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A review by gracekissed
Istana Merah (The Red Palace) by June Hur
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don't usually enjoy murder mysteries, but I do like historical fiction, and this one is excellent on both counts. The YA aspect keeps the murder plot from being overwhelmingly gruesome, and the setting of imperial Korea is fascinating. Beyond this, the characters are well developed and a pleasure to follow.
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Medical content
Minor: Child abuse, Torture, Vomit, Police brutality, Abandonment