I was drawn to this book by the description and the fact that the magic and mythology were Eastern rather than Western for a change. As a fan of wolf shifters, the idea of our MMCs being different types of fox shifters was intriguing! And indeed the various types of magic featured in this book was one of my favorite parts. I found myself googling often to learn about Japanese, Korean, Filipino and even Celtic references. And we got doses of Egyptian symbology through the plot which, along with all the mythology references, was easy to follow and fast paced.

Green witch Marie Xiao lives two lives, one as a garden design consultant and one working with a team of supernaturals to track down and remove mythological artifacts from unwitting (and witting) human hands. Her lives collide when hired for a job at Socrates Industries, further complicated by the appearance of two fox spirits - a gumiho and kitsune named Joe and Kuro respectively - who Marie met previously under less than desirable circumstances. This time though it may make sense to work together…in more ways than one.

Marie is such a refreshing FMC. She’s extremely smart, driven and confident, but not loud about it; it’s made clear all of this directly contributes to her power. She’s also used to taking care of herself in her personal life. She’s queer and this isn’t even her first polyamorous relationship. I loved how Joe & Kuro recognize she doesn’t need them, but still want to figure out how to add value to her life, giving her the combination of respect, support and care that she’s been missing.

And the romance! Shockingly grounded and so sweet. Kuro & Joe both fall for Marie hard and fast. I loved the clear communication of intent, expectations and needs between the three of them. And how many of the normal “get to know you” moments were couched in unique magic or their mission, making them feel fresh. While the attraction between the three is immediate, there isn’t a ton of on page spice, with more time spent on plot and relationship development. Still there are a couple steamy open door scenes!

I definitely recommend this for anyone looking for unique mythology, a mystery to solve, and a low angst, high sexual tension, thoughtful MMF romance.

In the first of Piper J. Drake’s Mythwoven series, Wings once Cursed & Bound, Marie, a witch, is helped by two nine-tailed foxes while she is a part of a team rescuing Peeraphan. We know them only as Fox Number One and Fox Number Two, but that very short scene also reveals that they work with a morally grey organization called Babel, they took part in Peeraphan’s kidnapping and then regretted it when they learned the purpose, and they are very, very impressed with Marie. It was enough to make me hope that Marie would meet them again and have no need to choose between them. I am very pleased to say that Marie’s book, Fangs So Bright and Deadly, is exactly what I was hoping for.

Marie Xiao’s supernatural job is working with the Darke Consortium to keep dangerous magical artifacts out of human hands. Her ordinary world job is designing green spaces in office buildings in Seattle. The ordinary job can be a cover and gets her access to buildings that may be holding magical artifacts. As the book opens, Marie is meeting with a new client, Socrates Industries, and quickly finds plants that have no business being in an office building and a man wearing an unusual amulet. As she leaves the building she’s observed by Kuro and Joe (Foxes One and Two), who are also watching the building. When the three meet and chat on the street, things get weird as an undead man walks by. Now the three agree to team up for work, but Joe and Kuro also hope for a more personal team-up.

As the three try to figure out what’s happening at Socrates Industries, there are further complications when Joe and Kuro’s boss decides to send a message and contracts some pain witches to put a Ladyhawke curse on Joe and Kuro. I appreciated this facet of the story for a couple of reasons, it gave Marie time with Joe and Kuro individually, it solidified them as a united front against Babel and Socrates Industries, and it was a nice dash of Gen X nostalgia. If you haven’t watched Ladyhawke, you should.

I loved the care that Drake takes with her story and her characters. Without going into so much detail that the plot bogs down, she weaves in enough information that we understand Kuro and Joe as different fox spirits, a kitsune and gumiho. Marie, as a green witch, has a very different she nurtures her magic. That same care goes into building Marie, Joe, and Kuro into a throuple. Joe and Kuro are an already established couple. They’ve worked through integrating their differences. Marie has been in a poly relationship before, so it isn’t new to her. The common enemies allows the tension to be primarily external to the relationship.

I’m looking forward to more books in the Mythwoven series.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.

Bright. Deadly. And yummy. Oh, so, YUMMY

This novel checks the boxes on urban paranormal, shifter romance, Asian mythology, non-binary characters, and cuisine. That's right, cuisine. Don't read while you're hungry – unless you want ideas for the next meal. Marie is a witch, wooed by a MM mated fox shifter couple, while simultaneously navigating curses, magical mishaps, and an evil conglomerate. This review is based on an advance reader copy.

