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rubytrev's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I liked this! It was cute. I really liked the use of Korean Mythology. I enjoyed both of our main characters. They were annoying and childish a lot of the time, but I still liked them. Their banter was petty and sweet. The plot was super simple and predictable. I wish it had given me more, but I still had fun. I will say, the first half of this book was SLOW. I did not love it, but I enjoyed the latter half. I went into this expecting goofy/silly vibes, and that’s what I got. Thanks to NetGalley and Random Publishing for this e-ARC.
bookishmillennial's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
disclaimer: I don’t really give starred reviews. I hope my reviews provide enough information to let you know if a book is for you or not. Find me here: https://linktr.ee/bookishmillennial
Thank you to Del Rey for the physical ARC and to PRH Audio for the ALC - I am providing this review of my own accord <3
Premise:
Thank you to Del Rey for the physical ARC and to PRH Audio for the ALC - I am providing this review of my own accord <3
Premise:
They'll do anything to outsmart each other. Anything, except fall in love.In this delightful Korean contemporary fantasy, a fallen trickster god must pair up with a coffee-slinging, shapeshifting fox to track down a demon of darkness before it devours the mortal world.
I'm literally lol-ing at this premise because..... nvm, I won't spoil it *heehee*
Overall, I had SO MUCH FUN reading this one. I am so excited for the next book in the series because the ending was such a cliffhanger/shock. I was not expecting that, and it was so surprisingly selfless and bittersweet *sobs*
The tension and banter between Kim Hani and Seogka was perfection. I loved how goofy these two were, and I think this would translate so well onscreen if it was optioned and adapted hehe.
Overall, I had SO MUCH FUN reading this one. I am so excited for the next book in the series because the ending was such a cliffhanger/shock. I was not expecting that, and it was so surprisingly selfless and bittersweet *sobs*
The tension and banter between Kim Hani and Seogka was perfection. I loved how goofy these two were, and I think this would translate so well onscreen if it was optioned and adapted hehe.
cw notes: also, I put "addiction" as a content warning because the character is described as having an addiction to coffee/caffeine, though I wonder if it's more of a dependency? Just curious wording idk.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gore, and Death
Moderate: Vomit, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Murder, Blood, and Addiction
chaptersofmads's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"There are no happy endings in your story. The god and the gumiho ends with tragedy."
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A fun and creative read that's sure to delight romantasy fans!
It's a testament to Sophie Kim's writing abilities that I enjoyed this story as much as I did. I started with anticipations high - due to the author's Talons series being one of my favorite trilogies - but quickly realized there were a lot of things about this story that clashed with my personal tastes. Particularly the fact the LI read like a Snape and Loki crossover, which is not my cup of tea.
However! Even with these personal issues and some technical ones, this was still a fun time. I had to look past certain things (such as how icky the fmc is. why was she consistently sticky and chewing weirdly?) but I was invested in the plot and ultimately, did care about their relationship.
This is sure to be a win with trope-driven readers, as this book is filled with many beloved tropes (sunshine x grumpy, forced proximity, etc.) without them feeling out of place. Due to the nature of the story and the fact it never took itself too seriously, these things felt like fun inclusions rather than eye-roll inducing fan-service.
I don't know if contemporary fantasy is one of my favorite things, but I will say that I appreciated how the author incorporated real world elements with her fantastical beings. It was reminiscent of how mystical creatures exist in the Shadowhunters world, while very much remaining its own story.
Overall, while this was not to my personal taste and it was a bit flawed, I still emphatically recommend this. If you're someone that wants a quick romantasy where the plot isn't lost to the romance and the characters have their own driving forces beyond their hormones, I do think you will love this.
Beyond anything else, looking past the stickiness, it is a fun time.
ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
A fun and creative read that's sure to delight romantasy fans!
It's a testament to Sophie Kim's writing abilities that I enjoyed this story as much as I did. I started with anticipations high - due to the author's Talons series being one of my favorite trilogies - but quickly realized there were a lot of things about this story that clashed with my personal tastes. Particularly the fact the LI read like a Snape and Loki crossover, which is not my cup of tea.
