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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
I never imagined I would miss the coffee trope, but here we are…
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
This was an enjoyable and satisfying sequel to the God and the Gumiho, just as easy to read and hard to put down, with romance that is once again sweet and a little spicy and perfectly tension- and longing-filled. I remembered the first book fairly well but forgot a few details, and that was not a problem reading this book. Generally the book reminded me of what I needed to know if I needed. I found this book reminiscent of some Percy Jackson books in a fun way for adult readers. I really enjoyed the additional aspects of Korean mythology explored in this book.
This was an enjoyable and satisfying sequel to the God and the Gumiho, just as easy to read and hard to put down, with romance that is once again sweet and a little spicy and perfectly tension- and longing-filled. I remembered the first book fairly well but forgot a few details, and that was not a problem reading this book. Generally the book reminded me of what I needed to know if I needed. I found this book reminiscent of some Percy Jackson books in a fun way for adult readers. I really enjoyed the additional aspects of Korean mythology explored in this book.
ok so yeah I didn't like this as much as the first book and it took me probably a third of the book to even begin to get into it? but then I was having fun. I think this cast of characters were less fun for me than the first, and I'm personally less than enthused abt a fake/malicious therapist. the dad thing was a bit underwhelming really. might still read the next when it comes out, I'll see i guess
funny
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:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Positive:
- I loved the yearning in this book.
Particularly, from Seokga toward Kisa. This wasn't present in the first book since they kinda ate with the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, but, in this book, it was nice to see that change into something more cautious, but still full of love. - Once again, I'd say the mystery aspect of this book was pretty interesting.
For a romance book, to have more plot than just "omg, I love her, I need her" was a nice alternative. The red herring toward Hwanung was effective. I also liked that it sometimes gave hints to clue the reader in on the real "villain" of the story. Fun plot twist too with Hwanin's death.
Neutral:
- The investigation sometimes felt repetitive and directionless -- but I was entertained enough throughout them.
- Romantic scene...
It was fine, I don't think it was fully necessary after they both had a breakdown, but it's not really a full negative for me haha.
neg:
- The ending... Like last 20% or so.
It was a bit heavy-handed with trying to reach a conclusion. There were moments that just didn't feel necessary. For example, having Kisa remember her past life and talk with her past self or what she learned from Seokga crashing out -- I liked the novelty that came with her not knowing her past life and learning to accept that she still loves Seokga herself, and Seokga realizing that even though he loved Hani, he still loves Kisa. For that to basically be thrown out the window when their lives and souls connected was a bit messy. Additionally, the thread becoming a physical being... just because... didn't feel necessary. I would've rather had Yeomra take out Jang than the thread suddenly being a hero. - There were a few themes/threads of the story that I wish were carried out more.
Particularly, I would've enjoyed having the love between Somi/Hajun (a freer love) vs Kisa/Seokga explored more since they have the weight of the past kinda tying them down. Additionally, the Ship of Theseus was an interesting point to bring up, but I would've liked more exploration there as well.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It was a cute time to see them get together again but I did get upset with how they handled the reincarnation. They bring up the idea of the Ship of Theseus and that Kisa is a different person from Hani, hell, it's even in the primary materials at the front. However, they choose to heavy handedly push that the two are the same person, including moments that were frankly irrelevant. While I understand the reincarnation/souls, it would be much more powerful if they acknowledged and kept Kisa as her own seperate person rather than have Hani hallucination/dream confirm they are the same person. The whole thing is that Seokga is able to love and him coming to terms that she is not the exact person just to :///. Also it is real obvious that evil Jang.
Positives: man is a yearner and that is a win. It is quite fun and easy to read. Goofy, a bit irreverant.
Positives: man is a yearner and that is a win. It is quite fun and easy to read. Goofy, a bit irreverant.
I cannot tell you how much I love this little duology. Sophie Kim is brilliant, and she never fails to make me laugh and cry and rage all in one book sometimes all in one page. I am unsure how to do this second installment justice and not spoil literally everything in it. But I felt that it all came full circle not just for Seokga but also for the whole pantheon and Kisa/Hani. We meet new characters, and we forgive and spend time with old friends. This ship in the underworld is for many dead the last journey before they are reincarnated and for Seokga, this journey is similar. He had to confront a lot about himself and who he used to be and who he wants to be. Falling in love changed him for the better and finding Kisa gave him back the spark of wanting to continue down the path of change not just for love but for himself. Kim is very clever in her writing, showing the torture of the underworld is that everyone is forced to work in a corporate setting until they get through the never-ending queue to reincarnate. This was an interesting take on the current society we live in, and I found it very funny. I loved baby Hwanin and his new relationship with Seokga. Watching Seokga attempt to care for a baby was amazing and hilarious but watching his love for his brother grow was so sentimental as he was taking care of him because that was what was best not because he could get something out of it. This turn of his character was pivotal. So much happens in the short five days they are on this boat, and it is hard to put into words how amazing this book was, but it was truly like watching a TV show in my head. I would read anything Sophie Kim writes, and I will cherish this duology forever and I still think about The God and the Gumiho on a daily.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
I love Kisa, Somi and especially Hajun! Seogka fell flat again but luckily the other characters picked up the slack