Rating: 5/5⭐ (not enough to describe how much I loved this book!!)

I think this might be my favorite June Hur book I’ve read so far! I finished this book so fast and it was such a roller coaster of emotions. I usually write down some of my thoughts and feelings on characters and scenes as I read since it helps me organize my thoughts and I did the same for ACAW. The best part of those comments was looking back at them after finishing the book and realizing that I had absolutely no clue about what was coming.

Now, a couple reasons why this is my favorite June Hur book (spoiler-free ofc):
- The relationship between Iseul and her sister, Suyeon. I think the sibling relationship between them was very realistic and the way they cared for each other was so sweet
- The chemistry and slow burn between Daehyun and Iseul was SO GOOD, all the stolen glances and denial of mutual feelings had be blushing and giggling
- I TOTALLY didn't expect that ending but at the same time it didn’t seem out of the blue and made sense after everything that happened throughout the book
- I honestly loved many of the side characters (even if I was suspicious of them at some point) and the roles they played in Iseul’s character development. My favorite side character without a doubt was Wonsik
- The writing flowed so well which made this such an enjoyable read
- The touch of actual history was also something that I really enjoyed. While this book is fiction, King Yeonsan who plays an important role in the plot was an actual person and the crimes he committed in the book were based of off true events

There are a couple other things I wanna mention but feel like I could give away important details that I shouldn't so I’ll stop here.

“A crane among wolves” releases on May 14, 2024 and is the perfect book for someone who likes:
- K-dramas
- History
- Slow burn
- Slightly dark plots

Thank you June Hur and NetGallery for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

“All I desire...is to live a peaceful and honorable life, and above all, to be remembered well by you once I’m gone. Then in the next life, perhaps, you will not pass me by.”

Thanks to NetGallery and A Feiwel and Friends Book (MacMillan Imprint) for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5 ! What a wonderful, heartbreaking yet beautiful story.

Review/Brief description:

The story takes place in 1506, Joseon, where hope and freedom were non-existent because of the horrible tyrant King Yeonsan. Despite the reality of most of the kingdom, Iseul has lived a sheltered, privileged life. That is until she finds herself alone, and seeking for ways to bring back something that she loves. Prince Daehyun has lived his whole life in the terrifying shadow of his despicable half-brother, the king, and his desire for revenge against his own blood will put him in a dangerous place. When Iseul's and Daehyun's fates collide, they reluctantly join forces to launch the riskiest task they have ever encountered.


It goes without saying that I really enjoyed this story. Although heartbreaking at times, because of the reality behind the fiction (June does a wonderful job with historical fictions, this book is no exception), the story is compelling, and so beautifully written. Iseul, Daehyun, Yul, Wonsik, all powerful characters that have endured so much, yet are just so strong and determined. I loved Iseul even in moments where she was a little rash with her decisions. She was just 17 so it is understandable. Daehyun had me swooning, and was also such a strong character. After his horrible past by the hands of his brother, his determination was admirable. Other side characters like Yul and Wonsik were great additions to the story as well.

As I said I love the story, I loved the writing. The atmosphere made me feel like I was actually watching a K-Drama. I only had 2 problems with the book. There was a subplot, a murder mystery that at times (because of how many characters were in play) confused me a bit, and I had to go back some sentences to fully grasp what was happening. The other thing is that I wished I would've seen a bit more of the "great event.", but I understand why it was not heavily presented.

Other than that another wonderful book by June Hur. I would recommend it to everyone that loves historical fiction, slow burns (this is YA, so keep that in mind), and K Dramas.

This book was WILDDD in the best way! I love a dynamic fueled by hatred--both toward each other and at a greater evil--because it means the characters must overcome their differences to take down the bigger threat. A CRANE AMONG WOLVES absolutely delivers on this dynamic. Iseul and Daehyun are exciting and complex narrators, and I loved watching their connection develop.

First, thanks to the author for accepting my request for this ARC in return for an honest review !

I fell in love with June Hur's writing reading the Red Palace, and A Crane Among Wolves clearly confirms my feelings ! Once I knew that my ARC request had been accepted, I started it right away and I regret nothing (apart from not having the paper version to annotate !). The romance built here is so sweet and delicate ! You basically need the tension to last forever and at the same time, you can't wait for it to finally happen. This balance is clearly mastered by the author, for better or for worse... (and I have one chapter in mind that almost crushed me). I think that what I like the most about Iseul is that she made mistakes but she is aware of her weaknesses. She fights to become someone better and make up for her faults, and that's a very interesting journey to follow. The same goes for Daehyun : such a complex character, with so many layers ! I could never get enough of them !

