Customer Reviews
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to learn more about Korean folklore. The descriptions are wonderful, the point of view changes are clear, and the ending is heartwrenching.
Overall, I enjoyed the read and did not have to force myself "too" much to get through it once I got past 50%. The premise of cultural mythology/folklore retellings is a favorite of mine and then to add in a murder mystery - sounds right up my alley!!I enjoyed the banter between the main characters (though the coffee debate ended up being over used for me). I enjoyed their development from enemies to reluctant allies to friends to lovers. The side character's were fun as well! The mystery component was probably my favorite piece, even if as the reader we learn things well before the characters realize it.Where I struggled:- I did this in audiobook format and the similarities between the character's names made it difficult to keep track of what was going on. I realize this is a Korean/Asian book but I would equate it to an author using character names such as Jess, Jaz, Jen, June, etc. I think it is important to consider names not just for the ability to visualize them differently but how they are going to sound when read, especially within the culturally appropriate accent.- The ending was heartbreaking and I felt robbed. I understand this set up for book 2 and I do feel the ending helped solidify all the character growth both of the main characters had throughout the book but it was not, in any way, a happy ending.- I would have preferred more world building to help understand this fantasy. Simple things like how the gods relationship with the mortal realm, how/when they started to interact with each other, a basic understanding of the mythological stories from which this book was based, etc. If I had known the folklore prior to reading, I may have enjoyed the book more.As a whole, this was an entertaining read and I was happy to be able to read a story with more diversity than the typical Greek mythology, but this is not a story that will stay with me for years to come.
Kim Hani has been keeping a low profile since 1888, which is only fair considering she’s a wanted serial killer. Notorious for her binge of 400 men’s souls and livers and the reason why the law now forbids Gumiho from consuming them entirely, Kim Hani now leads a relatively normal life as a barista. But when she potentially blows her cover and implicates her innocent coworker, Hani knows she’ll have to be a very clever fox to get out of this mess alive.Seogka hates, well, everything… Except for coffee (as long as a certain Gumiho isn’t the one making it since she always gets his order wrong). A fallen trickster god, he must work with the local police to rid the human world of dark creatures as penance for attempting to overthrow the emperor of the gods, only after he completes this task may he return to the pantheon.But when the police find dead bodies with 2 different M.O.s, Seogka is the one who realizes the Scarlet Fox isn’t the only murderer in town, it seems there is also a demon with the power to end the world on the loose. Faced with this possibility, Seogka is tasked with taking down both villains in exchange for his immediate restoration of power. he jumps at the opportunity. But Kim Hani takes on the role of Seogka’s assistant to thwart his scarlet fox hunt even if it means she has to help him kill a demon.As these two reluctant allies hunt down the demon, sparks start to fly and Hani doesn’t want a silly little thing like the truth to get in the way of whatever their hatred is becoming. But the truth has a way of always coming out. Will they be able to work together and stop the world from ending, or will the truth tear them and the world apart?I support women’s rights, but most importantly, women’s wrongs so Kim Hani’s level of petty is absolutely HILARIOUS. I loved the banter in this book, these characters are both so clever and funny especially when they’re intentionally annoying each other. The relationship between Hani and Seogka is a true slow-burn romance and honestly, it was done so well. We see so much character growth from both of them before the romance blossoms and it makes the story that much richer!!I was never 100% sure who the villain was until the reveal and what a reveal it was. You have to be prepared for this ending y’all, I sobbed. And even though it was sad, I honestly couldn’t have dreamt of a better ending. Seriously, 10/10 no notes on the ending.This wasn’t necessarily an issue for me but if you’re unfamiliar with Korean mythological creatures you will have to do some googling! I think this book would benefit from adding a glossary for those unfamiliar with the terms used that aren’t in English. You could even take it a step further and include pictures so we know exactly what version of the creature the author included in the story!!All-in-all this was a beautifully done story that I think anyone looking for an Urban Romantasy novel would love!Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Seokga and Hani. It was such a fun read and I absolutely can not wait for book 2.
Not only is this one of the most beautiful book covers but I absolutely loved everything moment of this book. The characters complimented each other well while also clashing in such an amusing way. The banter was hilarious and the plot was perfectly done!
