A review by yellowbinge
Small Gods of Calamity by Sam Kyung Yoo

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. 

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
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