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A review by booksandstrokes
The Red Palace by June Hur
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love June Hur's books. Her evocative writing style brings out the richness of Joseon wonderfully while creating a perfect ambience of mystery and thrill. She manages to create an immersive experience with each of her books, transporting the reader to an era long gone.
The Red Palace is June Hur's third book, one I've been waiting for since she announced it! Inspired by real events, it features a palace nurse, Baek Hyeon, who teams up with a young inspector, Seo Eonji, to solve the mysterious murders of nurses at her old school in order to absolve her mentor, nurse Jiensu, who has been accused of the crime. However, investigating crime is not easy when every corner of the palace is filled with secrets that must be kept, incidents that must not be spoken of and Royals who must not be crossed. The book has royalty, politics, intrigue, mystery, complicated familial relationships, and a lovely saeguk style romance, thus offering a little something for everyone.
While the story focuses on the events more than the characters, they've been developed well. I'm absolutely in love with my girl Hyeon who, despite her innate desire for love and validation from her father, makes the best of her circumstances and never gives up. Despite being the illegitimate daughter of a Noble man, she works hard to achieve the highest station she can with a drive to earn respect. Eonji is a charming male lead, intelligent, brave and loyal to a fault, with his own motivations. Together, they make an amazing crime solving duo I wouls do anything to protect!
What endears me to June Hur's writing is the amount of research she does to make the story authentic. The social commentary on classism, gender based discrimination and life in Joseon is raw and poignant yet never imposing. Although the plot feels dark at times, it serves as a reminder of history. It speaks volumes that despite the serious undertone, the reader is engaged throughout and gets to enjoy some lovely moments between the leads.
Read the Red Palace if you're fond of novels that are rich in atmosphere with well fleshed characters and thrilling mysteries.
The Red Palace is June Hur's third book, one I've been waiting for since she announced it! Inspired by real events, it features a palace nurse, Baek Hyeon, who teams up with a young inspector, Seo Eonji, to solve the mysterious murders of nurses at her old school in order to absolve her mentor, nurse Jiensu, who has been accused of the crime. However, investigating crime is not easy when every corner of the palace is filled with secrets that must be kept, incidents that must not be spoken of and Royals who must not be crossed. The book has royalty, politics, intrigue, mystery, complicated familial relationships, and a lovely saeguk style romance, thus offering a little something for everyone.
While the story focuses on the events more than the characters, they've been developed well. I'm absolutely in love with my girl Hyeon who, despite her innate desire for love and validation from her father, makes the best of her circumstances and never gives up. Despite being the illegitimate daughter of a Noble man, she works hard to achieve the highest station she can with a drive to earn respect. Eonji is a charming male lead, intelligent, brave and loyal to a fault, with his own motivations. Together, they make an amazing crime solving duo I wouls do anything to protect!
What endears me to June Hur's writing is the amount of research she does to make the story authentic. The social commentary on classism, gender based discrimination and life in Joseon is raw and poignant yet never imposing. Although the plot feels dark at times, it serves as a reminder of history. It speaks volumes that despite the serious undertone, the reader is engaged throughout and gets to enjoy some lovely moments between the leads.
Read the Red Palace if you're fond of novels that are rich in atmosphere with well fleshed characters and thrilling mysteries.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Police brutality, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Confinement