Member Reviews

This book was great. There was a great mix of fantasy and romance. The plot was extremely captivating and fast pace. I can’t wait until the second book comes out so I can see what happens next.

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I’ve always been a sucker for Asian mythology and with a cover this pretty, I just could not resist. Sadly for me though, the book did not match my expectations. Whether it was because I was unintentionally comparing it to The God and the Gumiho or what, I don’t know, I just felt there was something missing.

The pacing was off, the romance was a little too insta-lust for me, the language gave me Gen Z vibes and threw me off from immersing into the world fully and I just couldn’t connect with Sunny or Ethan. Such a shame as I loved the Korean folklore side of the book but everything else was lacklustre and could have done with some more editing before being published.

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I thoroughly enjoyed Nine-Tailed. It cleverly weaved the fantasy and modern world together, while creating very real chemistry between Sunny and Ethan. I do think that there were pacing issues that kept the novel from being five stars. It seemed almost like two books stuck together. I would (and have recommended Nine-Tailed to my readers.

I included it in the below post

https://romanceandco.substack.com/p/the-nine-tailed-fox

and in the following IG post

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-7_CD1v5_E/?img_index=2

I look forward to the rest of the series and would love to receive an ARC, if possible.

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I am obsessed with this book. The storytelling, the realistic back-and-forth of young minds, the on-fire chemistry between the FMC & MMC, the inside look into Korean cultures, beliefs, and stories. They hinted BIG TIME starting in the first 1/3 of the book the bomb they would drop, but it was like a gentle leading of the hand to get there.

I don't want to give any spoilers because I really did just love it so much that I want others to experience it as blind as I was, but I KNOW I will be looking for other books by this author from now on. Bravo. You hooked me, reeled me in and I'm caught for good.

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I enjoyed this book.. with the Korean folklore woven throughout the story and the characters really making it interesting. Seemed a little clumsy at times but otherwise really enjoyable

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I loved this!

It was such a fun twist. I've got a soft spot for trickster type stories and characters, definitely can't get enough.

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I felt like this was a let down for me. The writing wasn’t bad but the storytelling wasn’t there. I had high expectations from the way this was marketed.

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I desperately wanted this book to be a five star read. The Korean folklore was better. than I could have even imagined it would be. The mentions and discussions of food (yay!! foodies unite!) were delicious and I truly loved learning so much about Korean culture. The characters felt a wee bit flat, and the insta-love with no buildup or real heat between the pair was a bit off-putting. I really was rooting for Ethan (& Sunny) and wish I could have heard from his POV about their time apart as there was just so much missing that I'd have loved to explore further. I also would have absolutely loved more on the other characters - they were introduced, they were lively, and then rushed and thrown on the back burner when Sunny & Ethan reconnected and the focus from then on was just on them. It just fell a bit flat overall, but I do believe that I will continue reading this series - I really want to learn more about the Korean culture!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jayci Lee for this e-Arc in exchange for my honest review.

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DNFed at 25%.

I REALLY wanted to enjoy this book. I'm starving for culturally specific romantasy, and I've been fascinated with the tales of the gumiho ever since I saw the episode of Lovecraft Country titled "Meet in Me in Daegu." I was intrigued by the murder mystery plot, and the dynamic between the FMC Sunny and MMC Ethan, a P.I. she has history with. The "prologue" titled "Gumiho" immediately captured my attention, and I thought I'd be locked into the story from there.

However, when the main story begins, the narration style suddenly switches to being overly modern and casual to the point of feeling juvenile. There's a lot of casual infodumping, overdone sexual tension right off the bat complete with some cringe-y flirting and insta-jealousy, and glimpses into Sunny's thoughts that overtly spell out every emotion of hers, even the ones that are obvious already. I think this book would be far better marketed as YA rather than adult, as it reads VERY YA. I'm sure there are many who would enjoy this book, and I think the concepts and plot have a lot of potential, but this just wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Jayci Lee for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Nine Tailed is a fresh take on the romantasy genre focusing on Korean folklore.

The world building was well developed and it felt nice being able to move throughout the world and realms.
The cast of characters had a great found family vibe to them. The magic systems were unique and well explained.

I am personaly someone who doesn’t really love instalove, so there wasn’t enough relationship building for me.

The plot itself moved along well and kept me interested to see what will happen next, so I will definitely be checking out the next book.

If you like: urban fantasy, paranormal romance, Korean mythology, you should definitely give it a try!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was such a refreshing amazing fantasy book I Recommend. The character development in this whole book was amazing you have found family and spectacular characters in this book is for you

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Face-paced is the best way to describe this romantic Korean mythology and American weirdness all blended together. Good fun and looking forward to the next book in the series.

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I really enjoyed this book, the chemistry between them and the story was really interesting.
Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for my book

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Nine Tailed by Jayci Lee is an exciting blend of Korean mythology and modern romance. Sunny, a nine-tailed fox spirit, and Ethan, a private investigator, team up to solve a murder, leading them on a thrilling adventure. I loved the world-building and the rich fantasy elements, especially the exploration of Korean folklore. Sunny's sarcasm and humor were standout moments, but the romance felt a bit disjointed at times, with her attraction to Ethan sometimes pulling me out of the plot. Overall, it’s a fun read with action, mystery, and a lot of slow-burn tension. Looking forward to the next book!

