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A review by jayati
The Red Palace by June Hur
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
BEAUTIFUL AND ATMOSPHERIC WRITING
June Hur writes so beautifully describing everything in detail that you can see it happening in front of your eyes. I felt like I was watching a historical k-drama take place (also yes, there should be a k drama made based on this book because it will be utterly breathtaking) an I couldn't put the book down. About 300 pages long, this book easily grips you right from the beginning with the amazing writing. It also sets the atmosphere very well, making the era, customs and their features much more real. I usually have trouble imagining how things were at the time a historical novel is set but this book easily overcomes that hurdle with small explanations often provoided making the whole book so much more immersive and easy to read.
INTRIGUING MYSTERY THAT GETS YOU INVESTED
The main plot of the book itself is the mystery behind some murders of four women. The mystery is well plotted with hints being dropped occasionally through the book as Hyeon tries her best to find out the truth. I really enjoyed the stakes that were quite high at times which intensified everything and made my heart beat faster at moments as new truths were revealed which changed everything that had happened so far. I also loved how June doesn't try to deceive or make us feel inadequate by making the mystery too hard to figure out, instead having us feel like we are right there with Hyeon as she tries to unravel the mystery and take in the clues leading to the true perpetrator figuring it all out just moments before it is revealed.
COMPELLING MAIN CHARACTER
Hyeon herself was an amazing character to read about. She's a young girl who has a lot to prove - to herself, to her father and to the world who underestimates and belittles her at large for being a woman and from a lower class. She's determined and becomes a nurse and works hard to get herself to the position she now holds in the palace, proving her worth. I loved her resolve and perseveration as she does what she sets her mind to.
When her mentor whom she looks up to and is like a mother figure to her is accused of murdering the women, she is determined to clear her name and continues to investigate the deaths of the women despite the many risks. It's because of how much she loves her mentor that she fights despite the various restrictions and threats to continue and find the truth that would save her mentor.
Overall, Hyeon is strong and caring and a very well fleshed out character who is compelling and relatable and easy to root for.
When her mentor whom she looks up to and is like a mother figure to her is accused of murdering the women, she is determined to clear her name and continues to investigate the deaths of the women despite the many risks. It's because of how much she loves her mentor that she fights despite the various restrictions and threats to continue and find the truth that would save her mentor.
Overall, Hyeon is strong and caring and a very well fleshed out character who is compelling and relatable and easy to root for.
SLOW BURN ROMANCE
While the romance is not a focus of the book, it is definitely very wonderful being as soft and slow burn and adorable as it was. Hyeon begrudgingly accepts to work with officer Seo Eojin on the case knowing that she has a much better chance to solve the case with his help. Slowly but surely as they work together, challenge each other and grow to care for each other, they fall in love. I loved how subtle the relationship is for most of the book making it so much more beautiful and enchanting as they do finally get together. They just work so well together and make a great couple and I thoroghly loved reading their story
Overall, I highly recommend this book so if you're looking for a quick fast paced thriller with amazing writing, characters and romance, this is the book for you!