The title of the series absolutely matches the series itself “cruel palace.” I would say that this series like many other historical dramas that surround the palace life such as emperors and all of his concubines is about the same. The only significant difference that I saw in this is that the logic of our female lead was off. What I mean by that is her hate really didn’t make sense. Usually with the dramas like this there was some serious things that happened to the character and you know why and somewhat understand why they became evil but with this one it seem that they took a small incident and made her vengeful. In truth I couldn’t power through all of the episodes. I watched what I feel was a significant amount and then I skip to the end. Bottom line or female lead wasn’t the craziest of a concubine that I’ve seen but she was definitely one that did some of the strangest things I’ve seen. I assume that the ending was fitting for most especially if you didn’t like the female lead.

If you’re looking for historical romance I would not suggest this one but if you’re into historical dramas and I do mean dramas lot plotting, murdering and scheming you may like this one. No fairy tale ending, no redemption (I.e bad guy turns good) nope.