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Author: June Hur Genre: YA Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller Expected publication: January 25th, 2022 Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Pages: 336 Other Links: Goodreads | Amazon | IndieBound
Joseon (Korea), 1758. There are few options available to illegitimate daughters in the capital city, but through hard work and study, eighteen-year-old Hyeon has earned a position as a palace nurse. All she wants is to keep her head down, do a good job, and perhaps finally win her estranged father’s approval. But Hyeon is suddenly thrust into the dark and dangerous world of court politics when someone murders four women in a single night, and the prime suspect is Hyeon’s closest friend and mentor. Determined to prove her beloved teacher’s innocence, Hyeon launches her own secret investigation. In her hunt for the truth, she encounters Eojin, a young police inspector also searching for the killer. When evidence begins to point to the Crown Prince himself as the murderer, Hyeon and Eojin must work together to search the darkest corners of the palace to uncover the deadly secrets behind the bloodshed.
Thank you to the publisher and Coloured Pages Book Tours for providing me an eARC via NetGallery! As soon as I read the premise for this book I was hooked, and it did not disappoint. The Red Palace is a gripping historical murder mystery that follows eighteen-year-old Hyeon, a palace nurse, who teams up with a police inspector to protect her mentor and uncover the real murderer. If you are a fan, of historical fiction, slow-burn romance or murder mysteries, this page-turning thriller is the one for you. The dark, atmospheric setting of ancient Korea and its historical details are intriguing and captivating, and you can get a sense of the society's hierarchy. I haven't read a lot of historical fiction, so the setting was refreshing and you can tell the author has done deep research about this period in history. The story features loveable characters that have you rooting for them from the start. Hyeon, the main character, faces many challenges that are relatable and help you empathise with her. The romance that blooms between her and the inspector is predictable, but it doesn't take away from the main plot. The few romantic moments between the MCs are sweet and you can see how the relationship slowly develops. The mystery itself has many elements but is still easy to follow. I didn't guess who the murderer was, which is a good thing. I like how the book was short and fast-paced but still made the characters complex and interesting, and I would love a follow-up. Rating: 4.5/5 stars
“When the time comes,” he said quietly, holding my gaze the way he held my hand. “You watch out for me. And I will always watch out for you.” "And being with Eojin slipped unwanted shadows into my head, dreams of what that might feel like—to be cherished, like in the love stories in Jieun’s personal library." "To enter the palace means to walk a path stained in blood." “I would not love, unless I was loved first and loved the most. I would be nothing at all, if I could not be the first.” “Everyone must choose the paths they will walk on. And when you choose, remember to count the cost.” "I did not want to be like this, a girl too afraid to do what was right for fear of what others would think. And I did know what was right. I recognized it as clearly as I did the sun in the sky."
June Hur was born in South Korea and raised in Canada, except for the time when she moved back to Korea and attended high school there. She studied History and Literature at the University of Toronto. She began writing her debut novel after obsessing over books about Joseon Korea. When she’s not writing, she can be found wandering through nature or journaling at a coffee shop. She is the author of The Silence of Bones, The Forest of Stolen Girls, The Red Palace, and A Crane Among Wolves published by Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, and she currently lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter. Website – Goodreads – Twitter – Instagram
Hosted by Coloured Pages Book Tours
January 19th READING (AS)(I)AN (AM)ERICA – Favorite Quotes @bujos_n_books – Mood Board Chapters of Eve – Favorite Quotes January 20th Read in the Clouds – Review Only @krithiques – Review Only Forthenovellovers – Review Only January 21st Discover Elysian – Favorite Quotes Bookishdregs – Journal Spread @thebookoffaerie – Favorite Quotes January 22nd The Mind of a Book Dragon – Book Recommendations Based on Book Meanderingthebooks – Favorite Quotes @book_with_girl – Review only January 23rd The Ink Slinger – Favorite Quotes Debjani’s Thoughts – Review Only Hafsa’s Creative Corner – Favorite Quotes January 24th Books and Strokes – Mood Board Seekabook – Review Only The Litt Librarian – Review Only January 25th Little Corner Reads – Mood Board The Bookish Context – Review Only PopTheButterfly Reads – Review Only Book InfoSynopsis(via Goodreads) In this compelling and thought-provoking debut novel, after a terrorist attack rocks the country and anti-Islamic sentiment stirs, three Black Muslim girls create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths. Sabriya has her whole summer planned out in color-coded glory, but those plans go out the window after a terrorist attack near her home. When the terrorist is assumed to be Muslim and Islamophobia grows, Sabriya turns to her online journal for comfort. You Truly Assumed was never meant to be anything more than an outlet, but the blog goes viral as fellow Muslim teens around the country flock to it and find solace and a sense of community. Soon two more teens, Zakat and Farah, join Bri to run You Truly Assumed and the three quickly form a strong friendship. But as the blog’s popularity grows, so do the pushback and hateful comments. When one of them is threatened, the search to find out who is behind it all begins, and their friendship is put to the test when all three must decide whether to shut down the blog and lose what they’ve worked for…or take a stand and risk everything to make their voices heard. ReviewFirst off, thank you to the publisher and NetGallery for the eARC! I’m always looking for Muslim representation in YA literature, and honestly, I haven’t enjoyed many of those books so far. YTA, however, was different. It reflects on Islamophobia and how three young Black Muslim Women navigate the aftermath of a terror attack, after which the girls meet online to work on a blog together. The main characters have different interests, personalities and families, which reflects the unique Muslim experience. The characters are believable and complex; they’re not perfect and learn and develop through the story. It’s one of those few contemporary YA books where the author nails writing real teens. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep track of three simultaneous stories, but it was coherent and tied together. Also, the book was only 247 pages, and a short book is always a win in my book. The initial reason I wanted to read this book was the gorgeous cover (other publishers, take notes), and the story does live up to that! I’m sure that this novel will relate to many people since it covers anti-Blackness and Islamophobia, and the feelings and emotions that come with that. You don’t even need to be Muslim to see yourself in the characters; the book illustrates a realistic image of microaggressions. YTA provokes thought about issues like race and religion. It’s not all negative, though. The friendship that blossoms between the three girls are heartwarming. This book is genuinely one of the best books with Muslim representation. The only thing I can nitpick is that I wish the book focused more on being a Muslim itself, rather than on what is it to be a Muslim after a terror attack, but again, the book is short, so it’s understandable. I loved the portrayal of a supportive, tight-knit Muslim community. I found myself genuinely invested in each of the character’s stories and I would love a sequel! Honestly, I love the idea of a blog where people who share experiences write about them together. YTA is truly worth the read, particularly if you're interested in social justice, OwnVoices and YA literature. Overall, a highly relevant, relatable and thought-provoking short read that will interest ages 12+! Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 stars) Book LinksIt's hard to believe we're half way through the year already! I've read 17 books this year, and many of them were sequels to books I read last year. I really enjoyed most of the books I read this year, so I highly recommend checking out the ones I liked. This tag was originally created by Chami. Best book you’ve read so far in 2021The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang is a dark, intense fantasy novel. It's full-on and super gripping, and I enjoyed it even more than the first book. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2021The Toll by Neal Shusterman is the finale in great trilogy and it was super satisfying, and I could never guess what was going to next. New release you haven’t read yet, but want toThe Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes came out this year and it's the sequel of The Inheritance Games, which I really enjoyed, so I can't wait to read this. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year Our Violent Ends is the finale in Chloe Gong's duology, The first book was 5 stars and can't wait to read this. Biggest disappointment Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi is another sequel and it just didn't hit as hard of the first book for me, which is a shame, because I though the series had a lot of potential and the cover looks so cool. Biggest surprise The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is fun, young-adult mystery novel. I didn't expect to enjoy because the premise was a little 'fanf-fiction-ly', but it lived up to its pretty cover. Favourite new author (debut or new to you)These Violent Delights is Chloe Gong's debut book and I read it purely because of the hype and aesthetic cover, and I don't usually read romance, but this childhood-friends-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers-enemies story really does live up to the hype, and I look forward to reading more of Chole Gong's writing. The most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)...or borrowed. I defiantly judge books by their cover and These Violent Delights and The Inheritance Games did not disappoint. What books do you need to read by the end of the year? I've been waiting to borrow these book forever, and I'm sure they won't disappoint. Favourite book to movie adaptation you’ve seen this year?I didn't read the book, but I watched the movie a while age and while it was kind of cheesy at times, I found my self being invested in the story. Hope you found new books to read through this post! Feel free to do this tag yourself and leave the link in the comments so I can check it out. I skipped some of the prompts, so look at others' posts.
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Tour SCHEDULEJanuary 3rd Azeezat @ The Euphoriczat– Review + Book Recommendations Brittany @ Books Eats and Booze – Instagram Review January 4th Paula @ The Paper Reels– Review + Favorite Quotes Margie @ Margie Must Reads– Review + Excerpt Nikhat @ It’s Nikhat– Review January 5th Alexis @ Lex With the Text – Review Hafsah @Hafsa’s Creative Corner– Review + Excerpt January 6th Amani @ Amani’s Honest Reviews– Review + Book Recommendations Dahabo @ Dee’s Library – Review + Favorite Quotes January 7th Hana @ Linh Hermione– Review + Favorite Quotes Dee Jay @ DJ Reads Books– Review January 8th Rameela @ Star All Booked Up – Review Odalis @ Bookish Plants – Review + Excerpt January 9th Ashley @ Reading Stewardess – Review + Interview Gargee @ Wilder Girl Reads – Review + Reading Vlog SynopsisThe Awakening of Malcolm X is a powerful narrative account of the activist’s adolescent years in jail, written by his daughter Ilyasah Shabazz along with 2019 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe award-winning author, Tiffany D. Jackson. No one can be at peace until he has his freedom. In Charlestown Prison, Malcolm Little struggles with the weight of his past. Plagued by nightmares, Malcolm drifts through days unsure of his future. Slowly, he befriends other prisoners and writes to his family. He reads all the books in the prison