The God and the Gumiho

Perfection!! this was absolutely amazing!!!I devoured this! this was so much more than what I expected!
I honestly have no words but just one.BRILLIANT. If you have not added this to your tbr you have to please .it's a must read if you are in need for a great fantasy!
Can't wait to have a special edition on my shelf! Amazing read, definitely recommend! 5 stars!!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review*

One of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it did not disappoint! The world building, characters and banter were fantastic and the humour??? 10/10

Hani & Seokga are a brilliant enemies to lovers couple and as mentioned before, the banter was perfect. The evolution of their relationship over the book was so natural and took time to build up as Hani first decides to become his assistant for her own safety and a tiny bit of mischief... Roadtrips, stakeouts and fairy bargains all help bring the two closer together and it makes for a super fun read.

The investigation itself is also really well done, the clues are all there for the reader to uncover alongside Hani & Seokga. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, kdrama, enemies to lovers romance & thrilling investigations then look no further.

Thanks to Netgalley & Hodder & Stoughton for the arc. I really loved this one!

[ARC provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, Hodderscape. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review The God and the Gumiho.]

Rating: 5/5

Let me just start by saying that The God and the Gumiho has swiftly become one of my all-time favourite fantasy reads. And I don’t say this lightly, but seriously, it’s that good. I had an inkling that I’d enjoy this as I love kdramas with similar themes, and oh boy, the first page had me grinning because I knew right away that I was going to love this book. Everything was perfect, truly I wouldn’t change a single element of it. The pacing was superb, the balance between fantasy and contemporary was spot on, and the characters are some new favourites for me. This is a book that all fantasy lovers (bonus points if you enjoy kdramas) need to read.

This story follows Seokga, a fallen god, and Hami, a secretly infamous gumiho, as they grudgingly work together to solve a murder mystery. Their relationship is the type that I dream to uncover whenever I start a new book. The chemistry, the tension, the hate to tentative friendship to tender fondness is everything!!! I fell in love with this pair and their hilarious banter so quickly that I could feel myself slowing down my reading pace, just so I could enjoy being in the moment with them for longer.

Although my favourite element of this book is definitely the steadily building romance, there’s also so much more to love. This story is a carefully crafted masterpiece taking inspiration from Korean mythology that will hook you in the most delicious sense. I have some familiarity with the mythological names and terms that pop up but I’m certain I’d have still loved this even without that knowledge. Everything stitches together so perfectly, leaving you with an addictive contemporary fantasy drama that is simply impossible to put down.

Another reason I’m not surprised that I loved this is because I adore Loki the trickster god in just about every time he pops up in literature, film etc. Seokga is very similar and his mischievous streak had me laughing and kicking my feet on numerous occasions. Although we don’t see it too often, his relationship with his brother, Hwanin, sometimes reminded me of Loki and Thor (especially how they’re portrayed in the Thor films) which made me love him even more.

Also there’s spice and I wasn’t expecting that!! Don’t get me wrong, I don’t need spice to love a romance but I also will never say no to it, and it’s executed perfectly here. The tension and longing between Seokga and Hami is honestly so gripping and I was squealing whenever they so much as brushed hands.

I really could go on and on but all you have to know is that you need to read this book as soon as it comes out. If you like fantasy romances then you’ll love it, but if you also like mythology, murder mysteries, buddy cop stories and a lot of banter (with a pinch of heartbreak), you’ll love it even more.

Absolutely blown away by this one! Morally grey x morally grey main characters, with a vibrant Korean setting and a beautiful love story! I desperately need the next one after that ending!!

Summary

This deliciously swoony and brilliantly funny contemporary Korean fantasy follows Hani, a sly shapeshifting fox known as a Gumiho, and Seokga, a fallen trickster God, as they work together to unravel the mysteries behind a rogue demon of darkness and kill it before it turns the mortal world into its very own hell. However, the demon is not the only thing they have to haunt, as Seokga is offered the opportunity to be reinstated as a powerful god once more by his brother, who is the King of the Gods, if he manages to kill the demon... as well as a notorious gumiho known as the Scarlet Fox. Hani is the Scarlet Fox, and she has guarded her secret identity as a notorious legendary gumiho for thousands of years. With Seokga on her trail, Hani is willing to go to any lengths to prevent him from unravelling her secret, and she does so by coming up with her own brilliant plan to deceive him in his investigations.Yet, the god and the gumiho find that despite what their own logic dictates, their hearts are inexplicably bound to unravel too.

Review

Firstly, I would like to emphasise I don’t think I have ever read a book that contained the sort of humour that will induce me to squeal with laughter. This book is so brilliantly hilarious, witty and full of charm that upon the first few pages of reading, I knew that I was going to absolutely adore this book, its characters and the world that the writer has so masterfully built. I can’t get over how brilliantly funny the dialogues and the characters were – the humour was so natural, and the writing is just so fantastic! If you are a fan of k-dramas, sunshine x grumpy tropes (done in such a sparklingly, achingly wonderful way), enemies to lovers, romance and even some spice, this book is perfect for you. I loved it so much, and I need to now cure this void inside my heart because I finished this too quickly, and I will probably reread it again once I finish this review. Also, I found the references to pop culture, fan fictions and ‘biases’ so funny and I think that if, like me, that is your kind of humour, you will adore the banter and dialogues in this book.

I feel like the main characters in this novel really shine, as in they truly are the perfect morally grey FMC and MMC for me. First and foremost, Hani was such an amazing FMC who exemplified a certain depth and complexity that only very skilled writers are adept at weaving into their stories. She was so wonderfully fierce, seductive, morally ambiguous, selfish and cunning yet she was also ferociously protective, endearing, charming and full of life and humour. Her character development was so wonderful to experience, and I loved the fact that she was not a perfect and morally righteous character but a very flawed and realistic FMC with the potential to grow and grow she did!! Indeed, she had redeemed herself in the end. Her love for Seokga is just so true and heartfelt.

As for Seokga, oh how I adored him! He is cruel, snarky, cold, uncaring and grumpy but underneath all that veneer of self-importance, superiority complex and arrogance, he really is just a soft baby who is thousands of years old and will do anything for his girl. I loved his trickster nature, especially at some of the things he did at the end (gave me a good chuckle) and the way that Hani has brought out the compassion and love in him just made me melt in a puddle of my own tears.

The dynamic, tensions and eventual romance between Hani and Seokga was just delicious, to-die for, tender at the right moments and just so very swoon worthy. I loved their interactions and I found that they kind of give me Bonnie and Clyde vibes! I was so invested in their romance because in the beginning, their interactions were truly one that was between two enemies, and I was interested to see how the writer would develop their relationship, especially with Seokga being the grumpy god that he is.

Also, a noteworthy mention is Hwanin and Seokga’s sibling dynamic!! We get glimpses of their dynamic as well as Hwanin’s character throughout the book, but it isn’t until the end that we really get a better scope of their relationship and of Hwanin himself. I must admit that my heart goes out to Hwanin and I really want to see more development in their bond in the next book!!! Their sibling dynamic is one of my favourites already and we didn’t even get all that much of it even at the end!

In terms of the ending, I felt that it was executed beautifully, and the certain element of redemption was done so fittingly. Although some parts did break my heart, I think that in this kind of story and with our type of morally ambiguous characters, it was very well implemented. The ending was satisfying but also really makes me want the next book!

Overall, this story is just so fantastic, and perfectly balances morally grey characters with such deft ease and it is masterful in its incorporation of Korean mythology into a contemporary fantasy setting. If you’re a fan of masterfully crafted contemporary fantasy with a Korean twist, sufficiently swoony romance to make you giddy, fantastic banter and humour and a good dose of sparkling, loveable characters, then look no further because you will probably devour this book. Or it will devour you instead, depending on how you deal with the void that you will be left with once you finish this gorgeous book.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.

Look, when your book has Grumpy x Sunshine, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Forced Proximity, and If I Don't Drink Coffee This Instant I'm Going To Die And Take You All Down With Me To The Seventh Circle Of Hell (that definitely counts as a trope right?), it's going to be a hard ask for me not to rate it highly. Especially when all that is set in a grungy, contemporary fantasy world rich in folklore and mythology I'd never come across before (but am now desperate to explore further). I suspect The God and the Gumiho may be a gateway d̶r̶u̶g̶ book.

