The God and the Gumiho is the start to a brand new series from Sophie Kim. In the book we follow Hani, a Gumiho formerly knowing as the crimson fox who after some serious over indulgence in the past has caused several actions she finds natural as a Gumiho to be made illegal and taboo, and Seokga, A trickerster god who after a failed coop against his brother has been banished to mortal plane to collect the souls of 20,000 unruly monsters to regain his full divinity and return home. After Hani winds up getting herself and her fellow Gumiho and friend Somi in a pickle, she takes a job assisting Seokga in hopes of covering up what she’s done. Meanwhile Seokga is tasked with hunting down an unruly monster that possess the ability to truly kill a god.

I had a lot of fun with this one! I really loved Seokga and his general grumpiness about everything aside from his favorite thing, Coffee. My one complaint would be near the beginning of the story both Hani, and Seokga feel very immature for 1000+ year old beings, but it’s a minor complaint. I really loved how the author handled the final confrontation and ending and I am super excited for the next installment in this series!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6633078185

Fantasy, romance, and great banter? I had a great time reading and look forward to reading more by this author! Thank you netgalley for letting me read!

Why didn’t I read this sooner?! This book was an enjoyable ride from beginning to finish. I was gripped by Hank and Seokga’s cat and mouse game, as well as their detective runs. The urban fantasy with Korean mythology was an entertaining and immersive background to their romance, and while some of the twists were predictable, the book was fun. The ending was *chefs kiss*. Literally perfect. Cannot wait to read more in this series!

This book was fine. I didn't particularly feel strongly in either direction about it, which was probably part of why I didn't love the book. I was not invested at all. The two main characters are over 1000 years old each and yet they both act like immature, moody teenagers. The disconnect is weird and their dialogue/inner monologues are incredibly cringe. Luckily, those aspects were less prevalent as the book progressed, so I was not as annoyed in the second half of the book. The author clearly leaned hard into popular tropes. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a good trope and I swoon with the best of them, but these felt so forced and way too abundant for my taste. I love a good trope when it seems to come naturally in the story. I know that instalove is a somewhat common trope, but it drives me nuts, especially because enemies to lovers is also going on and it's very difficult for those two concepts to mesh. What do you mean she's everything to you? You met her two days ago and she annoyed the hell out of you?? Another book ick I have is when the main characters talk incessantly about smut and reading fanfic. I don't know why it bothers me, but I always find it cringe and annoying.

I think for me personally, overall the characterization and personalities were subpar. The storyline had potential, but probably could have gone through a few more rounds of edits (more story, less of the weird romance, or at least develop the romance more so it doesn't feel so fabricated). I was not planning on continuing the series, but the ending did make it so I'll likely pick it up for curiosity's sake.

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

4/5 stars

I really enjoyed this story! The plot was engaging, the writing was gorgeous and atmospheric, and I found the characters to be empathetic and dynamic.

My favorite part of this was definitely seeing the twists on Korean myth that the author made. I also loved the mystery aspect of trying to figure out who is the killer and whether or not Hani will be found out. Seogka’s redemption was also so much fun to read about and kind of the concept of what redemption actually looks like to someone was an interesting concept to watch unfold.

My biggest issues were minute because of how much I enjoyed everything else:

1) I found Hani not having a fallout to her deception to be something I wish happened. It was such a big portion of the plot — Hani deceiving Seogka, Somi losing control because Hani didn’t think about the consequences. And none of that really came to fruition. I hope it does in the sequel but who knows.

2) the romance, while it was fun, felt like it was more tell than show. There were so many moments of introspection where it was stated ‘omg i don’t actually hate them??’ but I would have loved to see it play out in their actions more slowly aside from an asleep cuddling session

Overall, did enjoy the book and I can’t wait to see what the sequel looks like!

*thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my review*

It has fantasy. It has mystery. It has romance. It has comedy. It has subterfuge. It has found family. It has a demon trying to turn the earth into the Dark World. This book surpassed my expectations in so many ways, and is a for-sure contender for my favorite read of the year.

