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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
It was close to five stars, it was. But there were a few considerably-sized issues I had with it.
First and foremost, it was the kind of thriller that had its antagonists reveal their whole plan and backstory when they realized they’d been caught. That always bugs me because I don’t find it realistic.
Second, there were parts of the setting that I think could’ve used some further explanation or context. They used Japanese words for the characters’ ranks, specific buildings, or even general concepts. In this way, the historical detail was wonderful. But I didn’t understand what some of them meant, and I never quite figured it out.
Finally, this isn’t *technically* an issue, but it always upsets me. We spent the whole book building something, and at its end, we didn’t have any concrete results. There was something, but nothing close to what I think the buildup deserved. It’s frustrating!
First and foremost, it was the kind of thriller that had its antagonists reveal their whole plan and backstory when they realized they’d been caught. That always bugs me because I don’t find it realistic.
Second, there were parts of the setting that I think could’ve used some further explanation or context. They used Japanese words for the characters’ ranks, specific buildings, or even general concepts. In this way, the historical detail was wonderful. But I didn’t understand what some of them meant, and I never quite figured it out.
Finally, this isn’t *technically* an issue, but it always upsets me. We spent the whole book building something, and at its end, we didn’t have any concrete results. There was something, but nothing close to what I think the buildup deserved. It’s frustrating!
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wanted to like this book so much more than I ended up liking it. I was looking forward to reading this and the first chapter got my attention as soon as I read the first page. Hyeon was a great protagonist and I loved being inside her head, but the plot and characters surrounding her underdelivered compared to her.
Before I get into that, I just wanted to say that I loved the idea of the setting. The world could have used a little more description, but it wasn't difficult for me to fill in the blanks. The atmosphere matched the book perfectly.
Now the plot. It was too linear and none of the plot twists or revelations took me by surprise. I'm not a mystery reader, so I think I of all people should be surprised by the outcome.
A random fact that I found interesting is that this book is somewhat inspired by a true story. The author goes a little more in-depth about the real case in her Author's Note, but after reading this book, I want to look more into the original story and the era that which it took place.
For characters, other than our lead Hyeon, there was nothing memorable about any of them. This lack of characterization of the characters left the romance feeling forced and uninteresting, even if it is a fan favorite slow burn. Even if the romance felt off to me, I did love the scenes between the two characters.
I'm not sure if there is much else to say about this book. It was kind of short and read fast, so it's not like there is a wide variety of things to discuss.
Even if this book wasn't exactly my cup of tea, I would be very interested in reading books with similar settings and periods!
Before I get into that, I just wanted to say that I loved the idea of the setting. The world could have used a little more description, but it wasn't difficult for me to fill in the blanks. The atmosphere matched the book perfectly.
Now the plot. It was too linear and none of the plot twists or revelations took me by surprise. I'm not a mystery reader, so I think I of all people should be surprised by the outcome.
A random fact that I found interesting is that this book is somewhat inspired by a true story. The author goes a little more in-depth about the real case in her Author's Note, but after reading this book, I want to look more into the original story and the era that which it took place.
For characters, other than our lead Hyeon, there was nothing memorable about any of them. This lack of characterization of the characters left the romance feeling forced and uninteresting, even if it is a fan favorite slow burn. Even if the romance felt off to me, I did love the scenes between the two characters.
I'm not sure if there is much else to say about this book. It was kind of short and read fast, so it's not like there is a wide variety of things to discuss.
Even if this book wasn't exactly my cup of tea, I would be very interested in reading books with similar settings and periods!
adventurous
reflective
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
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I have always been interested with Korean historical genre, and finally, decided to read this book.
Knowing that there’s a true fact history mixed in it, was actually what makes the story more interesting. The way how the plot unravels, and how the characters developed to solve the truth about the tragic murder case.
And how does the king drives the only son, the Crown Prince, to be in that mental state. Life is cruel, no matter if it’s in the past or present.
Knowing that there’s a true fact history mixed in it, was actually what makes the story more interesting. The way how the plot unravels, and how the characters developed to solve the truth about the tragic murder case.
And how does the king drives the only son, the Crown Prince, to be in that mental state. Life is cruel, no matter if it’s in the past or present.
