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hoax_meal's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
easily the best book I read this year. I couldn't put it down. And when I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about reading it. An amazing mystery and loveable protagonist. I also learned a lot about Korean history. If you like historical fiction and mystery, you will love this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Body horror, Physical abuse, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Child death, Blood, Child abuse, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Slavery, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Police brutality, Murder, Misogyny, Kidnapping, Grief, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Pregnancy and Colonisation
karin_goodreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"The Silence of Bones" is set in Joseon Dynasty-era Korea and follows a 16-year-old servant, Seol, who works in the police bureau. The book unfurls a heartbreaking story about Seol’s involvement in investigating the murder of a young noblewoman, the political situation in Joseon at the time and the complex situation regarding Seol's search for her older brother.
There is one lesson all who enter the capital will learn: evil comes from the unfulfilled need for significance.
What a whirlwind! I started reading this many moons ago, but just now returned to it. What was the problem that I left it unfinished for so long and then picked it up and finished it in a day? The first part of the book was a little slow, and my interest was elsewhere, but recently it became interesting again and I devoured it within an evening.
Honestly, I don't remember everything from the beginning, but enough to make sense. Nevertheless, the ending was excruciatingly painful and action-packed, every sentence kept me on my toes.
This is the consequence of the clash of old and new. We must prepare our hearts, all of us. No matter which side wins, we will all be heartbroken.
Where is the lie? I was bawling my eyes out by the end. It hit so deep and brought up some raw feelings that came out of nowhere; props to June Hur! It's palpable how much work has gone into the research and details of the story. I find it nice that the ending was left sort of open-ended.
Despite that, there's much left to process. I do hope that Seol finds that home and place of togetherness one day. Pity.
Everyone dies; what is difficult is a meaningful death.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Violence, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Torture
Minor: Slavery, Kidnapping, Pregnancy, Mental illness, Death of parent, Suicide, Abandonment, and Grief
mnatale100's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Police brutality, Slavery, and Torture
Moderate: Hate crime, Violence, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, Child death, and Murder
Minor: Grief, Pregnancy, Blood, Alcohol, and Medical content
katiemcgregor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
There was a point where I actually considered 'dnf-ing' this book... and that's something I rarely do. Honestly, there isn't much inherently wrong with The Silence of Bones but, for whatever reason, I was really bored in the first half of the book. I think the main issue lies with the fact that I never grew especially attached to any of the characters. I don't know if this is just a me thing or if it has to do with Hur's writing.
Luckily, things picked up in the second half so even with my lack of attachment, I became more interested in the plot. While I was able to predict who the killer was around the 45% mark, this didn't really hinder the rest of my reading experience since there were so many other things also going on at the same time (at least, after the slow start).
This is my first time reading a book that takes place during the Joseon dynasty so that was definitely fun (my previous knowledge is limited to what I've seen K-dramas), but in the end this book fell a little flat for me.
Luckily, things picked up in the second half so even with my lack of attachment, I became more interested in the plot. While I was able to predict who the killer was around the 45% mark, this didn't really hinder the rest of my reading experience since there were so many other things also going on at the same time (at least, after the slow start).
This is my first time reading a book that takes place during the Joseon dynasty so that was definitely fun (my previous knowledge is limited to what I've seen K-dramas), but in the end this book fell a little flat for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Kidnapping, Murder, Torture, Violence, and Xenophobia
Minor: Pregnancy
lilifane's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Woah, I loved this much, much more than I thought I would.
I expected something else from the story than I actually got tbh. It was more character driven and introspective than an actual murder mystery. (which, well, was pretty easy to predict) But it was still so good! I absolutely loved the writing and the atmosphere. Sometimes I needed to take breaks just to imagine the mist and the mountains and trees and rivers and the narrow streets and the Hanoks. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters but was sad because there weren't enough for my taste. I was also furious at them most of the time because they were oblivious or didn't talk to each other when necessary... or both. The second half was surprisingly fast-paced and action packed, and I couldn't put it down until the end.
I will definitely read the others books by June Hur.
