a sister desperate to fix her mistake, and a brother ready to take down evil incarnate, an unlikely duo working together to right the wrongs

*“I will not,” I snapped, as much to him as to myself. Hot tears rushed to my eyes, tingling my nose, but I kept my voice steady. “When someone you love is taken, you go into the den of the tiger. You go to the ends of the kingdom and across. You go to where they are. You find them—no matter the cost.”*

thanks to June Hur and Feiwel & Friends for sending me an ARC through Netgalley! this does not affect my thoughts about the book in any way. out now!

i ended up reading this book in one sitting, and good god miss june! why would you play with me like that?! my emotions went all over the place and my reading experience also turned into a side history lesson and it was so much fun (the history was traumatizing 😭)

*“if i could catch the killer, then perhaps—just perhaps—his majesty would return to me the sister i had wronged.”*

ok so onto our iseul and daehyun. i have this random feeling that not everyone will love iseul and tbh i get it, but she’s just a girl! and we’re all human and make mistakes and one such mistake of hers ended up with a huge consequence 🥲 the story starts with her i will fix this by myself attitude and we see her learn that alone it is harder to achieve a goal. master wonshik deserves all the laurels! 🥹

*“I swear,” he whispered in a low voice, as though to himself, “the next person to harm you will die by my own hands.”*

oh daehyun my sweet child, he was born into the wrong place. i mean who would want a tyrant for a brother?! (ik brothers are meant to be tyrants but this guy takes platinum 😫 read the history and you’ll know why) he’s trying his best and he did do it well! but chapter 42…. haha… miss june i need emotional refund for what you put me and my delicate little heart through 🥺😭💔

*“Hwang Iseul,” his voice rasped, his hands gripping tight onto my skirt, “if by any chance we do not meet again in this lifetime, then I will find you in the next—or as many lifetimes as it takes to see you again.”*
*“So long as you live, we’ll have the rest of our lives to find each other again. And I will find you again. I promise.”*

iseul and daehyun are right person wrong time personified. they found each other at the worst time and the amount of suffering they had to go through was insane 😖

you should definitely read this book, if you love:
🗡️ flawed fmc
🪈 prince mmc
🔖 korean historical fiction
💔 reluctant allies-to-friends-to-lovers (?)
😭 emotional damage
🪭 realistic characters
🍵 political drama
📽️ kdrama writing

anyways if this sounds good to you, go check it out asap!! this book and miss june are everything 🤭💗

Yes, this is a pretty dark story with Iseul searching for her sister, taken by a most awful and brutal king to join his throng of courtesans while others are planning an uprising to dethrone that king, and a killer is leaving corpses of government officials all over too. Rebellion is very bloody and the author does a good job of making it feel real, even to the point of killing very likeable characters so you don't know who is going to survive.

Iseul is a previously pampered younger daughter and that does lead to some poor choices she makes or when she gets mad and does something very rash, it does make for bigger issues and people do get hurt. That was kind of frustrating and I did have to remind myself that she is young and inexperienced though I did admire her determination to save her sister and her strength in keeping on even when injured and afraid.

Prince Daehyun, the other viewpoint is much more calculating in his actions. He has to make really hard choices to help bring about the rebellion and remain in good standing with the king so he isn't killed off (that bit with his horse is heartbreaking!). I found him to be the more likable character though it was good to get both views as it really brought the story to life, dark though it is.

This was a good story, not shying away from true events even though it is an historical fiction. It is a standalone with a satisfying ending and a cool real history note at the end, comparing the story with the real timeline. Well written and I liked it.

Jun Hur strikes again. There's something about her writing that is so captivating. I feel as though I'm watching a K-drama when I read her works which I believe was part of her intention for this book. I can't wait to see what she puts out next.

[Cruel tyrant is not an exaggeration so there is a content warning in the author’s note that indicates the following: rape (mentioned), sexual abuse, misogyny, kidnapping women and girls, sex trafficking, incest (mentioned), violence, murder, animal cruelty, suicide (mentioned), infanticide (mentioned), psychological trauma, and panic attacks.]

Though this story is fiction, the setting and King Yeonsan are part of actual history. June Hur has not tidied up his tyrannical behavior so there are a lot of atrocities to witness in Iseul and Daehyun’s path. This does make for a difficult read, but there is also love and strength that shine through. The dedication says, “To those who have dared to be a beacon of light in the bleakest of moments.” There are numerous characters who are that light for others and even in the midst of so much awfulness, there is hope. That’s what kept me reading.

Iseul’s life has turned upside down and she has realized that she had taken her sister for granted. She is out on her own for the first time and is making brave and rash decisions because she seemingly is unaware of how truly risky and deadly her choices might be. Watching some of her actions is hard, but as she stumbles and begins to find her feet, she is also making connections with some folks who are those beacons of light.

