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The Forest of Stolen Girls
Suspenseful and richly atmospheric, June Hur's The Forest of Stolen Girls is a haunting historical mystery sure to keep readers guessing until the last page.
1426, Joseon (Korea). Hwani's family has never been the same since she and her younger sister went missing and were later found unconscious in the forest near a gruesome crime scene.
Years later, Detective Min―Hwani's father―learns that thirteen girls have recently disappeared from the same forest that nearly stole his daughters. He travels to their hometown on the island of Jeju to investigate… only to vanish as well.
Determined to find her father and solve the case that tore their family apart, Hwani returns home to pick up the trail. As she digs into the secrets of the small village―and collides with her now estranged sister, Maewol―Hwani comes to realize that the answer could lie within her own buried memories of what happened in the forest all those years ago.
1426, Joseon (Korea). Hwani's family has never been the same since she and her younger sister went missing and were later found unconscious in the forest near a gruesome crime scene.
Years later, Detective Min―Hwani's father―learns that thirteen girls have recently disappeared from the same forest that nearly stole his daughters. He travels to their hometown on the island of Jeju to investigate… only to vanish as well.
Determined to find her father and solve the case that tore their family apart, Hwani returns home to pick up the trail. As she digs into the secrets of the small village―and collides with her now estranged sister, Maewol―Hwani comes to realize that the answer could lie within her own buried memories of what happened in the forest all those years ago.
367 pages, Hardcover
First published April 20, 2021
445 people are currently reading
31467 people want to read
About the author
June Hur
6 books4,050 followersJUNE HUR (허주은) is a New York Times and Indie bestselling, Edgar Award-winning author of YA historical mysteries and romances, including The Silence of Bones, The Forest of Stolen Girls, The Red Palace , and A Crane Among Wolves . Born in South Korea, June spent her formative years in the USA, Canada, and South Korea before studying History and Literature at the University of Toronto and working at the Toronto Public Library. Her work has been featured in Forbes, NPR, The New York Times, CBC, KBS and more. June's next release, Adoration, a Jane Austen homage set during the Joseon dynasty, is slated for spring 2026. She resides in Toronto with her family and can be spotted writing in coffee shops.
You can find her on Instagram and Tiktok @junehwrites
You can find her on Instagram and Tiktok @junehwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,268 reviews
December 30, 2021
went into this thinking it would be a modern day YA mystery/thriller. so imagine my surprise when i found out the story is set in korea in the 1400s. it was definitely a pleasant surprise.
i enjoyed the setting and how it lent for a unique investigation. even though forensics are completely different nowadays, it was interesting to see how hwani used the basics to gather evidence and formulate theories. i also think the information regarding the ming dynasty in china and how that tied into the plot was really fascinating, as that is a part of history that i dont know anything about.
i also appreciated the humanistic side of this story and found hwani rekindling her sisterhood with maewol quite endearing. it gives some much needed positivity to an otherwise haunting story.
the author mentions in her note at the end that the second book syndrome hit her hard, and i disagree. i think this is a really great story with a lot of engaging content. cant wait to see what she comes up with next!
↠ 4 stars
i enjoyed the setting and how it lent for a unique investigation. even though forensics are completely different nowadays, it was interesting to see how hwani used the basics to gather evidence and formulate theories. i also think the information regarding the ming dynasty in china and how that tied into the plot was really fascinating, as that is a part of history that i dont know anything about.
i also appreciated the humanistic side of this story and found hwani rekindling her sisterhood with maewol quite endearing. it gives some much needed positivity to an otherwise haunting story.
the author mentions in her note at the end that the second book syndrome hit her hard, and i disagree. i think this is a really great story with a lot of engaging content. cant wait to see what she comes up with next!
↠ 4 stars
February 23, 2024
This is my first time reading June Hur and I absolutely loved her writing style and the way she presents the atmosphere and creates a scenic beauty with her flair of words. The creepy and spooky atmosphere appealed to me.
I really love how her book was about the less talked historical event. I came to know about some new information on which this entire book is based on and about which she talked towards the end in author's note.
