The God and the Gumiho is one of my most anticipated reads of 2024. I absolutely love K-Dramas and this novel reads like one of my all-time favorite K-Drama. It did not disappoint. The story is an intriguing blend of Korean mythology, fantasy, and modern storytelling. I really enjoyed the witty banter between the two morally grey main characters and all the feels their story incites. Sophie Kim does an amazing job of weaving a mystery drama that blends elements of suspense, intrigue, with urban fantasy. I was definitely hooked from start to finish.

Kim Hani, the once infamous Scarlet Fox, whose all-you-can-eat liver-eating binge in 1888 London caused the practice of consuming livers to be taboo and outdated. Fast-forward to 1992, New Sinsi, South Korea, Hani works as a barista in a cafe frequented by one Seokga the Fallen. Seokga, a once trickster god casted from the heavens for attempting to overthrow his brother Hwanin, ruler of Okhwang and leader of the gods. Stripped of most of his power, Seogka spends his days working to redeem himself and restore his status as a powerful god.

The appearance of a new malicious unruly, an eoduksini, presents a path to redemption for Seokga. He is tasked with bringing down the unruly terrorizing New Sinsi, as well as getting rid of the Scarlet Fox once and for all. When Kim Hani finds out she does what any self-preserving gumiho would do and gets a job as Seogka’s assistant in the hopes of preventing him from learning the true identity of the Scarlet Fox.

I loved chemistry between the two main characters. In the classic enemies-to-lovers, the two main characters start off despising each other, each trying to outwit the other. It was a fun and thrilling read. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. I can’t wait to read what comes next for Seogka and Hani.

Thank you Del Ray for the opportunity to read and review this amazing book.

I wish I enjoyed this book but it failed to catch my interest. The blurb was so fun but the writing was bland and the characters were irritating.

This book - a Korean romance between a god and a fox spirit, filled to the brim with Korean mythological creatures - is not my usual MO but I had to request the ARC when it first popped up on Netgalley (thanks #netgalley)... and then had an ARC reading slump. It's been a little while since publication but I've finally finished this book!

Seokga, the fallen Trickster God, has been tasked with a long and arduous penance to be able to return to Okhwang (Heaven, essentially) - work with the local police in a half-mortal, half-magic Korea to banish 1000 unruly creatures to the afterlife. Unfortunately, he's been doing this for a few centuries and isn't anywhere close to 1000. Cue they unfortunate coincidence that Kim Hani, the notorious Scarlet Fox in hiding, kills her first victims in years, and a dream demon (eoduksini) starts to ravage the city. Hani signs up to be Seokga's assistant and help him catch the eoduksini while at the same time foiling his attempt to find and kill her - the combination of completing the two tasks modifies his punishment to be enough to earn his was back into Okhwang.

Of course, as in all good romances, this would cue hilarious and sexy hijinks, right? ONLY HALF RIGHT!! Where's the smut?? I'm not even a smut reader and there was a preposterous lack of smut in this book! If you're going to include sexual tension and teasing, follow up! The readers want it! Give it to us!!! The one bed trope was evoked and no sexy times ensued?!??? Heresy!!

Other than that, "The God and the Gumiho" was a very fun and solid read. There was character growth, fun bickering, a good twist I anticipated but genuinely didn't see coming, and I've never read another book with the Korean pantheon included! That was super cool and I hope that keeps being included in the sequel! If you like Korean dramas, this one is a fun take on the ridiculous romance in them, with a fun sprinkle of Korean mythology!

This was super fun and different. There were so many good things that I loved. It had mythology I wasn’t familiar with but adored to read about. Some of the relationships were a bit too much of a convenience rollercoaster for me, but this was still really interesting and I’m glad I read it.

Oh what fun!

Honestly, the concept alone is gold: a fallen god trying to earn his way back into his brother's good graces by capturing the scarlet fox, who happens to be right under his nose? What a recipe for tension, and it's such a fun ride. Hani (the gumiho/Scarlett Fox) was SUCH a delight. I loved her way of prying underneath Seokga's skin. The banter is excellent. And I loved seeing Seokga slowly melt beneath her, until...

