I have been reading since I was a child and the last few months I have been in a terrible book slump I never experienced before. I do not know if it is my mood or that books have become a little repetitive. Where am I going with this? I never would have guessed that a young adult mystery-thriller story would save the day!
The Red Palace is set in the Joseon era (Korea) in 1758. Hyeon is a daughter of a concubine and with her hard work she has achieved to become a nurse palace, a high honor for someone born illegitimately. She wants to be the best and make her parents proud.
One night her life is turned upside down. Four nurses are found dead and her dear mentor is arrested for murder. So a journey of mystery starts for her and the silent inspector who calls her for help.
The author wrote beautifully about the era and the eastern culture. Her descriptions are rich without becoming heavy. The murders and the process of finding the culprit is really exciting and interesting. Also, we are talking about me, the romance lover, so of course the slow burn romance made me giddy.
Both characters have depth that I adored. Hyeon won me with her integrity. She has a moral compass and nothing gets her sidetracked. Eojin, the inspector is calm, protective and caring. Sometimes I wish there were more tension but even the quietness of their relationship won me over.
I forgot to tell you how I found about this author.. After disappointment after disappointment with romance novels, I became addicted to k-drama tv shows, so I searched about similar stories. June Hur is writing her next book A Wolf about Cranes and if you see her reels, you will become excited as me. Now the wait begins for me and in the mid time you can try The Red Palace!
Buy here:
Amazon.com: The Red Palace eBook : Hur, June: Kindle Store