Speaking of the mystery part it was compelling but wasn't strong and properly executed. It was rushed at times especially towards the end. I would have loved it if the twists were unfolded slowly rather than just throwing them at our faces one by one and giving no time to understand them properly. I wasn't satisfied with the mystery elements of the story.
But apart from mystery this book is also about sibling relationship between Hwani and Maewol. I liked how they still managed to cling to one another and develop their relationship despite being so different in personalities and the fact that they were seperated for almost five years. Caught up between them is also a sweet story of their relationship with their father.
Speaking of other characters not every character is who they seem to be.
Some characters were basically used as fillers ESP the aunt. The characters were just too immature and there were so many plot holes and moments that either felt incomplete or simply made no sense at all. Some things remain unanswered at the end like can Maewol see ghosts and what's here illness?
Overall a good book but could have been better. Really looking forward to red place.
I really love how her book was about the less talked historical event. I came to know about some new information on which this entire book is based on and about which she talked towards the end in author's note.
Speaking of the mystery part it was compelling but wasn't strong and properly executed. It was rushed at times especially towards the end. I would have loved it if the twists were unfolded slowly rather than just throwing them at our faces one by one and giving no time to understand them properly. I wasn't satisfied with the mystery elements of the story.
But apart from mystery this book is also about sibling relationship between Hwani and Maewol. I liked how they still managed to cling to one another and develop their relationship despite being so different in personalities and the fact that they were seperated for almost five years. Caught up between them is also a sweet story of their relationship with their father.
Speaking of other characters not every character is who they seem to be.
Some characters were basically used as fillers ESP the aunt. The characters were just too immature and there were so many plot holes and moments that either felt incomplete or simply made no sense at all. Some things remain unanswered at the end like can Maewol see ghosts and what's here illness?
Overall a good book but could have been better. Really looking forward to red place.
May 2, 2021
I give this book five stars to celebrate the people behind the scenes: My agent, my editor, my friends and family, especially my sister who watched my newborn while I scribbled away, and my husband who supported me through the most stressful of deadlines. Thank you, thank you, thank you <3
January 21, 2022
This really was just (in the most beautiful way) about sisters reconnecting through their experience of searching for their lost father in Joseon Era Korea. And I loved it for that.
It was both a heartbreaking and heartwarming read and the kind of YA mystery-thriller that I actually enjoy. Even though this had topics of death (please check trigger warnings at the bottom) it didn’t feel heavy on the heart.
my problem with Silence of Bones was that I was never hooked into the plot nor the characters but it was different since this felt like it had more of a personal touch. I loved the sister relationship and the subtle development throughout the story. It was sweet and built up on itself. You see how these sisters that were separated for so long slowly trust each other again and *that’s the heartwarming part*. There are strong family relationships, most especially sisterly and daughter-father relationships. It made me so soft and ultimately made the otherwise dark story feel warm and touching.
The way the historical fiction aspect was played into the plot was spot on.
The fact that it was mostly set in Jeju island was really fun to imagine even though I know it was in a different era, I enjoyed imagining myself being back in present day Jeju island. Definitely recommending the audiobook for this one if that's possible for you. The performance adds an extra layer to the story and brings the Joseon Korea to life.
I have to say that I wasn't as attached to the characters individually as much as I was with them as an ensemble and how they interacted with one another… nonetheless, i still think the messages were well received. The writing style is definitely investing. It does play the line between whether or not it’s a supernatural mystery or psychological mystery… which I am now realizing that I am not always the biggest fan of. I like mysteries that are more concrete and decide what it is while being creative in that side that they choose (whether psychological or supernatural). But if you do like that kind of mystery, this is goes through that phase.
The nuanced conversation on gender inequality and empowerment were very prevalent and builds up to the overall theme and message. And we all know how much I love nuanced discussions and thought-provoking themes.
This is the kind of story you should read when you want something a little darker and mysterious but is also still incredibly wholesome while delivering all the emotional familial feelings. June Hur should keep putting out more of these historical mysteries. Or branch out. Either way, I'll keep reading their books for personal and unique touch she brings to the YA mystery genre that is so hard to find nowadays.
I completely flew through this one and it's utterly transportive.