Until.

I'm a huge kdrama lover, and this felt like so many of my favorite ones, while still holding its own. (OKAY BUT NETFLIX CAN YOU PLEASE ADAPT??)

Anyway, this one gets a resounding "yes" from me! I didn't want it to end! And more from Sophie Kim immediately, please!

Sophie Kim’s The God and the Gumiho is truly a love letter to K-dramas, and it lives up to that promise with its compelling blend of elements. Featuring an enemies-to-lovers trope, mischievous immortals, and an abundance of coffee, the book will delight K-drama enthusiasts. Yet, it offers more than just fan service. Rooted in Korean folklore, it introduces us to Kim Hani, a nine-tailed fox or gumiho. Gumiho are foxes that live to 1000 years and then transform into miraculously beautiful women… who also happens to snack on men’s livers. God forbid women have a hobby. Kim Hani happens to be the most infamous gumiho in history, after going on a binge in the 1800s. Her love interest, Seokga, is the fallen trickster god, unfairly banished to earth following a failed coup against his brother that brought 20,000 demons to the sacred heavens - it was just a joke.

Hani and Seokga exhibit undeniable chemistry, their devious and self-centered natures adding a sharp edge to their dynamic. Both characters are engaging and witty, which enhances the novel’s charm. The story immerses readers in a rich tapestry of creatures and realms from Korean mythology, providing depth to the world-building despite a few inconsistencies. Although some chapters feel extraneous and disrupt the novel’s momentum, the pacing remains generally strong, and the romance unfolds beautifully. The God and the Gumiho stays true to its unique voice and vision, making it an utterly satisfying read for K-drama fans and newcomers alike.

Literally so in love with this book!! Kim Hani and Seokga have so much chemistry. I love that they refuse to lessen any part of themselves to be seen as acceptable to each other. Kim Hani is funny and powerful at the same time. Seokga is bitter, yet there is something in Kim Hani that he cannot ignore that may bring him out of his grumpy shell. I cannot wait to read everything that Sophie Kim writes! I recommend The God and the Gumiho if you like fantasy novels with slow burn romance and two unlikely allies.

Actual Rating: 2.5

As a k-drama and fantasy lover, I was really excited for this one — but I didn’t quite click with it in the end.

The God and the Gumiho is a contemporary fantasy novel inspired by Korean mythology. Hani is a nine-tailed fox (also known as a gumbo) was who was once the “Scarlet Fox,” infamous for devouring souls heartlessly. Now too full to eat any more, she spends her days working as a barista. One regular patron of the coffee shop happens to be fallen god Seokga, exiled to the mortal world for trying to stage a coup. In order to earn back his place, Seokga strikes a deal: Catch the Scarlet Fox. Hani, in a flash of brilliance, suddenly volunteers to become his assistant. After all, they say you should keep your enemies close.

The author’s note explicitly says that this book was inspired by k-dramas and it definitely shows — which is both good and bad. As much as I love Asian dramas, it felt like some scenes just didn’t quite hit the same way, and it felt just like it was going through common k-drama tropes and arcs.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not against clichés, which is why I still say the plot has a lot of potential. The setting is interesting and balances historical and contemporary themes well, the coffee aspect is cozy, and the “secret identity” aspect is automatic tension.

But the story still felt somewhat aimless. This happens, the characters react, and then the next thing happens. The arc with the other antagonist felt random sometimes and disconnected from the broader backstory. We were also told that Hani and Seokga were these super powerful and cunning creatures, but in the story they honestly felt quite passive. Which brings me to my biggest issue with the book: the characters.

I always felt a general disconnect with them, getting all the facts and traits about them but not the emotional impact. The romance, once again, feels like a string of tropes, and it’s not quite clear why or when they started falling in love beyond them. The climax felt like a very common k-drama climax, but it didn’t really feel earned.

