Raven of the Inner Palace (Light Novel) Vol. 3

Raven of the Inner Palace Light Novel #3

by Kouko Shirakawa, Ayuko (Illustrator)

FEATHERS OF FATE

The Yamei Palace has become a much less lonely place—despite Jusetsu’s predecessor’s warnings—but the Raven Consort still cannot truly escape the emptiness in her heart. There’s no shortage of visitors who come in the evenings to ask for her help, and tonight is no exception. A mystery within the Hakkaku Palace leads Jusetsu to come across the Eight True Teachings, a religion threatening faith in Uren Niangniang. Meanwhile, Koshun discovers a glimmer of hope that could free Jusetsu from the Raven once and for all. Will the two of them continue to work together?

Genres: Fantasy, Light Novel, Fiction, Mystery, Historical, Romance, Novels

280 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2019

About the author

English：Kouko Shirakawa
Japanese：白川 紺子
Traditional Chinese：白川紺子

Reviews

[Yas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Save me"

She felt like her plea for salvation that she had cast out into the darkness had finally been heard.

خدای من خدای من! چقدر عاشقشونم. جوستسوی عزیزم🫂
این جلد نشانه‌هایی از امیدواری داشت✨️

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more Koshun's book than Jusetsu's, but that works for where the story is going.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this series is like watching a tapestry being woven, except you don’t know what the final image is intended to look like, and each chapter zooms in on only a small part of the whole. It does this in a very engaging and well polished way and I’m all for what this story is serving up. I these small pieces getting slowly unveiled, and pondering how they’re all going to fit together in the end. This volume was a bit slower paced than the others with less overall action, but man did it still drop some bombshell details and intriguing tidbits to further along the overall mystery.

This series plot and character work are both top notch, but I am reluctant to give it the higher score it deserves just because the translation and editing of the volumes can be a bit of a hit and miss - they’re are several typos and oddly worded sentences that just detract from the overall experience of reading when you have to pause and go back to try and make sense of an incomplete sentence. I wish the overall presentation of these volumes had been given the attention to detail they deserve.

[Munch · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Struktur der Kapitel ist immer noch gleich. Jusetsu erhält einen Auftrag und erfüllt ihn. Diesmal wird aber zunehmend auf die Vergangenheit einiger Charaktere eingegangen und allmählich ändern sich auch einige Gedanken der Charaktere über einander. Besonders Eisei Abneigung gegen Jusetsu fängt an weniger zu werden. Es entstehen für ihn in Konflikt stehende Gefühle und die Darstellung finde ich wunderbar gelungen.
Ich finde diese Entwicklung sehr schön und zeitlich auch passend. Mittlerweile befinden sie sich in einer regnerischen sommerlichen Zeit nach dem wir die Charaktere den letzten Winter/Frühling verfolgen durften. Mehrfach wird drauf eingegangen, dass das Wetter feucht und schwül ist oder dass die Charaktere zur Temperatur passende Kleidung tragen. Besonders schön finde ich aber, dass Jusetsu zunehmend andere Färben trägt bspw. Pomegranate Red oder Scarlet. Außer der neuen Jahreszeit kommt ein neuer Charakter hinzu, der in Jusetsu Alter ist und unbedingt mit ihr interagieren möchte. Ich finde es toll, dass Jusetsu sich langsam immer mehr mit Leuten abgibt. Sie lernt gerade wirklich, was es heißt, ein Mensch mit Gefühlen zu sein.
Die Stimmung des Buchs ist jedoch immer noch dunkel und düster. Es entsteht allmählich ein Gefühl der bösen Vorahnung. Irgendetwas fängt an uns als Leser böse in die Seite zu stechen. Ich freue mich schon drauf, was es sein wird.

[Sheridan Strang · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Still grammatical errors (the publishing company should have really fixed that)
But I enjoyed all the surprises and banka don't you be doing anything to my girl Jusetsu

[Tiana Marius · Rating 4 out of 5]

politics and religion are becoming more intertwined in this volume which makes it a bit more of a heavier read. however, the development of the side characters such as Eisei and Tankai makes it more enjoyable. I love seeing the growth of Jusetsu. her trying to balance her duty and her feelings and emotions was made for a more layered read. I want to see more of Koshun with her though.