Concerning the investigation, I suspected a lot of people but still was surprised at the end : I didn't see it coming, but it made totally sense. Last but not least : the historical period. I think that what I enjoy the most in June Hur's books is the fact that her stories are always based on real historical events. I'm always learning new (terrible) things, and it delights me as much as it terrifies me.

So thanks again for this ARC, and honestly : I can't wait to have it in paper to transfer all my annotations on it !

I fell head over heels for this gorgeous, gripping masterpiece. June Hur is a once-in-a-generation kind of author, and this book further demonstrates her formidable talent.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

thank you netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an arc of A Crane Among Wolves in exchange for my honest review.

this books was almost perfect for me. it checked so many boxes that make up my favorite books. it had an intriguing plot, a pining romance and was written well enough that i didn’t want to put it down.

there were however, moments where i wish we got more. it seemed like many times there was any sort of development with the characters, the scene would change. it felt like any of the growth they had came up short and wasn’t as fleshed out as it could have been. but did that stop me from enjoying the heck out of this book? absolutely not.

i’ll definitely be picking up a physical copy once it’s released! and i’ll be checking out other titles by the author as well.

A wonderful book full of intriguing characters. One of the best historical novels I’ve ever had the privilege of enjoying written with deft talent and passion. Two very different young people, one a young noble woman in hiding, the other a low ranking prince, both suffer under a tyrant king’s maniacal rule that has them struggling to survive daily. Iseul , who lost her beloved older sister to the king as an unwilling concubine snatched away from their home, is determined to save her sister at all costs. Prince Daehyun has perfected a mask of indifference to the suffering around him to avoid the fate of his fallen brothers, but secretly plots the downfall of the king so he may finally know redemption and peace even if it costs him his life. Neither planned on meeting the other, year together they are fated to change the world, and each other. It’s impossible not to worry for them at the same time you swoon over their intense and beautifully unfolding romance. Excellent book.

Thank you to June Hur, the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC!

The chokehold this book had over me the entire time! I truly, deeply love June Hur’s writing style and her ability to bring life to historical fiction in ways I never dreamed. I don’t usually like historical fiction because I find it bland and boring… But every step of this tale was filled with a brilliance of color, affection, violence, humor and love. I so enjoyed every character and every plot point. I also appreciate ALL of the research that Hur put into this book. She is an inspiration!

Specifically, what I appreciated in this book was the delicate lines of romance and affection between Iseul and Daehyun. It truly reads exactly like a historical K drama and if you know them, you know that glances, touches, gestures… they can all convey this intimate feeling without the need for grand spicy scenes. And Hur has this special ability to bring those moments into her books!

Also, the side characters were fantastic?? What? I loved how each one had a purpose, each one brought something new to the plot and none were used as fodder. I especially enjoyed Yul - she made me smile.

All in all, if you enjoy historical romances, historical Korean dramas, or even just Korean culture in general, definitely give this book a try! It’s so precious and lovely. And go read The Red Palace too!!

This book had beautiful writing, a somewhat compelling story but something very VERY wrong with the pacing. I struggled immensely with reading it. It took me a month, gave me a reading slump and I dreaded picking it up everytime.
In my opinion, there wasn't much pushing me forward to pick up the book and continue reading. The use of some expressions such as "The Great Event" irritated me as it came off as a little childish compared to what was happening. However, maybe it is historically accurate as well and people were scared to call it for what it is.

I first discovered June Hur on Instagram after seeing some of her posts where she described her writing as historical K-dramas in book form. As sageuks (historical K-dramas) are a particular favorite of mine, I was intrigued. Her earlier title, THE RED PALACE definitely fit the bill and whetted my appetite for more, so when offered the opportunity to early read A CRANE AMONG WOLVES, I jumped at it.

This is, in a word, exquisite. It combines all the well-loved tropes of a historical K-drama (Court intrigue! Plucky friends! Longing glances! Back hugs!) with the grim realities of an especially brutal era of Korean history underscored by meticulous research that never feels heavy-handed or intrusive.

In Iseul and Daehyun June has given us a pair of leads who grow both as individuals and together, surrounded by a well-rounded cast of characters who exist as more than simple support for the leads. (*whispers to June* Wonsik was my favorite.)

If you’re a fan of K-dramas and you enjoyed series such as Haechi, 100 Days My Prince, or The King’s Affection, you’ll love this book. If you know nothing of K-dramas, but simply love historical fiction with a brave heroine, a dashing prince, and heart-pounding action, you’ll love this book.

Thank you Netgalley and June Hur for this ARC! I love June Hur so i knew this book would not disappoint! The romance was cute and the plot was fun.

