ymread's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ryann_reads's review
5.0
Incredibly beautiful. So impressed by the quality.
Merged review:
Incredibly beautiful. So impressed by the quality.
Merged review:
Incredibly beautiful. So impressed by the quality.
ryannbrake's review
5.0
Incredibly beautiful. So impressed by the quality.
Merged review:
Incredibly beautiful. So impressed by the quality.
Merged review:
Incredibly beautiful. So impressed by the quality.
amywong's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.5
One of the best smut novel. It's more novel with smut content than pure pleasure. My only gripe is how Hwan fell for Inhwa, it was too quick. But that is soon overshadowed by the rest of the story.
The ending was very satisfactory as well; everything made sense there's no loose ends.It made alot of sense for the third brother (forgot his name) to get the throne because he was the most levelheaded of the 3. Hwan is too kind (or he is now) and emotional. The other is too emotional and angry. I really wish there as a spin off between the third brother and his wife, as she is the daughter of the antagonist. I think there'd be a lot of good content with that premise.
The ending was very satisfactory as well; everything made sense there's no loose ends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Murder
winchella's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Violence
jordannahst's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
“Humans are such wretched beings, yet… How are you so loveable?”
A thousand crying emojis. What a beautifully heartwarming but equally heart-wrenching story. I was holding back tears so hard my throat and jaw started aching. I am so happy that San and Inhwa got their happy ending.
“I kept thinking about how I still have so much to learn about you, even though it’s almost been a decade since we first met. You’re by far the longest and most complex book I’ve ever had to read.”
(Side note: I belatedly discovered that there was an 18+ version of this manhwa, and whew, it was very spicy 😳 10/10)
My dream is for the original novel to be translated into english, fingers crossed! I would be so happy!
skyclad's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
4.75
This rating is for the Manga. I have not read the novel it is based on. The story is very sweet and well worth a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, and Grief
Moderate: Alcohol, War, Pregnancy, Violence, Death, Death of parent, and Dementia
sofiazee's review
4.0
A romance between a poor commoner girl and a banished emperor, set against a tumultuous time in ancient Korea. Artwork is beautiful, the scattered humour is tastefully done, and the background story is *chef's kiss.
In general, characters are lovable, though can be somewhat two-dimensional. Female protagonists in period dramas are sometimes depicted as really helpless/depressing/useless (probably due to sexism/circumstances at that time, but it still frustrates me), so I really love how Samwol is created to be an intelligent, tough, and determined lady. She has her own set of strengths and she knows how to use them to help Hwan (for example, throwing rocks at enemies, lol).
I would also like to highlight Lord Ahnyu, who is also my favourite character! Although only a side character, he plays a pivotal role in not only the romance between Hwan and Samwol, but also in the bigger picture of changing the course of history. I would also say that he is the most realistic character in the story - on the outset he seems like a smart/cunning one (even his appearance seems to suggest so); on the other hand he also shows compassion for people, friends and foes alike. It would be interesting to know his origin, how he truly is like in private,
Together with the side story/epilogue, I would like to see this webtoon/novel as a proper novel and trilogy, with more focus on the historical fiction. I would like to know how Hwan became the Hwan he is now - his childhood in the palace, his relationships with his family members, his ascent to and subsequent fall from the throne. (Already weaving a storyline in my head... lol.)
Overall a really enjoyable read! If you're in for the smut, sorry to say there aren't that many scenes. But read it anyway, because the historical fiction portion is much more delightful compared to the romance!
In general, characters are lovable, though can be somewhat two-dimensional. Female protagonists in period dramas are sometimes depicted as really helpless/depressing/useless (probably due to sexism/circumstances at that time, but it still frustrates me), so I really love how Samwol is created to be an intelligent, tough, and determined lady. She has her own set of strengths and she knows how to use them to help Hwan (for example, throwing rocks at enemies, lol).
I would also like to highlight Lord Ahnyu, who is also my favourite character! Although only a side character, he plays a pivotal role in not only the romance between Hwan and Samwol, but also in the bigger picture of changing the course of history. I would also say that he is the most realistic character in the story - on the outset he seems like a smart/cunning one (even his appearance seems to suggest so); on the other hand he also shows compassion for people, friends and foes alike. It would be interesting to know his origin, how he truly is like in private,
Spoiler
and how he came to be close with Hwan.Together with the side story/epilogue, I would like to see this webtoon/novel as a proper novel and trilogy, with more focus on the historical fiction. I would like to know how Hwan became the Hwan he is now - his childhood in the palace, his relationships with his family members, his ascent to and subsequent fall from the throne.
Spoiler
It would be nice to know how Lord Ahnyu came to become emperor after the rebellion, instead of Hwan!Overall a really enjoyable read! If you're in for the smut, sorry to say there aren't that many scenes. But read it anyway, because the historical fiction portion is much more delightful compared to the romance!