The Water Stricken


Fiction - Drama
407 Pages
Reviewed on 08/22/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite

The Water Stricken by Rina Olsen is a gripping historical novel based on the 1866 French expedition to Joseon, Korea. When His Majesty, the Daewongun, ascends the throne, the law prevents Christianity from being embraced by the masses. Missionaries and Christian converts are being exposed and slain in high numbers. In Haedong village, the body of 16-year-old Hwangbo Pyori is found in a ravine. She was the concubine of the nobleman Gil Gyomok. Tragically, Pyori died on her wedding night, and her ghost still roams the mortal realm. She makes contact with a female police inspector, Narae, who is accused of being a Christian spy in league with the French. Together, they seek to discover the truth--who killed Pyori and why? The answers will shock you. Get your copy of this riveting book and let its characters take you on an exciting journey you will never forget.

This beautiful tale perfectly combines ancient Korean folklore, mythology, and historical events. Rina Olsen gives readers richly developed characters, captivating settings, and a fascinating blend of reality and fantasy. A thrilling narrative ferries readers into a world where humans and gods cohabit. The storyline is overflowing with twists and turns as these resilient characters, Pyori and Narae, try to overcome the various obstacles thrown at them while uncovering the identity of the true villain. The Water Stricken does an outstanding job of exploring themes like religious freedom, culture clashes, personal choice, self-sacrifice, identity, and women in Korean society during the 19th century. The secondary characters, like Kwak Hashin, Admiral Roze, and Pyoseob, are equally captivating. They each contribute depth to the narrative. I recommend this tale to readers who enjoy fantasy novels that seamlessly blend history and mythology. If you love books like The Odyssey and Circe, you'll love this literary work too.