About the Book
-
Author:
- June Hur
- Genres:
- Boy-Girl Romance
- Historical Fiction
Cover Story: A Monet
BFF Charm: Destiny’s Child, Let Me Love You
Talky Talk: Dependably Hur
Bonus Factors: Family Dynamics, Mystery Solving
Factor: Revolutions
Anti-Bonus Factor: Violence
Relationship Status: Guest Lecturer
Cover Story: A Monet
There’s a lot going on with this cover, and when I just glance at it, I think I like it. But when I look for too long, it feels a bit too jumbled. The title practically disappears, and I’m left pondering why these two are about to kiss under a canopy of bird wings.
The Deal:
Tyrant King Yeonsan’s power in 1500s Joseon is absolute, and he himself is absolute terror. Iseul’s life has been turned upside down by his corrupt government, but the last straw is when he abducts her older sister, Suyeon, right from the village streets to be a part of his harem. Desperate and alone, Iseul arrives at the capitol with nothing but the clothes on her back and a monolithic desire to break her sister free from his clutches. But the actions her desire sets into motion could topple kingdoms…and anyone could pay the ultimate price.
BFF Charm: Destiny’s Child, Let Me Love You
Iseul didn’t start off a survivor—in fact, she was kind of a horribly pampered rich-bitch growing up—but that only makes her character arc shine as she slowly molds herself into someone she’s proud of. Doing so is not without issues, being that it’s the 1500s and it’s very women should be seen and not heard, and even then, we probably shouldn’t see them that much.
Daehyun also had a “pampered” upbringing, being a literal prince, but that was tempered by such horrific moments like his mother and brothers being murdered by his half-brother. The thing he’s struggling with is trying to keep his humanity in an inhumane world where doing so would get him killed. Someone get him a hug and some therapy, STAT.
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
This is definitely Hur’s most romantic-forward novel thus far. Iseul initially thinks they are on separate sides because Daehyun is the king’s brother and a trusted member of the royal family, so how can he be anything but complicit in so many atrocities? The secrecy and high stakes of their connection make their relationship fraught with complication, which isn’t fun in real life but great to read about.
Talky Talk: Dependably Hur
Hur once again takes a real time period and real events and weaves her own characters within a complicated history. There’s not much I can say that I haven’t already about her evocative writing. She transports you in time to a lived-in world with all its flaws and harsh beauty. While I can’t claim any of her books have been “light”, I feel like this one in particular was pretty heavy; it wasn’t my favorite of what I’ve read of her, but even a third-favorite Hur book is still a GREAT historical fiction piece.
Bonus Factor: Family Dynamics
Most of June Hur’s protagonists have layered, complicated family situations, often with their fathers. That’s not really the case here (though lest ye worry, Iseul’s mentor-mentee relationship with one of the side characters does kind of tick this box). Iseul’s biggest regret is her one-sided relationship with her older sister, and the guilt she feels about being the selfish, needy sibling her whole life. Prince Daehyun’s challenge is a bit more unusual, as he needs to refrain from acting on his violent fantasies about ending his sociopathic brother’s reign in blood.
Bonus Factor: Mystery Solving
Another constant in Hur’s writing is some kind of mystery, often about a murder, and the process of mystery solving. There’s a masked vigilante killing prominent people in the government, which is infuriating King Yeonsan. Ostensibly, this person should be an ally to Iseul, but some things happen that make this a bit murky.
Factor: Revolutions
The road to revolution isn’t smooth, and the outcome of a coup is often not exactly beneficial for the majority of citizens either way. Essentially…same shit, different year. If you’ve done even a cursory study of world history, you will not be surprised about where the state of politics in Joseon ends up by the end of the book.
Anti-Bonus Factor: Violence
Hur said in her author’s notes she had to intentionally tone down the violence because the actual crimes of King Yeonsan were super horrific. I think she did a good job of conveying the brutality of the people’s situation without giving too many specifics to turn stomachs and stray too adult for her YA novel.
Relationship Status: Guest Lecturer
I always learn something about real history when you show up, Book. We may not have connected on a deep, personal level long-term, but you fascinate me and keep me hanging on your every word until you’ve said what you came to say.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from Feiwel & Friends. I received neither money nor peanut butter cups in exchange for this review. A Crane Among Wolves is available now.