It is equally troubling to watch Daehyun make decisions when there really are no actions to choose that feel truly right. My heart was with both of them knowing that they really were doing the best with their circumstances even when there were no good options. And even when they pick a way that seems best, there is endless frustration as they continue to face horrifying loss and disappointment. Many characters in this story, in addition to so many Korean people in that time period, dealt with a feeling encompassed in the word han. In the book it’s described as the “feeling of outrage, the vicious urge for vengeance to right the wrong, pierced by the acute pain and grief of knowing our overwhelming odds at ever claiming justice.”

Yes, the odds seem overwhelming, but Iseul, Daehyun and their allies continue to fight, sacrifice, and are willing to give their all to try anyway. They are all inspired by the Korean people, their families, loved ones, and the hope of creating a more peaceful place for all. Some of these allies are so wonderful and even though they are side characters, they managed to worm their way into my heart too. In the midst of all of the effort of so many people, there are also intrigues and mysteries to puzzle out so it’s definitely a page turner.

Recommendation: Get it now. For those who watch historical K-dramas already, this will definitely be a must read. For others, this will appeal to anyone who enjoys history with some romance and political intrigue. Though it shows a lot of trauma and hardship, June Hur also provided characters that will touch hearts and stay with readers for a long time to come.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last.
The intriguing storyline, combine with great writing style, vivid setting, and loveable characters, kept me flipping the pages for more!

The plot was easy to follow despite a lot of things going on like saving Iseul’s sister, the murder mystery investigation as well as defeating the tyrant king.
However, I found the timing of the big reveal for the murder mystery slightly odd.

Initially, I found Iseul slightly annoying due to her spoiled behavior, but as the story progressed and she faced the harsh realities of her world, Iseul grew on me.
I’m a huge fan of found family trope and I loved seeing Iseul find hers with Yul and Wonsik!

The romance as a subplot added a nice touch to the story, seeing Daehyun and Iseul, who are opposites, find comfort in one another throughout the story.
The author successfully played with my feelings over and over again; with so many deaths throughout the story I kept wondering about the fate of these two….

Overall, this is a beautifully well-written story which offers insight to the Korean history.
The last few chapters are quite intense and very emotional keeping me on the edge of my seat.
If you’re looking for a historical fiction with political intrigue, found family and light-hearted romance then grab this one!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Murder, violence, death, rape, kidnapping, sexual violence and brief mention of suicide and incest.

This was a nice, satisfying read. The author was very knowledgeable about Korea and that was obvious in the writing, which helped paint a vivid and compelling setting. The plot was intriguing enough, albeit predictable. The characters however seemed a bit bland.

One of the best fantasy books I read this year!! It is so good and the pacing is just right. It is really good.

Original review posted on Forever Young Adult's blog on 10/14/24.

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.

This book read like a k-drama! I was so invested from the beginning and it truly delivered. It is especially notable the amount of historical research that went into it. Thank you for the opportunity

I don't read a ton of historical fiction, but I couldn't resist this book. A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur is beautifully written with excellent characters and it will likel.y make you cry. I enjoyed it immensely.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

TW: blood, gore, body gore, violence, kidnapping, rape, grief, sexual violence, and misogyny

June Hur always delivers a complex and heartbreaking story that leaves wishing it there was more to read.

She writes the perfect mix of historical fiction with compelling and loveable characters, but each book is better than the least. A Crane Among Wolves is no exception.

We follow Iseul, who had up until now lived a sheltered and privileged life until her older sister, Suyeon, is kidnapped by the cruel King Yeonsan. It is known and feared that the king will kidnap and torture women in his palace. Iseul decided to do whatever she can in order to free her sister until she crosses paths with Prince Daehyun, the king's half-brother.

I absolutely loved the dynamic between Iseul, Daehyun and the characters around them at the inn. We see Iseul develop from someone who can only thing of herself, to become more self-conscious and selfless. I always love how June Hur develops sibling relationships, and the romantic ones.

As with The Red Palace, these books show the difficulties and darkness with how the King overuses his power and the people around them. I found myself researching more about this era and stories about the royalty, something that still fascinates me.

I had no doubts this would be a no favorite, and I am grateful that I can experience this beautiful story.

While this story is fictional, the setting and King Yeonsan are based on real historical events. June Hur has not tidied up his tyrannical behavior, so there are a lot of atrocities to witness in Iseul and Daehyun’s path. This did make for a difficult read for me, but there are other shining moments that make it an enjoyable read.

Iseul’s life has been flipped upside down, and she now understands that she didn’t value her sister as much as she should have. Now that she’s on her own, she’s making courageous yet impulsive choices, seemingly ignorant of the true danger and potentially fatal consequences. It can be challenging to witness some of her actions, but as she stumbles and finds her way, she also forms connections with inspiring individuals.

It is equally troubling to watch Daehyun make decisions when there really are no  actions to choose that feel truly right. I empathized with both of them, understanding they were making the best of a difficult situation. Regardless of their selection of the most favorable course, they consistently encounter overwhelming frustration, loss, and disappointment. Many characters in this story, in addition to so many Korean people in that time period,  dealt with a feeling encompassed in the word han. The book defines it as the intense need for vengeance, fueled by outrage and overshadowed by the despair of our unlikely quest for justice.

