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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
If you enjoy period pieces, historical fiction, murder mysteries, and/or K-dramas, this will be right up your street.
Very rarely am I ever drawn into a story immediately. Normally it takes a few chapters to become invested. That wasn’t the case here.
We’re immediately dropped in the moments right before the major inciting incident of the story. There isn’t any cumbersome exposition to “set the scene.”
A brilliant story, with a believably strong-willed female protagonist set in a time and society where women (especially of her social standing) were undoubtedly regarded as lesser.
My only criticism is the pacing may have been too fast. For example, some relationships, both ones that existed before the events of the novel and new ones that form during, were developed perhaps a little too quickly. However, that can be forgiven, as the story is more plot driven than character driven.
A good read and worth your time, especially if the genre appeals to you!
Very rarely am I ever drawn into a story immediately. Normally it takes a few chapters to become invested. That wasn’t the case here.
We’re immediately dropped in the moments right before the major inciting incident of the story. There isn’t any cumbersome exposition to “set the scene.”
A brilliant story, with a believably strong-willed female protagonist set in a time and society where women (especially of her social standing) were undoubtedly regarded as lesser.
My only criticism is the pacing may have been too fast. For example, some relationships, both ones that existed before the events of the novel and new ones that form during, were developed perhaps a little too quickly. However, that can be forgiven, as the story is more plot driven than character driven.
A good read and worth your time, especially if the genre appeals to you!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated
dark
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
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
I had so much fun reading this book!! it is a historical murder mystery with a slowburn romance set in joseon (korea), 1758 and it feels like a kdrama plot but in book form
This is a book set in 1758 Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, and follows a young nurse who works in the palace, and police inspector as they try to uncover the mystery behind a series of murders, of which the Crown Prince is seemingly at fault for. It’s a murder mystery featuring fake relationships, familial conflict, morality of revenge, and social hierarchies of the time period. I really enjoyed the characters and plot, and I liked the manner in which things were revealed.
The part that fell a bit flat for me was the Crown Prince and his story – according to the author’s note, this book was loosely based on the story of real-life Crown Prince Jangheon. I really wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t read the note, though: the prince was not a prominent character and he was never fully developed in a way that let the reader know this was *his* story. This was only one part of a book with a lot to offer, though, and unless it is the main factor drawing someone in, I wouldn’t at all consider it a deterrent.
The part that fell a bit flat for me was the Crown Prince and his story – according to the author’s note, this book was loosely based on the story of real-life Crown Prince Jangheon. I really wouldn’t have known that if I hadn’t read the note, though: the prince was not a prominent character and he was never fully developed in a way that let the reader know this was *his* story. This was only one part of a book with a lot to offer, though, and unless it is the main factor drawing someone in, I wouldn’t at all consider it a deterrent.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced