A review by fandomsandfiction
고래별 by Na Yoonhee, Na Yoonhee

adventurous emotional sad tense fast-paced

5.0

 "If my breath was able to retain your life...
I hope you will love me with that life."


STOP WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING AND START READING THIS WEBTOON RIGHT NOW!

This is one of the most incredible stories I have ever read. I am struggling to express the intensity of the emotions I feel towards this webtoon. I will NEVER BE THE SAME after reading it. It has changed me, irrevocably and irreparably, in the best possible way.

Whale Star: Gyeongseong Mermaid , which also goes by the title Gorae Byul in Korean, is a historical fiction retelling of Han's Christian Anderson's classic fairytale The Little Mermaid, with references to The Snow Maiden of Russian folk tales and fairytales, set in 1926 Korea (then known as Joseon) during the Japanese colonial era. The story follows Joseon independence freedom fighters, the pro-Japanese, the families and those in the care of both sides, and an innocent young handmaiden who unjustly loses her voice in the midst of it all.

Somehow the author managed to perfect the ability of:
• crafting complex characters with multidimensional personalities and REALISTIC character development,
• sticking to historical accuracy while loosely weaving in well-known moments from fairytales,
• AND creating mesmerizing artwork with a colour palette that complements both the setting and storyline

I am forever in awe.

This story was worth the daily passes. It was worth all the coins spent. It was worth all the tears and heartache. It was so so worth reading (and I would do it all over again). Have I finished the story or has the story finished me??? The characters in this book have a special place in my heart and I will treasure them for a long time to come.

Especially Haesu Song. My dear Haesu, I loved you from the beginning. I will always love you.

[I cannot wait for the drama adaptation of this webtoon to be released, so that I can scream and cry and have my heart broken all over again, but in new and exciting live-action on-screen ways!!] 

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