Fangs so Bright & Deadly by Piper Drake is the second in the urban fantasy series, Mythwoven.

The main character, Marie, is a green witch working for an organization that tracks down magical artifacts to keep them out of human hands. She is also a green space designer on the side—I would have loved to hear more about this part of her story. She is helped to recover an Egyptian item by Kuro, a kitsune, and Joe, a gumiho who both work for a rival organization.

I really enjoyed this action packed story that focused on various types of Asian folklore. Marie is smart and very capable with a bit of snark. Kuro and Joe are both very distinct and well formed characters. It’s entertaining to watch as their story and relationship grows. The romance is hot (and very graphic, so beware, if that is an issue for you). Another great element is the amazingly described food. Ramen and congee and various other Asian dishes sounded so good; I wouldn’t have minded recipes at the end!

I’m always looking for urban fantasy/romantasy that feels fresh, and this definitely fit the bill.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the digital ARC.

Such a great urban fantasy/romantasy book! The characters that the author has created are intriguing and the M/M/F dynamic is a refreshing change from the usual M/F relationships that we come across in romantasy books.
The book is fast paced, full of simmering tension and plenty of magical creatures. I especially love the references to Japanese and Asian folklore, as well as the use of mythical creatures existing in modern day Seattle.
This book is great for fans of high stakes missions, magical beings such as witches and gumiho and the why choose? trope.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and would definitely recommend it to others!

Marie is secretly a witch and hunts down anything that may harm human. Yamoto and Joseph are Japanese fox spiritis. They work together temporarily....

Love the romance. The attraction is fun. I like the magical world too. Very detailed without being pedantic. A terrific summer book.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Title: Fangs So Bright & Deadly

Author: Piper J. Drake
Genre: Romantasy

Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: 24th September 2024

Piper J. Drake’s "Fangs So Bright & Deadly" is a thrilling romantasy that seamlessly blends magic, mythology, and romance. Set in corporate Seattle, the novel follows Marie Xiao, a witch leading a dual life as a freelance consultant and a guardian against mystical threats.

Marie Xiao’s life is meticulously structured between her corporate consultancy job and her role as a guardian witch, safeguarding humanity from dangerous supernatural artefacts. Her controlled world is disrupted when she attracts the attention of Yamamoto Kuro and Joseph Choe, a kitsune and a kumiho bonded pair, who work for an organisation that has crossed paths with Marie before.

Despite their conflicting allegiances, Marie, Kuro, and Joe must join forces when a mysterious undead presence disrupts their plans. As they delve deeper into the supernatural unrest, they uncover a tangled web of ancient magic and hidden agendas. Loyalties are tested, alliances shift, and forbidden desires ignite amidst the chaos.

What I Loved:

1. Diverse Mythological Elements: The integration of Japanese and Korean folklore with Western urban fantasy elements enriches the narrative, offering a fresh perspective on supernatural beings and their interactions in modern-day settings.
2. Complex Characters: Marie, Kuro, and Joe are multifaceted characters with distinct personalities and backgrounds. Marie’s dedication to her duties as a witch contrasts sharply with her growing attraction to Kuro and Joe, whose bond adds layers of tension and depth to their interactions.
3. Action-Packed Plot: The novel delivers a fast-paced plot filled with suspense, magic, and intrigue. From artefact retrieval missions to uncovering ancient conspiracies, each chapter propels the story forward while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
4. Romantic Tension: The romantic tension between Marie, Kuro, and Joe simmers throughout the story, adding a layer of heat and complexity to their dynamic. Their evolving relationships are fraught with challenges yet infused with undeniable chemistry.

The juxtaposition of corporate Seattle with the supernatural underworld creates a vibrant backdrop for the story’s unfolding mysteries. Drake’s vivid descriptions bring both the mundane and mystical aspects of the setting to life, enhancing the overall atmosphere of intrigue and danger.

"Fangs So Bright & Deadly" by Piper J. Drake is a captivating urban fantasy that combines thrilling supernatural elements with intricate relationships and high-stakes intrigue. Fans of mythology-inspired adventures with a touch of romance will find themselves immersed in Marie, Kuro, and Joe’s quest to navigate treacherous magic and forbidden desires.

For readers seeking a blend of action, mystery, and supernatural allure, "Fangs So Bright & Deadly" offers a compelling journey into a world where danger lurks in the shadows and love defies all boundaries.


Thank you to The Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca ,The Author Piper J. Drake & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.