This was so fun. A somewhat contemporary Asian-inspired fantasy with a tired god and a demon? It was the kind of odd couple hijinks I love in a book like this and their dynamic made the book all the better.

Sophie Kim is and will always be an auto-buy author for me. Her adult debut is fun, charming romp with a memorable set of characters and fantastic magic.

Kim Hani is a fox spirit who has retired from eating men's livers and souls after a feeding frenzy a few decades ago left her stuffed. She now works as a barista despite hating coffee and gets her enjoyment from tormenting the fallen god Seokga by giving him the wrong order every time.
Seokga hates everything about the world he's been exiled to and wants nothing more than to fulfill the requirements to get back his rightful powers and position. His task is to eliminate the 20,000 demons he unleashed when he tried (and failed) to steal his brother, the god king's throne. It's been 628 years and he's only halfway there, so he's justifiably cranky and annoyed when the barista keeps giving him the wrong coffee order.
They would have passed the time occasionally annoying each other that way, but a slew of violent deaths and some secrets that must be kept force them together and the proximity helps them see sides of each other they did not expect. It's a violent and twisty case that will have them giving it their all as their hearts keep beating closer and closer.

I loved everything about this book. Even with not having the slightest idea what most of the creatures mentioned are, Kim gives you enough information that you get the idea and can fully experience everything that's going on with Kim Hani and Seokga. It's a wonderful story full of character and growth that feels wholly human despite the magical beings it follows. And the slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance is pitch-perfect reading that has added this title to my best reads of the year.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for the exciting and romantic read!

Soekga is the trickster god who was kicked out of heaven after a failed coup. To regain his godhood he must track down and eliminate all demons in New Sinsi. When the notorious Scarlet Fox reappears after over a century, he is tasked with eliminating her as well. Hani is a gumiho and barista who also happens to be the very Scarlet Fox in hiding. She will do anything to ensure that she isn’t caught, including joining forces with Soekga as his assistant. Little do they know another threat is coming to plunge their city into darkness and all they hold dear. Now both Hani and Soekga must decide what, or who, they are truly willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals.

Once I picked this book up, I could not put it down. I loved the fantasy detective element and the banter between the main characters. I enjoyed that the two characters start as pretty self-serving, but as their relationship grows they learn to care for each other and those around them more (especially Soekga). As we moved through the book, I began to truly dread when the big secrets would be revealed. The ending floored me and I will be waiting very impatiently for the next book to be published.

I absolutely loved this one. The enemies to lovers slow burn was excellent, the story was interesting and engaging, and the world felt pretty fleshed out. Felt like I was reading a k-drama, which I loveeeeeee. So excited for more.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley!

The God and the Gumiho is a delightful dive into a romantic fantasy world - with a heavy emphasis on romance.
The gradual build-up of Seokga and Hani’s relationship is entertaining and engaging. I loved their banter, even though there are moments when their behavior can get a bit annoying.
The story is very trope heavy, but I loved it and its charm, making it enjoyably ridiculous in the best way possible.
A standout aspect of the book is its use of Korean mythology. I didn’t know anything about Korean mythology going in, but Kim explains everything so well that it’s easy to follow and really interesting.
The mystery woven into the story is compelling and kept me hooked.
Overall, "The God and the Gumiho" is a fun and engaging read, blending romance and fantasy into an enjoyable escape of a book.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine/Del Rey for the advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was literally such an incredible read!! From the very start I started to fall in love with Sophie Kim’s writing and how she describes her characters is so incredible. It felt like I was reading a K-drama and I was instantly obsessed. When I was reading it was like I could see the book play out in my head and it started to truly immerse me into the book. I often started to find myself excited to pick the book up again to read in the morning.
Overall u loved the book and can’t wait to read more by Sophie Kim!

I'm going to need authors to stop sucking me into series, especially ones just beginning.

Where do I start? OK, the third person present tense took me a bit to get into and made me wonder WHY it was taking me a minute to really immerse myself into the story. The banter between Seokga and Hani was my favorite.

I truly felt like this was a GREAT enemies to lovers. It wasn't "lust at first sight but like I hate you". I could not see them actually falling for one another when it started.

“Seokga the Fallen likes me !” Tears of mirth brim in her eyes, and she brushes them away. “Hwanin’s tits . Oh, this is good. I bet it pains you to admit that.”

I could not put this down once I actually committed to reading it. I finished it within hours.

I CANNOT wait for the second book. Like need it now. Please. Thank you.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. <3

This was a fun read. At first I wasn’t sure what to expect but after getting a good feel for the characters I quickly became immersed in the characters and the situation they were dealing with. I liked how at odds both MCs were and how their bond slowly deepens as the story goes on. It felt realistic and very sweet. My favorite part was the ending. Definitely was hoping to see how they find each other.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

ARC provided by Del Rey Publishing and NetGalley.