— 4.0 —
⇢ content warnings//
----------------------
*patiently waiting for my copy to arrive*
It was both a heartbreaking and heartwarming read and the kind of YA mystery-thriller that I actually enjoy. Even though this had topics of death (please check trigger warnings at the bottom) it didn’t feel heavy on the heart.
my problem with Silence of Bones was that I was never hooked into the plot nor the characters but it was different since this felt like it had more of a personal touch. I loved the sister relationship and the subtle development throughout the story. It was sweet and built up on itself. You see how these sisters that were separated for so long slowly trust each other again and *that’s the heartwarming part*. There are strong family relationships, most especially sisterly and daughter-father relationships. It made me so soft and ultimately made the otherwise dark story feel warm and touching.
“How fortunate she is, to be someone’s daughter.”
The way the historical fiction aspect was played into the plot was spot on.
The fact that it was mostly set in Jeju island was really fun to imagine even though I know it was in a different era, I enjoyed imagining myself being back in present day Jeju island. Definitely recommending the audiobook for this one if that's possible for you. The performance adds an extra layer to the story and brings the Joseon Korea to life.
“You can choose to keep silent. But if you do, would you be pleased with that decision in the years to come?”
I have to say that I wasn't as attached to the characters individually as much as I was with them as an ensemble and how they interacted with one another… nonetheless, i still think the messages were well received. The writing style is definitely investing. It does play the line between whether or not it’s a supernatural mystery or psychological mystery… which I am now realizing that I am not always the biggest fan of. I like mysteries that are more concrete and decide what it is while being creative in that side that they choose (whether psychological or supernatural). But if you do like that kind of mystery, this is goes through that phase.
The nuanced conversation on gender inequality and empowerment were very prevalent and builds up to the overall theme and message. And we all know how much I love nuanced discussions and thought-provoking themes.
This is the kind of story you should read when you want something a little darker and mysterious but is also still incredibly wholesome while delivering all the emotional familial feelings. June Hur should keep putting out more of these historical mysteries. Or branch out. Either way, I'll keep reading their books for personal and unique touch she brings to the YA mystery genre that is so hard to find nowadays.
I completely flew through this one and it's utterly transportive.
— 4.0 —
⇢ content warnings//
----------------------
*patiently waiting for my copy to arrive*
Want to read
April 21, 2021SHOULD I BUY THIS TODAY YES OR NO???
*update - if i buy this today, i'm going to HAVE TO also buy
at the same time, which inevitability real booknerds will understand.
DOES THIS AFFECT THE VOTE?
** update - we all knew i was going to buy them both, right?
and i SHOULD have known that as soon as i did, there would be a giveaway here on GR. good luck to you all!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
*update - if i buy this today, i'm going to HAVE TO also buy
at the same time, which inevitability real booknerds will understand.DOES THIS AFFECT THE VOTE?
** update - we all knew i was going to buy them both, right?
and i SHOULD have known that as soon as i did, there would be a giveaway here on GR. good luck to you all!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
June 3, 2021
this is how you do atmosphere <3
Want to read
October 3, 2020
Read
May 18, 2021“You can choose to keep silent. But if you do, would you be pleased with that decision in the years to come?
Doing what is right, it is so utterly terrifying. And yet, so freeing.”
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Bloglovin’
Want to read
November 10, 2025Apparently this is now banned? Why tho? The rebel in me now wants to read it. I mean I was gonna read it regardless since it's a June Hur book lmao. I already have the physical copy. But now it's higher up my tbr.
April 7, 2021
Thirteen beautiful young girls have vanished. They were all in the forest when they disappeared and there have been repeated reports of a masked man in the vicinity. Hawani Min and her little sister Maewol grew up near that forest and their father disappeared while trying to solve the mystery. Hawani is determined to solve the case and find their father. She is trying to follow the clues and make logical deductions just as her father would. Maewol wants to help, but her work in the shaman's hut seems to be at odds with the evidence. Is it possible for Hawani to be loyal to both her father's work and also be in her sister's life? Both girls are fierce, but are very different from each other. Can their sisterhood bond prevail in the midst of the conflicts around them? In 15th century Joseon (modern-day Korea), the options for young women are few. Those not chosen for court as princess candidates may end up as tribute for the Ming dynasty. Is that what happened to the missing girls? How has the masked man eluded capture for so long? Atmospheric and gripping, this new release from June Hur is every bit as compelling as 'The Silence of Bones.'