I love that the author knowingly leans into the realm of K-Drama, giving a distinctly modern twist to a story that wouldn't have reached its full potential if kept completely oldy-worldy and traditional. The stakes feel weighty and grounded - actions have real consequences and the characters have to navigate their way through them. It never shies away from the darker, grittier essence of those old Korean mythologies either (Gumihos are supremely awesome). There's a depth and lived-in-ness to it all. A somethingness. Character progression feels earned and natural, and their relationships to one another develop in a similar way.

I'm can't wait to read more of Sophie Kim's work in the future. (And to get my hands on a hard copy of this once it's out in June!)

Oh my god this book just blew out all my expectations.
I wasn't expecting the romance, which was INCREDIBLE. Hate to love, written in such a fantastic way.
I loved the juxtaposition between the grump god and the annoying and hyper gumiho.
One of my favourite books this year so far. I NEED more!

Okay, I absolutely loved this story but also this book had no business being this funny and heartbreaking at the same time.

When reading this book, you get:
- magic
- monsters
- (Korean) mythology
- morally grey MCs (yes, both of them)

The story Sophie Kim crafted is fast-paced, addicting, and feels like a big hug. I fell in love with the characters instantly, and the last few chapters shattered my heart. The character growth was chef's kiss, the plot was plotting, the writing was original, and there isn't a single thing I would change upon first read.

I really-really-REALLY hope the series continues where it was left off in the Epilogue because I most definitely need more, and I need it now, thank you.

final rating: ★★★★★

thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher Hodder and Stoughton for the e-arc

wahhhh everything about this book hit perfectly for me. nothing much these few days have stood out in particular for me even in this densely populated asian fantasy genre, but this korean urban fantasy hit the spot for me. everything from the setting to the lore to the characters and even the mystery behind it had be absorbed from start to finish.

(spoilers ahead!!)

let's start with the world. Iseung, basically the modern world is where the story is set, where creatures of korean mythology hide in plain sight. we meet our two main characters Hani, our Scarlet Fox gumiho who killed a lot in the past and went into hiding, and Seokga, a fallen god following a failed coup. i loved the different worlds, Okhwang which is basically the korean mount olympus, an underworld and a dark world. i didn't even mind stopping look up the different creatures. and the pacing was all excellent, the foreshadowing and build up on Somi's arc into a gumiho giving in to her cravings, the real identity of the eudosuksinni demon, even the obvious herring were written in a fast paced, yet still vivid manner that i commend Sophie Kim for.

both protagonists start off annoying, and we see the classic grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers thing going on immediately. while Hani's character growth focusses more on her choices of self preservation first, others later and shifts the other way around, i found Seokga's journey way more interesting in a young, angsty in annoying denial of his feelings and caring more about others than himself. the build up of their relationship was realistic, did not have the sizzling sexual tension i've come to expect from the trope right from the beginning, and was very satisfying to see unfold.

the ending of Hani actually dying was surprising. i thought, y'know, plot armour. but she died. and Seogka had to beg his brother (whom i would gladly throw off Okhwang) to let her reincarnate, and he waited *counts* TWENTY SIX years for her to be reborn. love the ending, but more please!

***I received this advanced copy for free provided by NetGalley and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. ***

I have absolutely no words. Not only this is now my favorite ARC but also it stands in between on my favorite books.
The first korean folklore book I ever read and I'm glad because this was a great surprise, specially as I'm such a fan of korean culture and here I had the opportunity to even dig deeper into their folklore stories.
The plot was brilliantly wrote and the character development was so smooth you can't even track down when they start to change which is an amazing experience as you feel you're growing with them. I have no doubts that Hani and Seokga are my favorite couple now, the way they tease each other, I laughed so so so much from the coffee first incident moment until when they roll down the mountain, they're like big children with funny fights I think I marked 500 parts on the book 🤣🤣
Their story was lovely to see develop and I'm just slightly sad that in the end it didn't have further development but who knows.. maybe another book would come ..?? 👀🥰
I completely recommend this book, so so worthy and I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to have it as an ARC. 🤍

In "The God and the Gumiho," the first book of the enchanting contemporary fantasy series, Fate's Thread, Sophie Kim weaves a spellbinding tale of gods, demons, and the unlikely alliance between a fallen trickster god and a coffee-slinging, shapeshifting fox.
Kim Hani, once feared as the Scarlet Fox, spends her days blending into the mortal world, working at a café trying to avoid a certain aggravating customer. Seokga, a trickster god banished from the heavens, spends his days hunting demons and finding new ways to provoke the Scarlet Fox. When a powerful demon breaks free from the underworld, and the Scarlet Fox resurfaces before vanishing mysteriously, Hani is determined to outwit Seokga at every turn, even infiltrating his investigation with her own cunning tricks. But as they clash in a battle of wits and wills, sparks begin to fly, and they find themselves drawn to each other. "The God and the Gumiho" is a delightful blend of magic, humor, and romance. Sophie Kim's storytelling is vibrant and captivating, drawing readers into a world where gods walk among mortals and nothing is quite as it seems. The chemistry between Hani and Seokga crackles with tension, and their banter is both witty and endearing. As they embark on a quest to stop the demon and unravel the mysteries of their own pasts, readers are taken on a thrilling ride full of twists and surprises.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

I’ve been quite burned out by Asian Fantasy lately - I’ve just read too much of it. So when I got this ARC I was worried I wouldn’t enjoy it. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case.

Sophie Kim doesn’t go in hard with the world building; nothing is overly complicated or over explained. I sometimes struggle when I’m given pages and pages of sense world building. The mythology and structure behind this world is simple and straight forward. It’s a simple backdrop for honestly fantastic characters.

Witty and sarcastic Fox Demon vs a grumpy Fallen God, solving mysteries together. Forced proximity making them fall in love despite constantly annoying each other. These characters are so vibrant and their journey through this world felt well paced, and kept me glued to the digital page.

I loved this. I think I needed this to get me out of this slump. Easy 4.5 stars, rounding it uk to 5 because I’m just so fond of these characters.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have NO WORDS!!! I'M REELING!!!! THIS BOOK RUINED ME FOR ANY OTHERS! SEOKGA AND HANI JUST STOLE MY HEART AND LEFT! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NOW?????? WAIT A YEAR FOR BOOK 2???? WHYYYYY 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

I'll try to write an informative and helpful review, I promise, but I just had to vent a little, too...

The God and the Gumiho is an AMAZING story, inspired by Korean mythology and set in South Korea. /Can you see my heart eyes as I wrote this sentence? Can you feel my heart racing?/ It's told by two POVs, of Seokga's and Hani's.

Seokga is the fallen God, with striking emerald eyes and a striking physique *coughs and swallows* He's also quite grumpy; but he's effortlessly funny while being grumpy. He hates everything except coffee--which is sort of relatable some days... He doesn't feel like he needs manners, which can lead to some seriously funny situations, but he's a very smart and very knowledgeable character. Sure, some dots he refuses to connect because HOT AND EMOTIONAL REASONS, but I just love how competent he is. Did I mention that he's hilariously grumpy? And hot?! I'd be fangirling, too, if I saw him. I may have a thing from grumpy yet soft on the inside characters, who can blame me?!

Hani is our wicked Gumiho who has chosen to leave her glorious days of Gumiho-ing behind. By Gumiho-ing, I mean the whole killing men and eating their livers. *in case you don't know what a Gumiho is!* The funny thing is that it's not because she has had a change of heart, but it's because she's still too full. She's not a villain, but she's not an innocent, either, and I FREAKING LOVED HER! I loved how she perceived reality, how she didn't shy from her nature, and how she didn't apologize for being what and who she is. She didn't make the moral choices all the time lmao, but her choices made sense given her nature and circumstances.

I loved Seokga. I loved Hani. And I loved their character development. Across the story, both of them changed, and by the end, they were different versions of themselves.

The worldbuilding?! I mean, CAN YOU SEE MY HEART EYES?! The author has retold some myths from Korean mythology and weaved the story with Korean words. She did explain them but not in a lecture/wikipedia sort of way. It was so seamlessly woven with the storyline; I have to say, kudos to the author, this was masterfully done!

