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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
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
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder
Moderate: Torture
The Red Palace by June Hur wastes no time—it throws you straight into the drama from the very first page, and it does not let go. This was an absolutely thrilling read, one that had me hooked from start to finish.
The characters are a huge standout. Every single one feels fully formed, with layers and motivations that unfold naturally as the story progresses. There’s real emotional depth here, which makes the twists hit harder and the stakes feel higher.
Hur’s writing is elegant yet sharp, perfectly balancing historical detail with page-turning suspense. The pacing is excellent, and the mystery kept me guessing in all the right ways. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
And that ending? So satisfying. It tied everything up beautifully without feeling forced or rushed.
Honestly, I have no complaints. This is a masterclass in historical fiction and a perfect blend of atmosphere, intrigue, and character. Highly recommended!
The characters are a huge standout. Every single one feels fully formed, with layers and motivations that unfold naturally as the story progresses. There’s real emotional depth here, which makes the twists hit harder and the stakes feel higher.
Hur’s writing is elegant yet sharp, perfectly balancing historical detail with page-turning suspense. The pacing is excellent, and the mystery kept me guessing in all the right ways. I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
And that ending? So satisfying. It tied everything up beautifully without feeling forced or rushed.
Honestly, I have no complaints. This is a masterclass in historical fiction and a perfect blend of atmosphere, intrigue, and character. Highly recommended!
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
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:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
absolutely in love with the way June Hur writes; this book was gorgeous, and the characters were so well thought out. I love me a good murder mystery, too, and with the political intrigue and the palace setting, the story was so captivating, there were so many good moments that I could not pick a favorite quote or scene. I will be on the hunt for physical copies of this book.
"There is only you." His words caressed me, winding themselves around my soul. "There will only ever be you. I promise, Hyeon-ah." (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )づ♡
Further review: https://scifivoid.blogspot.com/2025/07/june-reading-wrap-up.html
"There is only you." His words caressed me, winding themselves around my soul. "There will only ever be you. I promise, Hyeon-ah." (˚ ˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥ )づ♡
Further review: https://scifivoid.blogspot.com/2025/07/june-reading-wrap-up.html
RBC. Written like a translation of an original text. Everyone seems so strangely willing to offer up seemingly life-threatening secrets to the protagonist without any whims at all.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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