Was not what I thought it would be. I was hoping for something different and almost immediately I knew this wouldn’t be a read I would enjoy and didn’t want to force myself through it.

I thought I already gave my feedback for this book, but I’ll resubmit in case I didn’t.

Thankful to Entangled Publishing to read an eARC (despite the book being released in 2022) of this title for a read-a-long. I love the story of Shin Lina, the Reaper of Sunpo. Desperate to save her sister’s life, she enters in a bargain with the Pied Piper. Kill or be killed. The gripping story features numerous characters, battles, and a search for love. At the end, she’s left with some new attributes and a new outlook on life. Can’t wait to dive into book 2 ASAP.

Absolutely loved this book! I wasn't sure that I would but I dove in feet first and glad I did. I immediately got book 2 and read it and the next ones!

Unfortunately, this one was a DNF for me.

The premise had promise, and I was really interested in the cultural inspiration behind the story, especially coming from an own voices perspective. But the execution just didn’t hold up. The editing felt loose—there were pacing issues, awkward transitions, and overall it lacked the polish that could’ve made the story stronger.

On top of that, the characters didn’t feel fully developed. They came across as flat, and I never really connected with any of them. Without engaging characters or a compelling narrative drive, it was hard to stay invested.

A great concept, but it just didn’t deliver in the ways I hoped.

I really enjoyed this book! The world-building and adventure were fantastic. It had suspense, excellent character development, and an engaging writing style. This is a slow-burn fantasy romance rooted in Korean mythology. This a must-read!

This was a fun romp that, sadly, just wasn't enough to keep me reading. I am not sure if it is because I just couldn't connect or because of reading this while moving. Still, the writing was fun and I could see myself trying to read this again which is why I am giving three stars.

This mesmerizing fantasy is rooted in Korean mythology, blending dark romance and high-stakes action. Shin Lina, a fierce assassin, is forced into servitude after her gang’s destruction. When ordered to steal a sacred tapestry, she angers the immortal Dokkaebi Emperor, Haneul Rui, and is thrust into a deadly game, kill him in 14 days or lose everything. The world-building is vivid, and the writing beautifully balances lyricism with intensity. Lina’s strength and vulnerability make her a compelling heroine, while Rui’s enigmatic presence sharpens the tension. Though the pacing starts slow, the suspense and emotional depth kept me hooked. A thrilling, addictive read.

Last of the Talons by Sophie Kim is a thrilling and action-packed fantasy that blends heart-pounding adventure with rich world-building and a powerful heroine. The story follows Ember, the last surviving member of an ancient clan of assassins, as she seeks revenge against those who destroyed her family. Kim’s writing is vivid and immersive, with intricate magic systems, intense combat scenes, and complex character relationships. Ember’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle with loyalty and vengeance make this a compelling read. Last of the Talons is a must-read for fans of fast-paced fantasy with strong female leads and high emotional stakes.

Forced to do the bidding of a notorious crime lord, Shin Lina’s latest mission sends her into the grasp of the immortal emperor. With her sister’s fate hanging in the balance, she finds herself navigating dangerous bargains, courtly intrigue, and her conflicting feelings for the enemy she’s been tasked to take out.

Tropes:
⚔️Assassin FMC
⚠️Enemies to lovers
🫂Forced proximity
🩶Morally grey characters
☠️Deadly bargains
🏰Intrigue
🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒Found family
🫑: spice free romance

Shin Lina’s story is one of loss, betrayal, and resilience. The author delicately explores each layer of Shin Lina and Rui and their growing and deepening connection.

Shin Lina is a FMC you can’t help but cheer for and I’m so excited to see where her story heads in the next book!

Intriguing and original, Last of the Talons is a fast-paced fantasy filled with rich Korean mythology, mysterious characters, and a suspenseful plot.

So grateful to the author, Entangled Publishing, Entangled Teen, and NetGalley for the review copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This was a little slow at the beginning. The world building was a bit hard to follow especially at the beginning. As the story progressed, the plot got a bit better and it was more fast paced. For a debut novel, it was good.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. The author's introduction to Korean history and mythology had me intrigued as I had never looked into it before, and it gave me a good base going into this read. I really enjoyed this book, the twists and turns on Lina's life, her love/hate for Rui, her desire for blood and to hurt anyone and everyone that has done her or other's wrong. Characters were well developed, there was a good level of attention to details without taking away from the fast pace flow of the story. I truly enjoyed the chemistry and interactions between Lina, Rui and his court and can imagine there is a lot more to follow to this, secrets to be revealed and hopefully love in the end.

