A review by elegantec
The Red Palace by June Hur

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

5.0

This book had a perfect balance between mystery and romance. 

I didn't think I would like the romance part as much as I did but it really blew my mind. Initially, I didn't like the idea of mixing the 2 because I thought the romance would be boring and it would take away the thrill of the mystery. What I liked about the romance is how subtle they are in showing. Actually it's a typical enemy to lovers plot but in a very subtle way that makes me appreciate their relationship a lot more. In the end, I was more excited for the romance than the mystery.

Mystery itself is also equally good. The context of a Palace nurse is amazing, because it really shows both the Palace world and the commoner world and its contrast. A lot of new suspects introduced and all of them I fell for it because of how perfectly they fit in terms of motive and ability. Really kept me guessing to the very end although the answer was quite obvious. 

Context itself is amazing. Korea in the past will always be so intriguing to me because I know so little about it. Reading this gave me a glimpse into the social norms and hierarchy in that time which was really interesting. Only complain is how much plot armour the protagonist has. As a female servant in the past, I don'  think she should not have so much power and access to information but she really got a lot information so fast and even many audiences with royals. 

Great read for both romance and mystery