June Hur is an amazing author, after reading The Silence of the Bones and The Red Palace I have felt the absolute need to read everything she writes.
I was kindly granted a copy of "A Crane Among Wolf" and I can only say that it has exceeded my expectations.
It's a historical fiction book set in Joseon during the reign of King Yeonsan, there's drama, angst, and characters that enter your heart and leave you shattered. It also has some great descriptions, definitely worth giving it a chance.

This K-Drama-esque historical YA novel follows a sheltered girl trying to rescue her sister kidnapped into a violent king's harem, only to meet a crown prince and former royal guard planning a coup. Iseul would do anything to save her sister from the king who is notorious for kidnapping young girls. She's willing to risk her life. But is she willing to risk treason? Hur always depicts historical events with such finesse, and I love reading her character-driven stories. Her writing is so vivid and the relationships between characters wonderfully complicated. I can't recommend her YA historical fiction enough.

<i>I received this ARC thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.</i>

<b><i>"There are too many sorrows in life to feel each too deeply."</i></b>
I hate it when I can't give the book enough attention due to having busy work life, but I'm glad I'm alas finished with the newest addition to June Hur's empire
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/cabe5d04f4310223958e57ad2e5dd993/3d34ed11069fbb00-6c/s540x810/dd39106c92c654a6acd95e00e8c968c1837bf06d.gifv" w=600&ssl=1" width="auto" height="auto" alt="description"/>
<b>"He did not want to care. Indifference was all that had kept him sane."</b>
I love the way June Hur is able to spin an amazing retelling of Korean history in a way that makes it an interesting tale, but also makes its pain and beauty approachable for an international reader. The research done is a masterpiece itself!
<img src="https://unbotheredunnies.files.wordpress.com/2023/01/e8ba347ae48520f4b448b34ea3e8d39387b5015f.gif?w=500" width="auto" height="auto" alt="description"/>
<b>"History moves its course, [...] but it is the youth who point the current in its direction."</b>
Young Iseul was always pampered by her parents and sister. After their passing, the sibbling duo had its fallouts but always secretly cared deeply for each other. Once the terrible act of stealing girls of the street to king's own collection begins Iseul's sister is one of the victims. Feeling left alone on this world, Iseul tries to do everything possible to win her sister back, even leading her own investigation after a famous serial killer to win tyrant king's favour.
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/40efaee3c6480994fcd192aff77d7ae9/a60716aefa9cebf3-96/s540x810/656ec6a422ef4676521c96aef2e31828fee9bfb3.gifv" width="auto" height="auto" alt="description"/>
<b><i>"We mortals exist for but a season, and yet we love as though we are bound by eternity."</i></b>
Prince Daehyun is the last brother standing to the current tyrant king, and though he's scared for he's life he wants to do all the best to the people of Joseon, existing in living hell himself he embarks on a mission to find a murderer gone loose, and find a way to make everyones lifes better. Having his alliance he stumbles upon a tiny but mighty girl, blinded with a pure love to her sister. As their objectives overlap, together they lead the investigation, planning a rebellion behind the curtains.
<img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/87d463b0e41925793e5264b252acdd6d/30dbab72264b6cff-a5/s400x600/8d09eab0990b2625b1f7a253e950fc754eba3d76.gifv" width="auto" height="auto" alt="description"/>
<b>"Hwang Iseul, [...] 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,"</b>
Hur's <i>The Red Palace</i> although written beautifully, felt too much like a dialogue between just two characters, making me feel like there's noone else important like the main leads. <i>A Crane Among Wolves</i> approached it differently, by having a vast cast of characters you slowly begin to deeply care about and grieve about their loss. Joseon setting, carefully woven into a terrifing but reality-based universe was an amazing bakground to the story of saving all the women and ones desire to live. I'm always so impressed with the way June Hur creates her historical fiction like noone else out there, a truly delightful read for both her long term fans and people ready to dive into the korean inspired literature.

A Crane Among Wolves is Hur's fourth book and it does not disappoint. It has her signature storytelling and atmospheric writing, mystery and political intrigue, and this time with added romance. The story was well written, and even though there are multiple storylines/plots happening simultaneously, Hur manages to convey them all clearly without convoluting the story. I absolutely enjoyed this one and look forward to more of her books.

I think June Hur has officially become an auto-buy author for me. This was such a compelling story and I loved how rich and vibrant the world was. I could not put it down. It's complex in unexpected ways and is just so satisfying story-wise!

