Stars: 4.5 out of 5

I am a big fan of Korean dramas in general and saiguk, or costumed period dramas in particular. I also love fiction books set in cultures other than European Middle ages. So this book was right up my alley.

I lived the rich world the author describes here, and as I watched a lot of period dramas, I could picture all the costumes and locations with perfect clarity, which only added to my delight with this book.

It doesn't hurt that the protagonist is very likeable as well. She is honest and good-hearted, but also full of flaws and insecurities. Life was hard for women in Joseon Korea, especially illegitimate daughters of noblemen who barely acknowledge them. I loved Hyeon's determination to make a life for herself and how hard she works to achieve it.

Granted, at first her motivation is misguided - she wants to prove to her father that she is someone worth loving. Frankly, if her father doesn't love her now, nothing will change that. And he even proves my point by recklessly wreaking her life in the middle of the book, just because she wouldn't obey him.

I was glad to see Hyeon's journey in this book. Her coming into her own strength and finally discovering what she wants to do with her life. What makes her happy. Her finally stopping to chase for her father's approval.

I also loved the low key love story developing between her and Robin. Their collaboration that evolved into mutual respect and trust, then affection. I even liked that the ending isn't a typical "and they got married and lived happily ever after". There is a lot more to Hyeon than just settling into the role of a housewife.

If I have one complaint it's that the intrigue itself felt a bit simplistic. I guessed the plot twists before we arrived to them. But that definitely didn't take away from my enjoyment.

This is a fast and delightful read, and I would definitely recommend it.

PS: I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgally and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for sending me the E-arc of The Red Palace by June Hur in exchange for an honest review.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been pulled into a good mystery. I often find myself able to anticipate the ending but with The Red Palace I didn’t even get the chance to. I simply could not put the book down long enough.
This Historical KDrama is ADDICTING, and has convinced to me read June Hur’s backlist of books as well as pre-order her upcoming ones.
I love that the romance thread between Hyeon and Eojin was simplely that, a thread. A subplot. I love that it didn’t encompass the entire story after the two met and started working together.
Easily 5/5 stars.

I was so inteigued by the premise of a historical murder mystery in the styles of a historical k drama and the initial few chapters had me completely engrossed. I loved the writing and all the historical details but unfortunately the characters failed to leave an impression on me and ultimately I finished the book to know the ending but I would not reread it.

June Hur does it again with another historical fiction-mystery in the Joseon era. I've read Hur's previous titles and enjoyed the writing. This one has a hint of love secondary to the main story, but I liked it.

LOOOVED THIS! june hur is a magician and she got me under this book's spell. i loved exploring joseon and the lives of our characters and all the implications they faced along the way. the plot is so good and the pacing was great. just such a great read, highly recommend!

- thanks to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an early review.

wanted to read The Red Palace by June Hur since I saw the book trailer. I had no idea book trailers could be so similar to movie trailers and so good.
I was immediately hooked on the story and read it so fast, but also spent a lot of time imagining the palace, the streets and the nursing. I was tranported to Joseon (Korea) in 1758.
There is a subtle slow romance in the book that doesn't take away the attention from the plot, which I enjoyed. I loved reading about the characters motivations, life challenges, fears and passions.

This is a historical YA, Korean crime/mystery set in Joseon, Korea in 1758. It follows 18-year-old Hyeon who has earned a place in the Palace as a nurse. A palace nurse is of high social standing and is treated like royalty. Only the best of the best are recruited to be palace nurses.

On night 4 Hyeminseo nurses were murdered. This was the first place Hyeon called home growing up. That same night Hyeon gets locked behind Palace doors with Lady Hyegyoung (a high ranking concubine of the palace) with an imposter Prince Jangheon.

Hyeon goes out of her way to make solving these murders a personal mission that could potentially cost her everything she has worked for and in the process, earn even more contempt from a father who hates Hyeon to begin with. Hyeon secretly partners with a Police servant named Seo Eojin to help solve the crimes.

This book was so complex and there was another mystery around every turn. I extremely well paced and well explained. I was so in love with the romantic tension between Hyeon and Inspector Eojin. He was so considerate of her feelings and her needs. He protected and took care of her.

I loved this book more than I loved Silence of Bones, which was the first book I read by this author. This book felt so immersive and I absolutely loved the atmosphere and all the characters.

This book wasn't super graphic in the discriptions of the crimes being committed. There were a few parts more explicit than others, but this did give enough details to give a good visual of what took place.

Hyeon was a wonderful protagonist. Despite her upbringing, she was a compassionate, caring and thoughtful.

Absolutely adored this book.

Do not sleep on this book, it is a blend of mystery and coming of age life events. Hur does an exquisite of capturing emotions and character building.