However! Even with these personal issues and some technical ones, this was still a fun time. I had to look past certain things (such as how icky the fmc is. why was she consistently sticky and chewing weirdly?) but I was invested in the plot and ultimately, did care about their relationship.
This is sure to be a win with trope-driven readers, as this book is filled with many beloved tropes (sunshine x grumpy, forced proximity, etc.) without them feeling out of place. Due to the nature of the story and the fact it never took itself too seriously, these things felt like fun inclusions rather than eye-roll inducing fan-service.
I don't know if contemporary fantasy is one of my favorite things, but I will say that I appreciated how the author incorporated real world elements with her fantastical beings. It was reminiscent of how mystical creatures exist in the Shadowhunters world, while very much remaining its own story.
Overall, while this was not to my personal taste and it was a bit flawed, I still emphatically recommend this. If you're someone that wants a quick romantasy where the plot isn't lost to the romance and the characters have their own driving forces beyond their hormones, I do think you will love this.
Beyond anything else, looking past the stickiness, it is a fun time.
francxscamc's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
cakt1991's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I knew next to nothing about The God and the Gumiho, but the title and cover both drew me in instantly. The premise also sounded fairly unique. The introductory note from the author further promised K-Drama vibes, and those definitely came through in the best way.
I loved the subtle, gradual lore building with gods and demons, rooted in Korean mythology. There’s a sense that both leads are characters who’ve been around for many centuries and seen a lot, and the little references to historical events they’d drop absolutely tickled me, like 1888 and Jack the Ripper.
The characters are absolutely delightful. Gumiho Hani once had a “career” of devouring souls as the notorious Scarlet Fox, and is now enjoying a peaceful retirement working a coffee shop, which in itself is incredibly comical. But then, you throw in exiled god Seokga, who is trying to work toward his redemption. Even without any other external plot, the banter between the two is absolutely delightful, and a total highlight of the book. And having them work together to catch a demon presented an interesting challenge, especially with him still not knowing her secret identity. I loved how their feelings for each other grew through the forced-proximity with one another.
This was a tad on the slower side, pacing wise. A major factor is that the romance is the central element, and it is a bit of a slower burn. But I felt that it was mostly effective in this regard, and there were other external plot elements that complemented the romance arc and occasionally moved the story forward. But it’s key that if you’re expecting something deeper or more epic/action-packed, you won’t find that here.
This was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more from Sophie Kim in the future. If you’re looking for a relatively cozy, fun romantasy with Korean mythological influences, I’d recommend checking this out!
inesacrow's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? No
4.0
slowpoke's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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
3.75
Thank you to netgalley and del rey for this advanced readers copy.
I believe this is Sophie’s adult debut and it was a very fun time! I will say that this book is highly recommend towards kdrama/jdrama lovers and even those who love manga and manhwa as it feels like a written out kdrama or manhwa.
Because of this feeling, it honestly did not connect with me as much as I would have liked. At times i really enjoyed it and other times it just felt like i was reading a fanfic of characters i liked from an anime lol Which isnt BAD of course but just wasnt for me especially. With that being said I did still tear up with a certain POV at the end of the book lol
After finishing the book, I get why its set in the 90s but it didnt really feel like it either. Then again I am not sure what SK was like in the 90s anyways so not sure if this is even a relevant critique for me personally.
Overall, I loved both Seokga and Hani as characters. I do feel like their attachment for each other is odd and extreme given that they are both over a thousand years old but fall hard in just a weeks span of time. HOWEVER i will say that the end of the book also makes this make more sense so I will cut it some slack lol
titalindaslibrary's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.0
It’s this book’s misfortune to have been picked up during a reading slump, but I finally finished it! And for the most part, I had a good time! That ending though, ugh 🥲❤️🩹
Definitely a book that would translate well to a kdrama, the vibes feel very similar.
Definitely a book that would translate well to a kdrama, the vibes feel very similar.
baileyvic's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
3.5
thewhisperingpages's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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
4.0