The plot had its twists and turns. Since we had a crime mystery to solve, too, the author kept us guessing one way or another. I really enjoyed the mystery/detective aspect! PLEASE MORE SUPERNATURAL DETECTIVE STORIES!

Have I said that I LOVE THIS BOOK WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL? Because I did. I'm so, so, so utterly in love with this book that I don't know what to do with myself right now. Everything else pales in comparison, and I do type this despite my other ARCs that are glaring at me...

5 stars aren't enough for this book. It's phenomenal!

It's a pick for a monthly box, and I can only say, RENEW, RENEW, RENEW!

When I started reading this book, I had no idea what to expect. And that turned out to be a good thing, because oh my god, The God and the Gumiho surprised me in the best possible way. Set in 1992, in a supernatural South Korea, this is the story of Seokga, a fallen god and Hani, the legendary Scarlet Fox. The two team up when a demon starts terrorising their city. Their team-up leads to a most wonderful dynamic. The two dislike each other at the start; like really dislike each other, and through this dislike, comes through, some incredible banter.

I will not lie, I was shipping Hani and Seokga right from the start. Even if they were not getting along, the chemistry between them was intense and clearly visible. And truly, you will start loving them together quickly.

The world building in this was sooo good too; it felt like I was being immersed in an action-packed K-drama, with elements of Korean mythology incorporated within. Sophie Kim's writing was truly beautiful and really pulls you into this story, grounding you in this world. And the way things were described in this really feels like you're living every event of the book as it happens. Like you're right there with the characters.

As for the ending? I'm speechless. I was not expecting *that* to happen. And truly, my heart is broken. I am gonna need some time to recover. But the final chapter of the book leaves you with a certain degree of hope and after reading that, I simply cannot wait for Book 2! I know it's going to be as amazing as this one was.

If you don't already have this preordered, then do it now. The God and the Gumiho is an incredibly fantasy tale that will render you speechless when you finish (and I mean, speechless in a good way).

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!

This was a fun, cute, heartbreaking read! I loved the characters so much, especially Seokga. I adored the ending and I thought it was very clever. The worldbuilding was incredible, I loved reading about all the different creatures.

The morally grey main characters had so much character growth and those final few chapters wrecked me! It was fast-paced and exciting, and I absolutely loved the witty banter back and forth between Seokga and Hani.

I highly recommend this, it’s a gem of a book and I know this is going to be a top read of the year!

thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for this arc.

4.5 stars.

i. loved. this.

if you know me, you know i love folklore. myths and legends. no matter what culture, it's an aspect of people that's always fascinated me.
going into this, i had no prior knowledge of korean folklore, and i enjoyed googling all the little things i didn't know before. so for that alone, i thank this book for finding me.

the god (seokga—fallen, grumpy, hates everything) and the gumiho (hani—retired murderer, coffee-hater, loves making a certain god's life hell). and i loved them so much. even though i found their romantic arc to be moving a little too fast, they were so fun to watch interact. the way seokga learns to love, not just hani but other people around him (or perhaps he already loved, he just didn't recognize it for what it was). their interactions, the bickering, it was fun.

and i do love me a good murder mystery. 😌

anyways, i quite enjoyed this, and i would for sure read the second book!!

The God and the Gumiho is a Korean contemporary fantasy—which I don't tend to read much of— with a lot of lore taken from Korean mythology, and Oh my, God I loved it so much more than I expected to? The prose was beautiful and witty. Phenomenal. And slightly heartbreaking? I just have a thing for that type of stuff.

Seokga is a grumpy <s>emo boy</s> fallen trickster god trying to redeem himself so he can get his powers back and go home. Hani, the notorious Scarlet Fox, becomes his assistant to prevent him from discovering her true identity and just to annoy the shit out of him. I did find her a tad immature at times, but that's really my only complaint.

Hani and Seokga were snarky, and their banter was immensely entertaining. As someone who's picky about romance, I loved their dynamic. I wish there was more. I see this is a first in a series? I'm not really getting my hopes up for more of them but maybe a spin-off about Somi?

The author's other work, Last of the Talons, has been on my tbr for a while, but now I'm definitely going to check it out.

Wow, just wow!
This was one of my most anticipated reads, and it did not disappoint!
If ypu like korean culture, K dramas and the grumpy/sunshine trope this is definitely for you!
Like K dramas, the romance did progress quickly, but for me personally that wasn't a problem, the world was beautifully built, I could almost see myself sitting in the creature cafe, sipping on a iced coffee.
I adored Seokga, and his unapologetic stance, the god of trickery indeed, and Hani was sassy, the ending with what happened had me in tears (no spoilers here!)
Although some of the mysteries were easy to guess, it was still so enjoyable, I really liked the crime aspect, it worked so well, and learning all the korean creatures and gods names was really interesting.
Can't wait to see more from this author.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole premise of this book. The settings were vibrant, the characters were all loveable in their own ways, and the inclusion of myth and folklore were brilliant. The writing flowed well, and the plot was fun, even with some coincidental bumps along the way.

It was fun to see an early reveal into who Hani was, how she planned to deal with it and then another trouble was thrown in, forcing our endearing main characters to be together. I'm very open and looking forward to a sequel, whether it continues with Hani and Seokga, or moves onto others in the story.

The only downside to this was that I did find it a bit difficult to engage with the abundance of Korean myth folk, purely because I wasn't 100% sure on how to pronounce their names, or were able to imagine what they looked like. It didn't take too much away from the whole book itself, but they weren't memorable.

Definitely for lovers of kdrama, urban fantasy and mysteries!

Right, first and foremost this book brought me such pure unadulterated joy.

The God and the Gumiho follows our 2 main POVs, firstly we have Seokga the fallen god of mischief, turned detective who must send 20,000 souls to Jeoseung to atone for his past crimes and then Hani, a Gumiho, named 'the Scarlet Fox' renowned for killing over 500 men in London in 1888 (oooft) Both our main characters find themselves teaming up when a demon starts terrorising the city thus hilarity and all the good stuff follow!

I loved both characters SO much, Hani was a chaotic ball of morally grey cuteness with a heart of actual gold (deep down...DEEP down) and Seokga was an actual touch starved grumpy mess and I love him. Combine them both together and just ***heart eyes*** The world Kim has created and the characters are all so enjoyable - I'll admit I wasn't without a few eye rolls as Hanis' decisions and actions but honestly made sense for her and she is just a whole vibe.

The second I finished it I went to try and find special editions of the book because I NEEDED TO OWN IT! One thing I will say is I hadn't realised it was the start of a series, but honestly, I think it actually really works well as a standalone.

First of all I’d like to thank the publisher and netgalley for granting me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I fear I will be unable to be normal about this book for the foreseeable future, i’m sorry in advance for the amount of fangirling I will be doing in this review. I have to admit I was definitely in a reading slump when I started this, but around the 25% mark, I felt like it just grabbed me by my arms and quite literally dragged me out of my slump swamp.

I was a bit hesitant going into it though, partly due to the fact that I was hardcore slumping. But another big factor was that it was this whole new world with a big amount of creatures that i’d never heard of before. Werewolves ? I was obsessed. Vampires? Been there done that. But truth betold, the only name that rung a bell to me while reading was ‘’guhimo’’ and the others were just a big blur. But I can proudly say that after finishing this book that i’m never going back to plain old vampires and werewolves. The author had this beautiful way of explaining the different realms and creatures that inhabit those realms without it ever feeling like a straight up info dump.

Don’t even get me started about the two main characters. I love them, I am in awe of them. I may have adopted them as my 2 chaotic children. (let’s just forget they’re more than a thousand years older than me). The only thing that I kind of struggled with is that the switch from ‘’enemies’’ to friends and then to lovers felt a bit sudden to me. Could be because of the fact that I literally read 90% of this book within one day, so i’m not letting it impact my rating in any kind of way.

I can yap on for so much longer about this brilliant novel, but I’m thinking that you all should just pick this up when it comes out, so you can see for yourself what an amazing world this author has created!!!

