When I say I was scouring every ARC site for this book almost daily for the last six months, that is not an exaggeration! After graciously being given an ARC for book 1 in the series, I could not wait to get my greedy little hands on this one!

Full review on my blog at the following link: https://brittanicaboldsbabblings.wordpress.com/2024/03/28/book-review-wrath-of-the-talon-talon-2-by-sophie-kim/

What I liked about the book:
1. Let’s start with that dedication: “For the angry girls.” LOVE IT!

2. The revenge plot and fighting scenes in this book were so good! I loved the thinking that went into everything, I loved the explicit nature of the fights detailed, and I loved how many different fights we got to read. Lina’s strategy of ripping the Blackbloods apart piece by piece was so smart and completely unhinged. I loved it!

3. I loved watching Lina in her new vulnerability with her body and existence. Watching her adjust and stumble was such a difference from book 1 where she was so confident to the point of arrogance. In this book, we got to see the scared side of her and it brought so much depth to her character!

4. Rui continued to be perfect! And his love for Eunbi just heightened my love for him even more <3

5. I loved learning more of the history behind the Dokkaebi, the Imugi, the war, as well as Rui’s Pied Piper responsibilities and what drives them!

6. As for other characters, I loved the introduction of our two new side characters, Iseul and Seojin. Iseul was so damn funny and Seojin was a welcome surprise and much needed voice of reason. I also enjoyed seeing more of the relationship between Lina and her sister, Eunbi. As always, Kang from Rui’s council continued to be brilliant!

7. Sophie Kim did it! She gave us intimate scenes!!! I loved that we got these, especially when I wasn’t expecting them. I really, really, really hope we get more in book 3 because they were just so delectable.

What I wasn’t a fan of:
1. It had a slow start, not really taking off until around the 15% mark. It definitely took off after that point but was a little hard to get into at first.

2. It’s been about 1.5 years since book 1 came out, and I found the refreshers of book 1 offered throughout this book were not detailed enough or quick enough for the gap of time between the two release dates. I had to go back to my highlights from book 1 to remember some of the intricacies of what happened so I could get myself back up to speed. Not an issue as a whole, but I would have appreciated a bit more in this area.

4.5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, LLC, and Sophie Kim for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

Considering how much I enjoyed first book from this series I was really happy when my NetGalley request to view Wrath of the Talon from Entangled Publishing, LLC was approved! I was sure my first review on this site will be positive (because I’ve sent requests only for my few most anticipated releases).

Well. Now I have some thoughts. And my rating won’t be as positive I thought it will be…

Let’s start from the fact that this book was supposed to be published 6.06.2023 but here we are… 10 long months later...Almost a year. For an avid reader like myself it’s been exactly 238 read books later… So it’s not surprising I had difficulty remembering what actually happened in first installment. I even had to reread few last chapters to remember how exactly first book ended. (And I really don’t like to be forced to reread books… You know that saying: „so many books, so little time”? I live by it. But I HAD TO.

First few chapters was a struggle for me. I couldn't get into it. It was hard to read. Atmosphere was dense and heavy. Because of the Voice in her head Lina was INSUFFERABLE! She was soooo angry and cruel, I found it repulisve at times. I don’t even know how many times I wanted to throw my kindle out the window. I wanted for that Voice to get the hell out of her mind!!! Ugh…. I’m not going to lie – for 97% of this book I was ANGRY. And that’s not happening very often (maybe never…)

I feel bad for Rui. He was trying to help Lina and how it ended for him? Not well. She was really, REALLY cruel to him, she said many hurtful things and forced him to do some things he may not yet be ready for.

Wrath of the Talon is a heavy book. It’s full of pain, anguish and sorrow. It shows struggle with anger, grief and depression. It shows what fanaticism does to people… I wouldn’t say it’s young adult book. Young adult fiction refers to books written for readers roughly between the ages of 12 and 18 and there was a LOT of blood, gore, and few scenes was too spicy for 12-14-year old readers. Or maybe I’m too old school? I don’t know.

I’m not sure if I want to read last book. Now I’m really heartbroken and I don't know when (or if) I'll be ready for conclusion of this story. But if I decide to give it a chance I really hope for one trope (which I usually HATE) – time travel. I really hope Kang will find some way to turn back time so FEW THINGS from „Wrath of the Talon” never actually happens…

Even though I’m not rating this book 5/5 or even 4/5 stars, I still recommend it. But be prepared for tons of pain!

Also thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

i was deeply ecstatic when i received the notice that i was approved to read an ARC of this book and i am really thankful to author Sophie Kim, Entangled Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to dive into this book real soon

this book was utter magic and i was immediately intoxicated by it, i did not finish this book in one sitting because i actually wanted to savor every moment of the book. shin lina was so relatable in the sense that she will not stand for injustice from other people, which i also believe in. rui was so gentle all throughout and oh gods, i wanted him to give me the moon on a string. the side characters and the newly introduced one executed their roles perfectly, making the story more exhilarating.

this is a must read and watch out for its birthday on April 2!!