library, joins the debate team and the Nation of Islam. Malcolm grapples with race, politics, religion, and justice in the 1940s. And as his time in jail comes to an end, he begins to awaken — emerging from prison more than just Malcolm Little: Now, he is Malcolm X. Here is an intimate look at Malcolm X’s young adult years. While this book chronologically follows X: A Novel, it can be read as a stand-alone historical novel that invites larger discussions on black power, prison reform, and civil rights. My ReviewI'll admit, my knowledge about Malcolm X is limited to his Wikipedia page, so I was looking forward to reading about the life of this familiar figure. The Awakening of Malcolm X provides an eye-opening snapshot into Malcolm X's adolescent years and what shaped him into the activist he became. The book is written through Malcolm X's own eyes during his early incarceration as he navigates the horrible conditions of Charlestown State Prison and his later "awakening" in Norfolk Prison Colony, with the help of Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam. The book focuses on Malcolm's grappling of race, politics, religion, and justice in the 1940s. It shows his highs and lows during his time in prison, and his struggles in his relationships. It also explores the treatment of black people in the two prisons. While one of them had significantly better conditions to the other, they are still treated with prejudice, directly or indirectly. During this time, Malcolm X reaches out to Elijah Muhammad, the self-proclaimed 'Messenger of God', and Malcolm converts to Islam. Malcolm X cites Elijah Muhammad for giving him newfound wisdom and a purpose in life. The end of the book sets up for Malcolm X's doubts in the Nation of Islam and his eventual departure from it, but those events don't happen in the book. Each chapter starts with a quote from Malcolm X that reflect the ideas he learns and shares later in life. The book is enriched with the family's letters to each other. The end of the book contains historical notes about the two prisons and a list of books that Malcolm read in prison that educated and enlightened him on Black history, politics and more. The author's note also mentions that she took creative liberties with the story and where there were changes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it showcases Malcolm X's life in an easy-to-read, digestible story. It's perfect for those who want a Young Adult book that informs and educates, even for those who don't read a lot of non-fiction, like me. The memoir is written like a story- it's fast-paced and hard to put down. It also prompts further reading and thought about the inherent racism of the justice system during that time. I would recommend this book for ages over 12 - I think that everyone can take something out of this enlightening and interesting memoir! My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars) Book links: Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop.org Read an excerptAbout the authorsILYASAH SHABAZZ Ilyasah Shabazz, third daughter of Malcolm X, is an activist, producer, motivational speaker, and the author of the critically acclaimed Growing Up X and the picture book Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X Goodreads TIFFANY D. JACKSON Tiffany D. Jackson is the critically acclaimed author YA novels including the Coretta Scott King — John Steptoe New Talent Award-winning Monday’s Not Coming, the NAACP Image Award-nominated Allegedly, Let Me Hear A Rhyme, and GROWN. Website | Goodreads Thanks for reading this book tour! I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Be sure to check out the other book tour posts in the schedule at the top!
Follow me on Goodreads! Welcome to another book tag post! (I'm on a roll with the book posts, right?) This particularly fun tag was created by Jen @ Jenniely back in 2017 and I found it from Lori @ The Reading Fairy's post. Here are the rules.
PromptsReceived an ARC and not reviewed it ❌ Not guilty - I've only ever got two ARCs anyway. Have less than 60% feedback rating on Netgalley ❌ Nope - but see the last answer. Rated a book on Goodreads and promised a full review was to come on your blog (and never did) ❌ I know better than to promise the review a book, know how often I review them. Folded down the page of a book ✔️ Yes, and I'm not sorry. Especially if it's an old book. Accidentally spilled on a book ❌ I can't think of a particular instance, so, no. DNF a book this year ❌ Not that I can remember - if I don't like a book, I usually skim through the rest anyway. Bought a book purely because it was pretty with no intention of reading it❌ Nope- but I rarely but books. Read whilst you were meant to be doing something else (like homework) ✔️ Naughty list - I am a certified procrastinator and books and the next best thing to do. Skim read a book ✔️ Yes - which isn't so bad, I think. Completely missed your Goodreads goal❌ Not yet - this year is the first time I'm doing a Goodreads goal. (Is it possible to read 8 books in three weeks? Catch me reading 13-Storey Treehouse to reach my goal). Borrowed a book and not returned it to the library ✔️ Yes, and oh the fines I racked up... but luckily the library forgave the fines and we returned the books eventually. But once I lost a Harry Potter books and had to pay the full price of replacement. Broke a book buying ban❌ Nice list - I rarely buy books. Started a review, left it for ages then forgot what the book was about❌ Well, I've only written like two book reviews this year so it's hard to say, but usually, I write the whole review while it's fresh in my mind, or I don't write it at all (the latter is what typically happens). Wrote in a book you were reading❌ No, because I'm pretty sure the library wouldn't be happy about that. Finished a book and not added it to your Goodreads❌ Not this year - I WILL reach that goal. Borrowed a book and not returned it to a friend❌ Noooo, I would never. Dodged someone asking if they can borrow a book❌ Nope. Broke the spine of someone else’s book❌ No way... that would be bad. Took the jacket off a book to protect it and ended up making it more damaged❌ Nope. Sat on a book accidentally❌ I can't remember from the whole year... maybe? Final Score |