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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reread 09/01/2024 ~ I dfn'd this book, a couple of years ago, after chapter 3 because I felt like it read too much like a fanfic.
I decided to give it another try, mostly because a need the plot kept calling me. I still think it reads a lot like a fanfic (or a kdrama) but it was an easy and quick read and I really enjoyed myself reading it. It was entertaining, spooky and dark at time and I liked it more than I imagined i would given it was my second attempt.
I decided to give it another try, mostly because a need the plot kept calling me. I still think it reads a lot like a fanfic (or a kdrama) but it was an easy and quick read and I really enjoyed myself reading it. It was entertaining, spooky and dark at time and I liked it more than I imagined i would given it was my second attempt.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My only criticism is that the book can be a little repetitive with certain details.
I've never been one for historical fiction but I'm always down for a murder mystery. I've never read anything set in Korea so I decided to try it. I loved learning about court politics and ancient nursing. I also appreciated the prince being based off a real prince.
bonus that it was a slow burn, I was obsessed.
I've never been one for historical fiction but I'm always down for a murder mystery. I've never read anything set in Korea so I decided to try it. I loved learning about court politics and ancient nursing. I also appreciated the prince being based off a real prince.
bonus that it was a slow burn, I was obsessed.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I loved this book so much, I still think about it and I need more books like it (so if June Hur could just keep writing forever that would be great).
What I loved about this book:
- The main character: I really loved her, I loved her job as a palace nurse, I loved her intelligence and stubbornness and drive.
- The main male character: He was such a sweetheart, I loved him so much. That scene in the inn when he feeds her the best pieces of food (perfect k-drama moment that I squealed over)
- The mystery: I love a good mystery, it gets me hooked and I often finish such books very quickly. The same was true here, because I really wanted to know what was up with these murders and that palace. And oh my gosh, when you finish the book and see the author's note telling you this is actually based on some real historical people + events. I was shocked.
I don't think there is anything I didn't like about this book honestly. I won't say it's the most perfect book in the world, but it's such a perfect book for me that I'll definitely love it forever.
What I loved about this book:
- The main character: I really loved her, I loved her job as a palace nurse, I loved her intelligence and stubbornness and drive.
- The main male character: He was such a sweetheart, I loved him so much. That scene in the inn when he feeds her the best pieces of food (perfect k-drama moment that I squealed over)
- The mystery: I love a good mystery, it gets me hooked and I often finish such books very quickly. The same was true here, because I really wanted to know what was up with these murders and that palace. And oh my gosh, when you finish the book and see the author's note telling you this is actually based on some real historical people + events. I was shocked.
I don't think there is anything I didn't like about this book honestly. I won't say it's the most perfect book in the world, but it's such a perfect book for me that I'll definitely love it forever.
Stop I actually ate this book up. it was sooooooo good. June Hur becoming a favorite author???? stay tuned IG.
You have to respect an author that really does research on what they're writing about, it sets them apart from the mainstream pop culture. I'm also glad I read acknowledgements first and then the book - the author is a believer so I knew there weren't going to be any nasty surprises in the book itself, God bless <3
As for the book itself, it has a lot of promise for lovers of:
k-drama ✅
Korean history ✅
mystery ✅
clean romance ✅
detective work ✅
strong female characters ✅
But... the story was not quite as riveting as I thought it would be. It dragged on at times and it was easy to put down. In other words - not fast-paced, yet at the same time it didn't seem attentive to details either. Details as in interesting bits to keep you suspended. The descriptions provided were of very neutral nature - the color of walls, the shape of the latticework, etc. The characters were also not as fleshed out as they should be for you to care about them, they seemed to solely exist because of the issue they represent (father issues, hierarchy issues, gender issues...).
Regardless, I do hope more books of this kind will begin emerging, the white-Western narrative is outdated and can provide no entertainment and thought for the new generation of readers.
As for the book itself, it has a lot of promise for lovers of:
k-drama ✅
Korean history ✅
mystery ✅
clean romance ✅
detective work ✅
strong female characters ✅
But... the story was not quite as riveting as I thought it would be. It dragged on at times and it was easy to put down. In other words - not fast-paced, yet at the same time it didn't seem attentive to details either. Details as in interesting bits to keep you suspended. The descriptions provided were of very neutral nature - the color of walls, the shape of the latticework, etc. The characters were also not as fleshed out as they should be for you to care about them, they seemed to solely exist because of the issue they represent (father issues, hierarchy issues, gender issues...).
Regardless, I do hope more books of this kind will begin emerging, the white-Western narrative is outdated and can provide no entertainment and thought for the new generation of readers.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
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:
Complicated