Last Of The Talons was a very average read, but Wrath Of The Talon fixes some mistakes, I found the reading more fluid and the story much more interesting, especially the ending! Good character growth, I didn't really like the Interlude parts, sometimes it broke the rhythm a little, maybe just including his points of view would be better. I still miss more fantasy and more exploration of Korean mythology, as promised in the synopsis. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Loved! Loved! Loved! This is totally a 5 star read from me. Such a unique plot, the writing was fantastic. I recommend everyone to read this.

Wrath of the Talon, by Sophie Kim, is the second installment in the author's Talon trilogy. Everyone thinks the Reaper of Sunpo—eighteen-year-old assassin Shin Lina—is dead. She has been reborn from the venom of the scale of a snake, the enemy of the Dokkaebi. The only ones who know the truth are her cherished little sister (Enubi) and Haneul Rui, the icily gorgeous Dokkaebi Emperor, aka The Pied Piper whom she was sent to kill and fell in love with instead.

Now, with the potent Imugi venom surging in her veins, Lina’s returned to right all wrongs. Already her body is changing, growing stronger, stealthier, and more agile, with serpentine scales she can call at will. Lina goes on a one-woman revenge tour, and nobody is safe from her. She is living vengeance, seeking retribution for the massacre of the Talons. She’ll become the sword who cuts down the rival Blackbloods gang, along with their ruthless crime-lord leader, Kalmin, who destroyed the Talons and claimed Sunpo.

With the help of the last Gumiho, a nine-tailed fox named (Iseul), as well as Sonagi, an Inugi snake who calls Lina daughter, Lina plans to destroy anyone who stands in the way of her taking Sunpo. But there is a mysterious side to Lina’s growing power, a dark voice inside her that whispers and guides her as she slips through the shadows of Sunpo’s streets. One that warns her not to trust the Dokkaebi, especially Rui. Because if her destiny isn’t to love him…it must be to destroy him.

The tale brings in some elements of Korean myths that set it apart from most revenge fantasies. I find it interesting that both Rui and Lina have issues with panic attacks. I dare you to find another book in this genre that does this. This book will stab the reader directly in the heart with an ending that is so shocking, that the author literally giggles that you haven't seen anything yet. EVIL!! The author uses Interludes throughout the book to fill you in on what Rui and his people are doing to either help Lina or stop her from a dangerous path that may open the way to prophecy that could see a war between the Inugi and Rui's people.

Wrath of the Talon picks up immediately where Last of the Talons left off. Lina is seeking revenge against Kalmin and his gang, looking to take back Sunpo for herself.

Wrath of the Talon took everything I loved about book one and cranked it up to 1000. The writing is spectacular, the plot is incredible, and the EMOTIONS Kim makes us feel are criminal. The story that Kim has weaved here is nothing short of a masterpiece and I am SO SAD I have to wait for Reign of the Talon. I need it immediately.

I loved all the relationships that were developed throughout this book. Everything had so much more depth than book one. Lina really comes into her own as a character and I could feel her rage from page 1. What really sold Wrath of the Talon to me though was the climax of this book because just WOW. That's how you do it. Sophie Kim you are a mastermind.

This is definitely one you'll want to pick up on April 2nd!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Teen for allowing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wrath of the Talon is a bloody brilliant sequel for this series. Sophie Kim has managed to weave a story of both how Lina's freedom, as well as the way she loses the grasp of it. It was so interesting to get glimpses of the bigger story, before returning to Lina's confined narrative. And obviously, it was nice to see more of Rui and his charm, while also combined with a more serious tone whenever we got a chance to glimpse into his mind. The ending might have destroyed me, but I can't wait to see how everything comes together in the third book.

i want to express my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and the published for giving me the chance to read this ARC! i was incredibly excited to dive into the second book, and im sooo thrilled to say that it didn't disappoint. the story had me hooked from the beginning with its interesting and thrilling plot. plus the ending made me sob so hard!! i wonder what sophie kim puts on her books, and i always cry. every time. i can't wait for the third book! once again, a big thank you to NetGalley for this amazing opportunity!

Death does not die, and neither will I.

Plot: 4/5

There are CHOICES in this book that I just… didn’t love… they work, it goes with the story, but they just didn’t hit for me as much as I wanted. The plot overall was strong and well paced. The moments I had issue with were just personal preference. I personally have a hard time ..enjoying.. plots that center on mind control/consent issues/prophecies and there were times the use of these were really frustrating for me. Though I did love the choices that Kim ultimately made with the prophecy so that helped it be more tolerable.