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2022
Young Adult historic fiction/Mystery. Main character trying to find her father but also trying to find the mask kidnapper/killer of the 13 girls. While trying to make things right with her sister. In a time when you don't know who to trust and who is on your side. C+
May 25, 2021
The atmosphere in this book is so impressive, I couldn't look away! Goodreads review to come, check it out early here. :)
Here's a preview:
Atmospheric, spooky, creepy, mysterious, complex, messy, tense
This book was not what I normally read, but it was incredibly surprising to me. The atmosphere that June creates here is so impressive that I couldn’t stop reading, even though I’m a huge chicken and scare so easily.
The Forest of Stolen Girls centers around the case of thirteen missing girls from Hwani’s hometown. Her father, the best investigator in the country, works on this case for years until one day he goes missing. Determined to find her father, Hwani returns to her hometown to discover that the town is holding more secrets than they let on.
The first thing that stood out to me about this book was the way that June Hur builds the atmosphere. It is absolutely stunning. I was immediately sucked into the setting and the spooky feeling, without being too scared, in a good way! It was so atmospheric that I could hardly put it down, because I felt like I was in the town with them! I absolutely loved that feeling of eerie apprehension. I could really feel like I was with the characters, being concerned right along with them. Continue Reading...
Bookish Brews | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr
Here's a preview:
Atmospheric, spooky, creepy, mysterious, complex, messy, tense
This book was not what I normally read, but it was incredibly surprising to me. The atmosphere that June creates here is so impressive that I couldn’t stop reading, even though I’m a huge chicken and scare so easily.
The Forest of Stolen Girls centers around the case of thirteen missing girls from Hwani’s hometown. Her father, the best investigator in the country, works on this case for years until one day he goes missing. Determined to find her father, Hwani returns to her hometown to discover that the town is holding more secrets than they let on.
The first thing that stood out to me about this book was the way that June Hur builds the atmosphere. It is absolutely stunning. I was immediately sucked into the setting and the spooky feeling, without being too scared, in a good way! It was so atmospheric that I could hardly put it down, because I felt like I was in the town with them! I absolutely loved that feeling of eerie apprehension. I could really feel like I was with the characters, being concerned right along with them. Continue Reading...
Bookish Brews | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr
May 25, 2022
sisterhood or something
August 12, 2021
I'm sorry to say I really didn't enjoy this story. It was disappointing because the premise had me very excited. I like the idea of the plot and the topic; it could have been great if executed differently.
I was pulled in at the start, the first chapters were great, but it just went down hill from there on. I like my historical fiction novels to be atmospheric, I want to time travel while reading them and unfortunately that wasn't the case here.
The character's personality just didn't resonate with the era the story was to take place in. The main character made so many dumb decisions yet she's the one to solve this mystery? The characters were just too immature and there were so many plot holes and moments that either felt incomplete or simply made no sense at all.
I soon lost interest in the characters and in their story. The history that inspired this book should have been more of the focus of the story in my opinion. Because the author's note at the end relating the history behind it all was the best part of the entire book.
I was pulled in at the start, the first chapters were great, but it just went down hill from there on. I like my historical fiction novels to be atmospheric, I want to time travel while reading them and unfortunately that wasn't the case here.
The character's personality just didn't resonate with the era the story was to take place in. The main character made so many dumb decisions yet she's the one to solve this mystery? The characters were just too immature and there were so many plot holes and moments that either felt incomplete or simply made no sense at all.
I soon lost interest in the characters and in their story. The history that inspired this book should have been more of the focus of the story in my opinion. Because the author's note at the end relating the history behind it all was the best part of the entire book.