[Siobhán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adore the way all these little pieces are coming back together, the wya characters connect back, it's so satisfying. I think the previous volume fit my preferences a bit more but damn this series keeps getting more intriguing and more tightly connected. Even seeing the different characters' perspectives and what they realize but don't share is so fun as a reader.

"Oh, it sounds like he's nicer than I thought," Jiujiu said. "He's always sharp-tongued with niangniang."
"I'm never going to argue with him ever again…" Jusetsu mumbled grouchily.
"Because you'll lose?" Jiujiu said bluntly.
Jusetsu glared at her, but Jiujiu just shrugged her shoulders back.

"Have you been playing Go with somebody?" Jusetsu asked.
"No, I've been by myself. I was remembering a game I once placed with Gyoei and thinking about what moves I should have made."
"In case you two have a rematch?"
He narrowed his eyes. "…I suppose so." [The long con in lying to her about this.]

"…It's helpful to ask for other people's opinions on things," Jusetsu remarked.
"It is."
"Now I realize just how little I truly know."
"I see," replied Koshun.
"Actually… There's something I've been wanting to ask you about for a while."
"What is it?"
Jusetsu got straight to the point. "Gyoei's dead, isn't he?"
Just as Koshun was about to put a Go stone down, his hand froze. [Can't get anything past my girl.]

"I told you, didn't I? You're too considerate. You anger people by being overly prudent."
"You…did say that, yes. Are you angry?" Koshun asked calmly.
Jusetsu shook her head. "You're consider of my feelings, but…who's going to be considerate of yours? Were you just planning on not telling anyone how painful it was to lose Gyoei and shutting those feelings away?"
"If he did that, his wounds wouldn't have the change to heal.
Koshun paused. "There are plenty of people who are considerate toward me. I'm the emperor."
This wasn't really true. Jusetsu felt a pain deep insider her heart—the pain she felt for Koshun.

Why is this man here, in the imperial estate? He didn't look as if he had the same guts to work for the sake of his country, not the ambition to make a name for himself. He just seemed extremely sad.
This man is dangerous, Jusetsu thought.

Then, Koshun threw yet another question Eisei's way. "Sei, what do you think about Shiki?"
Unrelated questions were a common feature of Eisei and Koshun's conversations. These few words were enough of the emperor's eunuch to know exactly what he was being asked.
Eisei lowered his glossy long eyelashes and answered him right away. "I think he's dangerous."
"Do you?"
"Master… I don't think you should place too much trust in him," he warned.
"Does it look like I trust him?"

"…I feel like you and Jusetsu could get along well, you know."
Eisei very nearly spilled his tea. "S-sometimes, when you're being still and silent, you come out with the most exorbitant statements, master."
By the look on Eisei's face, it seemed that he felt that they'd never get along well, not even in a million years. Koshun found the man's reaction so funny that he couldn't stop a laugh from escaping his lips. I'll try that line on Jusetsu next, he thought to himself. [Koshun punking them is hilarious but I'm also starting to pick up what the author is putting down here especially after Koshun reflected that perhaps Eisei and Jusetsu seem similar to each other because they're both from brothels.]

"Should I accompany you as well?"
"No, that won't be necessary. Go back to the Yamei Palace," she said.
"I am technically your bodyguard, though."
"Onkei is all the protection I need on this occasion."
"But that makes me—the 'unnecessary' one— feel sad." Tankai laughed. "Kidding, kidding."
"You feel sad/" Jusetsu looked up at Tankai.
"Hm?"
"In that case, come along."
Jusetsu left it that and went through the gate. Tankai looked taken aback.
"Niangniang is a kind person," Onkei said to him. "Don't joke around."
Tankai said nothing and followed behind them. [I love everyone slowly coming to fall in love with Jusetsu and understand how kind she is.]

"You're right—niangniang is kind. It's no wonder you've been mesmerized by her." He then lowered his voice to a whisper. "I am no exception. She's kind, defenseless, and there's something delicate about her too. You know what I mean, don't you?"
Onkei silently listened to Tankai speak.
"Nobody would ever treat a bunch of guys like us like they would anybody else, regardless of whether we were eunuchs or not. I'm right, aren't I? I'm a failed their who got arrested for making a silly screw-up. I was bought by a broker and dumped here because I had the looks for it. I'm a scumbag. But to niangniang, I don't think it would have mattered if I was a thief, a eunuch, or a prince—she would treat me with the same level of consideration, regardless." Tankai gazed idly at the coal-black tiles. "I might be a worthless loser, but I still want to see niangniang happy."
Onkei gazed at the Yamei Palace too. "I…I agree."

