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3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
Although I had placed The Silence of the Bones on my TBR before [b:The Forest of Stolen Girls|51591586|The Forest of Stolen Girls|June Hur|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1603740873l/51591586._SY75_.jpg|68995212], I ended up reading the latter book first before this one. I have to say that this book is certainly the stronger one, which felt a lot more intricately plotted with a stronger backstory. As with The Forest of Stolen Girls, this is a mystery set in Korea's history which certainly felt very different from any other YA mystery that I've read before.
Seol is a slave girl known as a damo attached to the police bureau; to handle tasks that the male officers are unable to. When the book begins, Seol is tasked to assist with the investigation of a murdered young noble lady whose corpse is disturbingly found without a nose and clutching a necklace in her hand. The lead investigator is Inspector Han, a young inspector who is extremely well regarded for his intellect and his detective skills, and he quickly earns Seol's admiration.
Interspersed in the investigation, which only gets murkier as Han investigates further, is Seol's backstory. Seol is an orphan who has already once tried to escape from the police bureau to return home to her ill Older Sister and had been physically branded for her attempt. The only thing keeping Seol alive was her promise to her sister:
With each uncovered clue, the investigation becomes more focussed around Inspector Han as it appears that he was hiding something from that fateful night. While Seol was initially convinced of Han's innocence, she becomes increasingly doubtful of him and increasingly embroiled into the investigation.
I didn't expect for The Silence of Bones to be so well-plotted, especially with the historical context of the investigation. The story takes place in the mourning period of their emperor, where the Queen Regent is consolidating her power and is determined to destroy the Southern Faction and the Catholicism that they had introduced to their nation. Inspector Han has also been tasked with locating a Catholic priest, whose capture has evaded the police.
Furthermore, I also enjoyed Seol's backstory, even though I had guessed the outcome earlier.
"Let me tell you something about the capital, newcomer. The one thing everyone wants is power. To gain it or to stabilize it." He clucked his tongue and waved me away. "What use has a damo to know such things? No woman should talk as much as you."
Seol is a slave girl known as a damo attached to the police bureau; to handle tasks that the male officers are unable to. When the book begins, Seol is tasked to assist with the investigation of a murdered young noble lady whose corpse is disturbingly found without a nose and clutching a necklace in her hand. The lead investigator is Inspector Han, a young inspector who is extremely well regarded for his intellect and his detective skills, and he quickly earns Seol's admiration.
Interspersed in the investigation, which only gets murkier as Han investigates further, is Seol's backstory. Seol is an orphan who has already once tried to escape from the police bureau to return home to her ill Older Sister and had been physically branded for her attempt. The only thing keeping Seol alive was her promise to her sister:
The memory chafed at me as I followed Inspector Han, the memory of wanting to die, not knowing how to endure the humiliation. The intensity of my death wish had passed quickly, though. So long as I had a purpose - to fulfill Older Sister's request - my life still had meaning.
Stay in Hanyang, she had begged. Find your brother Inho's grave.
With each uncovered clue, the investigation becomes more focussed around Inspector Han as it appears that he was hiding something from that fateful night. While Seol was initially convinced of Han's innocence, she becomes increasingly doubtful of him and increasingly embroiled into the investigation.
I didn't expect for The Silence of Bones to be so well-plotted, especially with the historical context of the investigation. The story takes place in the mourning period of their emperor, where the Queen Regent is consolidating her power and is determined to destroy the Southern Faction and the Catholicism that they had introduced to their nation. Inspector Han has also been tasked with locating a Catholic priest, whose capture has evaded the police.
Spoiler
Initially I wasn't sure where the plot was going with this political background, but when the deceased lady turns out to a secret Catholic and it turns out that she had a secret lover, things quickly take a turn for the suspenseful. I also thought that the mystery unfolded well, as each clue led to another.Furthermore, I also enjoyed Seol's backstory, even though I had guessed the outcome earlier.
Spoiler
Seol and her older sister had believed that he had died since he had never wrote the letter to her, as promised. As it turns out, Seol's older brother was Inspector Han who had been obsessed with trying to regain his family's political favor and in capturing the priest to destroy all the Catholics given her father's religion. Seol's discovery sends her into a tailspin as her idolised older brother had instead become an embittered inspector, who didn't seem to care about her at all. Their story ends on a tragic note as they never get to have a proper family reconciliation.
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
A emotional ride that will leave you hollow yet hopeful. Great writing and really places you in the time and setting!
Sixteen-year-old Seol is been indentured to the police bureau for a “generation.” She serves as, among other things, an assistant to young inspector Han as he investigates the death of a noblewoman. Seol’s natural curiosity allows her to ask questions of servants and noblewomen alike. What she learns is dangerous to her safety, but she can’t stop asking questions.
This fascinating tale of nineteenth century Korea will grab you and not let go from the first page to the last. The historical details ring true, the characters are nuanced and multifaceted, and the mystery is complex. Once you begin to read this book, you’ll find yourself reading into the wee hours of the morning unable to set it aside.
Hur’s debut novel does not read like anybody’s first novel. Her writing is sometimes lyrical and often gritty. The story is told from Seol’s point of view and through her eyes we see the inner workings of Korean culture. Hur’s other characters are not cardboard characters propping up the main character.
If you love historical mysteries set in times and places seldom seen in other books, this is the book for you. It deserves to be moved to the top of your to-be-read list.
My thanks to Macmillan and Edeweiss for an eARC.
This fascinating tale of nineteenth century Korea will grab you and not let go from the first page to the last. The historical details ring true, the characters are nuanced and multifaceted, and the mystery is complex. Once you begin to read this book, you’ll find yourself reading into the wee hours of the morning unable to set it aside.
Hur’s debut novel does not read like anybody’s first novel. Her writing is sometimes lyrical and often gritty. The story is told from Seol’s point of view and through her eyes we see the inner workings of Korean culture. Hur’s other characters are not cardboard characters propping up the main character.
If you love historical mysteries set in times and places seldom seen in other books, this is the book for you. It deserves to be moved to the top of your to-be-read list.
My thanks to Macmillan and Edeweiss for an eARC.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A historical mystery that reads like a K-drama. Seol tries to solve the mystery of her brother's resting place as well as the murder of a noble woman.
Loved the vibes and slowly came around to loving the characters. It was a good time all around and I felt like the mysteries played out pretty fairly with all the information revealed to the reader at the same time as the main character.
Would recommend to anyone who likes June Hur's other books and fans of gritty historical mysteries.
Loved the vibes and slowly came around to loving the characters. It was a good time all around and I felt like the mysteries played out pretty fairly with all the information revealed to the reader at the same time as the main character.
Would recommend to anyone who likes June Hur's other books and fans of gritty historical mysteries.
adventurous
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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:
Yes
fast-paced