A review by rosseshelf
The Red Palace by June Hur

dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

 ❝ Revenge begets revenge; the anger is unquenchable. We become the monsters we are trying to punish. Justice, however, brings closure, and that is what I want. It can only be achieved by remaining sober-minded and rational. And, in the end, it is not my place to punish the prince. It is the king’s, and only the king’s. All I can do is find enough evidence to make the truth undeniable. ❞ 

Firstly, I was enthralled by the author's remarkable ability to transport readers to the lovely Joseon Dynasty Era in a wonderfully simple but vivid way. This book expertly avoids overwhelming me—the reader— with complex historical details, instead focusing on immersive storytelling and using traditions and culture to enrich the narrative. As I dug deeper into the story, I found myself not only interested in the plot but also developing a deep grasp of the intriguing and traditional parts of Korean culture.

Secondly, while my overall impression of the book was really positive, I did notice a few instances of repeating components that piqued my curiosity. Furthermore, I considered the finale of this book to be a little rushed, but not so much that it took away from my appreciation of the book overall.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a book that seamlessly weaves together a compelling crime mystery with a captivating sprinkle of historical fiction. 
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