I think I can safely say this is one of my favorite reads of 2024 so far!! 5/5 without a doubt

Thank you NetGalley and HodderBooks for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review ♡

What can I say..... its like a fantasy k-drama with the best tropes.

This was such a wonderful story and I didn't want it to finish! Kim Hani is a legend of a gumiho (a nine-tailed fox) who has been in hiding since her rampage in London in 1888. We also meet Seokga (a fallen god, the god of mischief and chaos, who is hell bent on getting back home to his rightful place among the gods).

The world building is great, there were a few times I had to research some of the creatures mentioned but that is only because I am not familiar with South Korean myth and lore, but it was incredibly interesting to look at and read into. Definitely a realm in which I want to read more books that have this lore in.

The relationship between the two main characters is both hilarious and captivating. The banter between the two is funny and real, and I just loved it.

There better be a second book right? Because those last few chapters ruined me.

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 | ARC review

this was SO much fun. i’m crossing all my appendages that i get off the Fairyloot waitlist so I can get the SE of this one!

here me out: if you liked Crescent City, enjoyed Disney’s Zootropolis, and police procedural dramas: you’re going to love this. (& if you have read this and loved it, i recommend Zootropolis lol) A big reason why all of the above are a win for me is because there’s an element of detective work, usually a slow burn, enemies-to-friends-to-lovers relationship, and fun side characters that build our MC’s personalities, & this book is no exception!

I adored watching our 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 morally grey fallen god & gumiho grow and develop their friendship first & foremost. romances are so much more believable to me when they’re friends first and i love the innocence of growing to love your bestie 🥲

secondly, although predictable to me, the detective, cat and mouse aspect to the story kept me really engaged. thirdly, korean folklore/mythology is a fairly new genre to me and i adored learning about these fantastical creatures.

ultimately, watching our MCs go from: “𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕘𝕠𝕕 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕝𝕖𝕩 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕘𝕠𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕠𝕝𝕕,” 𝕤𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕣𝕤. “𝕊𝕖𝕖𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦’𝕣𝕖 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕪𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖.” to: “𝕎𝕖’𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘,” 𝕊𝕖𝕠𝕜𝕘𝕒 𝕨𝕙𝕚𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤𝕥 𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕡𝕤. “𝕎𝕖’𝕝𝕝 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕕𝕒𝕨𝕟.” had me in a chokehold until 3am last night.

-thank you to Netgalley & Hodder Books for the ARC!-

I was very excited to read this book when i saw the blurb and it did not disappoint. Kim Hani, a retired Gumiho, works in a café shop where she, particularly, likes to annoy a trickster god. Seokga, a fallen god, must live in the mortal realm until he completes his punishment. Both of their lives intertwine when a series of events force them to work together. Secrets between them and a powerful demon from the underwold on the loose, it's upto Hani and Seokga to stop him before humanity is lost.

This is a great enemies to lovers book with all the bickering we like to see between our main leads. I found their interactions funny and could feel their hatred towards each other. As soon as i went into this world, it was so descriptive and painted such a lovely picture for me. First impressions are always important in a book and i'm so happy i was able to get into it straight away. The pacing was perfect and the characters were so cool. Hani is a badass with a mouth and Seokga is a broody guy who's only love is coffee with one sugar and one cream. I found myself having to cover the page because i didn't want to, accidently, skip to the end in important scenes. Even though i figured out the villain, i still loved every moment of this book and would recommend it to others.

Thank you to hodder books and netgalley for allowing me to read and early copy for an honest review.

the god and the gumiho

this review avoids spoilers by using neutral pronouns and [REDACTED] in place of names :)

what a book omg! it was amazingly written and beyond enthralling, the worldbuilding was so captivating and detailed and I loved the characters and how they all interacted with each other!
in this book we follow Seokga and Hani through their unlikely meeting (coffee shop meet ugly anyone?) and as their relationship develops through the novel. Hani weasels her way into Seokgas investigations into a string of murders connected to a historical gumiho the Scarlet Fox and a demon terrorising the city in order to turn his eye away from her and her friend as suspects in the Scarlet Fox case.  their now joint investigation takes turns they never could have imagined; as their relationship goes from tumultuous to something softer along with it.

I adored this book! the characters were so easy to know and root for, and I loved how Hani and Seokgas relationship developed from the disdain and annoyance it began with to the devastatingly emotional ending. the ending of this book did make me cry just with how developed the character and maturity of [REDACTED] was and how humble they were 🥹. I also loved the cyclical nature of the book; how similar the beginning and the end were with the exception of how much better [REDACTED] treated themselves and others around them. the epilogue got me as well, it was so beautiful to see how [REDACTED] reacted to what happened and how much joy it brought them.
the description of the different realms along with how involved and yet disinterested the gods were to the human realm and the tragedies that were befalling it. the different demons included were so interesting to read and I loved the inclusion of all the mythology behind all of them; from the ones I had heard about and the ones that I hadn't!

The God and the Gumiho
5 ⭐️ 
1 🌶️ 

Seogka, is a fallen trickers god, who is forced to a supernatural investigator on earth and sending nasty creatures back to the spiritual dimension they came from (after a failed coup to take over his brothers heavenly kingdom). The FMC Hani a Gumiho, is the legendary fox spirit called The Scarlett Fox, best known for a mass scale human slaughter 100 years ago (Gumiho loves human livers). 
Hani accidentally draws attention to herself following some murders, she infiltrates Seogka investigation to try and sabotage the efforts to find her. 

They had banter and were a very entertaining. They didn't like each other to begin with, and Seogka was very reluctant and rude towards Hani at first. I really enjoyed their personalities. The story and whole setting.
 
The story progresses very well but I was a bit shocked that the majority of the events of the book all take place within around a week. 

Overall I loved the book, and can't wait for the next one after the ending!!

A grumpy, coffee-loving former-God and a beautiful, murderous Gumiho are forced to work together. What could go wrong?
This book was so much fun to read and, particularly at the end, suitably heartbreaking. Set in New Sinsi, South Korea, this book introduces the reader to a world where Korean mythological creatures, shadow like demons included, still walk the earth. They have comfortably settled into our world and even have their own coffee shops! Little details like this were so charming and really made the book come to life.
I particularly loved the relationship between Seokga and Hani, our two main characters. Whilst there is a lot of animosity, anger and even some betrayals standing in the way of their love, it is clear how much they truly care for each other.
As for the plot, I really enjoyed the murder mystery at the heart of the story. Whilst some of the detective work done by the characters doesn’t make sense (why would going to a club draw out a killer demon?) I think that the journey to find the killer was entertaining. And the final battle in the book was my favourite part of the story! Not only do the characters get to show off their strength, but we also meet the true saviour of the book- coffee! Without a bit of caffeine that sleep, shadow demon might have destroyed the world.
This book was absolutely wonderful and I would definitely recommend it to fans of mythology, urban fantasy and K-dramas!

This was a very fun and interesting read. I loved the world and the lore behind this story, and I particulary enjoyed that both characters were old. We've had enough 1000-year-old man falling in love with 17-year-old girls, right? So it was a relief that the characters were both over a 1000 years of age.

I like the writing, it was easy and just enough details to give me what I needed without clogging the book with unnecessary stuff. A fast paced story with lots of turns and a plot that was interesting to follow.

The character's felt real, and I enjoyed the banter and the way the relationships developed.

I also like the ending per se, but I would have liked a little more conclusion at the very end of the end. I can see why the author did what she did, but that doesn't mean I like it. I really wanted just a little more to properly wrap it all up.

But all in all, a very nice read in a world and with a lore that I enjoyed.

Read if you like:
🦊Grumpy/Sunshine
🦊<i>Foxed</i> Proximity (get it? Anyway…)
🦊Hidden Identities

Read in less than 24 hours, ‘The God and the Gumiho’ ticked all of my adult fantasy-loving boxes (including aspects I didn’t even know I needed and LOVED).

Set in South Korea in the 1990s, a fallen trickster god, Seokga, must spend his days capturing 20,000 demons to atone for his attempted coup against his brother, the emperor. When the mysterious Scarlet Fox, known for her killing spree in 1888 (just 500 hundred or so men missing their souls and livers) crops up in his neighbourhood, she becomes next on his list. Hani would very much appreciate not being on that list and not dying (thank you very much), so when an opportunity to be the grumpy detective's assistant lands in her lap, who is she to say no? She can steer the investigation in a slightly less Hani-centric direction. Except, bodies are stacking up, there seems to be an even bigger threat on the loose and Hani and Seokga might be in a little over their heads.