Even though the odds are stacked against them, Iseul, Daehyun, and their allies are determined to keep fighting and making sacrifices in their pursuit. Their inspiration comes from the Korean people, their families, and the desire for a more peaceful world. Some of these allies are so wonderful and even though they are side characters, they managed to worm their way into my heart too. In the midst of all of the effort of so many people, there are also intrigues and mysteries to puzzle out so it’s definitely a page turner.

Historical K-drama fans, this is a must-read for you. Anyone who enjoys a mix of history, romance, and political intrigue will find this appealing. Despite the depiction of trauma and hardship, June Hur’s characters will deeply resonate with readers.

A Crane Among Wolves is a remarkable novel that stands out in the historical fantasy genre. June Hur’s ability to blend historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling creates a reading experience that is both engaging and enlightening. The novel’s exploration of personal and cultural identity, combined with its richly drawn setting and dynamic characters, makes it a memorable and impactful read.

Fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike will find much to admire in A Crane Among Wolves. It’s a testament to Hur’s talent as a writer and her skill in creating a story that is both captivating and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to be transported to a beautifully realized world filled with magic, mystery, and emotional depth.

A Crane Among Wolves was one of my top anticipated reads for this year and it did not disappoint! When I got the ARC, I wanted to cry because I love Hur’s books and I got to read this one early. I know what you’re thinking “Taylor, you didn’t read this on time…” LISTEN, I did NOT want to finish this book because then I would be sad that I finished it and then I would have to wait a couple more years for the next one!

This book was everything!! I love that in Hur’s books she has sister bonds, romance, and political intrigue. I loved the found family of the Red Lantern Inn and how Iseul came to accept people’s friendship and trust as time went on. I also loved Daehyun’s POV and how it showed what he went through with the king and how he felt in certain situations especially with Iseul. The ending was shocking and made me tear up with all the feelings. I loved loved this book and seriously can’t wait for her next book, Adoration.

I will never stop singing the praises of June Hur’s Korean Historical YA! All of the mystery, horror, and romance of watching a historical k-drama rolled into a book. It’s like watching a show in my head every time!

4.5 stars

I've been sitting on this one for more than a minute, despite being intrigued by the blurb and the cover. I finally was motivated to read and finish it after a couple of false starts because the FMC takes some warming up to.

This is a dark historical fantasy. I read the author's note at the end, and sadly, a lot of it is based on true events.

I did enjoy the writing, the atmosphere and setting, the FMC had some good growth, and the MMC was great.

Recommended.

“If by any chance we do not meet again in this lifetime, then I will find you in the next—or as many lifetimes as it takes to see you again.”

A Crane Among Wolves is a historical novel set in 1506 Korea under the rule of the tyrant King Yeonsan following Iseul, a fairly sheltered girl until her sister is taken as the latest of the king's concubines, she travels from her village to try to set her free. On the other hand we have prince Daehyun - the half brother that's trying to start a coup to overthrow his brother and end his cruel reign.

After arriving at the capital Iseul learns of a serial killer - the nameless flower, that is targeting the king and those around him. In exchange for his capture the king is offering a favor, and Iseul wants to solve the mystery to free her sister. Daehyun has been in his cruel brother's shadow all his life and while he knows that his rule is wrong and destructive - a coup only has one chance to succeed. Alongside that, he has no idea who he can truly trust with this secret.

When these two meet - it truly is an enemies to lovers situation but the emphasis of this book is SO much more on family and political intrigue. We see these two fall for each other while plotting to be as strong and cunning as possible. Iseul's love for him only blooms after she knows she can trust him with not only her life, but her sisters' well-being as well.

Like with all of Hur's books, there's a slow build up. This isn't a fast paced story where each chapter has a cliffhanger but rather one where we see these distrustful characters grow bonds slowly while the plot builds up. Planning a coup while catching a killer is no small task so the pacing makes it all the more realistic.

I truly do not read that much historical fiction but June Hur will ALWAYS be my exception. I love her murder mysteries, the atmosphere and how well she crafts complex bonds between her characters. Truly a one of a kind author and I can't wait to read more.

rep// Korean cast & setting, lesbian side character

cw// sexual abuse, implied rape, kidnapping, sex trafficking, animal cruelty, murder, suicide, violence, misogyny, psychological trauma

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Thank you to the publisher for sending me this ARC!

4.5 stars! This book was so well done. Not only did I learn so much because of the historical context, but the author was able to perfectly weave in historical context to make her story so memorable. I absolutely loved how this story touched upon family, found family, first love, justice, freedom & so much more. I just don’t have the right words to express how much I was invested in this story. Emotionally this story is a lot because of some of the topics addressed because of the historical context, but the way the author handled it was so well done. I just have so much appreciation for this story

A beautiful cover and interesting concept. This was not a bad book and I can understand why people enjoy it, but it's not really for me. It was a bit slow for me, considering the plot, and I did not connect with either character very well. I liked it well enough, but I just wish there had been *more* to it. More action and emotion and tension. The stakes were pretty high, but the follow-through not quite there.