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I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

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Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this e-ARC!
DNF @ 15%
2 stars

This book was not what I expected. I expected NA due to the mention of 8 year separation for the romance, and this is New Adult based on the ages, sexual aspects, and foul language. However, the writing was... very not NA. I don't want to call it YA because I hate associating dumbed-down, juvenile writing with YA. The writing is just, well, juvenile. It's very telly, tries to be quirky with its voice, and is just... blah. The benefit of that is that it makes for a quick and easily digestible read, but it's not *good*, ya know? This isn't to say people don't like this writing style, especially those who want some quick and simple fantasy escapism. It's not for me, but others may love it.

The romance also just had me personally eh. It's an age gap, which isn't my favorite but I don't despise. However, this one left me with the ick. Mostly because she knew the MC when he was thirteen and she was already a hundred or something. Then when she first sees him, knowing he's him, some of her first thoughts are his hotness, and she's super quick to lust after him.

I repeat. Thirteen. And she acted all mentor-y to him. It's just weird. I may be neutral on age gaps involving immortal beings and legal adults, but between the insta-lust and *when* she first met/befriended him, I'm just fully out on the romance.

There are other issues, but a lot of them just stem back to the writing style in some shape or form. If, however, you don't mind the things I listed, then you'll probably like it! The plot itself is fun, with a good dose of mystery and action. Plus, support of an own-voices Asian writer! Always in support of that, even this book isn't for me.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is a lot of angst and tension if that is not your thing you may not enjoy it as much as I do but I think you’d still like the rest of the story. There is snarky banter, ancient evil, and destinies that need fighting against its the trifecta of any great adventure. I really enjoyed the characters and the jump into Korean mythology with the world of the Shingae. This book has me just WAITING for the next one to be out as it will immediately be on my TBR.

There was not full blown descriptive sex on page but there is descriptive sex adjacent acts on page at one point. It did not detract from the story or overpower or seem out of place though.

~Potential Spoilers ahead as I ask all of the questions I’m dying to know in the next book~

I am just waiting to see which way sunny goes will she join the Sugoshin and complete the trials and in doing so form a love triangle with the mysterious Jihun and Ethan? Will the fighting party get back together for more fights? How are Daeseong and the Amheuk going to come back for round 2??! I cannot wait for book two!!! There are so many different paths this can go!

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*thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for an eARC of this book in exchange for my review*

I have mixed feelings about this book. It is marketed as romantasy, and I guess that isn’t an inaccurate description. I just didn’t expect the fantasy and romance to feel like opposite ends of a pendulum swing. Jayci Lee undoubtedly put so much time into world building and storyline development, but the way Sunny constantly bounced from adrenaline and life endangerment to being fully unable to think about anything except for Ethan and his body made it seem like this was two completely different stories spliced together.

Honestly, I LOVED the actual plot of the story. The way Lee wove Sunny and Ethan’s backgrounds together was flawless. FLAWLESS, do you hear me? The fantasy elements were *chef’s kiss* immersive and intricate. I had absolutely no issues picturing everything in my mind’s eye. Even in the Sky Realm. Just stunning. And when Sunny’s head wasn’t in the gutter, she was SO FUNNY. I don’t know if I’ve ever loved sarcastic irreverence in a character so much.

But ultimately, Sunny’s horniness just had a way of yanking me out of the plot and I couldn’t get on board with the love story (or the almost love triangle??). Value of the supporting characters? Unclear. And of course, the cliffhanger ending made it feel like the whole book was just a setup, which was a bit disappointing.

Overall, I did not love this book, but I did not hate it. If you love the idea of high Korean fantasy led by a very horny gumiho that spends most of the book in denial (aka slow burn), this might be the book for you.

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Lately i have been experiencing what I would call 'fantasy fatigue'. I had read so many fantasy romance that I was getting bored of it. However, the front of the book and the blurb convinced me to give it another try and I am very happy I did. This book was very well written. It made me feel like I was in the moment with the characters. I also really appreciated the Korean sub-context of the story, making it different from some of the series I was reading before this. Lastly the story was well paced, keeping me engaged. The only down side is that i sometimes had to look back a bit to keep up with the different terms, but it made me feel more invested in the story.

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Thank you Netgalley for the arc.

I wanted to like this story as Korean culture and folklore is fascinating but unfortunately the juvenile writing took away from what could have been a beautiful tale.

For a century old nine tailed fox from the world of the Gods, the FMC would not stop acting super childish and naive and just instant horny love to everyone which made the story off putting from the get go.

With the whole private investigating the brother's death I though it would be a more adult like book Crescent City but with Koran Gods, however the plot was all over the place and I got not get attached to the FMC due to her immature thoughts and actions.

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