First I have to say that the cover for this book is what grabbed me. It’s beautiful, and would make a lovely piece of art to display on bookshelves. The premise also convinced me that I had to get my hands on this book. It was in many ways funny, enjoyable, and easy to read story. I think if you like k-dramas with some fantasy/mythological elements, you will totally enjoy this book

That being said, this book wasn’t a total hit for me. It started off pretty strong. The writing style was a bit stilted in some places and the pacing was atrocious (the chapters were way too short especially at the ending when everything was happening so fast). The characters read a little too juvenile and some parts of the setup that led to the main characters to work together was kind of silly and unconvincing but I was able to look past it and continue enjoying the story. The second half of the book is where the story started to lose me, with the exact moment being when they shared their first kiss. Was not a fan of what led to it because it took away the natural progression of the romance arc and made it feel cheap to me. And then the following romantic scenes just didn’t do anything for me and I found myself skimming over them to get to the other part of the story I found more interesting. The book did pick up for me with the reveal/twist and honestly if you read this book like a comedy, I think it adds an extra level of amusement. I don’t know if that was the author’s intention at all but thinking of it like that allowed me to get through the book in the most entertaining way. It was so unserious and I loved it for that. I think the story would make a decent tv show.

I have the first book of their YA fantasy and I will be reading it. I’ll keep my eye out for more of Kim’s work.

This story was quite amusing, the humor was just dark enough but not over the top. I always appreciate when mythology can be incorporated into the story, and this was done in such a lovely way. I don't always enjoy the enemies to lovers trope but this one was enjoyable and not too in your face about it. I am a sucker for mischief so that was probably my favorite element of this book, there is plenty of mischief!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC Copy!

This was such a fun introduction to Korean folklore, and a unique world where humans and sprits exist side by side, but also hidden from each other.
The love story was so cute and I really enjoyed watching the close proximity of these two characters who do everything they can to hate each other.
I would have loved to have more folklore elements and less focus on the romance, but that will not stop me from reading the next book in the series as soon as I can.

I thought that the Korean mythology and Sherlockian mystery present in this story was really interesting. I do wish that the characters had maybe been done slightly differently. Knowing that they're both these ancient beings conflicted with the way that they act and speak--I just wanted them to read a little older, and to be tonally older, they're both very teenager-ish. I thought that the strongest part of this story was the mystery plot-line, but I didn't hate the romance--it was just hard to feel much for them because I felt so disconnected from them. Ultimately not a bad story, and I would absolutely read the next one, I just had a hard time connecting to the characters but the mystery and romance were both compelling.

The God and the Gumiho is a Korean contemporary fantasy novel about a nine-tailed fox and fallen trickster god who must team up to track down a dangerous demon. Kim Hani, a former soul-devouring Scarlet Fox now working in a coffee shop, provokes and annoys the Fallen god Seokga, who wants to redeem himself and return to his heavenly kingdom. When a powerful demon threatens existence, Seokga is offered a chance to regain his godhood by killing the demon and capturing Scarlet Fox, but Hani has no intention of being caught, instead opting to team up with Seokga to thwart his plans and protect her identity. Despite their constant bickering, the unlikely duo find themselves drawn to each other as they navigate through chaos and violence to prevent the end of the world.

*screaming, crying* I loved this book so much! The world, the relationships, the tensions *chef's kiss.* Starting with the worldbuilding, I really liked how easy it was to slip into the world in this urban fantasy. I liked the realism and that Hani worked in a coffee shop even though she was this super powerful gumiho. I found her hatred and annoyance for Seokga hilarious as well as the way she ran circles around him while helping with the investigation. While Hani took the prize for my favorite character, I did really like Seokga as well and the pair's relationship with one another. It's everything you'd want in an enemies to lovers story!

I really liked the storyline in this book too and the ending absolutely tore me apart (you'd think I'd be used to that by Sophie Kim now). I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read an enemies to lovers Korean urban fantasy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of this novel. All thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.

Take this with a grain of salt. I didn't realize this was the same author of Last of the Talons, which I also severely disliked. A lot of you loved this. I hated it. More than some other Asian fantasies I probably shouldn't be naming again.

Hani is secretly the Scarlet Fox, a supposedly very scary eater of men's livers and so-called killer. She reads like an annoying teen. It took me a while to notice this, but Zana did right away, but Seokga the Fallen reads straight from a Loki/Reader fanfic. The green eyes. Must every fantasy contain a withdrawn male with green eyes?

They hate each other. Then they don't. It gets dramatic. It gets boring. I skimmed a lot of it, because I couldn't wait for it to be over. The coffee subplot is not funny. I enjoyed getting to the last page, because that meant I was done.

Oh, this was absolutely delightful. I feel like this should become the new, hot fantasy because it is giving everything. The enemies to lovers set up here is so good. We have the infamous Hani, the Scarlet Fox, undercover working at a coffee shop. And Seokga the Fallen, desperate to regain his powers and become a god again. I love the world here, it reminds me a bit of Crescent City with the urban setting where mortals and demons and immortals all live together and do things like get coffee and go to university. The main conceit of the book, which begins as a murder mystery, is also a really smart way to frame the bigger story which is between Hani and Seokga. Seokga is tasked with finding the entity on a killing spree while at the same time also finding (and ending) the Scarlet Fox in order to be reinstated as a god. When Hani finds out, she volunteers herself as Seoka's partner in order to sabotage him. Of course, the two of them don't factor in feelings and all that comes with it.

