Lilibet Bombshell's Reviews > A Crane Among Wolves

As with The Red Palace, June Hur has set out once again to look back into history, confront it, and turn it into impeccably-researched historical fiction that not only entertains but also makes the lesson accessible for those who might otherwise never have learned of it.

I don’t care whether or not historical fiction is labeled as YA or not: What I care about the most when it comes to historical fiction of any kind is the dedication to the source material. I want my historical fiction to be as well-researched as possible, from top to bottom. In genre fiction, there are worlds to build. In historical fiction, adherence to history is the worldbuilding. While there are certain elements that can be bent, like timeline compressions and character amalgamations, anachronisms stick out just as bad as a poorly-formed magic system in any fantasy novel. June Hur does some of the best research I’ve ever seen when it comes to writing her novels. The result of this thorough and time-consuming research is impeccable worldbuilding with as few shortcuts taken as possible to create an entertaining, romantic, mysterious, suspenseful, and intriguing novel that should appeal to all ages and not just the YA set.

A Crane Among Wolves is as much a tale of survivor’s guilt and vengeance as it is about rebellion. Along the way it also becomes a story of found family, grief, privilege, and persistence. There’s treachery, betrayal, violence, friendship, risk, espionage, and falling in love at the worst possible time. Or is the worst possible time also maybe the best? Either way, it all comes together beautifully in the end.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Historical Fiction/Historical Mystery/Historical Romance/Political Fiction/Suspense Mystery/YA Fiction/YA Historical Fiction