A fantastic, mysterious novel in a historical South Korean setting! I absolutely loved learning more about this time period in a different part of the world, and loved the dynamic between the main characters. Highly, highly recommend.

THE RED PALACE was one of those books I knew I'd enjoy when I saw the cover, but I was absolutely blown away by it in a way I didn't expect. The plot, the characters, the mystery, the world-building--all of it was so perfect and layered in intriguing ways. I can honestly say that I don't know much about Korea in the 18th century, and Hur brings Hyeon's world with all of its nuances to life in an effortless way. I also thought the time period and the events this story is set in the midst of lent itself perfectly to this story. The central mystery Hyeon and Eojin find themselves investigating is a mystery that keeps your heart pounding and mind guessing, and I didn't expect where it ended up. This book is gruesome and kind of terrifying in the ways all the best murder mysteries are and I was here for all of it. I could barely look away, and page after page Hur manages to draw you in with characters who you can't help but adore who have problems that resonate today. I also really loved the slow-burn between Eojin and Hyeon and thought that their dynamic was really sweet. THE RED PALACE is a mystery that keeps you intrigued from beginning to end, and I highly recommend this for fans of mystery novels and historical fiction!

June Hur has a very interesting way of writing mysteries and I very much enjoy the way her books are set up. Though this wasn't as good as The Silence of the Bones, it was still very good.

no wait this was really really good and i didnt expect the way the story unfolded but i genuinely loved it. im not a huge fan of mysteries and thrillers because i cant handle the suspense but this was so well done PLUS I REALLY LOVED THE LIGHT ROMANCE. a very good and quick read!

This is a mystery/thriller that takes place in 18th century Korea. A time and place and culture with which I’m not very familiar. But I enjoyed both the mystery of this story and also the way the setting played into the plot.

Hyeon is an illegitimate daughter who has worked hard to get to where she is - as a nurse in the palace. But then she gets involved in a murder investigation, and everything becomes threatened. I really loved Hyeon and her determination and desire to clear her mentor’s name even at great risk to herself. I loved the way she teams up with Eojin, the police officer. The focus of the story is their investigation and the growing danger to their community - and to herself, but underlying that is a romance that develops between them. I like the way it was all balanced.

I would definitely read more from this author!

I absolutely didn’t want this book to end, or to put it down whenever I picked it up to read it. This was like slipping into my favorite historical K-dramas and I loved seeing all of the tropes play out in writing. Plus, the mystery was interesting and the characters were great! Can’t wait to read the rest of June Hur’s work.

I tried and failed to enjoy this book. The blurb sounded like everything I would love but the story that was delivered was not well done. The world building was weak, the characters were flat and dull, and the plot was thin. I found my thoughts drifting while I was reading and that was my sign that I would not be able to get through this book.

what an amazing story. I could not book this book down. The storytelling in this book was phenomenal. This was a mystery mixed with historical with a sprinkle of tender romance and it was everything. I read it in 24 hours because I could not get enough. I love the way the author incorporated history in here and palace rules and customs. This was amazing.

This is my favorite of June Hur's books. It is fast-paced, intriguing, and mysterious. I love how June Hur combines history with heroines who are determined and independent. I read this book a few months ago, and I will be re-reading it. I can't wait to see what June Hur writes next.

In her latest novel, Hur crafts a riveting historical thriller that follows Baek Hyeon during her time serving as a palace nurse, but the city begins to run red with as women are discovered with their throats slit and a murderer on the loose. Hyeon is determined to root out the killer, and with the help of Eojin, a palace investigator, they embark on a journey to find answers.

The character development and world-building in this novel is vivid and undeniably well-done. Overall, I enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to reading Hur's other books!

The Red Palace by June Hur is perfect for fans of historical mysteries. It is set in Korea during the Joseon period when the King, Queen, Crown Prince, various eunuchs and concubines rule the palace. We follow palace nurse Hyeon who is the illegitimate daughter of a powerful court noble/official in the Ministry of Justice. She has risen to her place through hard work and with no help from her family.

Hyeon comes across a murder scene and learns that her beloved mentor has been arrested as a possible suspect. Hyeon is determined to clear her mentor's name and is oblivious to the risk to her person until she witnesses the execution of a commoner. Suddenly, the risk becomes real and Hyeon must decide whether she will join forces with a young inspector or focus on her own survival.

Jane Hur created characters that are easy to care about and root for and placed them in impossible situations. The Red Palace is an engrossing read and thoroughly satisfying!

Murder, secrets, spies, court politics, a crown prince and a mysterious investigator! Definitely enough to satisfy a wide range of readers! Well written and wonderful characters!