marylu412 's review for:

The God and the Gwisin by Sophie Kim

4.5

emotional funny mysterious reflective relaxing 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

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Sophie Kim’s *The God and the Gwisin* is a hauntingly beautiful triumph—a cosmic romance steeped in Korean mythology that swept me from the first page to the last. Aboard a ghostly cruise down the river of the dead, Seokga (a heartbroken god hunting his lost love’s reincarnation) collides with Yoo Kisa (a sharp-witted *gwisin* with no memory of him), sparking electric tension as they’re forced to solve the Heavenly Emperor’s murder before the voyage ends. Kim masterfully balances wry humor (Kisa’s modern ghostly sarcasm vs. Seokga’s divine dramatics) with profound themes: the weight of reincarnation, the scars of past lives, and subtle, resonant parallels to mental health struggles—particularly the crushing pressures echoing Korea’s K-pop industry. While the murder mystery serves more as a catalyst than a complex puzzle, it perfectly drives Seokga and Kisa’s achingly tender evolution from reluctant allies to soul-deep partners, exploring how trust can heal even celestial wounds. Kim’s prose dazzles—lyrical yet punchy, eerie yet warm—and though the climax resolves a touch neatly, the emotional payoff lingers like a dream. **4.5 stars** for its rare blend of whimsy and wisdom; a gem for lovers of mythic love stories where healing feels as vital as the HEA. 🤍✨*“Seokga’s yearning, Kisa’s wit, and that river of stars—perfection.”*