Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gripping blend of K-drama, history, mystery, and romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A CRANE AMONG WOLVES tells the story of 17-year-old Iseul, living in Korea in the early 1500s with a brutal tyrant for a king. A few years ago Iseul's parents were executed on the king's orders, and now her older sister's been kidnapped by royal soldiers and is being held captive in the palace. Everyone knows the king abuses his captives for his personal amusement, so Iseul determines to get to the capital and somehow rescue her sister from a life of torment. Along the way, she meets the king's younger half brother, Daehyun, who suffers the king's abuse himself and is looking for the chance to stage a coup and oust the king. They'll both need to figure out whom they can trust, and whether working together, they can change the course of history.
Is It Any Good?
This is a tightly woven, gripping epic saga that gracefully blends elements of classic detective mysteries, dramatic romance, and sweeping historical soap opera. The two main characters in A Crane Among Wolves feel modern, fresh, and relatable. Their slowly building romance is sweet, sometimes frustrating, and provides funny banter. Author June Hur skillfully balances an unflinching look at a dark time in history with themes of love, friendship, found family, and surprising inner strength. All while serving as a reminder that if we don't learn from the past, we're doomed to repeat it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in A Crane Among Wolves. Is it too much? Does it make a difference if it's based on real people and events?
How do Iseul and Daehyun model courage and perseverance? Are they good role models? What are their weaknesses as characters?
Did you read the author's note at the end? Do you agree that it's important not to shy away from dark events in the past, even if they're disturbing? How does learning about the past help us now?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Historical Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Feiwel and Friends
- Publication date : May 14, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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