This was a fun romp that, sadly, just wasn't enough to keep me reading. I am not sure if it is because I just couldn't connect or because of reading this while moving. Still, the writing was fun and I could see myself trying to read this again which is why I am giving three stars.

This mesmerizing fantasy is rooted in Korean mythology, blending dark romance and high-stakes action. Shin Lina, a fierce assassin, is forced into servitude after her gang’s destruction. When ordered to steal a sacred tapestry, she angers the immortal Dokkaebi Emperor, Haneul Rui, and is thrust into a deadly game, kill him in 14 days or lose everything. The world-building is vivid, and the writing beautifully balances lyricism with intensity. Lina’s strength and vulnerability make her a compelling heroine, while Rui’s enigmatic presence sharpens the tension. Though the pacing starts slow, the suspense and emotional depth kept me hooked. A thrilling, addictive read.

Last of the Talons by Sophie Kim is a thrilling and action-packed fantasy that blends heart-pounding adventure with rich world-building and a powerful heroine. The story follows Ember, the last surviving member of an ancient clan of assassins, as she seeks revenge against those who destroyed her family. Kim’s writing is vivid and immersive, with intricate magic systems, intense combat scenes, and complex character relationships. Ember’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle with loyalty and vengeance make this a compelling read. Last of the Talons is a must-read for fans of fast-paced fantasy with strong female leads and high emotional stakes.

Forced to do the bidding of a notorious crime lord, Shin Lina’s latest mission sends her into the grasp of the immortal emperor. With her sister’s fate hanging in the balance, she finds herself navigating dangerous bargains, courtly intrigue, and her conflicting feelings for the enemy she’s been tasked to take out.

Tropes:
⚔️Assassin FMC
⚠️Enemies to lovers
🫂Forced proximity
🩶Morally grey characters
☠️Deadly bargains
🏰Intrigue
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Found family
🫑: spice free romance

Shin Lina’s story is one of loss, betrayal, and resilience. The author delicately explores each layer of Shin Lina and Rui and their growing and deepening connection.

Shin Lina is a FMC you can’t help but cheer for and I’m so excited to see where her story heads in the next book!

Intriguing and original, Last of the Talons is a fast-paced fantasy filled with rich Korean mythology, mysterious characters, and a suspenseful plot.

So grateful to the author, Entangled Publishing, Entangled Teen, and NetGalley for the review copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a little slow at the beginning. The world building was a bit hard to follow especially at the beginning. As the story progressed, the plot got a bit better and it was more fast paced. For a debut novel, it was good.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. The author's introduction to Korean history and mythology had me intrigued as I had never looked into it before, and it gave me a good base going into this read. I really enjoyed this book, the twists and turns on Lina's life, her love/hate for Rui, her desire for blood and to hurt anyone and everyone that has done her or other's wrong. Characters were well developed, there was a good level of attention to details without taking away from the fast pace flow of the story. I truly enjoyed the chemistry and interactions between Lina, Rui and his court and can imagine there is a lot more to follow to this, secrets to be revealed and hopefully love in the end.

I'm not sure there was much spice to this, I'd say it's completely safe for younger readers. And I definitely recommend book 2 which I completely jumped into once I was done. Hence the delay in providing brief feedback.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the e-Arc, it was quite a nice read and wonderful to discover yet another a new author (to me)!

I had some trouble with this one. I am not sure if I was just not in the right headspace for this type of story or if I read too many similar books in a row but it didn't come across as particularly different. It was a good story, and the character's independent spirit was relatable but maybe the way the creatures and everything connected just wasn't for me.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Kae is a skilled warrior from the once-powerful Talon clan, whose members were feared for their strength in magic and combat. After her clan is destroyed by a rival enemy, Kae becomes one of the last of her kind. As she seeks vengeance for her fallen family, she uncovers dark secrets about the true nature of the enemy that destroyed them. The world on the brink of war and Kae must navigate dangerous alliances, question her loyalties, and form bonds with people she thought were her enemies. She is forced to confront not only her enemies but also the truth of her own powers, which may hold the key to saving or destroying everything she’s fought for.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was exciting and fast paced. I like that Kae is a strong FMC and she has the power to forge her own path.

*Last of the Talons* is an electrifying blend of dark romance, Korean mythology, and high-stakes adventure! Lina is a fierce, determined heroine, and her dynamic with the enigmatic Rui crackles with tension. The enemies-to-lovers romance is deliciously intense, and the dreamlike world of the Dokkaebi is captivating. With thrilling action, heart-wrenching emotions, and a game of life and death, this book keeps you hooked until the last page. Sophie Kim’s storytelling is lush and immersive, making this a must-read for fans of fantasy and slow-burn romance. A beautifully crafted tale that will steal your heart! 💜✨

✨ Book Review ✨

Last of the Talon by Sophie Kim
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

18 year old Lina has lost everything and she is now forced to serve as the deadly assassin for a rival crime boss. That is until a mysterious man brings her to the world of the Dokkaebi and strikes a bargain with her.

How is no one talking about this fantasy series?!?! I loved the magical world, Lina, Rui and the tension between them 😏
I thought it was such a fun and fast paced fantasy book and can’t wait to pick up the next one in the series!