The woman continued anyway. "Did you know about that woman he moved on to? Her name was Ogyoku. She was beheaded." [THEY ARE SIBLINGS!!!!]

Eisei then turned back the way he came, but Jusetsu called out to him in an effort to stop him.
"Wait. Take this," she said, holding out a handkerchief. "Dry your face."
Eisei remembered how he offered Ho his own handkerchief. Suddenly, he began to cry. Before he knew it, tears seemed to be rolling down his cheeks. Eisei pulled his overcoat over his eyes. [No one can resist Jusetsu being slightly weird but also exceptionally kind.]

Just like the emperor, she never tried to ask him any questions.
He wiped his eyes with the handkerchief one more time.
He knew what she'd say. "So what?"

Jusetsu was just that sort of girl. He'd always known that. Sure, they might have had the same father, but why would share care? [This is such a good but also currently inconsequential plot twist, but it's great because they don't get along so it's just so funny.]

"Then, did you know why my clan left Kakami?"
Jusetsu cocked her head to one side. "No, I don't."
Banka glanced over at Jusetsu. "It's because they killed a god."
…They killed a god?
Jusetsu silently waited for Banka to elaborate.
"In the region of Kakami where my ancestors lived, people used to worship a certain god. The god of good harvests—the god of the soil and the land. But at one point, my ancestors started wanting to have this god all to themselves. So, they offered the god a deal—they would give their youngest daughter to him as a wife if he became our clan's protective deity."
"Their youngest daughter…" Wasn't Banka the youngest daughter too? Jusetsu thought.
The god allegedly accepted, and it was decided that the youngest daughter would marry him. They got everything prepared for the wedding and entered the cave where the god dwelled. But then…" Banka yanked off a gardenia petal. "The god's shriek echoed throughout the cave. The person dressed in the bridal outfit was not the youngest daughter, but actually an attendant in disguise. The attendant stabbed the god to death with a hidden sword. The head of the Saname clan never intended to give his daughter to the god as a wife in the first place. What he really wanted was the jewel that the god had."

These unanswered questions left Jusetsu feeling shaken up. She couldn't bring herself to move. She had no idea what to do anymore. And, to make matters worse, she didn't even know whether it was her who was feeling shaky and fearful, or if it was the Raven.
I know nothing.
Jusetsu felt like she was still that scared little child, crouching down in the darkness with nobody to tell her where to go. Reijo raised Jusetsu to walk on her own two feet, to get by without needing or asking for help from anyone. That was how the Raven Consort was.
Jusetsu too had been planning on living a life where she didn't request anybody's help, and yet here she was.
In the darkness, against the warmth of Onkei's back, Jusetsu wanted to scream out for her from the bottom of her heart for the first time in her entire life.

Choyo placed his hand on the hilt of the sword that hung from waist. "I must take your life now so that I can ask His Majesty for forgiveness. Let your head be of use to us, even if the rest of you is not."

[Riri · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

Another amazing volume in the series. After what happened with the Magpie Consort last time, things seem to have calmed down in the inner palace… at least on the surface. Jusetsu continues to ponder about what the Owl said, and despite feeling guilty for not sticking to her predecessor's teachings, she can't seem to stop connecting with others. This book has a clear theme of people having more than just one side, showing the many conflicting layers of human emotions, and Jusetsu herself is no exception.

Just like the previous volumes, each chapter features a case for Jusetsu to solve. This time, we have a lady-in-waiting haunted by a ghost outside her door, the ghost of a regretful manservant from a past era, and a scholar with a ghostly hand pulling on his sleeve. All of these cases are connected to a certain cult that worships an ancient god on the verge of reviving, which leads to a familiar side character exiting the scene and leaving us with the sense of foreboding. There is also a subtle hint as of why Jusetsu was warned not to bond with anyone. As she makes new friends and saves a consort's life towards the end, she finds herself taken aback by how people are starting to hold her in reverence… which is not all that different from the ancient god's cult.

Oh, and there's also an interesting revelation about Eisei and Jusetsu.

