Review: A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

*I received an advanced bound manuscript of this book from Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review.

A Crane Among Wolves

by June Hur 

May 14, 2024

Goodreads Summary:

June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace, crafts a devastating and pulse-pounding tale that will feel all-too-relevant in today’s world, based on a true story from Korean history.

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.

Review

I’m usually not a fan of period dramas but in writing, A Crane Among Wolves was a standout story. Intriguing and pulse-pounding, I was whipped into the currents of danger and mystery.

I may not be an expert in the history of Korea but I thought the description of the time period and the mannerism of the characters all felt very authentic. I was easily absorbed into this politically turbulent time.

Having a ruler like King Yeonsan, it’s no wonder there was political unrest. He shocked me with the disturbing things he did. I didn’t enjoy reading about them but they were the undeniable truths and the necessary evil in A Crane Among Wolves. The brewing rebellion was destined to boil over.

A Crane Among Wolves had a most respectable romance. Despite their differences, Iseul and Daehyun grew to share a really pure connection. Some of their interactions were so achingly sweet. The ups and downs they went through were all worth it for that blessed ending!

A Crane Among Wolves couldn’t have had a more fitting title. As brutal as the history was, the story was beautifully told. June Hur is an author to look out for!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.