Hani and Seogka are ever the unlikely pair as they traipse across the country and back in their endeavor to defeat the hungry demon. As the fallen trickster god, Seogka is perpetually rude and grumpy…until he isn’t. And he can’t quite figure out why the beautiful and witty Hani, with her sunshiny personality and quick wit, is suddenly so important to him. But he knows he will do anything to keep her safe. Hani, on the other hand, has a few tricks of her own up her sleeve, hidden beneath her dazzling smile. Her mountain of secrets is safely buried in the past, until Hani has to choose between keeping secrets or keeping her friends alive.

I didn’t know it was possible to have morally grey characters that were this lovable. Sophie Kim’s storytelling felt ethereal and cinematic, and I loved the way her characters came to life. As I watched the story unfold, I was completely spellbound. I knew there were going to be twists—it was a detective investigation, after all—but I didn’t quite see it coming until it was right in front of me.

Brilliantly done and an instant favorite.

Stuff and things:
-immortals in the mortal world
-grumpy x sunshine
-hidden identity
-dual pining
-open door
-cinematic battle sequences
-“touch her and die”

I loved this book! It's no secret I am a fan of Sophie's writing, her YA series is one of my top reads, and her adult book was just as captivating! The mystery and the banter made it for an extremely entertaining read and I was OBSESSED with Hani's and Seokga's dynamic. I really hope we get a short story of just fluff at some point because I need more!

At the end of this book, I was surprised when I was reminded this is part of a series. I love it as a standalone, and things felt tied up at the end for me. So I'm curious about what comes next.

I like the teasing banter between the two main characters. I don't know. The two of them make so much sense in my head. I think their feelings and internal voices may have changed from allies to lovers a little too quickly. At the same time, something about this book hit me in a way that I'll give it many passes. It's not perfect, but I really just enjoyed reading it. It's difficult to put my finger on why, though.

3.5 “coffee with one cream and one sugar” Stars

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Del Rey, and Sophie Kim for the arc in exchange for an honest review! I feel so grateful!

Thoughts:

The author, Sophie Kim, states at the start of this book that The God and the Gumiho is a “nothing if not a love letter to K-drama, to the sparkling romance, vibrant fantasy, and lovable characters found in many of my all-time favorite productions” and that is exactly how it is read. I felt all the K-drama fantasy romance vibes and more! A lot of it is overdramatized and the tension is laid out THICK in this book (especially between the main couple).

What I loved about this story more than anything is how fun and loveable our main characters are even though they are not necessarily likable. They have flaws, quirks, and are down right assholes to each other, but you cannot help but laugh and want more from them even as you roll your eyes. With that said for how old they are (in the thousands), they are a bit immature and annoying at times (said lovingly lol).

I struggled with some aspects of this read, and specifically when it was in regards to the folklore. I felt like I wanted more. We were given names, but I was craving more description and insight to who the creatures and mythical beings were. However, even with that being said, the world-building was well done in its mix of the mortal and mythical worlds.

One of my other struggles was with the plot. It was either fast paced or dragging and nothing really in between. Which for me as the reader, it had me putting it down, then binging a few chapters, then putting it down again, and then binging all over again at the climax until the end.

I had ups and downs with this read with some I LOVE THIS moments and EHHHH THIS IRKS ME moments. Overall, it still managed to capture my heart. I'm looking forward to more works by Sophie Kim.

Tropes: Forced Proximity, Hate-to-Coworkers-to-Lovers, She falls but He falls harder, Sherlock and Watson dynamic, Mystery, Secrets on top of secrets, We-push-each-other’s-buttons-but-don’t-think-it-is-flirting-until-it-is

Would I recommend this and to who:

Yes and the K-drama fan or overdramatized (kinda corny) Fantasy lovers!

Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:

E-book

Pace:

Fast to slow to fast to slow to fast again

Cover thoughts:

STUNNING!!! I LOVE I LOVE I LOVE!