For the record, Wings once Cursed and Bound (series book 1) was my introduction to Drake's work. It's a must read, instant addiction. This second book in the Mythwoven series is an excellent follow up, that absolutely does not disappoint. It manages high quality character presentation, world development, twisty plots, and thoughtful handling of both cultural and societal concepts. I'm totally hooked on these books and can't wait for more. My only complaint – this is more about my wants than the material, hence no stars were subtracted – is that I'd have liked more back story for the main characters. The history is there, but a bit more detail on each MC’s background experiences would have been very satisfying.

This was an enjoyable mixture of fantasy and mythology. While I did not immediately connect with the romance angle, I found this to be highly imaginative work and would gladly share it with readers.

The Vibes: shapeshifters, MMF, folklore we should really see more of in PNR, what if you could cuddle your boyfriend like a cat?

Heat Index: 7/10

The Basics:

Marie is a consultant during her day job... and on the side, she's a witch hunting down dangerous magical objects. This brings her into contact with Joe, a gumiho, and his kitsune partner (in every sense of the word) Kuro. Though the spark she has with both men is immediate, there's a snag. They're working for Marie's enemy. Nonetheless—what's the harm in a little fun on the job? Until fun becomes a lot more serious... both in terms of physical and emotional risk.

The Review:

Speaking of fun—this was a lot of fun! I've actually never read a book featuring a gumiho or a kitsune before. A lot of (let's be real, white) authors would probably equate the creatures as they're both shapeshifting fox spirits, but Drake does a great job of introducing what they are, their similarities and differences, and what those forms and roles are to Joe and Kuro separately. Which is kind of a theme throughout the book, to be honest. Marie, Joe, and Kuro can all bonds from certain cultural similarities—but they're not at all the same. Everything, even down to the way they approach food, is carefully considered in the writing and handled (in my perspective—call me on it if I'm wrong, I'm an American white woman) delicately. But not with any sense of trepidation, either.

This shouldn't be something that's surprising, but let's be real... romance is what it is. And, like most subgenres, PNR has been super white, historically. It was really cool to see a departure.

On to the rest of the story!

I think that what makes this interesting is the way in which the stakes are high in theory, but in reality there's still a lot of levity. Kuro and Joe both experience Premature Shifting. There are multiple scenes in which they're like, held by romantic partners like pets. Because you know... foxes aren't really that big! It's borderline goofy at points, but it actually ends up being quite cute.

Where I, of course, being the reader I am, struggle is in the fact that the relationship really is pretty healthy. Kuro and Joe are very established and happy together, which I did love. They're also both pretty good with bringing Marie into their relationship as a new partner. Which... perhaps made sense with their experiences as supernaturals and how that may affect their perspectives... But felt a little too easy for me. Like, y'all are life partners, and it's totally believable that you'd meet this woman and feel a connection you want to explore (Kuro and Joe have shared flings and slept with other people separately as well) but I don't know. It seemed a bit quick for them to jump from "let's bone her" to "let's make her our girlfriend".

To be fair, Marie does pump the brakes on that a little. I actually loved that she'd been in polyamorous relationships in the past (and didn't have a super negative experience) and knew her hard limits. There are aspects of the story beyond the triad that affect her decision, and I felt that was explored really well.

But everyone was just... a bit too respectful and good, I supposed. Which is on trend for romance right now, and a lot of people will love that. I just wanted a bit more mess.

The Sex:

Obviously, this is an MMF romance, so you get scenes that are a bit more creative and dynamic than what you'd find in a monogamous romance. But, I'd say that in terms of a triad romance, these are on the tamer side. Still very hot and explicit! Just not super crazy. You see Kuro and Joe one-on-one in a fairly quick but sexy scene, and you get multiple scenes with all three of them together. Well-written, steamy, but if you're not super experienced with triad romances, this actually may be a good way to dip your toe in the water.

That's actually true for the book all-around, now that I think about it. If you're into to fantasy and paranormal romance and curious about whether or not you'd like a triad romance... This is very much a baby steps book. There isn't a love triangle. Everyone cares about each other and wants the best for one another. It isn't at all toxic—the opposite, really. At the same time, you get the reticent Marie, the charismatic and sweet Joe, and the more dominating (but still lovely) Kuro. It's not an array of samey people, either.

So yes—for me, the drama could've been higher. But it's still a good book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When Marie Xiao, a witch who derives her powers from plant life, begins a new job designing a green space for large corporation she’ll uncover a deadly secret. Luckily, Marie will have the help of two fox spirits (Joe and Kuro) to help her discover why a man that was a corpse yesterday is walking around again the next day.