Characters: 5/5

Rui and Lina are the best characters I love them and I need Sophie to give them a break. I am not above begging.

I loved the side character Iseul and her backstory. I loved seeing Lina make a friend and I love gumiho mythology. Also I adored how simply monstrous all the characters are, like they all match each other in brutality and violence.

Writing: 5/5

I enjoy Kim’s writing so much, its sharp and strong. She captures the voice of Lina so well. And I really enjoyed the addition of interludes, they added a lot of depth to the story. Kim is so good and controlling the speed of high pressure situations, they didn’t feel rushed or too long but they were just enough for the reader to feel the suspense

Overall: 4.5 rounded up

Sophie you will pay for your crimes but you can atone by giving us a happy ending.

I was absolutely delighted when the publisher reached out to me to review the long awaited sequel of Last of the Talons and it did not disappoint. All of the raw emotion I remember from the first book was cranked up full force. Secrets are revealed, Lina and Rui's relationship and Lina's new abilities developed in ways I couldn't even imagine. I'm horrified. I'm enthralled. I can't wait for the final installment.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.
This is one of the most anticipated sequels I wanted to read this year! And it did not disappoint. But it did put me through some pain!
Picking up where the last book left off, we continue to follow Shin Lina in her desire for revenge and learn more about her new power. But now we have a problem because she’s hearing a dark voice inside her, that is trying to influence her.
Like the first book, is fast-paced and I love how we learned more about Korean Mythology. This was more character-driven compared to the first book, but I still really enjoyed it. Some parts of the story felt a bit flat for me and I would like to spend more time with the new characters.
I loved the romance in the first book, and I was so excited to see where it was going! And I was not ready for so much angst!
I need to buy the physical copy of this book!!! And I’m so scared for the final book, and I have the feeling it’s only getting more painful!

✰ 4 stars! ✰
I'm glad to say that I enjoyed the sequel much more than I did the first book! It's been a while since I read it, but I feel like I was able to connect more with the writing style in the sequel. There were so many things I liked here: the incorporation of Korean mythology, Lina's character, the interludes from Rui's perspective, their relationship, and the angst! Rui rlly went through it in this one (Lina too, especially with that ending!)
As for the story, it was so interesting to read from Lina's POV when she was not herself, seeing how the voice fed into her insecurities and how her transformation progressed. This was more character-driven compared to the first book, and I liked Lina's desire for revenge + the overall darker tone. I'm excited to see how things will be resolved!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored Last of The Talons by Sophie Kim, I love the mythology and folklore of tje story and of course The Labyrinth vibes it gave me. So of course I was thrilled to read the sequel #WrathoftheTalon.
We meet up with Shin Lina after she has taken the enhancer and it has mingled with the Imugi venom creating something terrifying in its wake. Rui the Dokkaebi Emperor fears for the woman he loves, his little thief Lina. Whatever was created within her that night is taking control and the outcome could be a disaster.
There are whispers of a Prophecy regarding Shin Lina but as long as a prophecy is not heard then that fate can be avoided for once it is heard a prophecy has a way of coming true.
Can Lina guard herself against this prophecy that says she will bring about destruction and release The Imugi as Yong back to the skies to destroy all in their path? Will the love of Duo and Eunbi be enough to keep her in her path of atonement or will she hear the prophecy and bow to its will.

Thank you to #Netgalley and #EntangledTeen for the opportunity to read #WrathofTheTalon by #SophieKim in return for a fair and honest review.

I've realised I love EVERYTHING that Sophie Kim writes...I read an arc for The God and the Gumiho AND AM OBSESSED!!!! The I read the first book in this series (Last of the Talons)..which I ADORED!! Now having read Wrath of the talon I can safely say I think any book that Sophie Kim writes will be AMAZING and will always be an auto-buy author for me.

Wrath of the talon did not disappoint! Picking up where the last book left off and kept me on me toes the whole way through!!! I want moreeee NOW please 🙏 🤭 LOVE this series, LOVE this author ❤️

In Wrath of the Talon we meet Lina, a very complex character who has to deal with several enemies that she encounters along the way.

I must point out that it has more romance than I expected, at the beginning I thought it would not be a relevant focus, maybe it's just the bloodthirsty in me that didn't know I wanted this.

This story has some dark tones that I liked a lot, I think that this blurring of lines and that the shades are more gray than white has pleased me the most.

The fact that Lina is a murderer I like, I have a small detail when the protagonist is not a damsel in distress and is one of those who literally put a dagger in the throat of the love interest or in the heart, as they see fit, and this tug of war between killing him or loving him. I'm sure it will go much deeper in its next installment, which I don't know how it will solve all the mess it has left my head in with all the events of the end.

Well, as always I read a book without knowing that it had a first part, so I can say that I was totally confused when I started it, but maybe because of this detail my expectations didn't play me and I went blindly so I enjoyed it greatly, now it's time to read the first one to enjoy more this reading in its rereading.

