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parker_beyers 's review for:
The Red Palace
by June Hur
3.5
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“Everyone must choose the paths they will walk on. And when you choose, remember to count the cost.”
[b: The Red Palace|56978115|The Red Palace|June Hur|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616437004l/56978115._SY75_.jpg|84477339] is a bloody YA mystery with strong central characters and a compelling setting. Hyeon is a likable, intelligent protagonist with an interesting internal conflict with her family. The resolution of her estranged relationships with her mother and father is quite satisfying. Plus, her budding romance with Eojin is sweet. I flew through this book. It would make an excellent period drama onscreen. I'm not sure if it's been optioned for a film/show, but I'll be seated if one airs.
Where this book fumbles is in its execution of the mystery. Considering that the Crown Prince is based on a historical figure, thus inspiring the novel, his character is severely underdeveloped. The idea of a royal figure getting away with being a serial killer is a great premise. However, there's little intrigue about him. I wish Hur leaned more into the parallels between Hyeon and the Prince. Both are unable to please their fathers, their fates are restricted because of it. Also, there's a whole plotline about how Hyeon looks just like the prince's dead sister, but that doesn't really go anywhere??? I'm quite disappointed about that.
Otherwise, I had an easy time flipping through this. I'll probably check out Hur's other books down the line. They make for a spooky evening of reading.
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“Everyone must choose the paths they will walk on. And when you choose, remember to count the cost.”
[b: The Red Palace|56978115|The Red Palace|June Hur|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616437004l/56978115._SY75_.jpg|84477339] is a bloody YA mystery with strong central characters and a compelling setting. Hyeon is a likable, intelligent protagonist with an interesting internal conflict with her family. The resolution of her estranged relationships with her mother and father is quite satisfying. Plus, her budding romance with Eojin is sweet. I flew through this book. It would make an excellent period drama onscreen. I'm not sure if it's been optioned for a film/show, but I'll be seated if one airs.
Where this book fumbles is in its execution of the mystery. Considering that the Crown Prince is based on a historical figure, thus inspiring the novel, his character is severely underdeveloped. The idea of a royal figure getting away with being a serial killer is a great premise. However, there's little intrigue about him. I wish Hur leaned more into the parallels between Hyeon and the Prince. Both are unable to please their fathers, their fates are restricted because of it. Also, there's a whole plotline about how Hyeon looks just like the prince's dead sister, but that doesn't really go anywhere??? I'm quite disappointed about that.
Otherwise, I had an easy time flipping through this. I'll probably check out Hur's other books down the line. They make for a spooky evening of reading.