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
4 EXCITING STARS
Three Minute Thoughts:
The Red Palace was a fast-paced, exciting, adventurous mystery, and I loved every moment of it! The setting of 1758 Korea was fascinating to read about and thankfully free of any info-dumping, and the mystery was captivating and surprising, leaving readers with dawning expressions of understanding as the powerful main characters unravelled the intricate murder mystery. A soft romance just added a sweet touch to the novel overall, and all-round the book was an absolute pleasure to read – I’m certain I’ll now have to read the author’s other books!
The Extended, Long, and Very-Probably-Messy Review:
This book was such a pleasure to read! Fast-paced and reasonably short, I flew through most of this in one sitting, and was left satisfied and content at the end. I forgot what a pleasure it is to read standalones that don’t leave me with cliffhangers at the end!
A good book requires many different components, but the main ingredient to a captivating story is always the characters (for me), and The Red Palace definitely did not let me down here! Hur’s characters were easy to fall in love with and easier to relate to, from the harsh parental expectations that Hyeon was constantly trying to meet, to the loneliness that filled Eojin, even when surrounded by people. Hyeon was a powerful and brave protagonist, kickass despite being untrained in any martial arts, and a true example to women everywhere that there is more to strength than physical ability.
“We are women… and nothing short of death stops us from doing precisely what we wish to do. That is what the laws and restrictons binding our lives breed: determination and cunning.”
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)
Eojin was a similarly captivating character, and I loved him from our first introduction – he’s an absolute cinnamon bun, and I will accept no other label for that cutie pie. I honestly wish we got more of him, he was such a sweetheart! And the slowburn, delicate romance that blossomed between the two MCs… positively heartbreaking. So precious and pure, I loved each minimal moment of it, and for once I actually don’t believe more romance was necessary – Hur sprinkled just the right amount in, so as to not draw attention from the mystery but still add some heart-fluttering moments.
“When the time comes…You watch out for me. And I will always watch out for you.”
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)
Another strong and incredibly well-written section of The Red Palace was the mystery and action itself, heavily emphasised by the beautiful setting of Korea in the Joseon Period. I won’t say too much about the mystery – though let it be known that I was most certainly shocked by the ending – but I will say that I really, really loved the 1700’s Korea setting. I found the historical titbits fascinating and wonderfully interesting to read about, from the honourifics and the class system to the clothing and jobs, and when I read that the story was loosely based on a real Korean Crown Prince, I admired the historical accuracy even more! Jane Hur definitely has a stunning way of blending fact and fiction, and I will be sure to keep an eye out for more of her books.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and Colored Pages Tours for the free copy of this splendid book in exchange for an honest review! A special thanks to Colored Pages Tours for organising the book blog tour❤.
4 EXCITING STARS
Three Minute Thoughts:
The Red Palace was a fast-paced, exciting, adventurous mystery, and I loved every moment of it! The setting of 1758 Korea was fascinating to read about and thankfully free of any info-dumping, and the mystery was captivating and surprising, leaving readers with dawning expressions of understanding as the powerful main characters unravelled the intricate murder mystery. A soft romance just added a sweet touch to the novel overall, and all-round the book was an absolute pleasure to read – I’m certain I’ll now have to read the author’s other books!
The Extended, Long, and Very-Probably-Messy Review:
This book was such a pleasure to read! Fast-paced and reasonably short, I flew through most of this in one sitting, and was left satisfied and content at the end. I forgot what a pleasure it is to read standalones that don’t leave me with cliffhangers at the end!
A good book requires many different components, but the main ingredient to a captivating story is always the characters (for me), and The Red Palace definitely did not let me down here! Hur’s characters were easy to fall in love with and easier to relate to, from the harsh parental expectations that Hyeon was constantly trying to meet, to the loneliness that filled Eojin, even when surrounded by people. Hyeon was a powerful and brave protagonist, kickass despite being untrained in any martial arts, and a true example to women everywhere that there is more to strength than physical ability.
“We are women… and nothing short of death stops us from doing precisely what we wish to do. That is what the laws and restrictons binding our lives breed: determination and cunning.”
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)
Eojin was a similarly captivating character, and I loved him from our first introduction – he’s an absolute cinnamon bun, and I will accept no other label for that cutie pie. I honestly wish we got more of him, he was such a sweetheart! And the slowburn, delicate romance that blossomed between the two MCs… positively heartbreaking. So precious and pure, I loved each minimal moment of it, and for once I actually don’t believe more romance was necessary – Hur sprinkled just the right amount in, so as to not draw attention from the mystery but still add some heart-fluttering moments.