These two. I LOVE THEM. The banter is top tier and Hani is an absolute badass character I will now forever have a soft spot for. I think Sophie has a real flair for raw and flawed characters, especially those that embody the mythology she weaves in. Hani embraced her fox side unapologetically, preening in mirrors and, despite not wanting to be caught, was still prepared to defend herself with her skillset.

Yet, on a deeper level, Hani and Seokga both spent time examining their actions. Whether it was to eat a man's liver or stage a rebellion- if you’re a fox or a trickster, why is there punishment for embracing your nature? However, neither character was seen as young and naïve about the world, instead, the author embraced that they are (basically) immortals with long lives and what that means when they have to live forever with the consequences of their actions.

I love it when there is a crime or mystery included in a fantasy/romance and this detective-assistant duo hit that mark perfectly. I thought I might have guessed a few twists (in fact, I had not) and answers were kept just out of reach until they were finally revealed. The pace and tension were constantly high because the whole time you’re wondering if and when Seokga will find out who Hani really is and what the outcome will be. Oh, and if a demon of darkness will destroy the world- I wouldn’t read it if you’re looking for a low-stakes drama. That ending still has me in a chokehold hours after I’ve finished the book.

Excuse me while I go and binge everything else Sophie has ever written.

5 stars
😭❤️

A grumpy, fallen trickster god must team up with a shapeshifting notorious gumiho - who is in hiding - to work together to take down a demon of darkness. Sophie Kim's The God and the Gumiho has a contemporary setting in a creative modern world enthused with magic and mythical creatures, while being packed with Korean mythology.

While I felt the book started a little slow, once the main characters had to work together everything just fell into place and I loved reading every page of what followed. I particularly loved the grumpy/sunshine vibes and the funny banter and teasing between our main characters, I found myself being very emotionally attached. We have morally questionable characters, which is a plus for me, but they are just big softies deep down. I felt the pacing of their relationship was perfect, it wasn't rushed and felt very natural.

The storyline however was a little more on the rushed side of things; I think the story takes place over the space of 2 weeks or less, which didn't feel likely while reading and it felt like more time had/should have passed. Saying that, I did enjoy the twists involved and that the story was wrapped in the one book allowing this to be read as a standalone. I do look forward to seeing what the author does with this world in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

Sophie Kim, DID YOU PUT DRUGS IN THIS BOOK? IS THE COFFEE LACED WITH CRACK? BECAUSE WHY AM I ABSOLUTELY HOOKED?
I am telling you, no I am URGING YOU, if you love
• 90s romcoms/k-dramas
• Early 2000s anime (It just has this nostalgia vibe)
• Couple banter (Castle and Beckett from Castle or Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago)
• Golden Retriever x Black Cat energy
• Interesting Korean mythology
• Murder mystery type vibes
• Cat and mouse games

I had very high expectations from The God and Gumiho and this book did not disappoint. In this book Kim Hani, the infamous Scarlett Fox is a retired Gumiho. She lives a quiet life in the coffeehouse with her friend Somi and often. This is until she is forced to kill the men who attacked her. Unfortunately, long-term coffee customer and grumpy lead detective Seogka is hot on her tail. Yet the notorious Scarlett Fox is not the only thing which the Fallen God Seogka needs to contend with. He has struck a deal with his brother that if he manages to eradicate the Scarlett Fox and the monster ravaging the city to darkness, Seogka can have his God status back. This results in a complicated cat and mouse game between Seogka, Hani and this mysterious creature.

I will say the plot of this book was unique, and I really think Sophie Kim has really unlocked a magic vault for similar books to start being pushed by editors. I’m not going to lie, a lot of this book is “vibes”. So my critical brain is really turned off.

Hani and Seogka

Let me tell you- if you want a master's class in banter and cute rivalry-look no further than Hani and Seogka. Here are the three songs which perfectly summarize their relationship. It would be

• Fuck It I Love You- by Lana Del Rey (for the cool factor)
• Anti Hero by Taylor Swift (make no mistake Hani and Seogka are not good people)
• Out of time –by the Weeknd (for the downtown dark vibes)

The golden cat and black cat energy (yes, not golden retriever-golden cat hehe) between Hani and Seogka was EVERYTHING! Finally, a couple who are actual rivals and not secretly in love with each other from the beginning. Their banter made me laugh out of load, the sexual chemistry felt genuine and I was not sure throughout the book whether they would betray each other or not, which made for a very entertaining read. Usually these kinds of books are tropey and formulaic but with Hani and Seogka, I actually felt emotionally invested in their journey, and I am eager to see how it will develop in book two.

Honestly, they were giving such strong Richard Castle and Kate Beckett vibes season one vines-AND I WAS LOVING IT. However, I do wish there were more emotionally intimate moments between Hani and Seogka (which is why I rate this book 4.5 stars not 5). I felt like a lot of their relationship development was carried through physical and action scenes rather than emotional scenes between the two. However, as this book is meant to be part of a series, I feel like the base roots for an emotional relationship are there-they need to be further developed in book two.

Korean Mythology and plot

As someone who has zero knowledge of Korean mythology, the way Sophie Kim combined Korean Mythology in a 90s setting is nothing short of marvelous. Her books really read like the 2000s Japanese anime tv shows I used to watch as a kid. I could literally picture everything unfolding in my mind. This book also has a classic detective show vibe, which I love too. Surprisingly, I actually could not predict what the big reveals of this book would be. The plot was gripping and THE ENDING SCENES WERE SO EMOTIONAL AND GRIPPING. My heart was hooked by the end-the very last page made me want to rush to Sophie Kim’s house and demand book two!

Gods, Reincarnation and spirituality of the book

One of the most surprising, but amazing parts of the book was the dynamics between the God/ higher realms and the human realm in Korea. Also, the fact that Hani and Seogka are very old creatures with their own pasts was refreshing to read. The other elements of the book, like talk about reincarnation and hell realms just added to the plot in satisfying ways. I really felt Sophie Kim was setting up a proper world. I actually felt danger and terror from the monsters she was describing- I mean a monster which invades your soul via your nightmares? Sign me up.

Secondary Characters

I feel the secondary characters to this story were fleshed out, endearing and added to the story. I did not expect to love the relationship between Seogka and his brother, but it turned out to be one of the best parts of the book. I cannot give away too much without spoilers, but I am expecting them to turn up in book two.

Thank you Net Gallery and Hodder & Stoughton for the early advanced copy.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review


5 stars

I went into this book a bit unsure if I was going to struggle due to being in a bit of a slump and not knowing much about the story. Boy was I wrong.

I absolutely loved it. The main FMC Hani is so sassy and badass I love her. Seokga the MMC is such a grumpy sod at the beginning which makes the shift between the two exceptionally good. Their banter is perfection and I loved both of their growths. The story flowed very well and the second half of the book had the best pacing and left me wanting more at the end. There are lots of twists and turns, betrayal, romance and fight scenes. It was just amazing.

I loved the worls building once I figured out the different creatures and types of Asian inspired foods etc. The spice wasn't alot but it was exactly right for this story.

I am hoping we get to see more of Hani and Seokga as their grumpy x sunshine vibes made me smile and I would love to see what happens next. Definitely add this to your TBR if you haven't already, you won't regret it.

This book came across my Netgalley feed and I clicked on it mainly because I watch a lot of K-drama and I hoped this would have similar vibes. And it did!

Kim Hani is a 'retired' Gumiho (the notorious Scarlet Fox who retired mainly because she overate in the 1800s) who works in a coffee shop, serving coffee to other non-mortals.
Soekga is the fallen trickster god who is serving his punishment in the mortal plain and, well, he's not exactly Mr Sunshine.
When Kim Hani's secret past is threatened, she ends up taking a job working with Soekga to uncover the identity of the Scarlet Fox - because if she's working with him, she can misdirect him and make sure he never catches her.
The set up is perfect for enemies-to-lovers. They are working towards different ends. I loved grumpy Soekga and enjoyed the interaction between him and Hani. Their transition from enemies to friends to lovers was delightful.
There's quite a lot of Korean mythology in the book, which was interesting. I was hoping for something that gave me the same feelings as watching a K-Drama and that's exactly what I got! I look forward to reading more books like this!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy from Netgalley.

