A review by moonlitreading_
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

adventurous challenging emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

“Hopefully in the next lifetime, we will meet again,” he said, glancing down at me. “And in kinder circumstances.”
I gazed up and offered him a small smile. “I hope so, too.”

A Crane Among Wolves is set during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty under the worst tyrant in Korean history, King Yeosan. The story follows Iseul as she goes after her sister when the king took her to be one of his consorts. The story also follows the king’s half-brother, Daehyun, who wants nothing more than to dethrone the king. By some twist of fate, their paths cross and their mutual hate for the king might change their lives forever.

This was my first June Hur book and I finished it within a day. I couldn’t put it down because of how invested I was in the story. King Yoseon’s acts were so sickening and the fact that they did happen in real life makes it even worse. I hope his soul suffers for all eternity.

Iseul and Daehyun were really good characters, imo. This book was told from both their POVs and it’s interesting that Iseul’s was in first person and Daehyun’s was in third. I loved seeing how their characters really grew throughout the story. Iseul went from being the pampered little sister to someone willing to sacrifice herself for others. Daehyun went from being emotionally detached to someone who acknowledged his feelings, good and bad.

Content warnings were provided by the author at the beginning of the book.
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