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yellowbinge's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Publishing date:
04.03.2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Interstellar Flight Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: A fantastic blend of spices and comforting ingredients in a tasty soup
The book left me: Wanting more like this, and a continuation of the story please ...
Negatives:
Repeats descriptions a lot, often on the same page
Conversations flow a little strangely
Characters can seem very irrational with no proper reason for it
Not so much a mystery, more so a "oh no it broke, not we have to fix it"
Positives:
Characters have surprising amount of depth for such a short story
The plot moves naturally
Great dynamic between the characters
Features:
Lots of korean culture, myths, spiritualism, talismans, a tiny cameo with sign language, lots of queer representation, possensions, multiple POV's
Why did I choose this one?
I was craving a mystery again, but since I can't stand the usual "whodunnit" killer kind ... I opted for a more fantasy-esque book. This was an absolute success in those terms
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Pick-Up-Able. Very engaging story, got me hooked.
What was the vibe and mood?
It had a very heavy and serious kind of vibe to it. As if everything was hung on a thin thread ready to snap at any moment, but we gotta be safe before we attempt to climb it. It also reminded me of "Constantine" a lot, similar mood there.
The descriptions of people spirit energy also brought with it some "phantom smells" for me, so I could constantly "smell" whatever was happening on page. Very freaky, and very cool
Final ranking and star rating?
A tier, 4 stars. Very good book. I will be on the lookout for this author again. Vibed with the writing and the character work a lot. Will also be recommending this around in my circle, I think it might surprise a lot of people
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Transphobia, Death, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Deadnaming, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Gaslighting and Self harm
paracosim's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This novella is what The Dead Take the A Train wishes it could be. Both are about spiritualists and exorcisms, both have aspects of horror (though this one is much less gruesome), and both have queer protagonists who are down on their luck and mocked by their paranormal communities. Where The Dead failed, though, Small G-ds of Calamity succeeded.
The pacing was excellent. The author reveals pieces of information bit by bit, letting the reader slowly piece together what happened in the past to make the characters who they are in the present, and it was so masterfully done that I was surprised to learn this is a debut. The story itself was grim but had moments of humor to break up the angst, the descriptions were vivid, and the mention of Han-gil being bi and asexual? Flawless. Stunning. Very natural. The trans representation? Beautiful. Chef’s kiss. The worldbuilding was also done very nicely.
My only wish is that it was longer, and that we’d gotten a bit more of an explanation about the supernatural world itself. It left a lot up to interpretation in a way that had me wanting. Overall, though, I have very high hopes for anything this author comes out with next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death, Transphobia, Death of parent, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Deadnaming, Grief, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Ableism
phoricho's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I enjoyed this book. I really liked that it was set in Seoul and that the main character was bi, asexual and adopted.
The whole fantasy aspect was set within Asian folklore, which wasn't something that I'd ever read before but I found it very insightful.
The topics/themes of forgiveness and family were really strong and I loved how they were explored differently for each character.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, however, I found it to be slower paced and a little information heavy when explaining the lore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Transphobia, Murder, Self harm, Stalking, Violence, Body horror, Mental illness, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Deadnaming
starryeyedreads's review
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book has a lot of representation. I was pleasantly surprised at the setting, because most books like this one take place in New York.
I love how trauma and PTSD were portrayed throughout the story. Han-gil takes time to warm up to Yoonhae but he gets there. I would be lying if i said i wasnt shipping them them during most of the book. I really loved learning a bit about Korean and Japanese culture through the characters. I was also pleasantly surprised to see deaf representation, because that certainly isnt common in books (although it should be)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Death, Murder, Transphobia, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Xenophobia and Domestic abuse
zennyreads's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Small Gods of Calamity has an unique fantasy set in modern era - comprising of spiritual beings, humans and magical elements with a cast of Korean & Japanese characters.
I went into this novella thinking that it was a simple mystery novel about a police detective investigating the spirit responsible for many unfortunate deaths, including his own mother. But it was emotional, painful and nerve-wrecking to read. I absolutely adore the diverse representations that included a transgender character, a bisexual and ace MC and a disabled rep as well. The ending was beautifully executed, and a story about healing, forgiveness and found family. A hidden gem indeed!
Thank you to Interstellar Flight Press and Netgalley for the ARC, leaving my honest review and thoughts.
I went into this novella thinking that it was a simple mystery novel about a police detective investigating the spirit responsible for many unfortunate deaths, including his own mother. But it was emotional, painful and nerve-wrecking to read. I absolutely adore the diverse representations that included a transgender character, a bisexual and ace MC and a disabled rep as well. The ending was beautifully executed, and a story about healing, forgiveness and found family. A hidden gem indeed!
Thank you to Interstellar Flight Press and Netgalley for the ARC, leaving my honest review and thoughts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Transphobia, Suicide, and Death
quakinginmybooks's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Small Gods of Calamity by Sam Kyung Yoo is an upcoming gem that's not talked about enough. This book should be getting more press. It's urban fantasy with the backdrop of Korean folklore and set in modern day Seoul.
The novella opens with a suspicious death, with ghosts who can only speak using smoke, and with the smell of the ocean. Detective Kim Han-gil is haunted by the smell of the ocean and the past. He's doing his best but sinister worm spirits might get the better of him. To make matters worse, his sister, more of an expert in exorcising spirits than he is, is in Japan.
Small Gods of Calamity is a story about personal history and how it influences the present, about resentment and coming to a more nuanced understanding of the past. It's also about forgiveness and letting go, too. Most importantly it's about family and friendship and the family you find. There's great queer and ace rep, great friendships and found family dynamics.
I know this book hasn't even been released yet, but I really want a sequel. I want to spend more time with Han-gil, Azuna, and Yoonhae. I want more stories set in the world that Sam Kyung Yoo has created.
The novella opens with a suspicious death, with ghosts who can only speak using smoke, and with the smell of the ocean. Detective Kim Han-gil is haunted by the smell of the ocean and the past. He's doing his best but sinister worm spirits might get the better of him. To make matters worse, his sister, more of an expert in exorcising spirits than he is, is in Japan.
Small Gods of Calamity is a story about personal history and how it influences the present, about resentment and coming to a more nuanced understanding of the past. It's also about forgiveness and letting go, too. Most importantly it's about family and friendship and the family you find. There's great queer and ace rep, great friendships and found family dynamics.
I know this book hasn't even been released yet, but I really want a sequel. I want to spend more time with Han-gil, Azuna, and Yoonhae. I want more stories set in the world that Sam Kyung Yoo has created.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Gore, Sexism, Suicide, and Murder
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