By the way, I loved the cover, it sounds very superficial on my part, but I requested the story more than anything for this beautiful cover.

Do I recommend it? Yes, if you like a read where the dark predominates in the constructive atsmosphere of the story, do give it a chance.

Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

#WrathoftheTalon #NetGalley.

You know that feeling when you pick up a book and you know it’s one that you’re going to think about for months to come? This. Is. It. The second installment of the Talons series is probably one of the best sequels I’ve read. There’s political intrigue as Lina gathers supporters to take down the Blackbloods, there’s sneaking around in the night, there’s new characters like Seojin and Isuel. There’s good old-fashioned badass revenge. It’s angsty, it’s tense, it’s badass

In other fantasy books I’ve read characters get knocked down a peg in the sequel as if they had reached the height of their power or skill in the first installment, but The Wrath of the Talons genuinely had me in fear for what Lina is going to become in the best way possible. I feel like we get to know her more as a person, and the internal monologue she has is so compelling. The first part of this book has turned Lina into a comfort character for me. She’s allowed to chase her rage and fulfill her promise of revenge in whatever way she deems fit, but she’s also battling with these ideas of whether vengeance can be righteous. I just love how much Lina gets to feel her emotions. She experiences insecurities, she experiences sadness, she gets to experience her own unfettered rage, all of it is so beautiful to read. This is what makes the second half of the novel so difficult to read, as she’s snuffed beneath the weight of internal demons and a Voice who’s taken her own body from her.

I love the way the Imugi have slowly snuck into her life, and the conflict between choosing them or remaining a free agent fits so well into this theme of Lina being told what to do vs making her own decisions. The times when she does go a bit more ‘darkside’ are completely justified, from a plot standpoint and from her emotional standpoint. She’s been mulling over atonement, what it means to be ‘good’, but Lina’s also flirting with more dangerous ways of finding revenge.

I loved the set-up for the love between Rui and Lina in the first book, but this solidified it completely. Their relationship is SO complicated, but it feels so tangible (if at times angsty). I really loved the slow burn of the first novel into this one, and rather than calling it “enemies to lovers” I feel like Sophie Kim has introduced me to my new favorite trope that I’m calling “diametrically opposed lovers”, silly yes, but I feel like it completely captures the Imugi/Dokkaebi conflict and how Rui and Lina fit into that. Their relationship is tense but important, and it becomes more complicated as the ‘dark voice’ preys on Lina’s insecurities. I cannot WAIT to see where this goes, even if I’m terrified of what comes of it. I just hope that in the final installment Lina maintains her characterization and has the willpower to get back up to fight the Imugi one more time.

Thank you to Entangled Teen for this arc! All opinions are my own. I cannot even begin to express how excited I am to read the final book of this series.

Wrath of the Talon is book two in the Talon series. We follow Shin Lina, the Reaper of Sunpo, as she endeavours to take revenge on those who have wronged her. The Imugi venom in her veins is making her stronger and stealthier, but there's a small dark voice in the back of her head that keeps growing and forcing her to do things that she doesn't want to do.

I don't really know how to feel about this one. Overall, I still loved it, but there were some little things that bothered me compared to book one.

Lina has finally escaped from Kalmin's control, but her need for revenge and the dark voice whispering in her ear are a catalyst for destruction. There are small moments of peace with her younger sister and Rui which are delightful and I can only wish that we got more of them (given the nature of the book as the plot thickens, that was to be unlikely anyway). Rui and Lina are caught in a deadly power game where there is more than just their relationship tying them together, but the outcome for them is unclear.

Lina's emotions are cause for some of her more dangerous decision making in the story, which felt a bit at odds with her character in the first book. The dark voice is obviously causing some of that, but I would have liked more reflection on what actions were Lina's and what were not hers later in the book where the lines are a bit blurred. Despite being the main character, I found her to be a bit insufferable towards the end of the book - but again, it's not always her, so I can't really say she's the insufferable one.

Overall, I love that Lina was getting her revenge, I feel so sad for Rui throughout this whole story, the ending is absolutely heartbreaking, and I can't wait for the next one to meet back up with these characters.

Thank you to Entangled Teen for an e-arc of Wrath of the Talon! All opinions are my own.

This book was a great continuation to the series. It was very well written and the magic system is amazing. It is a very heartbreaking book. But it is also enjoyable.

'Wrath of the Talon' is a wonderful sequel to an equally splendid debut!

This book exceeded my expectations & it was an amazing continuation to the trilogy!

Lina as a protagonist belongs in the category of female leads that I enjoy reading about and after witnessing her struggles & strength, I appreciate her even more!

This book is incredibly angsty & heartbreaking and I was shedding tears by the time I finished!

I look forward to the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.