see the pattern of people with power using it to further increase that power to the detriment of marginalised groups (in particular, women and the lower classes). This theme never felt in your face, instead being effortlessly woven into every aspect of the book. The result is a critique of the power systems the book depicts.
I know Hur is turning to fantasy/romance for her next couple of books so I shall wait with baited breath for an announcement regarding her next murder mystery! (Hopefully we get another!)
Rep: Korean MC, Korean SCs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Murder, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Medical content, Police brutality, and Torture
Minor: Ableism, Alcohol, Misogyny, Self harm, Sexism, Confinement, Drug use, Vomit, Addiction, Alcoholism, and Classism
Moderate: capital punishment, imprisonment Minor: fainting, child birth, gambling, famine, self injury, divorce
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