I expected something else from the story than I actually got tbh. It was more character driven and introspective than an actual murder mystery. (which, well, was pretty easy to predict) But it was still so good! I absolutely loved the writing and the atmosphere. Sometimes I needed to take breaks just to imagine the mist and the mountains and trees and rivers and the narrow streets and the Hanoks. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters but was sad because there weren't enough for my taste. I was also furious at them most of the time because they were oblivious or didn't talk to each other when necessary... or both. The second half was surprisingly fast-paced and action packed, and I couldn't put it down until the end.
I will definitely read the others books by June Hur.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Confinement, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Suicide, Torture, and Violence
allisonwonderlandreads's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This historical mystery opens a window into 1800 Joseon. With a Queen Regent recently in power, a Catholic purge on the horizon, and brutal murders targeting converts and sympathizers, it is a tumultuous moment in time. The story follows Seol, an indentured servant for the police. With her natural inquisitiveness and broad stubborn streak, she's a gifted investigator in the making, although her gender and class prevent her from fully exercising that gift. Seol loyally assists an inspector whom she idolizes as he works on a challenging murder case. However, her easy trust might not survive the secrets coming to light.
I gleaned a lot of historical information that was new to me from this read, so that was greatly appreciated. The setting and the details of social structures were deftly woven throughout the story. That was easily my favorite part of the reading experience. I also appreciated the audiobook format, which allowed me to hear the correct pronunciation of names and terms throughout.
In terms of plot, I was less enthused. The mystery didn't draw me in, lacking in urgency and emotional timbre for most of the duration. Although I didn't anticipate the identity of the murderer, I also wasn't particularly concerned about it. In addition, the personal aspects of Seol's journey didn't catch my interest. While I appreciated the lack of romantic plot, I would have liked other relationships to be more fleshed-out to anchor me to the story. The big reveals on this front were quite predictable, yet the piecing together of Seol's past is fraught and drawn out. Worst of all, the ending seemed rushed in comparison, not leaving room to resolve any emotional fallout.
In the end, I would recommend this as a piece of historical fiction, but it didn't suit my tastes in terms of mystery or general plotting.
I gleaned a lot of historical information that was new to me from this read, so that was greatly appreciated. The setting and the details of social structures were deftly woven throughout the story. That was easily my favorite part of the reading experience. I also appreciated the audiobook format, which allowed me to hear the correct pronunciation of names and terms throughout.
In terms of plot, I was less enthused. The mystery didn't draw me in, lacking in urgency and emotional timbre for most of the duration. Although I didn't anticipate the identity of the murderer, I also wasn't particularly concerned about it. In addition, the personal aspects of Seol's journey didn't catch my interest. While I appreciated the lack of romantic plot, I would have liked other relationships to be more fleshed-out to anchor me to the story. The big reveals on this front were quite predictable, yet the piecing together of Seol's past is fraught and drawn out. Worst of all, the ending seemed rushed in comparison, not leaving room to resolve any emotional fallout.
In the end, I would recommend this as a piece of historical fiction, but it didn't suit my tastes in terms of mystery or general plotting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Murder, Police brutality, Sexism, and Torture
Minor: Death of parent
emily_mh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
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
4.25
It took about half the book for me to be drawn in, but when it happened I really enjoyed it. The narrator, Seol, was fantastic as the main character, as she was gutsy, bright, headstrong and resourceful. I wasn't expecting the political and religious complexity that this book delivered, which added intriguing layers to the murder mystery. I also liked that on top of the murder mystery, there was a supporting personal mystery surrounding Seol's brother, as this really padded out the plot. Overall, the thriller had all the grittiness of a modern-day crime drama, which I loved. The third act in particular was incredible, and the resolution was satisfying. However, because I couldn't get into this book for its entire first half, I decided to rate it only 4.25 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Gore, Kidnapping, and Torture
Minor: Child abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Vomit, and Alcohol
starrynight's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Animal death, Suicide, Torture, Religious bigotry, Kidnapping, and Blood
translove's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Murder, Police brutality, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Suicide, Sexism, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Pregnancy
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