This romantasy story was a little too heavy on the romance side for my personal taste, but the integration of myth from multiple cultures was interesting. I liked the author’s use of foods from Marie’s, Joe’s, and Kuro’s backgrounds to help bond them. I did find the pace of the story a bit slow, and it did not grab my attention. This is the second book in the series, and maybe if I had read the first one I would be more invested in the characters. The premise was intriguing, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

The characters in this book have previously met and when they meet up again it's quite clear that they seem to be on opposite sides but just might find it beneficial to work together. They quite literally see a dead man walking and that sets them on a path fraught with magic, secrets and danger !
I very much enjoyed the way the author mixed up Korean, Japanese and even Egyptian mythology in this modern setting. A Witch and two very different fox shifters ( Kitsune and Gumiho ) become partners in not just business which I honestly hadn't been expecting. I will say that the romance between these three partners had good build up and whilst open didn't feel rushed or forced. I think my favourite character is without a doubt Marie as yes she's dainty and is frequently underestimated but she definitely has backbone. However both Kuro and Joe had very distinct personalities and the use of their abilities made this an entertaining read.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Piper J. Drake has HIT her stride in the Mythwoven series with Fangs So Bright & Deadly!

The mythic artifact community never sleeps (or so I’m coming to understand)! This story gives us Marie, Kuro, and Joe, characters that were introduced in the first book in this series! As soon as we got their introductions I knew that I was excited to get their story! Little did I know that we would get all of them together. And this made it all the more delicious!

Piper J. Drake knows how to craft a deliciously steamy story. The spice here is going to be something readers notice first. This writing style is going to pull you deep within the pages. Then you’ll stay because you want to see all the creative ways that these characters get together. (And creative is just an easy descriptor here).

Then the plot is another aspect that I think really improved from book 1, the stakes got higher and the characters interactions felt more at home. Now I know we had to get introduced to the cast in book 1, but the assumed knowledge here made me feel at home with the story. Therefore I would recommend reading the first book before diving into this next adventure.

There are new mythologies here that I had never explored and I think Piper J. Drake does an excellent job in giving a glimpse into them. We get a green witch, a gumiho, and a kitsune. I think having two fox spirits really gives readers a chance to see similarities and differences but in a respectful way! (Aka this is also fun and educational)!

All in all, this is steamy, hot, delicious, adventurous, pulse-pounding, and more. Readers are going to love this and I for one cannot wait for the next Mythwoven adventure!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. I really enjoyed this book. I liked it more than the first one. Probably because of Kuro and Joe. I loved how they were two different fox spirit supernatural. I loved Marie and then I love Marie with Joe and Kuro. Everything in the story flowed very well, I was sucked into the book and couldn't put it down. Applause to the author as I'm enjoying this world she's created and I look forward to more.

I enjoyed the combination of Japanese and Korean fox spirits, of their similarities and differences in eating, in abilities, and natures. Joe and Kuro, as characters, were entertaining and I liked Marie, but … I didn’t quite feel the chemistry between the three of them. Or even the two of them (Joe and Kuro.) However, the three of them together solving the magical mystery worked quite well as they all had different approaches, and different skillsets to draw from.

Personally, this book was … pleasant. I had fun reading it. But it didn’t quite grab me the way I wanted it to. The sex scenes were well done, with condoms and all three partners checking in on the comfort and consent of one another; with all of them being able to ask for what they wanted and draw their lines as far as what they would or would not do; even when hunting (Kuro feeds on sexual energy), he was looking for consenting partners, not taking advantage of people.

The writing was a little on the simple, straightforward side, with explanations put in so obviously there was never a moment to wonder what a fox spirit would think of a werewolf, because Joe’s exposition made it clear what the two supernatural species thought of one another. The plot, likewise, is comfortably familiar and unobstructed, and played out pretty much as I thought it would. Really, the strength is in the world building and the drawing together of various mythologies and supernatural creatures.

If you’re a fan of paranormal romances with strong world building, you should enjoy this series. I want to thank Net Galley and the publisher for granting me access to an advanced reader copy

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I fell completely in love with this book! I thought I was probably would since I loved the first book in this series.

I enjoyed seeing Marie, Kuro, and Joe as the main characters, as well as all the characters in the previous book making their appearance in this one as well.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Marie, Kuro, and Joe. They all have their strengths as characters and compliment each other nicely.

You get a really nice lesson in mythology when you read these books. and having been interested in mythology since I was a child, it always makes me happy.

And again, it was so nice reading a book that is set in my state by someone who actually knows what they are talking about. While reading it, I caught myself visualizing all of the places in Seattle that were mentioned. It was a very pleasant experience, like taking a nice trip to that wonderful city without even having to leave my home.

