Official Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Re: Official Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

Post by greeneyedgirl27 »

"The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley follows the Korean history of Em Bon a nieve son of wealthy parents. The story of Korean 20th century told by the people around him. It covers everything from violence, arranged marriages and the fall of the wealthy, and struggles against Japan. This is sure to be a historical favorite BOTD.
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Post by Love Ukaegbu »

This book, "The Vanished" by Pejay Bradley, reminds me of the Korean series "Bridal Mask". It reveals a lot about the war between Korea and Japan and how Korea was able to gain independence. I will love to hear the author's perspective on the story. Congratulations on the book of the day.l
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Post by azza lia »

Thank you for your honest, insightful review. The quotes you mention are remarkable. Historical fiction with a slow pace and abrupt ending doesn't interest me. Though I'm curious why only Lady Sougyon's part is written in first person.
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Post by Clare Brown »

The fact that this is a book featuring Korean history there's got to be a fun in it. In addition to this wonderful review , The Vanished not just highlighted on history but told of the story of a man who came to his senses of what the society truly depicts. He wasn't Moses in the Bible but Embon displayed a character that is reliable, one that shows the humane part of a tensioned filled society. Despite the whole saga he displayed responsibility when he realized the true nature of the country. Such a character is what creates a perfect book,
I love reading history and this has only made me more interested in reading this. Well done on this review
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Post by Rose Angela »

📖 **The Vanished by Pejay Bradley**
Set in Japanese-occupied Korea, *The Vanished* follows Embon, a young aristocrat drawn into the independence movement. The novel explores themes of identity, cultural loss, and resistance through richly drawn characters and historical detail. It’s a poignant look at a nation’s struggle under colonial rule.
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Post by Kiran Yadav 8 »

This was a great and insightful review! I’m really interested in the historical depth and emotional themes of The Vanished, especially Korea’s fight for freedom.
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Post by Anu Anand »

"The Vanished" explores a tense moment in Korea’s history through layered characters and shifting perspectives. Em’s journey from privilege to rebellion and Lady Sougyon’s sharp voice both sound like powerful elements of the story. Congrats on BOTD!
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Post by Troy Louis »

This review of The Vanished offers a thoughtful and in-depth analysis of Pejay Bradley’s historical novel. The reviewer captures the emotional and political gravity of the story while highlighting its cultural richness. The praise for the vivid writing, historical immersion, and character complexity is well-balanced by constructive critique. Noting the shifting points of view and abrupt pacing toward the end provides valuable insight for potential readers. The reviewer also points out missed opportunities in character development, especially regarding Embon’s love interest, adding credibility to their evaluation. The final 3 out of 4 stars feels fair given the strengths and weaknesses outlined. Overall, this review is informative, balanced, and insightful — a helpful guide for historical fiction enthusiasts.
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Post by Devesh Patel »

"The Vanished" offers a rich dive into Korean history, exploring themes of freedom and national identity through diverse characters. While praised for its evocative prose and historical depth, the review notes issues with pacing, an abrupt ending, inconsistent POVs, and underdeveloped subplots, ultimately recommending it for historical fiction enthusiasts.
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Post by Judy Burr »

Thank you for your review. I read the sample. The time in history when Korea struggled to regain its freedom from Japan. A great dive into that time for readers who love historical fiction.
Judy
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Post by Rady Espinoza »

Pejay Bradley's gripping historical fiction book The Vanished transports readers to a time when Koreans were "a people without a nation." The narrative follows the life of Kim Embon, the protected son of a Korean aristocracy, over a period of over 20 years ("Em" means forest and "Bon" indicates riches). Despite being born during a turbulent political period when Korea was fighting to free itself from Japanese occupation, Embon leads a privileged existence while being closely monitored by his mother, Lady Sougyon, a prince's daughter. A gang of young revolutionaries-in-the-making that Embon encounters when he chooses to study in Japan make him aware of the social injustices in their nation and arouse his desire for independence.
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Post by Kashi singh Rajput »

This book sounds amazing a drama in the form of book which explores the theme of freedom and struggle for freedom
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Post by Kashi singh Rajput »

This book sounds amazing .A drama in the form of book which explores the theme of freedom and struggle for freedom . I think it is a good book for the history lovers .
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Post by Seetha E »

With limited knowledge about Korean history, this book feels interesting to dig into. The characters and the 2 statements you quoted indicate that it is surely an intense read. I'd like to sample a few more pages than I did now before I pick it. Thank you for a great review!
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Post by Bettny Andrade »

This book shares the history of Korea's evolution and certain aspects directly related to the culture and the treatment of women at the time. At least twenty years of history are recounted here. The characters are beautifully portrayed, and you feel a connection with them, and the nature of the narrative draws us much deeper into the shared history.
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