Big thank you to Macmillan Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book did not do it for me. I am a fan of east asian fantasy novels and have a decent basis of knowledge in Korean history (which drew me to this particular work) but i was just bored the entire time. I think this might just be an issue of me not being entertained by historical fiction. The characters felt a bit flat and I never felt like I had a reason to root for the mc (other than the fact that you would want her sister out of that situation). Again, it might just not be for me, so definitely check it out if you are a fan of historical fiction!

spoiler:
I also will never be a fan of “he’s dead!!” and then a chapter or two later he’s alive and it’s a happy ending. It’s honestly annoying.

First off, thank you to June Hur and netgalley for the privilege of reading this ARC.

I was so excited when I initially read the synopsis of this story, and it did not disappoint. June really did a wonderful job of blending the real history of Korea with her own creation. I appreciate that she did not shy away from the dark parts of history and instead shone a light on them.

Iseul is an amazing main character. She's flawed, tenacious, and interesting. The journey that she goes on throughout this book (physically and mentally) is outstanding. Her character development was so much fun to read. She grows so much throughout the course of the book.

I got so attached to so many of the characters in this book. June is amazing at writing characters that you can't help but connect with.

I would personally adore a spin-off book about Yul. She is such an amazing character, and I know there's so much more to her than we were able to see.

The ending of the book sent me on a roller coaster of emotions. I cried, I laughed, and I may have scared my neighbours by yelling at the book.

Overall, this is a brilliant read that I highly recommend pre-ordering now!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I just want to give the biggest thanks to Netgalley and especially the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this eArc!! in exchange for an honest review, but I'm just very grateful for the opportunity to have been able to read an e arc of my most anticipated read of 2024!!

This is my third book by June Hur, and I'm just realizing it's also my third five star lol. I absolutely loved this book. I was left feeling unwell yet settled, and also had the oddest urge to cry minutes after I had finished reading the book - whether because the story was over or because I was so taken by Iseul and Daehyun's journey and what they went through and their ending, but I have never felt so emotionally impacted by both the story and characters before.

Do not go into this expecting the same level of romance, or at the very least focus of romance, as in The Red Palace. However, do not let that deter you from reading this historical masterpiece. Something about June Hur's writing is just so gripping and engaging that, while I was under extreme stress of what is going on, I was just as equally invested. She is so good at setting the mood and raising the stakes and heightening the tension, that you just can't help but feel like you are in the moment with the characters, experiencing every emotion and high stake situation as them. Even while the romance like I said, is different from The Red Palace, but it's just as emotionally charged oh my word. The way their relationship develops, especially as the characters themselves develop and we get a better insight and understanding to their characters? Beautiful. While I found the foundation for their romance slightly weak, I ended up not minding and even getting invested in their relationship because of how well June Hur not only gave us insight to their characters, but also showed the way they develop as characters.

She's also so good at making everything that's happening not only make it make sense, but also work so well and be well-balanced with each other. Honestly, I had thought that maybe there was going to be too much happening in this book - a serial killer, the cruel rule of the tyrant, Iseul's and Daehyun's individual and combined journeys, and the overall brewing plot to overthrow the king. It sounds like a lot right? And at first, it did seem like it was, but not soon after, everything just clicked and then kept running like a well-oiled machine. Everything just becomes so smoothly connected, and it just felt natural reading everything that was happening at once.

Okay, back to the plot itself. Oh my gosh, is this plot gripping. The high stakes were high staking as I've never experienced high stakes before. Again, June Hur is so good at building tension and raising the stakes. It seems like things are going well, but there are little bits of information here and there that throws everything into doubt, and the way she writes the tyrant king and his awful attitude yet the sword he holds at the throats of those who can revolt and balancing the line between brewing revolt and fearful subservience is just so good.

The themes she also explores and writes about were also thought-provoking. It wasn't heavy-handed in its delivery, and while it did get quite heavy and dark and grim at times, I think June Hur approached and wrote about them in a really good way. I'm about to go and research this period of history in Korea myself!

In the end, ACAW was an amazing read full of tension and high stakes while also delivering a gripping journey of Iseul and Daehyun - both together and their own individual journeys. A story that did not shy away from the dark reality of history and of corruption, but one that still delivers love and hope and a light in that darkness.

Firstly, I was so excited to read this and very grateful that I was able to receive an eARC. This book has it all: a Korean historical setting, political intrigue, romance, mystery, drama, and death but it does not become overwhelming to read which I really appreciated. There are definitely serious and somber tones to the story but it is balanced out. I surprisingly found myself also enjoying its mystery and detective atmosphere and I was also definitely feeling the K drama vibes in this! I also love the fact that there are empowered women in this story. Overall, I had a fun time reading this and I can’t wait to read more books from this author.

Again, heartfelt thanks to the author and Netgalley for this eARC.