I'm not sure there was much spice to this, I'd say it's completely safe for younger readers. And I definitely recommend book 2 which I completely jumped into once I was done. Hence the delay in providing brief feedback.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the e-Arc, it was quite a nice read and wonderful to discover yet another a new author (to me)!

I had some trouble with this one. I am not sure if I was just not in the right headspace for this type of story or if I read too many similar books in a row but it didn't come across as particularly different. It was a good story, and the character's independent spirit was relatable but maybe the way the creatures and everything connected just wasn't for me.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Kae is a skilled warrior from the once-powerful Talon clan, whose members were feared for their strength in magic and combat. After her clan is destroyed by a rival enemy, Kae becomes one of the last of her kind. As she seeks vengeance for her fallen family, she uncovers dark secrets about the true nature of the enemy that destroyed them. The world on the brink of war and Kae must navigate dangerous alliances, question her loyalties, and form bonds with people she thought were her enemies. She is forced to confront not only her enemies but also the truth of her own powers, which may hold the key to saving or destroying everything she’s fought for.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was exciting and fast paced. I like that Kae is a strong FMC and she has the power to forge her own path.

*Last of the Talons* is an electrifying blend of dark romance, Korean mythology, and high-stakes adventure! Lina is a fierce, determined heroine, and her dynamic with the enigmatic Rui crackles with tension. The enemies-to-lovers romance is deliciously intense, and the dreamlike world of the Dokkaebi is captivating. With thrilling action, heart-wrenching emotions, and a game of life and death, this book keeps you hooked until the last page. Sophie Kim’s storytelling is lush and immersive, making this a must-read for fans of fantasy and slow-burn romance. A beautifully crafted tale that will steal your heart! 💜✨

✨ Book Review ✨

Last of the Talon by Sophie Kim
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

18 year old Lina has lost everything and she is now forced to serve as the deadly assassin for a rival crime boss. That is until a mysterious man brings her to the world of the Dokkaebi and strikes a bargain with her.

How is no one talking about this fantasy series?!?! I loved the magical world, Lina, Rui and the tension between them 😏
I thought it was such a fun and fast paced fantasy book and can’t wait to pick up the next one in the series!

Thank you entangled publishing for the gifted copy! 💖




Review to Goodreads already posted, will post review on instagram on 2/10

Wow, I really liked this one! It had great action, magic, and a budding romance. I am looking forward to the rest of the series to find out what happens next.

Thanks to Entangled Teen for hosting that awesome read along and thank you for the e-book so that I could participate. All opinions are my own.

Last of the Talons is a Korean Pied Piper mashup with fantasy elements and gangs. Lina is trying so desperately to save her sister. She makes bargains, enemies, and compromises in order to protect her sister. It's one of the central components of Lina's character. And we love her for it. At the same time, she's haunted by the guilt of her actions in the past, her own painful past, and how much she hates herself. I felt like Lina, and her relationship with the Pied Piper figure - their cat and mouse - was the most compelling. Pacing wise, I felt there was a bit of a lull as the time counted down.

Thank you to Entangled Teen for the review copy!

Last of the Talons is the first book in a YA fantasy series. It's a pied piper retelling and blends Korean mythology with fantasy and dark romance in a really enjoyable way. I loved the world building and found the characters to be interesting. The overall story was enjoyable with a few plot twists and lots of secrets to uncover. My biggest issue with this book is that while Lina was the Reapers of Sunpo, and a highly skilled assassin, she can't figure out how to kill the emperor and resorts to seducing him. While she's on a strict timeframe to kill him, it also never feels like she has a sense of urgency in her mission. Overall, I think its a solid debut, and I'm interested in seeing what happens in the next book.

Sounds intriguing and an own voices debut that draws from cultural inspirations, but I do feel this would shine better if it were more strongly edited. Feels like a one-dimensional story that has no real draw, and it was hard for me to keep reading.

Would definitely try more by the author though.

Truly an interesting read !! It took me awhile to understand names and places but I loved the culture of the book and the story!