POV: (single or multi):

Multi

Quotes:

I have so many quotes that I would love to share, but I will only be able to do so after purchasing my physical copy as the author requested not to quote for publication until checked against the finished book! 🙁

Triggers (possible spoilers):

Violence, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Addiction, Torture, Injury, Toxic Relationships/Friendships

thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

this was a lot of fun! i know a lot of books are sold as being like a kdramma but in this one i actually felt it, even found the humor similar and i could picture the scenes in my head.

the only aspect that disappointed me was the romance, i think they both got too strong feelings too fast and wish it had a little moon development and i think it had more potential

overall really enjoyable read and would definitely pick another book by the author!

Oh my goodness this was so cute! I love a good slow burn.

This fun murder mystery coupled with Korean mythology played out like a classic K-Drama. Our grumpy fallen god enjoys only one thing in the mortal realm, coffee. Our gumiho loves throwing coffee on grumpy gods and putting an excess amount of sugar in his drinks.

The banter between Seokga and Hani made me laugh out loud. They made a great team and I enjoyed watching their relationship form.

This was a highly anticipated read for me this year and it did not disappoint!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Thank you Sophie Kim for brining this story to life and sharing it with all of us!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8xbFY3P_xh/

The God and the Gumiho was wonderful! I had an so much fun reading about this world and plot, but most of all Seokga and Hani. Well done!

This is my first read from Sophie and definitely won't be my last! From the get-go, I absolutely loved the vibes and the characters, and the buildup was really enjoyable to me. I've seen others compare this to having the perfect k-drama vibes and I would agree! It's definitely put me in the mood and I can't wait to see how book two goes!!

K-Drama in book form. INJECT IT INTO MY VEINS. Gosh, this was so funny and silly and romantic. I'm so tired of reading doomsday fantasy so this was a really nice change of pace. One thing I appreciated was how unapologetic the worldbuilding was. Internet and phones and cars with Korean mythological creatures. Well, why not? It reminded me a lot of Crescent City with the cool mixing of urban fantasy and modern technology. I really hope there are more books in the series.

Thanks for the arc NetGalley. I was really hoping I would like this book because it had a lot great elements to it, but I was definitely expecting more. I wanted more world building, I wanted more with the characters relationship, and the mystery aspect was lackluster.

2.5 ⭐️

It’s a beautifully written urban fantasy story that was heavily inspired by Korean mythology. It breathes kdrama but was written for an American/European audience that have fallen in love with Korean rom-coms. And so, if you love kdramas then it’s most likely right up your alley. It definitely reminds me of ‘Korean Odyssey’.

I loved the incorporation of Korean mythical creatures and food which gave a sense of familiarity.
But sadly ‘the God and the Gumiho’ wasn’t for me. This was pretty averaged and bordered on boring imo. The main characters were not likeable. Seokga’s basically Son Ogong (Korean Odyssey). Annoying and narcissistic. I know it’s supposed to be a charming gag but it was irritating. Idk how else to describe him but he’s so unattractive.

I guess Hani was a little better but she’s dumb. Like where’s my cunning, mischievous fox at? She got away with murder years ago but decided to use the same weapons used during the time she went on a killing spree which opened up the case against her. She’s also a hypocrite. Like cry me a river, you see mutilated bodies that were beyond recognition and feel disgusted and upset? You literally went on a rampage murdering and stealing thousands upon thousands of souls. Stick to the script and remain badass and unapologetic. I don’t need my heroine to have human morals when she’s literally not human.

There’s also the presence of this annoying trope that is prevalent in East Asian dramas, where celestial entities that have lived thousands of years have this childlike/youthful (immature) mentality. I see it a lot more in cdramas where flower spirits or nine-tails have the body of an adult but mannerism and speech pattern of a 5 year old. And these heroines act ditzy and naive which somehow attracts the attention of her love interest. It’s not as bad here but I don’t need any part of that fantasy in my English literature because why are they bickering like they’re 12.

The book is marketed for Adults but aside for the age of the characters it’s pretty YA.

Thank you Netgallery for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy.

I really enjoyed this story. I don't read a lot of urban fantasy, and I was surprised that the setting didn't bother me at all. The love story is truly where this story shined. The grumpy sunshine relationship was so natural and believable. It didn't feel super rushed which is something I really dislike with this type of trope. The natural progression from enemies, to friends, to lovers felt beautifully done.