I also appreciate how the author basically acknowledged (through use of a character in the book acknowledging it) that being a polyamorous person literally means you are considered queer, I feel like a lot of people overlook that simple fact, and I just appreciated the author not doing that too.

All in all, I would recommend reading this book when it gets released as it is well worth your time!

This urban fantasy transports readers to modern-day Seattle, teeming with mythical creatures. The story skillfully incorporates Asian representation, drawing from Korean, Japanese, and Chinese myths, alongside intriguing elements from Egyptian lore. Among the characters, you'll find a witch, a Kumiho, and a Kitsune, each adding depth and intrigue to the plot.

However, this book didn't resonate with me. It's important to note that it includes explicit sexual content, which caught me off guard. If you're not comfortable with open-door romance, consider this a heads-up. But if you enjoy urban fantasy infused with Asian mythology and fox spirits, this book might just be up your alley.

This is my first by this author and while it's a second in series I felt like I was able to keep up well! It's an urban fantasy with a unique twist that will have readers captivated. The world building was well done and I loved the balance of fantasy mixed with the world of Seattle. I also love the different culture mythological elements included! Can't wait for the next one now!

Fangs So Bright and Deadly by Piper J. Drake
I read this courtesy Net Galley and Sourcebooks. This is a refreshing tour-de-force that combines and makes delightful use of the various legends and myths of Asia and lands them squarely in Seattle. While it’s the second in the series and there were numerous references to the first, the story moves at a good pace and enough is referred to in passing that it was easy to keep up and the reader is never, ever bored. If you’re into Asian mythology and fox spirits are your thing, you’re not going to be disappointed with this book.

#FangsSoBrightAndDeadly #NetGalley #CampNetGalley #Sourcebooks #Kitsune #Gumiho

I really enjoyed all of the fantasy elements in this story and the fact that this story focuses on more unusual mythical creatures. The push and pull of Marie, Joseph and Yamamoto’s relationship really made this story interesting and kept me reading. I am hoping to learn more about this world in future books!

I love Asian folklore, so I was really excited reading the book. It was action packed and fast paced so it kept being entertaining.
The beginning was so engaging, and I found myself reading the first half of the book in one sitting. But the last 30% kinda felt boring to me, I just wanted to be done with the book.
But nevertheless it is really good book and can't wait to read the 3 book.

Fangs So Bright and Deadly by P. J Drake is the second book in Mythwoven Series. I recommend to read the books in order.
Welcome back to Marie, Kuro and all the others lives and adventures. A pnr fantasy full of twists and turns, a great read.
Blurb: Marie Xiao lives a double life, moonlighting as a freelance consultant in corporate Seattle even as she dedicates herself—and her powers as a witch—to chasing down objects of myth and magic before they can be used to harm humankind. She carefully guards the bridges between worlds and has never once been tempted to stray.
Until she catches the eye of a pair-bonded kitsune and gumiho and her whole world is thrown into chaos.
Japanese and Korean fox spirits Yamamoto Kuro and Joseph Choe have been hoping to cross paths with Marie since their first chance meeting at an artifact retrieval gone decidedly wrong. They may work for Marie's enemy, but they don't see any reason why they can't mingle a little work and play…especially when a (literal) dead man waltzes into their impromptu reunion, raising intriguing questions about a deeper magic that may be afoot. Temporarily teaming up, the trio investigate the unusual unrest…but as loyalties begin to shift and lines blur, Kuro, Joe, and Marie may find themselves at the precipice of something none of them are prepared to face…or deny.

Fangs So Bright & Deadly by Piper J. Drake
This is the second book in the Mythwoven series. It can be read as a standalone. But you will be missing out on this excellent series and the meet cute for Marie, Kuro, and Joe.

I have been waiting for book 2 in the Mythwoven series, and Fangs So Bright & Deadly DID NOT DISAPPOINT! It's soooooo good!

Marie is a green witch. Joe is a Kumiho. Kuro is a Kitsune. Joe and Kuro are partners before they meet Marie. The love and chemistry between them is special. The three meet quickly while on a job in book 1. They all think of that first meeting often until they meet again months later in book 2. I love that part. It becomes obvious very quickly that Marie completes what Kuro and Joe already have.

I really loved the authentic Asian Representation. Like in book 1, we learn about myths from Korea, Japan, China, and Egypt. The food and tea is mouthwatering! And house slippers as tokens of love. ❤️

Fangs So Bright & Deadly has it all! Mystical plants, intrigue, hexes, heists, good witches, bad witches, an evil empire. And three people learning each other, loving each other, and completing each other. It's also steamy, romantic, and just truly wonderful.

I can't wait for book 3!

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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!