Thank you entangled publishing for the gifted copy! 💖




Review to Goodreads already posted, will post review on instagram on 2/10

Wow, I really liked this one! It had great action, magic, and a budding romance. I am looking forward to the rest of the series to find out what happens next.

Thanks to Entangled Teen for hosting that awesome read along and thank you for the e-book so that I could participate. All opinions are my own.

Last of the Talons is a Korean Pied Piper mashup with fantasy elements and gangs. Lina is trying so desperately to save her sister. She makes bargains, enemies, and compromises in order to protect her sister. It's one of the central components of Lina's character. And we love her for it. At the same time, she's haunted by the guilt of her actions in the past, her own painful past, and how much she hates herself. I felt like Lina, and her relationship with the Pied Piper figure - their cat and mouse - was the most compelling. Pacing wise, I felt there was a bit of a lull as the time counted down.

Thank you to Entangled Teen for the review copy!

Last of the Talons is the first book in a YA fantasy series. It's a pied piper retelling and blends Korean mythology with fantasy and dark romance in a really enjoyable way. I loved the world building and found the characters to be interesting. The overall story was enjoyable with a few plot twists and lots of secrets to uncover. My biggest issue with this book is that while Lina was the Reapers of Sunpo, and a highly skilled assassin, she can't figure out how to kill the emperor and resorts to seducing him. While she's on a strict timeframe to kill him, it also never feels like she has a sense of urgency in her mission. Overall, I think its a solid debut, and I'm interested in seeing what happens in the next book.

Sounds intriguing and an own voices debut that draws from cultural inspirations, but I do feel this would shine better if it were more strongly edited. Feels like a one-dimensional story that has no real draw, and it was hard for me to keep reading.

Would definitely try more by the author though.

Truly an interesting read !! It took me awhile to understand names and places but I loved the culture of the book and the story!

4.5 ⭐️

This Korean mythology was so beautifully done! It’s the first one I’ve read but it won’t be the last.

Shin Lina is the last surviving member of her gang, The Talons, when he’s taken by an immortal god for a game of cat-and-mouse in order to save her younger sister. The feared and revered Pied Piper (Rui) is fighting a rebellion aiming to dethrone him. When the rebellion recruits Lina, she has to decide where her loyalties lie.

Lina was whip-smart and a good fighter, while Rui was charming and deadly. Although they were playing games, they also had a deep connection and respect for each other. Rui in particular was so smitten with Lina, and his protectiveness and caring had me swooning many times. I can’t wait to continue this trilogy to see where their relationship goes, and whether Lina puts love above revenge in the future.

Jaine Ye was incredible on the audiobook. I would have been mumbling 90% of the names in my head if I didn’t have her pronunciation there for me. Her pacing was perfect and her emotions were spot on throughout the story. I was glad to have the ebook at the same time though, because many names were similar in pronunciation so I was going back and forth to be sure I was understanding who was on the page at the time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! I participated in a publisher readalong for this book and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the lore and the story.

“They’re dead, they're gone, but I’m still here. Still here with my utterly worthless life, my hands coated in their blood.”

I read Last of the Talons during a bookclub organized by the publisher. It was such a ride that I struggle to imagine it was only the first book in a trilogy. I loved to discover Lina’s story, be fascinated by Rui and have my mind… full of questions. The story is a retelling of a Korean Myth and it was my first dip into this mythology. While the book is fast paced, with many twists and turns –thanks to the mortal deal between both MC and the political intrigue–, while a lot of action happens, it also explores deeply the characters’ minds and emotions. The main theme remains (IMO) grief –and I loved how it is told in many different ways– and (the survivor’s) guilt, but it is also a great coming of age story. That part, however, is very different from what I’m used to reading in books picturing “young” characters. I don’t want to spoil, but this book is for Lina like a new-birth, as if a new life was opening to her. I loved how it was done, and I can’t wait to read what happens in book 2 and 3.
Rui is another interesting character, and I had so many theories about him during my reading. What we discover in the end seemed almost too simple, but I’m sure he has many secrets to uncover in the next two books. In this one, he was mysterious, funny, and angsty, making him such a paradoxical character.
Both felt in “auto-destructive” mode, they ended up being very much alike that I anticipated, and their interactions were interesting to read in that way.
The world building here is spotless. Politics, whimsical moments, magnificent places and creatures, everything is here, and once again, I can’t wait to know what S. Kim plans for us in the next 2 books.

This book ended up being a solid read, despite being a little difficult to get into it initially. I’m happy I stuck it out. Lina is an assassin who is forced into a game with the emperor Rui in a realm she doesn’t live in so she can save her sister. The story is based on Korean lore and has a number of words I had to made up my own pronunciation for and try to keep straight. This was a little distracting at times and I also had a little trouble keeping them in order. Maybe just a me problem, maybe not.

Very enjoyable! It was a little slow to start, but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down. I love the interaction between Lina and Rui. Those were my favorite parts. I look forward to checking out the next book!

I was very excited to read this book - I loved the cover art and the description. It did take me a few chapters to really get into the story though, but I am glad I stuck it through! The author's style of writing is detailed without being too cumbersome (again, give it a little time!). I enjoyed the mythology included in the book.

My only complaint is that the FMC, Lina, acts in opposition of the facts given about her. How can she be this master assassin but fail to do basic things like recognize when she is being followed? Still this book is a great read and I'm interested in seeing more from this author.