Overall, the book keeps the somber and ominous tone that's been here since the first volume. It's so well-written, mostly serious but with lighthearted scenes sprinkled all over to balance it out. This one is less lore-heavy than the previous volumes and has little to no action, but the generally creepy atmosphere makes up for it.

My only issue with this particular book is the amount of typos and errors. Not even grammatical errors anymore, but mixing up character names or even sentences that don't make any sense. It doesn't exactly ruin the book, but extremely distracting. What happened during the editing process? Do you need more editors? Or proofreaders? Hire me if you do. It's such a shame because the book is really good, so hopefully volume 4 won't suffer from this issue.

[Delie Dell Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story goes deeper. There are now more people involve. Government, religion are at play, and there are now people who wants to get rid of the Raven consort. It’s getting more and more interesting

[Luana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questo terzo volume ci porta oltre gli eventi raccontati nell'anime: vengono introdotti nuovi personaggi e la trama continua ad infittirsi in un mix particolare di politica e religione. Ma ad attirare l'attenzione è soprattutto lo spazio dedicato ai dubbi e ai tormenti dei due protagonisti.

Dopo gli eventi narrati nel volume precedente, Jusetsu si trova a dover fare i conti con le sue paure - dove finisce Jusetsu e dove inizia il Corvo - e con il contrasto che si viene a creare tra il timore di aver tradito gli insegnamenti della Consorte Corvo che l'ha preceduta e la volontà di circondarsi di persone che tengono seriamente a lei. Quella solitudine che aveva accettato come parte del suo destino, diventa sempre più insostenibile. E finalmente c'è qualcuno che ha sentito il suo grido di aiuto ed è pronto a fare di tutto per venire in suo soccorso e liberarla da un destino che sembra già scritto. È davvero possibile liberare sia Uren che la giovane donna che la ospita? È davvero possibile farlo senza mandare tutto alla malora, senza distruggere il delicato equilibrio venutosi a creare tra il Sovrano dell'Estate e quello dell'inverno?Per ora non c'è ancora una risposta, ma Koshun non ha alcuna intenzione di arrendersi e vuole ridare a Jusetsu la sua libertà.
Anche il suo è un personaggio decisamente interessante: dietro la sua maschera impassibile, si agitano emozioni profonde e, a tratti, violente (come l'odio nei confronti della defunta imperatrice vedova, un odio che non è venuto meno nemmeno dopo la morte della sua nemica numero uno e che non lo abbandona). Sono proprio curiosa di vedere come evolverà questo personaggio.

Come scritto prima, è molto accattivante la combo tra politica e religione - qualcosa si muove dietro le quinte, tanto più che qualcuno ha attentato alla vita di Jusetsu. E se il potere di Uren sembra essere entrato in un periodo di crisi (dopotutto quasi nessuno venera più questa dea e i suoi altari sono caduti in rovina), c'è qualche altra divinità che sta tornando in auge e che rischia di creare problemi. Vedremo come procederanno le cose nel quarto volume.

Piccola nota a margine sull'edizione in inglese: i tre volumi che ho letto finora sono abbastanza pieni di errori grammaticali, di battitura e di traduzione. Diciamo che il lavoro di editing non è stato dei migliori, purtroppo.

[Mair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in the series - we learn more lore and more twists appear. The plot still keeps being episodic, but the focus shifts more towards the main topic of the Raven and the origin of the Raven Consort.

For those coming from the anime - this book has stuff not covered in anime anymore. I would still recommend reading the prior 2 as well, but anime did a good job covering them.

As for typos...I am convinced the editor quit or just took the piss halfway through, because the closer we got to the end the more typos there were, some properly idiotic, including but not limited to mixing names of characters when the character it was mixed with wasn't even present or mentioned. Like HOW? Please ask another editor to read it from back to front, maybe that might fix this continuous problem....?

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 3's events are well beyond where the Raven of the Inner Palace animated adaptation ended, so if you held off on buying the books after watching the anime, join us! Jusetsu and the other Inner Palace characters continue to develop, and a few new ones are introduced. The stories in each section are satisfying stand-alone reads, but all add up to the overall storyline. After dropping some possible hometown connections, the book ends on a satisfying note while also setting things up for volume 4. However, volume 3 seemed sloppier than the previous 2, with some errors in the wording. The errors were not enough to ruin the story, but they were unwelcome distractions. I do appreciate that the publisher finally added a brief character guide and maps to the beginning of this volume, so I'm still very much looking forward to volume 4.

[Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is where I stop the series. Ultimately, the simple writing style of this light novel series catches up with it, and the formula of expositional, slow world building and secret-revealing wears thin. It fails to justify being as long as it is. The progression of relationships between all the leads, while realistic, is also far too slow, especially in novel form.
The core "mysteries" of the ghosts still hold some decent drama and emotional moments, particularly as the stakes climb higher and higher. But also, I have realized that these are not truly mysteries as they were earlier in the series, because the solution is always hidden in someone's backstory or another coincidentally connected myth.
Nice concept for a series, and I don't regret my time with it.

[Christina Blank · Rating 5 out of 5]

always a good read

I love this author… In this series. The author is very talented at creating characters that are unique, and yet intriguing. I particularly love the raven consort, and the idea of the balancing kingdoms that are unknown to the general populace, but so essential to the kingdom. also the little bit of romance and tension is really kind of sweet. I really can’t wait to finish the fourth novel.

[Ebbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's getting more confusing than before. I'm going to see it through, but I'm not especially taken by the story. The things that are the most interesting to me are the smaller stuff, how everyone's relationships are evolving and such, and the "small" mystery or the part of them that are not linked to the "bigger picture".

[Rebo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though I didn’t enjoy this one as much as Vol 2, it was excellent. The world really expands here as we get to leave the imperial estate and get many new characters’ POVs. More about the gods is revealed and Jusetsu faces more new threats. I am excited for the next Vol and sad that Vol 5 won’t be out till Nov…

[Say · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was still good. But the only reason why it was 1 star short was the lack of action. Well, what can I say I love big events happening in my book. But the great thing about it tho was it did lacked action but the revelations…well it had a lot this time around. So overall still a good one.

[Ophilia Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like this book was alot better in the writing. Almost like more thought was added. Not as much: he said this, she said thta, theyd id this. But more description and fluff was added. And i liked that alot! Could also be a translation thing.

Need to buy vol 4 now >.< !

[Antony Pan · Rating 4 out of 5]

对于整个系列的总体评价是，这是披着中华奇幻风的皮，实际上讲述的是现代人的空虚寂寞和童年创伤的故事。

女主寿雪为什么要替人解决各种灵异怪事？其实她被困在宫中，又是乌妃的身份导致大家对她敬而远之，从而想要排解心中的孤独寂寞。

而这书里的人，表面上虽然可能和和谐，但是背地里却能做下咒毒杀之事。生活在这样环境中的乌妃也变得越来越无助，虽然她有法术，但终究还是十六岁的少女。

虽然整个系列看不太清走向，但是从皇帝那边还是看到了一个主线，就是结束乌妃的诅咒，解放乌又同时不要伤害乌妃的性命。

[Gabriela Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me costo un poco seguir la idea con los temas de política y los cargos de diferentes funcionarios públicos.
Hay revelaciones interesantes a lo largo de la novela que me dejaron con la boca abierta, espero que desarrollen más esos temas en los demás volúmenes

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume takes us past the anime and into new territory, as Jusetsu's circle expands and Koshun focuses on ruling. Overall, I like the direction of the plot, but the writing feels stilted and bland.

[Billi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally made it to volume 3! Ah I cannot wait for the anime to come back! I hope we get another season! I loved it so much and really enjoy this story. The mysterious vibe and the way the raven consort finally is opening up! Koshen is dreamy!

[Flor Espinoza Sanchez ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m absolutely in love with everything’s that’s been happening and all of the plot twists!! Gahhh I can’t believe what’s happening and the relationships that are developing and all of the crazy going on in the imperial court!!

[Tyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things get more complicated - in terms of mythology, relationship, as well as court politics!

[Ros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this a lot. I think if you like The Apothecary Diaries, you may like Raven of the Inner Palace as well.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

[Muffin 07 · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is such a chill read, I literally finished it in a day🌚

[Banashree Mandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going through Emperor's lens to a friend's view,. this book contain more of kosun's part. Hope Consort Banka didn't spill the bean to her father.. or is it?

[Katie❄️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. This volume starts where the anime left off.

3.5. Things are getting more dangerous.

Noticed quite a few typos in this volume.