Books from South Korea

In The Heart of the Nhaga, the first volume of Lee Young-do’s celebrated epic fantasy series The Bird That Drinks Tears, four distinct peoples inhabit a world divided by the mysterious Line of Limit. To the north live humans, the Tokkebi, who wield fire as both a weapon and an illusion, and the Rekon, powerful birdlike warriors. To the south dwell the Nhaga, reptilian beings who surrender their hearts in exchange for immortality. When a Nhaga is sent on a mission northward, three companions—one from each northern people—are tasked with ensuring his safe passage. Their journey quickly becomes more complicated than expected: the Tokkebi is a scholar rather than an adventurer, the formidable Rekon fears water, and the human hunts Nhaga for food. When their original charge is murdered and replaced by another Nhaga who still possesses his heart, the group faces an even more dangerous expedition. As the unlikely companions struggle to survive, they must confront their prejudices and discover the true purpose of their mission. Combining imaginative world-building, political intrigue, humor, and philosophical questions about identity and mortality, Lee creates an epic fantasy that draws on Korean cultural influences while exploring universal themes of difference, cooperation, and belonging.

Set in the Korean kingdom of Joseon in 1758, The Red Palace follows Hyeon, an eighteen-year-old woman who has worked hard to become a palace nurse despite the social disadvantages of her birth. Hoping to earn her estranged father’s approval, she is determined to remain unnoticed and perform her duties well. Her plans collapse when four women are murdered in a single night and her beloved mentor becomes the prime suspect. Refusing to accept the accusation, Hyeon begins investigating the killings herself. She joins forces with Eojin, a young police inspector, and their search leads them into the dangerous world of royal politics, where powerful figures may be hiding the truth. As evidence begins to implicate the Crown Prince, Hyeon must decide how much she is willing to risk for justice. Hur combines historical mystery with an exploration of gender inequality, political power, and a young woman’s determination to make her own choices in a restrictive society.