July 5, 2021
A family drama is at the heart of this story about the disappearances of a series of girls and a detective. Two estranged sisters, Hwani and Maewol, bicker and fight their way through years of family secrets, and political secrets on the island of Jeju in 1426 Joseon in June Hur’s latest skillful mystery that lays bare a father’s legacy of mistakes with his daughters, and an ugly aspect of the relationship between Korea and China during this period.
The sisters’ relationship is marred by years of secrets and anger, and how the Hwanii and Maewol find their way back to each other is slow and rewarding, even while they also lay bare the suspicions and fears of the families on the island, exposing the deals made by those in power, and how these affect the lives of these families, including the sisters.
I loved June Hur’s The Silence of Bones, and I was so pleased this story lived up to my expectations. It was filled with pathos, fear and love, and I can’t wait to read Hur’s next book.
The sisters’ relationship is marred by years of secrets and anger, and how the Hwanii and Maewol find their way back to each other is slow and rewarding, even while they also lay bare the suspicions and fears of the families on the island, exposing the deals made by those in power, and how these affect the lives of these families, including the sisters.
I loved June Hur’s The Silence of Bones, and I was so pleased this story lived up to my expectations. It was filled with pathos, fear and love, and I can’t wait to read Hur’s next book.
May 1, 2021
Absolutely adored this! I will forever read everything June Hur writes 😍
October 7, 2021
This was such an immersive and atmospheric reading experience, I felt completely transported into the setting of this book.
December 7, 2021
the forest of stole girls is another cleverly plotted historical mystery novel by june hur. frankly, she's excellent at such stories. i was immediately sucked into the atmosphere of 1400 korea and it managed to blend the mysterious aura with it. i'm in awe of how hur weaved the clues throughout the story until the reveal in the end as well as the character motivations. the social commentary on korean girls being given as tribute to the ming dynasty in china and how the story revolved around it was interesting and authentic to read about. i loved searching for the missing girls along with hwani and maewol, the two estranged sisters struggling with their separation and the absence of their father.
after having loved hur's the red palace i held high hopes for this but i couldn't help but feel the mystery element was not hooking enough. my attention strayed as the pacing slowed. this might definitely be a me problem, so i still definitely recommend checking this out if the idea of a korean historical mystery starring two sisters interests you!
October 26, 2020
Really cool story. I loved the 1490s Korean setting, and really a fascinating look at being an independent woman detective in a time when women had no status. Good mystery, and the relationship between the sisters was really moving.
January 12, 2021
That feeling when one of your “most anticipated” 2021 reads lives up to the hype and then some 🥳 I loved June Hur's THE FOREST OF STOLEN GIRLS and it was a pageturner!
Thank you Fierce Reads and Macmillan for the e-ARC. (This is a long review so I tried to break it up into sections.)
🌿 THE PREMISE 🌿
1426, Joseon (Korea). Min Hwani returns to Jejudo to find her missing detective father and figure out what happened to 13 missing girls. In order to find her father and solve the case, Hwani must work with her estranged sister Maewol, a shamanic apprentice.
🌿 THE MYSTERY 🌿
This immersive YA historical mystery hooked me from the start. It tackles two mysteries nestled together in an era of history most readers know very little about. Hur executes this whodunit wonderfully, and I was loved the twists and turns we took to get to the bottom of things.
🌿 THE CHARACTERS 🌿
Both the main character Hwani and her sister Maewol are strong, independent female characters in a time that demanded female subservience and acquiescence. We also meet Gahee, Chaewon, and other female characters in this book who stand out in their behaviors.
🌿 THE HISTORICAL ELEMENTS 🌿
I don’t know a lot about Joseon history and perhaps other Korean readers will have more to say on this, but I thought Hur handled the difficult subject matter of tribute girls with age-appropriate references and respect. Nothing is explicit or sensationalized. We also learn about the sociopolitical divide between Jeju and mainland Korea throughout the book in natural and subtle ways (showing instead of telling).
🌿 THE ATMOSPHERE 🌿
The weather and the island feel like characters themselves, with the scent of rain-soaked earth and the feeling of mist permeating the air really providing a mind-body reading experience. I love a good atmospheric mystery so this added to the book.
🌿 MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS 🌿
• Be sure to read the author’s historical note and acknowledgments at the end.
