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A review by maurie_scar
The Red Palace by June Hur
5.0
I will say that what called to me about this book was that it was set in Josean times. I am a sucker for a good historical k-drama and figured this book would be a good fit. What I had not expected was the suspense felt from the start of this book.
It started and never stopped going until the end. The story keeps you intrigued until you find the truths hidden in its pages.
I loved that it was part murder mystery and a slow burn. I never knew I needed a slow burn love story such as this one. I didn't even care half the time if there would be a love story. The main plot about the finding of the murdered took center stage that when there were scenes of tenderness, it helped ease the tension, and in my opinion, made it that much sweeter.
Hyeon is a strong character, where she isn't perfect. There are multiple times that she reminds herself of past lessons to work through things. Her want for recognition from her father was felt. I felt for her and her situation. They were hard times for women in Joseon Korea, and the way she came to be born was only another luggage she seemed to carry. Her single view of things was not irritating because when she was given the opportunity to see more, she listened and accepted. I like that overall, she grew to love herself for what she is and does not need anyone's approval. She was head strong, but unlike a lot of stories with these kinds of characters, Hyeon had the skills to back up her head strong nature.
Eojin is just ... can korean television and books, please stop making such green flag men that I know are hard to find in real life? Thank you, please. Anyway, Seo Eojin, a worthy man to be called a main lead, and boy, do you just want to give him a big hug. Seeming cold at first but the farthest thing from it. I can picture him as that perfect male lead in a k-drama that seems cold and unapproachable but only because he is a respectable man who has his reasons as to why he is the righteous man he is and I applaud him for it.
Overall, I was surprised to learn that this book is partly historical fiction. I felt for the crown prince, seeing the circumstances he was placed in and how he lived. But it does not forgive the historical facts that follow who he was as a person. Makes me more curious to know who Crown Prince Sado was, and I may pick up the memoirs of his wife to read in the future.
It was an enjoyable read that had me hooked to the end, and although I was slightly surprised at the revelation, I wasn't as much because I recalled the past hints and clues that popped up. Great story. I'll be checking out June Hur's other writings soon.
It started and never stopped going until the end. The story keeps you intrigued until you find the truths hidden in its pages.
I loved that it was part murder mystery and a slow burn. I never knew I needed a slow burn love story such as this one. I didn't even care half the time if there would be a love story. The main plot about the finding of the murdered took center stage that when there were scenes of tenderness, it helped ease the tension, and in my opinion, made it that much sweeter.
Hyeon is a strong character, where she isn't perfect. There are multiple times that she reminds herself of past lessons to work through things. Her want for recognition from her father was felt. I felt for her and her situation. They were hard times for women in Joseon Korea, and the way she came to be born was only another luggage she seemed to carry. Her single view of things was not irritating because when she was given the opportunity to see more, she listened and accepted. I like that overall, she grew to love herself for what she is and does not need anyone's approval. She was head strong, but unlike a lot of stories with these kinds of characters, Hyeon had the skills to back up her head strong nature.
Eojin is just ... can korean television and books, please stop making such green flag men that I know are hard to find in real life? Thank you, please. Anyway, Seo Eojin, a worthy man to be called a main lead, and boy, do you just want to give him a big hug. Seeming cold at first but the farthest thing from it. I can picture him as that perfect male lead in a k-drama that seems cold and unapproachable but only because he is a respectable man who has his reasons as to why he is the righteous man he is and I applaud him for it.
Overall, I was surprised to learn that this book is partly historical fiction. I felt for the crown prince, seeing the circumstances he was placed in and how he lived. But it does not forgive the historical facts that follow who he was as a person. Makes me more curious to know who Crown Prince Sado was, and I may pick up the memoirs of his wife to read in the future.
It was an enjoyable read that had me hooked to the end, and although I was slightly surprised at the revelation, I wasn't as much because I recalled the past hints and clues that popped up. Great story. I'll be checking out June Hur's other writings soon.