Praise for The Red Palace:
An ABA Indie Bestseller
An NPR Best Book of 2022
A 2023 Edgar Allan Poe Award Winner
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Forbes Most Anticipated Book of 2022 Selection
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2022
A School and Library Journal Best Book of 2022
A New York Public Library Best Book of 2022
A Globe and Mail Best Book of 2022 selection
A YALSA Best YA of 2022 Selection
A 2022 Freeman Book Award Honorable Mention
"Hur is known for her stunning female-centered historical YA novels, and this is arguably her darkest book yet. ... If slow-burn romances, well-paced plots and historical fiction set somewhere other than the West interest you, this book might just be your new favorite read." ¡ªFaridah Abike-Iyimide, New York Times-bestselling author of Ace of Spades
"Compulsively readable and utterly unique, The Red Palace is a must-read murder mystery steeped in royal intrigue." ¡ªJennifer Lynn Barnes, New York Times-bestselling author of The Inheritance Games
"Court politics and hierarchal society are the stunning backdrop of June Hur¡¯s page-turning, atmospheric The Red Palace. Hur¡¯s meticulous worldbuilding and immersive storytelling will have readers totally obsessed." ¡ªAdrienne Young, New York Times-bestselling author of Fable
"Hur¡¯s Joseon mysteries are groundbreaking, and this retelling of Prince Sado is no exception. ... Hur set the bar high with her previous works and has cleared it with room to spare. A tense political thriller, a beautiful romance, and a coming of age all in one unique package." ¡ªSchool Library Journal, starred review
"This atmospheric historical mystery will transport and captivate readers ... Hur deftly incorporates the class system, patriarchal restrictions, and court politics, as well as Korean words, into the storyline, broadening the world and cultural richness of the story ... A beautifully written story full of historical and cultural details that will leave readers aching for a follow-up." ¡ªBooklist, starred review
"Gripping ... An expertly choreographed mystery with a touch of romance and an emotionally satisfying conclusion that beautifully binds fiction to fact. It's the perfect book to curl up with for a cozy winter afternoon of murder and intrigue." ¡ªNPR
"I¡¯ve devoured every book June Hur has written, so no surprise here that her newest book is one of my favorite reads of the year so far. ... I might as well inject Hur¡¯s writing straight into my veins for how quickly I gobble up everything she writes. Seriously, it¡¯s that good." ¡ªBookRiot
"Steeped in rich historical details, Hur¡¯s palace thriller offers a sharp critique of the monarchy¡¯s abuse of power while maintaining a quick pace and crafting a captivating murder mystery." ¡ªPublishers Weekly
"Deftly celebrates subversive female ingenuity. With captivating cinematic flair, [Hur] transforms true royal drama into a closeup-ready mesmerizing mystery. ... Seamlessly combines court intrigue, multiple murders and forbidden love... to create a riveting YA historical thriller." ¡ªShelf Awareness
"Exciting and fast-paced, this unusual detective story transports readers to Korea¡¯s Joseon Dynasty, providing (per the author¡¯s note) one version of the tragic true story of Crown Prince Jangheon. ... A testament to Hur¡¯s dedication in researching Korea¡¯s complex history. Romance, adventure, and mystery keep pages turning, and readers will undoubtedly find themselves drawn to Hyeon¡¯s smarts, ambition, and strong will." ¡ªThe Horn Book
"If you are a fan of Korean historical dramas and murder mysteries, you cannot go wrong with June Hur's books. Her atmospheric prose brings Joseon-era Korea to life in all its richness and complexities while elegantly spinning a web of sinister intrigue and suspense. ... I¡¯m excited to experience a mystery unfolding in the Changdeok Palace in its original language, without having to rely on subtitles and Wikipedia articles." ¡ªReera Yoo, co-host of Books & Boba
"If you¡¯re going to write a historical novel, I want you to drop me into the details, baby. Hur¡¯s writing makes you feel like you¡¯ve been transported to the streets of 18th century Korea. Her characters are always striving to do the right things with so little, driven to unravel mysteries, and she delicately exposes the corruption and seedy underbelly of the rich and powerful." ¡ªForever Young Adult