“When the time comes…You watch out for me. And I will always watch out for you.”
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)
Another strong and incredibly well-written section of The Red Palace was the mystery and action itself, heavily emphasised by the beautiful setting of Korea in the Joseon Period. I won’t say too much about the mystery – though let it be known that I was most certainly shocked by the ending – but I will say that I really, really loved the 1700’s Korea setting. I found the historical titbits fascinating and wonderfully interesting to read about, from the honourifics and the class system to the clothing and jobs, and when I read that the story was loosely based on a real Korean Crown Prince, I admired the historical accuracy even more! Jane Hur definitely has a stunning way of blending fact and fiction, and I will be sure to keep an eye out for more of her books.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and Colored Pages Tours for the free copy of this splendid book in exchange for an honest review! A special thanks to Colored Pages Tours for organising the book blog tour❤.
I would like to thank Edelweiss and Square Fish for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The Red Palace was an absolutely stunning story! Compulsively readable prose, great pacing, chokehold gripping mystery and 1000% more blood than i expected, this was a MEGA gold star win for my reading year!
from the first word to the last, i was hooked on everything that unfolded for Hyeon, who is hands down this year's winner of FMCs-i-did-not-hate-and-in-fact-loved award! Gahhh everything from her name, her background, her origin story, was perfection...my gawd Sis had me from the second she lied to the guard to get in on the crime scene! And from then on she was just competent and brave as all hell, and stg she's probably the only literary muggle (U20) (since prob Jude in Queen of Nothing) who's ever earned this much praise!
Now let's just take a moment to LOOK at the gorgeousness that is @park_sunga's illustration of Eojin! I fkin died! Baby girl had no chance, because even my scaredy cat ass would be compelled into solving a murder mystery if this man asked me to! #incentivizewith love #workromanceforhigherproductivity
And OFC i must celebrate that JH lives in Toronto and went to UofT!!!
I loved everything about this historical murder mystery! this was a well-crafted reading pleasure and it was thrilling from beginning to end!
I cannot wait to read everything June Hur has ever written, now that I know what i've been missing! Super excited to devour A Crane Among Wolves next, and happy to look forward to whatever else June Hur has in store for the future!
The Red Palace was an absolutely stunning story! Compulsively readable prose, great pacing, chokehold gripping mystery and 1000% more blood than i expected, this was a MEGA gold star win for my reading year!
from the first word to the last, i was hooked on everything that unfolded for Hyeon, who is hands down this year's winner of FMCs-i-did-not-hate-and-in-fact-loved award! Gahhh everything from her name, her background, her origin story, was perfection...my gawd Sis had me from the second she lied to the guard to get in on the crime scene! And from then on she was just competent and brave as all hell, and stg she's probably the only literary muggle (U20) (since prob Jude in Queen of Nothing) who's ever earned this much praise!
Now let's just take a moment to LOOK at the gorgeousness that is @park_sunga's illustration of Eojin! I fkin died! Baby girl had no chance, because even my scaredy cat ass would be compelled into solving a murder mystery if this man asked me to! #incentivizewith love #workromanceforhigherproductivity
And OFC i must celebrate that JH lives in Toronto and went to UofT!!!
I loved everything about this historical murder mystery! this was a well-crafted reading pleasure and it was thrilling from beginning to end!
I cannot wait to read everything June Hur has ever written, now that I know what i've been missing! Super excited to devour A Crane Among Wolves next, and happy to look forward to whatever else June Hur has in store for the future!
This book was basically a murder mystery but set in 1700s Korea. The setting was really cool and it was interesting to learn about all the social norms of that time period, but unfortunetly the story itself fell flat for me. I was shocked when the romance was developed because it felt like it came out of nowhere. Also, the reveal of who the killer was wasn't very shocking to me but the reason why is a spoiler. I will continue to read everything June Hur writes though and I'm still looking forward to reading her one backlist book I haven't gotten to yet.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for providing me with an eBook copy to review.
Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for providing me with an eBook copy to review.
a SOLID book i do think the ending wrapped up too suddenly but i had such a good time reading
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No