• Though Hur is Christian, I appreciate that her books aren’t focused on Korean Christianity.
Out 4/20/21 in the U.S.
Thank you Fierce Reads and Macmillan for the e-ARC. (This is a long review so I tried to break it up into sections.)
🌿 THE PREMISE 🌿
1426, Joseon (Korea). Min Hwani returns to Jejudo to find her missing detective father and figure out what happened to 13 missing girls. In order to find her father and solve the case, Hwani must work with her estranged sister Maewol, a shamanic apprentice.
🌿 THE MYSTERY 🌿
This immersive YA historical mystery hooked me from the start. It tackles two mysteries nestled together in an era of history most readers know very little about. Hur executes this whodunit wonderfully, and I was loved the twists and turns we took to get to the bottom of things.
🌿 THE CHARACTERS 🌿
Both the main character Hwani and her sister Maewol are strong, independent female characters in a time that demanded female subservience and acquiescence. We also meet Gahee, Chaewon, and other female characters in this book who stand out in their behaviors.
🌿 THE HISTORICAL ELEMENTS 🌿
I don’t know a lot about Joseon history and perhaps other Korean readers will have more to say on this, but I thought Hur handled the difficult subject matter of tribute girls with age-appropriate references and respect. Nothing is explicit or sensationalized. We also learn about the sociopolitical divide between Jeju and mainland Korea throughout the book in natural and subtle ways (showing instead of telling).
🌿 THE ATMOSPHERE 🌿
The weather and the island feel like characters themselves, with the scent of rain-soaked earth and the feeling of mist permeating the air really providing a mind-body reading experience. I love a good atmospheric mystery so this added to the book.
🌿 MISCELLANEOUS THOUGHTS 🌿
• Be sure to read the author’s historical note and acknowledgments at the end.
• Though Hur is Christian, I appreciate that her books aren’t focused on Korean Christianity.
Out 4/20/21 in the U.S.
August 20, 2023
June Hur got my attention with THE RED PALACE, and I've finally got around to reading one of her earlier novels, THE FOREST OF STOLEN GIRLS.
I liked this book a lot, although I don't think it's quite on the same level as RED PALACE, just in terms of craft. But, so much of what I loved about THE RED PALACE is fully on display here: we have a good, old-fashioned detective story set in historical Korea, featuring a determined young heroine, a fascinating slice of Korean historical context, a steadily-simmering plot, and complex, mature themes that examine Korean culture and gender roles. By the end of this book, as by the end of THE RED PALACE, an individual monster has been defeated, but the characters - and the book - still recognise the enormity of systemic injustice that remains.
Unique to this book is the central relationship, which wisely eschews romance in favour of complex familial relationships - sisters, fathers, and daughters are at the centre of this novel in the most poignant and resonant ways. I also loved learning a little more about Jeju Island and also the historical context, in which the Ming Dynasty in China demanded a tribute of beautiful Korean girls for their imperial harems. And, as always, I'm in awe of the ways in which Hur - a westernised, Christian author writing fiction set in a world of Confucianism and shamanism - treads delicately in critiquing what needs to be critiqued while also honouring historical accuracy and the essential humanity and worth of the historical characters she writes.
Splendid fiction, the kind of YA I'd highly recommend for actual young adults, and a vivid window onto historical Korea - long may June Hur reign.
I liked this book a lot, although I don't think it's quite on the same level as RED PALACE, just in terms of craft. But, so much of what I loved about THE RED PALACE is fully on display here: we have a good, old-fashioned detective story set in historical Korea, featuring a determined young heroine, a fascinating slice of Korean historical context, a steadily-simmering plot, and complex, mature themes that examine Korean culture and gender roles. By the end of this book, as by the end of THE RED PALACE, an individual monster has been defeated, but the characters - and the book - still recognise the enormity of systemic injustice that remains.
Unique to this book is the central relationship, which wisely eschews romance in favour of complex familial relationships - sisters, fathers, and daughters are at the centre of this novel in the most poignant and resonant ways. I also loved learning a little more about Jeju Island and also the historical context, in which the Ming Dynasty in China demanded a tribute of beautiful Korean girls for their imperial harems. And, as always, I'm in awe of the ways in which Hur - a westernised, Christian author writing fiction set in a world of Confucianism and shamanism - treads delicately in critiquing what needs to be critiqued while also honouring historical accuracy and the essential humanity and worth of the historical characters she writes.