I love the dynamic with grouch Seokga and irreverent Hani. I found the romance really took the forefront for much of the book which may not work for some but which REALLY worked for me. They brought out the best in each other while also having that perfect snarky banter that I salivate for.

The mystery itself is interesting but the main conflict is definitely between our God and Gumiho. I love the way Kim weaves Korean folklore and mythology into the story and it made me hungry for more.

The end of this book is AWESOME. Like, I can't say more because of spoilers but just know that the end conflict and resolution is perfect. The set up for a sequel is DELICIOUS and I cannot wait for more of this story.

I love Seokga and not just because the two of us love caffeine.

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

The God and the Gumiho is a Korean inspired swoon worthy, enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine fantasy.

Seokga the Fallen is a god, or was, before his failed coup when he was exiled from the land of the gods by his brother the king. Now the god of trickery and deceit must pay the penance for his misdeeds - twenty thousand demons, or Unrulies, to restore his place as a god of the realms. Working as a detective for the local police precinct, he has access to the reports of Unrulies and is hoping to one day finally reach his goal. But he is overworked and tired. Kim Hani is a gumiho, a woman who can shapeshift into a nine-tailed fox, who is currently working as a barista in the mortal realm. Of course it's the same coffee shop frequented by the grumpy detective, Seokga. Hani was once known as the notorious Scarlet Fox, but after a killing spree in 1888, she has retired from that life, until a chance encounter leaves two local students dead, and the police on her tail. Hani soon learns that there is an evil demon roaming the mortal lands, and that the king has offered Seokga a deal - kill the demon, and the elusive gumiho known as the Scarlet Fox, and the debt is paid. When an opportunity to act as Seokga's assistant arises, and the chance to throw off his investigation, Hani can't resist. But working with the alluring detective is more than she bargained for, and the pair find themselves drawn to each other. But Hani is keeping her secrets close, and if Seokga ever found out the truth it would tear them apart.

I really enjoyed this book! It is a steamy, Korean inspired romance that is a super slow burn, with a grumpy detective Seokga and sunshine Hani. While a lot of they mythology was new to me, I love the idea of the feisty fox Hani, and how she wiggles her way into Seokga's life. As the god of trickery and deceit, it was fun to watch how he falls for her, especially when she is acting sly and clever. The romance was a super slow burn, but then developed quickly in the latter half of the book. The pair works together to track down the demon terrorizing the city, and in the process fall for each other despite their differences. The plot moved at a good pace, with lots of action to even out the character development. My only issue was that there were a lot of Korean terms that were unfamiliar to me, so I took time to look them up, which sometimes threw me out of the story a bit. Most of the terms were easy to understand in context, but as someone unfamiliar with the terms and mythology, I wanted to be sure I was following so I could really appreciate the story in full. I am glad to see more diverse cultural representation in fantasy, and I really enjoyed learning more about the mythology through this reinterpretation. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I wonder if we will get a second book - I hope so!!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book felt like a k-drama brought to life. Devoured this in one day. It has the Korean inspired fantasy folklore feel but with all the comedic and cringey-ness of the interactions between the main characters similar to a kdrama. This type of writing can probably put off some people but I honestly love that feeling of, “it’s so dumb but yet it’s so good, I can’t stop.”
This book has a big grumpy x sunshine trope, and also characters being thousand-ish years old but the emotional maturity of a teenager. I wasn’t actually sure if it was truly going to be an adult (romance) book? Like, I thought I was getting baited by the book BUT I didn’t necessarily hate it. I did love the crime/mystery aspect of the book, it had pretty decent developmental plot for the characters.
Some of the supernatural creature descriptions were hard to remember and keep up with for me personally but the main ones were consistently mentioned/explained.
The entire last part of this book was a ROLLERCOASTER?! I was totally floored by it, emotionally wrecked but it’ll be okay (I’m totally not ok).

Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey / Random House Publishing for the ARC!

Thank You Random House Publishing Group for this eARC.

This is my 1st book from Sophie Kim. I like it so far, yet i dunno how to put it into words properly. Yet I'd recommend this to read if you lokk for kinda cozy fantasy book!!

retired from being the soul-devouring scarlet fox, kim hani now works in a coffee shop. seokga, a fallen god, is working as a detective toward his redemption. the two team up when a powerful demon escapes from the underworld.

i loved sophie kim’s talons series (at least, the two released books so far), so i was very excited for her adult debut! this was also set in the 90s, which was fun since i haven’t read many books set in this decade. overall, this was an excellent mix of korean mythology, romance, mystery, and action. i loved hani and seokga so much and had a hard time saying goodbye!

i can’t wait for more beautiful books by sophie kim!