I am not familiar with Korean mythology but I had a wonderful time with this easy to read story. The prose was good, none of the writing felt too clunky or disjointed.

It was a bit slow for me at first, but after the 45% mark it picked up and moved along very quickly. Once I hit that mark, I couldn't put the book down, but it did take me some effort to force myself to get to that point.

"There are no happy endings in your story. The god and the gumiho ends with tragedy."

This book was absolutely fantastic. I’m new to Korean myths, so I was expecting to go in overwhelmed with new wording as with anything new, but Sophie wrote in such a beautiful way that it felt seamless to read. I understood things pretty quickly and boy it didn’t disappoint. I now want to learn even more about Korean mythology and this book inspired me to read similar books. It’s a skill Sophie has that I haven’t seen in awhile!

Hani and Seokga were both funny and charming, and I really enjoyed watching Seokga fall for Hani. He’s very much - I only like her and coffee - and it’s one of the cutest grumpy/sunshine portrayals. Their insults were hilarious, but I loved watching them slowly use less heated ones as they fell for each other. But, the plot was the best part of the book. I love murder mysteries SO much, and it was so entertaining trying to figure out who the person the eoduksini possessed.

This book is by far one of my favorites for 2024 so far, and honestly is a must read!!!

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC! I truly adore this book so much.

I will admit it took me a bit longer than usual to finish this book, the beginning just got off to such a slow start. I ended up putting it down after a couple chapters and not picking it back up for a week or 2. So glad I did though! It really picked up after a little bit and pulled me into a really cool world and by the end, I was crying. Only thing I could ask for would be a pronunciation guide because I'm pretty sure I butchered all the names and creatures. Fun ride though, curious to see where the story heads in the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Randomhouse publishing for the ARC!

Kim Hani hides her past as the Scarlet Fox by working as a barista. Seokga the Fallen is the trickster god exiled from the heavenly kingdom of Okhwang and working on his redemption. When a powerful demon escapes from the underworld and threatens to end all of humanity, Okhwang’s emperor offers Seokga a bargain: kill the demon and the Scarlet Fox, and he can go home again. Hani teams up with Seokga as his assistant, hoping to keep her identity safe. The two bicker and are drawn to each other, but the investigation has its own potentially lethal consequences.

Sophie Kim also wrote the Talons trilogy and The God and the Gumiho is another book incorporating Korean myth and folklore. Gumiho are fox spirits, and there are many gods in the traditional pantheon. Taking place in 1990's Korea, the world of legendary creatures and mortals overlap in this urban fantasy setting. Seokga must capture the twenty thousand spirits that he had used to invade Okhwang and temporarily depose his brother the Emperor of Heaven as penance. This makes him the grouchy one compared to Hani's irreverent barista persona. She's far older than she claims and coaches her fellow gumiho barista on how their kind used to live, feasting on the livers and souls of men. In the midst of this, mortals and immortals alike are being killed. Detective Seokga is overworked and irritable, leading his boss to accept anyone willing to do the job as his assistant. Overhearing that the police suspect the Scarlet Fox has resurfaced, she takes on the job to deter Seokga.

In addition to the usual urban fantasy tropes, we have fun with the grumpy/sunshine, only one bed, and enemies-to-lovers elements in this story as well as a murder mystery. Hani is playful by nature and doesn't generally harm average citizens, though men harassing and threatening her on the street are a different story. I found her enjoyable to read, and a great contrast to Seokga, who is dour and irritable at the start of the tale. It's hard to see the trickster side of him, as he's been beaten down by his sentence. Once the demon arrives, the story kicks into a higher gear and then we see him at work. He's still surly and has no bedside manner for questioning at all, so Hani is actually helpful at bringing out clues and blending into the mortal side of the city.

The live story and adventure story twine together, and the finale is very well done. There's the tension of Hani's secret, the risk of dying and our realm becoming a new home for monsters, and losing the chance to regain his power. Not all fairy tales have a happy ending, but the red thread of fate binds souls together and provides the promise of more. This is book one of the Fate's Thread series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.