Ultimately, I think fans of k-dramas and Korean mythology might still enjoy this take on familiar themes. I’d still give the story props for trying to be so grand — it really leans into the mythology completely — but I didn’t really click with it personally.

🪲 Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🪲

If you’re a lover of Korean mythology and K-dramas, this book is right up your alley. The dynamic between the grumpy fallen prince, Seokga, and the mischievous fox, Kim Hani, had me giggling and kicking my feet for all those little moments. As soon as I started reading, I was immersed into the story and it felt just like a K-drama I wanted to beige. I would love to see a tv adaption of this book! I really appreciated how the story had a strong and bad ass female lead. Kim Hani had me falling in love with her and her troublemaking ways. The story overall was very well written and I enjoyed every moment of it. I would highly recommend this book!

Short description:

Set in South Korea during the 90s, you are quickly introduced to your two main characters. First up is Seokga the Fallen, who was exiled from Heaven and given the task to kill unruly spirits in order to gain his title as Prince again, and Kim Hani, who is an infamous Gumiho known as the Scarlet Fox, that was once known for murdering men to devour their livers. Both now resides in the mortal realm, and Hani is working as a carefree barista at the Creature Cafe, which so happens to be the grumpy Seokga’s favorite place to get his favorite drink. Though the unlikely pair may bicker and fight, fate brought them together as a team and is given the task of defeating a powerful demon, in order for Seokga to regain his title and for Hani to protect her true identity. Along the way, tension grows, laughs are shared, and their once hatred for one another slowly turns into something more special. Could it be love?!

I ended up DNFing this one at 16%. I was so excited for this one, but it unfortunately just did not pull my interest. A lot of my friends that have read it have adored it, so I am super bummed I just couldn't connect with it. I love fantasy books, but maybe not fantasy books in an urban setting. Thank you so much for the ARC and the opportunity to give this book a chance.

3.75 Stars!

Mythological demons in a K-Drama with an unlikely hero and a sidekick that causes more trouble than not. I was skeptical at first, contemporary fantasy is a hit or miss with me and this one was definitely a hit. The story takes place in a world adjacent to the human one, complete with their own stores, jobs, cars, everyday items, and even a police station to govern them. It is in said police station that we meet our fallen trickster god, Seokga, who is working towards redemption to get back into the heavenly realm. He is always in a bad mood and easy to rile up, especially when a new threat rises up that requires his complete attention. This is where we meet Hani, an ex-barista turned assistant with an attitude includes pushing every button until you explode...and who's assistant did she become? Thats right Seokga's! Why did she do this you ask? Why to make sure she sabotages his investigation into the elusive "Scarlet Fox". But after a powerful and dangerous demon travels to earth they must start working together to save the world.

This is fun, witty, and worth the read just to see how she annoys the god next, even though he doesn't seem to mind after a while. It was also nice to see some mythology from Korea. It took some time getting used to, but after a while, I was able to recognize the demons listed in this book to other cultures where I know what they are supposed to looks like/represent (or I googled searched and got some nice background on them)

Was this a perfect book? No.
Some things didn't make sense. Like when Hani was driving (for the second time mind you and both times it was with Seokga in the vehicle) and then the author contradicts her earlier writing by attempting to make a joke about how she's a crappy driver to the point where Seokga says it would be safer to walk. I just rolled my eyes; did we forget about the first time were Hani drove hours with no complaints??? It was easier to ignore it despite it being one of the main reasons for that chapter.

*** NOT A SPOILER**** Also, this book was more insta-love than anything else. It literally took place over a week. They started off as "enemies" (more like inconveniences) to lovers with such a strong connection that it changes Seokga in a way forever. I say not a spoiler because you know immediately into this book that's where it's headed, especially with such an accelerated timeline.

That being said, this book is a standalone within a series. Each book that follows will be about a different god. As of now, I am not sure if how interconnected they will be, if at all. I am not eagerly inclined to read any more of them because I disliked the other gods in this book, but I might give it a try if the plot seems right. I am more than happy to think of this as a standalone.

