There are a few historical fiction authors that I think should be everywhere but still largely seem to be hidden gems, and June Hur is one of them. Her historical mysteries are spectacular and they always leave you wanting much more. This book has been on my radar for well over a year; I’m so excited that it is finally available for everyone! For our Book Bite this week, we have A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Crane Among Wolves, June Hur
Hope is dangerous. Love is deadly.
1506, Joseon. The people suffer under the cruel reign of the tyrant King Yeonsan, powerless to stop him from commandeering their land for his recreational use, banning and burning books, and kidnapping and horrifically abusing women and girls as his personal playthings.
Seventeen-year-old Iseul has lived a sheltered, privileged life despite the kingdom’s turmoil. When her older sister, Suyeon, becomes the king’s latest prey, Iseul leaves the relative safety of her village, traveling through forbidden territory to reach the capital in hopes of stealing her sister back. But she soon discovers the king’s power is absolute, and to challenge his rule is to court certain death.
Prince Daehyun has lived his whole life in the terrifying shadow of his despicable half-brother, the king. Forced to watch King Yeonsan flaunt his predation through executions and rampant abuse of the common folk, Daehyun aches to find a way to dethrone his half-brother once and for all. When staging a coup, failure is fatal, and he’ll need help to pull it off—but there’s no way to know who he can trust.
When Iseul’s and Daehyun’s fates collide, their contempt for each other is transcended only by their mutual hate for the king. Armed with Iseul’s family connections and Daehyun’s royal access, they reluctantly join forces to launch the riskiest gamble the kingdom has ever seen:
Save her sister. Free the people. Destroy a tyrant.
Why You Should Read This…
I read this book back in December over the holidays, and I’ve been waiting (im)patiently to share this with you. Hur is one of my favourite historical authors, she does them so well- it feels like you are there witnessing everything yourself.
I also love that she has chosen to set this novel at the Joseon court. In terms of seeing different royal courts in historical fiction, we almost always see the English/British court, or perhaps the French court. However, the Joseon court is just as fascinating, and I think makes for a more exciting read- it feels fresh and new rather than returning to the same.
Iseul is one of the most complex protagonists that I’ve come across in a while; she is neither wholly good nor wholly bad like so many are written. Sometimes you want to yell at her to stop, but that is the sign of a good book to me. And she is joined by some wildly entertaining supporting characters who truly round out the story.
I also have to say- you do not need to know the history behind this story at all to get caught up in this beautiful novel! (Though you very well may end up doing a deep dive like me once you’ve finished it.)
Is A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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