"The sound is as bright and sparkling as the morning sunshine. And like the morning sunshine , it annoys him."

Trigger warnings: blood, gore, violence, death, sexual content

The God & The Gumiho was one of my most anticipated releases of 2024 and I am SO happy to say, it absolutely did not disappoint me. I loved this book from start to finish, there wasn't a single second where I felt bored or wanted it to pass quickly I just loved it. In this book we follow Seokga, a fallen God who wants to become a God again and Hani, a Gumiho who is trying to leave her old life behind her but when a demon starts to attack and a deal is struck, the two of them find themselves working with each other even though they hate each other.

I'll start with Hani and I loved Hani so much!! Yes, she definitely was selfish especially at the start of the book but I really loved watching her growth as a character throughout the story. I also just loved her so much she was so funny and witty and her quick one liners when it came to Seokga absolutely made me giggle. You could tell that she was truly battling herself when it came to what she knew she should do and what she wanted to do and the way she came to care for Seokga my heart I loved them so much!!

My favourite character of the whole book, of course, was Seokga. From the very first chapter I knew he was my favourite. He absolutely is such a little shit but of course he is the Trickster God but he made me laugh so much. The way he absolutely hated Hani and then started to become fond of her and then their relationship I really loved. The way he started to really care for the people around him especially with Shim and he really again did have so much growth during the book. I mean of course he wad still a little shit but he really cared for these people around him and wanted to help the city he thought he hated. I just really loved Seokga and think he deserves every happiness.

One thing, I really loved about this book was the setting. Not just the setting of Korea which I did really love and was really beautiful but also the fact it was set in 1992. Its so fun when they talk about mobile phones and cars etc because you know that it's clearly set in the 90's and I loved the way Hani talks about getting her phone and how it's so hard to get etc because you compare that with what life is like now. I just really loved that and it made for really fun parts in the story.

Talking of the setting, I also really loved the Korea Folklore aspects of this book. I really found it so interesting learning about the God's of Korean folklore and of course the creatures such as Gumihos, Joseung Saja's etc I really love reading books about mythology and folklore from different cultures and really loved the way it was told in this book.

The Plot of this book was so, so good I genuinely loved every second of it. I see why some people think its a slower pace at the start but I liked that, it gave room to really build these characters and learn their personalities before getting into the really gritty stuff because whilst the characters created funny moments, this was truly a very dark and at some points quite scary book. The way the eoduksini killed their victims through nightmares and stuff really creeped me out and the darkness and all that kind of stuff was quite creepy but I really loved the atmosphere and the plot itself. I'd absolutely love to read another of the authors books!

I loved the relationship between Seokga and Hani. Watching it develop from genuine mutal hatred to reluctant acquaintances to friends to more than that was so fun. They had such good banter and the way they constantly threw lines back and forth they absolutely had me giggling and their romance was very sweet. The only note I have on this is whilst their relationship doesn't happen fast in the book, it does in terms of plot because this whole book takes places over around a week but I could honestly push past that because I loved them so deeply!
Overall, if you couldn't tell, I loved this book so much. It was truly an absolute amazing read that had me laughing and sobbing and everything in between. I truly loved Hani and Seokga so so much and they are characters I will hold so dearly to me for a very long time!! I am absolutely interested in a sequel but this book ended so perfectly in my opinion so I will wait until we get more information. But, overall, this is one of my favourite books of the year and I'm so happy I read it!

THIS. BOOK.

I don't even know where to start. The setting. The vibes. The grumpy/sunshine relationship. The banter. The snark. The slow melting of the hearts and warming up to each other's little idiosyncrasies. Seokga and Kim are EVERYTHING.

I don't even like romance that much but this book may have damn well near cured me.

Incredible!! I haven’t had much experience with Korean mythology, but got swept away into this magical realm. I really enjoyed the writing style and absolutely adored this book!

Hani and Seogka are my absolute favourite! Had me blushing and kicking my feet - I loved this so much! It did rip my heart out as well, but I know it’s good when I get so connected to the character that I end up crying with them. The ending with the Red Thread of Fate was such a lovely touch and could have spent even longer in this realm!

Would highly recommend this to anyone interested in Asian-inspired mythology with gods and monsters in an urban fantasy setting. Honestly was such a fun read!

As a Kdrama and passionate of Korean culture and mythology, this book was right up my alley. I loved it so much I just could not put it down!!

I did not quite know what to expect from this urban fantasy romance, but I must say it definitely did not disappoint. Get ready for banter, murders, solving crimes, emotions and obviously so so so much tension.

Seogka is a Fallen God who must find and kill twenty thousand souls of monsters whom he freed to take over his brother's throne. Hani is an Unruly Gumiho ( kinda like an immortal Fox shifter) but she has a big secret. one that would solved all of Seogka's issues. However they get off on a really bad start and cannot stand each other. But when Hani learns that she could make Seogka's life a living hell all the while helping him with his murder case, she cannot be more excited, but none of them expected they could be friends, or even something more. Could that be the beginning of something or the end before it even began?

The slow burn in this novel will make you swoon, even if you want to murder both Seogka and Hani because they are so clueless but you also just want to let it play out and see what happens, however Sophie Kim did not have to go that hard for the ending, it had me sweating and almost pulling out all my hair.
I love that she kept the Korean culture (such as the hanbok, talking formerly to your elders...) I appreciated those details so much, it did feel like I was watching a kdrama, especially with all the banter, I would not be surprised if Hani would ask Seogka to do some Aegyo for her, it just seem like her style.

Thank you to net galley and Sophie Kim for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"The God and the Gumiho" is the first installment of "Fate's Thread," an adult contemporary fantasy series written by Sophie Kim and currently in progress. A novel that completely won me over, making me laugh, smile, swoon and cry repeatedly, leaving me with the absolute need to read the sequel!

The story takes place in the fictitious town of New Sinsi, South Korea, in 1992, in a world where gods, demigods, and supernatural creatures belonging to Korean folklore move among unwitting humans, in human forms. I was enchanted by this world building strongly based on Korean folklore! I found it large, understandable, and well-managed, with simple explanations limited to the bare minimum so as not to get lost. The descriptions are extremely vivid, evocative, so much so that at certain moments I was moved with their beauty. My only criticism, if criticism can be called, is the lack of a glossary for non-experts in Korean culture (like me). There are numerous specific terms in the text, and yes, many are explained in a few simple lines, but others are not. Personally, driven by a strong curiosity, I had no problem searching for answers on the internet, but I think it would be more convenient to have one available perhaps at the end of the book. Overall, however, I loved the setting immensely and can't express anything but kudos!

The narration proceeds fast and briskly, embellished by extremely bewitching, evocative and lyrical prose. The story mixes fantasy with the mystery element, weaving a real investigation with interrogations, evidence and analysis. I admit that I guessed the various plot twists in advance, but this did not bother me, partly because I am rarely surprised now and partly because I found everything fantastically developed. In addition to the more investigative part, the story unfolds between deceptions, secrets, lies, betrayals, fights, and the sizzling interactions between the two protagonists. A definitely winning mix that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end, pushing me to devour it and leaving me wanting more.

