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swampkun's review
4.0
I’d give this one a hearty 3.5/5. A good detective mystery that leans into one of my favorite settings, but the characters feel a little flat. As much as I appreciate the protagonist’s hardheadedness, sense of justice, and determination, I feel like she should be balanced out with characters that are more talkative or have more engaging personalities. Instead, all of the characters are even more stern and stoic than she is (and the ones that aren’t are relegated to the background or their deathbed.) It left the overall tone of the book serious to the point of boring at a few points. For someone like me who values character-driven narratives and a few moments of humor to break up the tension, this was the book’s biggest flaw.
However, it did set up an interesting overarching story that has me curious for the sequels. What’s more, the book is well-written—the author definitely has talent.
However, it did set up an interesting overarching story that has me curious for the sequels. What’s more, the book is well-written—the author definitely has talent.
mercipourleslivres's review
5.0
I don't normally like mysteries but this sucked me in. In fact, I enjoyed this a lot more than June Hur's The Silence of Bones (another great Korean historical novel with a Damo protagonist) because I found the crime-solving aspect a lot more interesting/engaging here. While I really enjoyed TSoB, the part of the story that left the deepest impression was the protagonist's search for her missing brother. In A Song for Lonely Wolves, I enjoyed both the interpersonal relationships and the mystery. Best of all, I kept on being surprised by the plot. Any time I was sure I knew "who done it" or what the twist would be, I never got it right. That's quite refreshing. I also loved the relationship between Dan-Ji and Lieutenant Jo, and am left wondering if this signaled the end of their connection or if he'll make an appearance in the next book...
chelz286's review
4.0
Dan Ji, a damo that is a tea servant for the police force is used to only be called upon when a woman is needed to help questions or get close to those who may fear the police, men or just refuse to cooperate with police. Word has been sent that there is a missing young noblewoman and the royal family wants it solved quickly, and without a lot of noise.
Dan Ji is told she will be going to this village, along with another damo. As two damo's have been requested. Although uncertain, Dan Ji is going to give it her all and do her best to work with the other damo. Rumor is that there is a faceless ghost within the mountains that has come for the noblewoman.
Dan Ji starts asking around, and the other damo goes undercover to try and find out information from servants and staff that may have seen her the night she disappeared. Murmurs come out that she ran away with her nurse, and ran to meet and leave with her lover. Dan Ji doesn't like this theory. Something is just not sitting right and she can feel there's more to find out.
As there search continues, there is a frozen body that is found. But it is not the missing woman. As Dan Ji questions more, they find out that these two are not the only ones to go missing over the years. This doesn't really sound like she ran off to be with her lover. As the case takes a turn, Dan Ji is then told that her service is no longer needed and she will be returning to her own village. But there is still a murderer out there, and the identity of this faceless ghost.
She refuses to remain quiet, and does everything she can as a woman and damo to find out the truth and answers to this all. How is it all connected? Are they all connected? Why these young women, and what for? This was a good, historical mystery read. I did not have any idea about damos, and so it was interesting to read about them and Korea in the late 1500's. If you are looking for something historical and a bit different, I would suggest this novel.
Thank you to the author, Lee Evie for the book and to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the invite. I enjoyed this different style of historical fiction.
Dan Ji is told she will be going to this village, along with another damo. As two damo's have been requested. Although uncertain, Dan Ji is going to give it her all and do her best to work with the other damo. Rumor is that there is a faceless ghost within the mountains that has come for the noblewoman.
Dan Ji starts asking around, and the other damo goes undercover to try and find out information from servants and staff that may have seen her the night she disappeared. Murmurs come out that she ran away with her nurse, and ran to meet and leave with her lover. Dan Ji doesn't like this theory. Something is just not sitting right and she can feel there's more to find out.
As there search continues, there is a frozen body that is found. But it is not the missing woman. As Dan Ji questions more, they find out that these two are not the only ones to go missing over the years. This doesn't really sound like she ran off to be with her lover. As the case takes a turn, Dan Ji is then told that her service is no longer needed and she will be returning to her own village. But there is still a murderer out there, and the identity of this faceless ghost.
She refuses to remain quiet, and does everything she can as a woman and damo to find out the truth and answers to this all. How is it all connected? Are they all connected? Why these young women, and what for? This was a good, historical mystery read. I did not have any idea about damos, and so it was interesting to read about them and Korea in the late 1500's. If you are looking for something historical and a bit different, I would suggest this novel.
Thank you to the author, Lee Evie for the book and to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the invite. I enjoyed this different style of historical fiction.
areaderheart's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
astereads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
TBH, I'm disappointed. I really love Promise Season, and that's where my expectation lies. I know this is a mystery/crime novel; still, I can't help but expect more romance scenes from this book (it's okay; actually, this is all on me). I know that some people would love this book, with a bare minimum of love-line.
Lee Evie could make me immersed in the book (not surprised anymore). I love the way she describes the setting, with the chilly atmosphere hanging on every chapter. I can feel the coldness of the valley, despite the fact that it's still dry season in my country.
This is definitely page-turning, but too bad, the resolution is all over the place. The plot twist (is it even called a twist?) came out of nowhere. No hint that was indicating who betrayed who and what has possibly happened.
Pick this book if you want to experience the chilling atmosphere, but don't expect too much from the plot.
Lee Evie could make me immersed in the book (not surprised anymore). I love the way she describes the setting, with the chilly atmosphere hanging on every chapter. I can feel the coldness of the valley, despite the fact that it's still dry season in my country.
This is definitely page-turning, but too bad, the resolution is all over the place. The plot twist (is it even called a twist?) came out of nowhere. No hint that was indicating who betrayed who and what has possibly happened.
Pick this book if you want to experience the chilling atmosphere, but don't expect too much from the plot.
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