Splendid fiction, the kind of YA I'd highly recommend for actual young adults, and a vivid window onto historical Korea - long may June Hur reign.
April 19, 2021
Read the full review on my
blog
June Hur's lilting prose brought Joseon-era Korea to life. With the elements of mystery and suspense incorporated into the story, as well as the immersive surrounding, I was transported straight into the story. The vivid storytelling really helped me visualize everything going on, and honestly, I would recommend this book for it's setting, and strong historical context alone. However, the whole aspect of mystery and suspense in the story also just plays out so well. We get to see little glimpses of who may be responsible behind everything, without being given enough of a chance to actually guess, or predict it completely, which is something I found so interesting. Hur was also able to convey the complexity of sibling relationships, and how no matter what comes, at the end of the day, you'll also love them the most, and they're your family.
June Hur's lilting prose brought Joseon-era Korea to life. With the elements of mystery and suspense incorporated into the story, as well as the immersive surrounding, I was transported straight into the story. The vivid storytelling really helped me visualize everything going on, and honestly, I would recommend this book for it's setting, and strong historical context alone. However, the whole aspect of mystery and suspense in the story also just plays out so well. We get to see little glimpses of who may be responsible behind everything, without being given enough of a chance to actually guess, or predict it completely, which is something I found so interesting. Hur was also able to convey the complexity of sibling relationships, and how no matter what comes, at the end of the day, you'll also love them the most, and they're your family.
November 16, 2023
Are you usually enticed by 사극(Korean historical drama) and oftentimes find yourself yearning for more like me? I bet you fear to be left disappointed when you come across a piece of literature that seems to offer just that, or you're already let down that you hesitant to pick up another. Fret not, I've got you; The Forest of Stolen Girls presents it beautifully.
When I was reading this book, I forgot that it was in the form of writing, for June Hur's capability of creating the perfect haunting and spooky atmosphere that it felt I really was in Jeju, during the year of 1426. This is the first June Hur's books I read and I am elated to announce I will be coming back for more.
This historical-fiction story revolves around two sisters, Hwani and Maewol. Once they went missing and were found unconscious in the forest, leaving mysteries to unfold as many years later, thirteen more girls disappeared from the same forest that led their father, Detective Min, to go investigate. That was, until he, too, vanished into thin air. After the childhood accident, Hwani and Maewol lived apart from each other. Yet they were made to reunite by the circumstances, of discovering the truth.
I love the bond shared between Hwani and Maewol, how it grew stronger the longer time they spent with one another. Despite having successfully guessing the culprit before it was revealed, but it did not take away the fun I had. I love this book, especially the writing, with every fiber of my being.
When I was reading this book, I forgot that it was in the form of writing, for June Hur's capability of creating the perfect haunting and spooky atmosphere that it felt I really was in Jeju, during the year of 1426. This is the first June Hur's books I read and I am elated to announce I will be coming back for more.
This historical-fiction story revolves around two sisters, Hwani and Maewol. Once they went missing and were found unconscious in the forest, leaving mysteries to unfold as many years later, thirteen more girls disappeared from the same forest that led their father, Detective Min, to go investigate. That was, until he, too, vanished into thin air. After the childhood accident, Hwani and Maewol lived apart from each other. Yet they were made to reunite by the circumstances, of discovering the truth.
I love the bond shared between Hwani and Maewol, how it grew stronger the longer time they spent with one another. Despite having successfully guessing the culprit before it was revealed, but it did not take away the fun I had. I love this book, especially the writing, with every fiber of my being.
September 18, 2021
"You have a knack for solving mysteries."
Sorry to burst your bubble but Hwani literally does not have a knack for solving mysteries. All she did was attack everyone with her suspicions of them and is always conveniently saved and helped by people around her. There were so many instances where it should've clicked but no. It never did to her.