Kim Hani and Seokga, protagonists with their respective third person povs, won me over! I found them to be portrayed beautifully and with incredible development. Hani is a gumiho, once known as the infamous Scarlet Fox, the most famous and wanted gumiho in the supernatural community. The reason? Having killed many, too many men, feeding on their livers and souls until she filled herself completely. Saturated and at her most energetic, the gumiho decided to leave the spotlight, retiring, changing her identity and moving to New Sinsi, where she currently works as a waitress in a coffee shop. She, who detests coffee and can't stand the sound of the bean grinder, spends her days brewing obnoxious coffee, dealing with that hellish device, and serving customers. Yeah, that sounds really ironic! Hani is a sarcastic, chatty, carefree and determined creature who hides a cunning, devious, selfish and decidedly bloody soul beneath her smiling facade. Yet, even if in a twisted way, she cares about people and what surrounds her. Of course, she would rather gorge herself on coffee than admit it, but underneath all her bravado she has doubts, fears, insecurities and feelings like anyone else. Seokga, on the other hand, is the god of trickery, better known as Seokga the Fallen. Responsible for a failed coup attempt against his older brother, the emperor of the gods, Seokga was exiled from the celestial realm and condemned to live in the mortal realm, with a modicum of his powers, as punishment for his actions. Forced to walk among humans, the god lives in New Sinsi and works as a detective in supernatural law enforcement. Not out of altruism or kindness, but as a way to atone his punishment and return to his rightful place among the gods. Seokga is a grumpy, cold, prickly, selfish, distrustful, lonely, cocky and mocking god, a skilled weaver of lies, manipulations and deceptions. He detests human beings, can't stand social relationships, and has no regard for others. However, beneath his sour and know-it-all attitude, he hides a deeply wounded soul. Hani and Seokga are two complex, tormented, and morally gray protagonists who sent me into juices! But now let's talk about the development of their relationship, which I found simply spectacular! The one thing Seokga appreciates about humanity is coffee, and this passion of his pushes him to keep going to his favorite coffee shop, where unfortunately Hani works. After a very disastrous first meeting, Hani and Seokga have established a sort of bizarre routine, with her busy preparing him wrong orders and throwing sarcastic jokes and him ready to reciprocate with cutting remarks. A situation that evolves with the news of Scarlet Fox's reappearance and Seokga's decision to hunt her down. Hani has no intention of being discovered and so, in a surprise move, assumes the vacant position of Seokga's assistant. A victory across the board! Not only will she be able to follow his investigation and throw him off the trail, but she will also be able to create trouble for him and prepare him disgusting coffees. And so begins their forced cooperation, which leads to forced proximity, resulting in extremely hilarious interactions. She is a ray of sunshine who enjoys disturbing him, he is a super grumpy who has no problem retorting blow after blow. And I found myself repeatedly rolling with laughter at their hilarious banter. In short, a grumpy x sunshine brilliant and a forced proximity effervescent! Of course, things soon get complicated, especially when the relationship between Hani and Seokga begins to change from tough to close-knit, blossoming into an attraction as powerful as it is impossible and dangerous. And here comes the enemies to lovers powerful (or hate to lovers, I still have the doubt)! Okay, so basically the story takes place over the course of a fortnight, but I swear to you that I felt no rush in the development of this dynamic. The way they go from hating each other to getting closer, starting with small moments of help, a few confessions and some concessions, convinced me a lot. Moreover, their chemistry is really sizzling and made me swoon badly! There are some spicy scenes without much description, which fully satisfied me! I had high expectations about Hani and Seokga from the very premise of the novel, and I'm glad I wasn't wrong! They made me laugh, smile, sigh, swoon, suffer and cry so much and I can't wait to read more about them!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a KDrama in writing format! If I could, I would give this book more than 5⭐️s! I absolutely loved this book!

Reading The God and the Gumiho felt like watching a kdrama for the first time: magical, captivating and enchanting. The first few chapters felt a little confusing with all the folklore legends and monster’s names but as soon as got a handle of the names, it went very smooth! I will be honest, I didn’t want to stop reading this book: Hani is such a good FMC, she’s confident, funny, is not scared to speak her mind and harbours a massive secret - she might or might not be a very very old famous Gumiho. Seokga is just trying to complete his penance of sending 20,000 unruly creatures to hell so he can go back home. He seems cold and filled with hard edges but in reality, once his walls come crumbling down, he is kind, just and very sweet!

I really liked Seokga and Hani’s relationship: the way they start as enemies because he just keeps picking on her whenever she makes his coffee; then transform into working together; their banter and feelings growing and them changing to be the best version of themselves. They felt like they really do belong together! All the secondary characters were also very exciting and super interesting to follow and I did not see the plot twist coming - who the nightmare/fear demon was!

I also loved the end. I always feel that with scenes like that, you do need this extra little bit, this extra paragraph, this extra epilogue to close the chapter in your heart. And it was truly, in a very Korean fashion!

This was my first book from this author and I guarantee it won’t be the last!

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

This book is like a K-drama on paper, it's so much fun! It's got all the humour, romance, and magic of series like Doom At Your Service (which I adored), but this story adds a more adult vibe and a sassy, morally grey MC, which gives it more depth and impact for me.

Full of incredible Korean mythology, the world-building is fascinating, and Kim's witty, pacy writing gives us a slowly unravelling mystery with a few twists I didn't see coming. I enjoyed the character development, and how each MC builds on the other, acknowledging last trauma and their own morally grey natures.

You really fall in love with these characters throughout their journey, and looking at some of the story's themes through their eyes, such as death, self-sacrifice, warring with one's nature, and accepting help, it puts them into a different perspective that's easier to examine because of the fantasy element.

I really enjoyed this release, and it reads really well as a standalone. However, I believe there is another to follow, and I'll be eagerly awaiting what comes next for these characters! Look at that stunning cover by @kuri_huang as well! This image was shared by them for the cover reveal and shows their beautiful design style.

Thank you to Sophie Kim and Netgalley for this fabulous ARC - all opinions here are my own, honest and freely given.

Overall thoughts:
5⭐️
1.5 🌶️

‘If the Scarlet Fox is truly back… Well. It is Seokga’s job to catch her, and catch her he shall.’

‘“Emperor Seokga,” she hums. “It does have somewhat of a ring to it.” He cannot prevent his smile from growing. “Oh, I know.”

Tropes: Mythical creature, Korean folklore (retelling/ adapted), grumpy/ sunshine, Murder Mystery, Coffee Shop Romance, Morally Grey MC, One Bed, Badass FMC, Fallen God, Third Person Dual POV, Reluctant Allies/ Enemies to Lovers, Nickname, Slow Burn

Seokga The Fallen has one chance to clear his debt to regain his status as a God. All he has to do is kill a demon & The Scarlet Fox.. it can’t be that hard.. can it?

Where do I even begin?!
If I could give this book 10/5 stars I would! I LOVED it so much!

The vibe is a little anime, a little Ghibli. Which had me sold from the start! Honestly, I could see this as an anime series & I would 100% be down!
The writing style is detailed, a little whimsical & kinda quirky (in a good way). It has deception, murder mystery, twists & turns! Not heavy on the spice, but the story really doesn’t warrant it (this isn’t a criticism by the way).

If you like a book that gets straight into the plot, this is it! 10% in & we’re already into the action! Fasted paced & the pressure of time is really felt throughout.
The characters, what can I say, I loved Hani (she’s my favourite) & Seokga. They’re almost grumpy/ grumpy, enemies to lovers & it was great.

The end of this book ruined me (not in bad way😂), although I had to take a good few minutes (1 hour 😂) to compose myself.

Only criticism is that I found it hard to imagine some of the characters, but I think that’s on me because I’m not familiar with Korean Gods/ Folklore at all.
I really hope people produce some fan art for this book because I feel like it would help a lot + it would look amazing!

Contender for my book of the year!

Thank you to Sophie Kim, HodderScape & NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

I honestly cannot praise this book enough! Seokga (MMC) and Hani (FMC) are a brilliant pairing. The relationship between Seokga and Hani develops so beautifully that you can’t even pinpoint the moment that he stops being so cold and distant and starts to show real concern for her welfare. It is like a wonderful metamorphosis of the first flower blooming in springtime; it signifies that the cold, lonely isolation is over and something beautiful is on its way.
There is plenty of action along the way, with Seokga and Hani each having their own motivations that develop as the story twists and turns - much in the way that life throws curveballs at us, despite our best intentions (obviously without deadly monsters in the mix!)
This is easily one of my top reads of the year as so many tropes were brilliantly portrayed but with a premise such as I have never read before: being loosely based on Korean gods. As someone who appreciates Korean culture, but has very little experience of it, this story was easy to follow and introduced me to the various gods, goddesses and monsters that exist.
I was intrigued from the outset with its premise, but I went into it not knowing much more that what I read when I applied and WOW. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to read this book - I was very quickly hooked and now face the agonising wait for the next book in the series!