Thank you Netgalley for providing a copy of this book.

I couldn't put the book down! There was not a dull moment that tempted me to skip through the book. It was fast paced and action packed. I felt immersed into the whole story.

I gave The God and the Gumiho four stars as I really enjoyed it. The main characters are Seogka, a fallen God, and Hani, a fox spirit, and I found them to be lovable characters. I enjoyed the storyline, world building, and the writing style. I have never watched a k-drama, but after reading this book, I would definitely watch one. My only issue was the pacing as I thought it dragged at some points, but the last half of the book kept my attention and I loved the ending. I need book 2!

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was amazing, heartbreaking, hilarious, and too much all at once. I need book 2 now, and I know book 2 isn't coming out for some time, but I need it now. I read it for book club, and wept like a small child for a day at the ending. Hwanin's Tits I need book 2 now.

I really enjoyed reading this book once I got into it, it did take me a minute to get into this book and I was a little confused about the timing of this book (it's set in the early 1990's apparently but that wasn't clear at the beginning). I really enjoyed the characterization and banter in this book, and the plot was engaging. I enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author! 3.5/5

This was so good. Even though for most of the book I was tabbing so much of the Korean mythology, looking up its rough translations and history, I was also really enjoying the book. I really love mythology no matter what kind so it made me enjoy it even more. Aside from the mythology, how could I not love it? The banter was actually bantering! Like a lot of my other tabs are the banter and it made me squeal so much. Plus knowing it was going to turn into a romance. And the cherry on top is Hani is a girls girl. Iykyk. Like a true girl’s girl. Whatever Sophie Kim releases I will eat it up after this. 10/10

Realmente disfruto leer o ver series con esta mitología de los Gumihos
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of the book

First I want to thank Netgalley for the ARC.

I liked the story OK, It was entertaining, but I did not love it. It was just an OK book.
I was confused about the time or world this was set, there was so many supernatural things goin on , fantasy creatures named at the start that I thought that this was set only on a fantasy world, but then I started seeing humans. It is also set in 1992, but you wont know that until the end of the book.
Hani was not a good character for me, for being over 1400 years old she was so immature and annoying, I wanted to quit when she threw the coffee on Seokga, ridiculous.
Seokga was an OK character thou, he was not that great, but I could stand him.
In my opinion, this book could pass as YA without the spicy scene ( was not to spicy ), because both characters acted like teens. You have two characters, that are super duper old and all they do while investigating murders ( by the way they sucked at it) is bickering at each other.
I really don't want to keep going with this series but I still want to know what happens with Hani.

5✰ // The God and the Gumiho is another engaging story rich with Korean folklore from author Sophie Kim. this story features an irresistible dynamic between Hani and Seokga, a vivid fantasy setting that seems to blend just right with the plot in a way I thoroughly enjoyed. it did take me a second for the story to fully grip me, yet once it had me in its clutch i found myself eager to keep reading page after page, well into the night. the fantasy elements were enchanting and really elevated these already complex and lovable characters in a way that made me want more of their witty banter and constantly opposing personalities. i believe that Kim struck just the right balance in The God and the Gumiho of fantastical and realistic. the mystery elements just kept the storyline propelling forward and kept me consistently wanting more. I fell in love with these characters and this story and i think if you like fantasy, romance, and stories steeped in Korean folklore, you too will fall in love with The God and the Gumiho.

thank you so much to Del Rey and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

While I thought the beginning was a bit difficult to settle into, the immersion grows once the plot gets moving. I enjoyed the slow burn romance the most, especially with the added danger of Hani secretly being the target Seokga must kill in order to regain his godliness. Their banter was fantastic and as realistic as it can be for a fantasy. Additionally, the plot reveal at the end was a delight to experience and definitely made me want to read the upcoming sequel.

As mentioned, the beginning took me a bit to get through but I don't recognize that as a writing issue but rather an attention issue on my part. I don't have any particular critiques as I enjoyed the author's voice and storytelling and characterization.