This is beautifully written and the setting was immaculate and so was the premise. I also love the historical references. However, it was very lacking as a mystery book. And no, she isn't good enough to be a detective if you as me.
Sorry to burst your bubble but Hwani literally does not have a knack for solving mysteries. All she did was attack everyone with her suspicions of them and is always conveniently saved and helped by people around her. There were so many instances where it should've clicked but no. It never did to her.
This is beautifully written and the setting was immaculate and so was the premise. I also love the historical references. However, it was very lacking as a mystery book. And no, she isn't good enough to be a detective if you as me.
December 15, 2021
A 1400’s feminist murder mystery - that’s one summary I definitely did not see coming when I picked up this book.
September 6, 2024
4.5 this is fast paced and keeps me hooked all the way through w its intense premise
Want to read
June 16, 2023The Forest of Stolen Girls 1426, Joseon (Korea)
The Red Palace 1758, Joseon (Korea)
The Silence of Bones 1800, Joseon (Korea)
April 16, 2021
I'm gutted that this didn't end with more of a bang, but it started off extremely well. We're lured into an atmospheric, intriguing story set in 1400s Joseon-era Korea, where two non-conventional sisters are on a sobering quest to find their missing father.
The mystery is brilliant at first - all the questions, the clues, the snippets from the cast of Jeju islanders. The setting is immersive. You can completely feel the winds, the darkness, the trees, the wild, free spirit of the island. I loved the inclusion of the haenyeo divers, and the historical and cultural details, including the sad significance of tribute women.
Unfortunately, somewhere around the halfway point, the mystery and the sisters' journey started to lose its spark. The pacing was a little slow and not enough was happening to keep my undivided attention. The climax wasn't quite the big reveal that it should have been. And while the relationship between the siblings was well-written, there wasn't much to the other characters. Most felt like passing names in a too-long tale.
That said, I think I'd give Hur another try, especially with historical fiction. Just perhaps something that isn't a mystery.
The mystery is brilliant at first - all the questions, the clues, the snippets from the cast of Jeju islanders. The setting is immersive. You can completely feel the winds, the darkness, the trees, the wild, free spirit of the island. I loved the inclusion of the haenyeo divers, and the historical and cultural details, including the sad significance of tribute women.
Unfortunately, somewhere around the halfway point, the mystery and the sisters' journey started to lose its spark. The pacing was a little slow and not enough was happening to keep my undivided attention. The climax wasn't quite the big reveal that it should have been. And while the relationship between the siblings was well-written, there wasn't much to the other characters. Most felt like passing names in a too-long tale.
That said, I think I'd give Hur another try, especially with historical fiction. Just perhaps something that isn't a mystery.
May 17, 2021
This is Young Adult/ Historical Fiction/Crime-Mystery set in Korea in the 15th century. This was a solid 3 stars for me. It had a completely modern vibe to it. It almost felt like it could have happened yesterday if the Joseon dynasty was still a thing. The modern vibe seemed to work given the target audience.
I liked the family relationships in this one. Two daughters felt an intense need to find their father and were willing to go to great lengths in their search. Most of the family units represented in this story were motherless but the author showed well the lengths fathers will go for their daughters. These were detailed and believable.
I also liked the setting but more detail would have been nice. A larger presence of the Joseon dynasty might have also countered the modern vibe more. So all in all, 3 stars.
I liked the family relationships in this one. Two daughters felt an intense need to find their father and were willing to go to great lengths in their search. Most of the family units represented in this story were motherless but the author showed well the lengths fathers will go for their daughters. These were detailed and believable.
I also liked the setting but more detail would have been nice. A larger presence of the Joseon dynasty might have also countered the modern vibe more. So all in all, 3 stars.
December 30, 2021
This was engaging and near impossible to put down. I read it in one sitting. It's exactly the sort of mystery I enjoy the most, one that focuses on character development. It is also a sister story, which is also a favorite of mine. I loved the dynamic between the sisters, and the development of their relationship over the course of the novel. The 14th century Korean setting is fascinating. I would read more books about these characters and this village for sure. By the end, I cared about all of them and wanted to stay a little longer. I will definitely be looking at more of Hur's books now.
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