A devastating and pulse-pounding tale that will feel all-too-relevant in today's world, based on a true story from Korean history.
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.
'June Hur reigns supreme in making the past come alive.' CHLOE GONG
'Gripping and devastating.' ANN LIANG
'There were literally moments in this book where I forgot to breathe.' ELLEN OH
Genre: Young Adult Romance
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.
'June Hur reigns supreme in making the past come alive.' CHLOE GONG
'Gripping and devastating.' ANN LIANG
'There were literally moments in this book where I forgot to breathe.' ELLEN OH
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Praise for this book
"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." - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
"Compulsively readable and utterly unique, The Red Palace is a must-read murder mystery steeped in royal intrigue." - Jennifer Lynn Barnes
"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." - Adrienne Young
"Compulsively readable and utterly unique, The Red Palace is a must-read murder mystery steeped in royal intrigue." - Jennifer Lynn Barnes
"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." - Adrienne Young
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