Tropes:
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- One bed
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity

Very mild spice - 0.5 rating

Thank you to Sophie Kim, Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author (Sophie Kim) for an eARC of “The God and the Gumiho” in exchange for an honest review.
The heroine of this book was a bit different for me. You meet her fondly reminiscing about that time she ate so many men’s livers she got the practice banned for her entire species. I wasn’t sure I was going to like her. Anyway, I needn’t have worried. I LOVED Hani!
If a book makes me laugh, I highlight the part. I was highlighting like crazy in this book.
There's a lot of names to keep track of. I appreciated that when they mentioned mythological people it was usually with context.
I was soooo upset when I realized what the real main conflict was going to be. Because by then I was already in love with both the main characters.
I’ve heard this book described as a kdrama and that is exactly the feeling it gives. I have zero issues picturing the characters as kdrama stereotypes. If you like watching those types of shows you are going to love this book. It’s thoroughly enjoyable, a little bit ridiculous and full of magic and mythology. I can't wait for the next one!

A grumpy fallen trickster and a mischievous fox-spirit team up to solve some murders, save the world, and fall in love??
This book was a really enjoyable read, full of Korean-inspired mythology, action, romance, mystery and beautifully grumpy and charming characters. I really liked the rich world of New Sinsi and I followed the story and characters with delight. There’s a lot to enjoy here for almost everyone, but particularly for fans of urban fantasy, mythological inspired stories, and K-Dramas. I’m looking forward to more from this author to come!

I didn’t know what to expect from The God and the Gumiho, but I absolutely loved it and it’s one of my favourite 2024 books so far. I was immediately enthralled, and I got so lost in Seokga and Hani’s story that I didn’t want to put it down for anything. It’s a fantasy that truly swept me away to another world, and I’m already very excited for the sequel.

The God and the Gumiho is about Seokga, a grumpy fallen trickster god, and Hani, a gumiho who can shapeshift into a fox. Both have terrible reputations, but somehow they find each other through coffee, and begin an unlikely friendship. Their chemistry is excellent, and I was rooting for them from their first meeting. They bring out the best in each other whether they like it or not, even if they are both keeping secrets that could bring their world crashing down around them.

This book is steeped in Korean folklore, which I have to admit isn’t something I had much knowledge of prior to reading it. It’s all really interesting and magical, and I love how Sophie Kim expertly weaves it into a contemporary setting. Gods and shapeshifters are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to creatures and entities featured in The God and the Gumiho, and I’m now very interested in further researching Korean folklore.

The God and the Gumiho is a mysterious police procedural story, featuring an enemies to lovers romance and an action-packed finale. It mixes genres so well, and there’s never a dull moment. It includes highly likeable characters, a stand-out setting, and a good dose of humour that would make even Seokga laugh (if he wasn’t the one providing it, of course). I loved this book so much, which really did take me by surprise. The eye-catching UK cover art should have tipped me off, but still I wasn’t sure what to think. All I can say is that it’s become an instant favourite, and if you like fantasy, I highly recommend it!

Loved this so much !

It was such a good ya book and the story and the characters 😍😍😍

I was totally addicted

Ah this book was so good. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, I loved the romance. I loved everything. It was funny, it was clever and it was a really entertaining read.

The thing I want to rave about most was the romance. It’s enemies to lovers and it’s done right. It slow burn, there isn’t an instant moment where she’s like “I hate him but he’s really hot” which always pisses me off. I think she does mention how hot he is but in a “of course the arrogant dick of a god is attractive” rather than the insta-love spark that other characters are getting.

I also really enjoyed the characters. Hani was wonderful, funny and just a great character in a murderous way. I warmed to her so quickly and she was just the perfect fox character.

This was just such an enjoyable book. I really recommend it, but especially to anyone interested in Korean mythology or K-dramas.

✨ARC REVIEW✨: The God and Gumiho by @sophiekimwrites / release date 04.06.24 📕

Thank you so much NetGalley and Sophie Kim for letting me be an advanced reader for this book. I throughly enjoyed it!

Seokga is a fallen trickster god turned detective. Sent to the mortal realm to live out his penance, he has been tasked with taking down Unrulies and helping to banish them, until he completes this task he will not be reinstated as a God again. Seokga does not like the mortal realm much and it shows. He’s grumpy, rude, and insufferable to be around. The only thing that gets him through the day is coffee from the local cafe (a coffee with one sugar and one cream to be precise). However, barista Kim Hani takes joy in ruining his day, in the form of providing him exactly the coffee order he DIDNT ask for in a response to his constant cold behaviour. Their back and fourth dynamic is something I really loved about them.

Our barista, Hani has a secret. She’s the scarlet fox who killed many men for their livers, before she overate a century ago. When a string of murders start to take place in the city, Hani knows that they are nothing to do with her - but who could be going around and murdering people in the night?

When she gets wind that law enforcement think it’s a rogue demon and that Seokga could benefit from an assistant on the case - she offers herself up willingly, believing she can keep herself hidden and help with the investigation at the same time…

The plot of this book is well paced, and I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the investigation with them working together, alongside all the mythological elements. I felt that the romance side to it had a k-drama feel and I hoooonestly loved it okay. The only thing that threw me was the ending, and whilst I can assure you it was a wonderful ending the last 5 chapters will have you tugging on your heart strings and wishing there was more. Both the characters had their own flaws, which I think is what made them honest characters. I really enjoyed the POV from each of them overall. I read this in like a day! Couldn’t put it down! ❤️

So, it took me a little while to get into The God and the Gumiho, but once I got into it I was hooked!
I very much enjoyed learning about all the different creatures included in this book. I think gumihos are my favourite though - eating men's livers and stealing their souls 😂
The progression of Seokga and Hani's relationship was done so well but that ending was heartbreaking 💔
I really hope we get a second book as I need to know what happens next! I'm not ready for that to be the end.

I absolutely adored this book and already know it's going to be a top 5 read of the year for me.

Hani and Seokga are the most unlikely pairing to try and solve the case of the Scarlet Fox. Hani is a Gumiho and Seokga is a called God.

This book had me chuckling along (Hwanins tit's), as the main characters angst and banter towards each other continues throughout the book.

There is a little romance, a lot of grumpy sunshine and adventures across the world.

The writing is so beautiful and poetic in places. After reading the very first chapter I knew I was going to love this book. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series.

4.5/5 stars

The God and the Gumiho is Korean folklore-inspired contemporary fantasy romance set in the fictional 1992 South Korean city of New Sinsi. Seokga is the fallen trickster god of deception, being punished for a failed coup more than 600 years prior. Now, he is given the chance to return to godhood if he is able to kill both the demon of darkness plaguing the city and the notorious gumiho the Scarlet Fox who has recently resurfaced. Gumiho Kim Hani was once the Scarlet Fox and is now a bored barista entertaining herself by constantly getting a certain aggravating fallen god’s coffee order wrong. But after a recent slip up threatens to reveal her past, she decides to infiltrate Seokga’s team as his assistant to derail his investigation. Their tense interactions over coffee turn to more as they are forced to actually work together before their world goes dark.

This book was just a thoroughly fun and enjoyable read. It is fast-paced, charmingly disarming, and somehow a slow-burn romance that’s only set over a few days. The mystery helped build up tension and give the plot a sense of urgency. Despite the serious happenings surrounding them (the murders) and their implications, the book is just so unserious about them (at least initially) and leans heavily into the developing relationship between Seokga and Hani.

From a contentious start with months of history of personality clashes over the cafe counter, they are both changed by their association with each other and the romance that blossoms between them. It’s trope-filled with enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, only one bed, and forced proximity all filled into one, and I enjoyed every bit of it.

Are they both immature for beings that are supposed to be hundreds of years old? Yes. Is this a YA book in disguise as adult? Also, yes. Is this what I imagine a K-drama would read like? Yes, even though I don’t watch K-dramas at all. And that ending is every bit as dramatic and sensational as I wanted it to be, wringing out near-devastated tears out of me with just a ray of hope.

The God and the Gumiho is a fun and charming Korean-inspired romantasy that exceeds expectations.