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A review by totaldweeb
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur 허주은
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley to supplying the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur is a YA set in 1500s Korea, and follows Iseul as she tries to free her sister from the tyrant King Yeonsan, and the unlikely ally she finds in his brother, Prince Daehyun.
This was an absolute ride! Hats well and truly off to Hur! 4.5 stars!
Pros:
- June Hur starts the novel with a note; the story of the tyrant king, while shocking, is kept as true and as horrifying as history records show. There has been nothing swept under the rug for the sake of delicacy here, and it was absolutely the best choice. You are always aware of the stakes and you are always mindful of the toll the described events are taking on the characters. Such a good balance.
- The overarching mystery kept me so hooked! I can find sometimes that I can think myself ahead and spoil the twists, but my god I was shouting as it all came together, gasping, crying, all of it.
- The PINING! My lord these two.
- Found family relationships had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. The growth you see in our cast is so well done.
Cons:
- Check trigger warnings. The balance to keep this in the realm of YA is great, but certainly be aware this isn't for the faint of heart.
- I would have loved more of an afterword seeing our MCs healing, but it all came together in a cathartic way regardless. (I am just a sucker for a soppy ending)
I need a big hug now.
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur is a YA set in 1500s Korea, and follows Iseul as she tries to free her sister from the tyrant King Yeonsan, and the unlikely ally she finds in his brother, Prince Daehyun.
This was an absolute ride! Hats well and truly off to Hur! 4.5 stars!
Pros:
- June Hur starts the novel with a note; the story of the tyrant king, while shocking, is kept as true and as horrifying as history records show. There has been nothing swept under the rug for the sake of delicacy here, and it was absolutely the best choice. You are always aware of the stakes and you are always mindful of the toll the described events are taking on the characters. Such a good balance.
- The overarching mystery kept me so hooked! I can find sometimes that I can think myself ahead and spoil the twists, but my god I was shouting as it all came together, gasping, crying, all of it.
- The PINING! My lord these two.
- Found family relationships had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. The growth you see in our cast is so well done.
Cons:
- Check trigger warnings. The balance to keep this in the realm of YA is great, but certainly be aware this isn't for the faint of heart.
- I would have loved more of an afterword seeing our MCs healing, but it all came together in a cathartic way regardless. (I am just a sucker for a soppy ending)
I need a big hug now.