The set up of this plot really got me— Immortal emperor of a pocket realm of immortals challenges an assassin to kill him within 14 days (or he will kill her if she doesn’t), and the whole time he treats it as a silly game— and you know I love a traumatized older sister MC! But I think the like gritty dark fantasy is not so much my jam these days?? I think this book would definitely work for the ppl who are looking for that darklina dynamic or who are into a hero who has gotta fight their ptsd demons and carve out a life for themselves, but for me personally, I find that’s not what I look for really? The world building was alright (the food descriptions were amazing and the bit where they’re reading the book about legends of the gods really worked for me) but I wanted more of it, and overall, the only personal dynamics we really got were emperor/MC, and I want more friendship/family/enemies (sexual/romantic tension alone doesn’t quite motivate me to keep reading, lol)! All that said, the Korean based fantasy/magic/lore was different and cool, and I would love to include this in my classroom (because I am well aware that while these vibes weren’t for me, they will DEF work for my teenage students!!) So from a teaching perspective (not necessarily a personal one), this is a 4/5 stars. Thank you @netgalley!

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am shaking with excitement as I write this review. 5 FRICKIN' STARS, no joke. I don't give away 5 stars freely but this book deserves it. Last Of The Talons is my newest obsession because Lina and Rui are goals👌🏻 And Shin Lina is a QUEEN, you cannot convince me otherwise. With the most slowest slow-burn I have ever encountered and characters that did not let me rest, this book is a masterpiece and I'm thriving because of it. A new favourite author has been discovered by me, I am SO looking forward to more books by Sophie Kim. Thank you for this book😭💖

5 stars!🌟

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to love this book! I read the blurb and was so intrigued and I instantly wanted to read this. It had all the tropes I normally love but it fell flat in this book.

I was so bored in the beginning and middle that I was skipping pages and reading ahead. One of my main issues with this book is the lack of natural transitions between the past and present. At times it was confusing and jarring.

I like Shin Lina as a character, but I just didn’t understand her position as this great assassin? To me, it was really unbelievable. I feel the author tried too hard to make her a female replica of Kaz Brekker with Carlene Sardothien vibes.

I don’t understand how the entirety of the Talons died just because she wasn’t there? Aren’t they also good fighters? Didn’t they teach her?

There were some things I did enjoy about the story. I enjoyed the mythology and the settings in the realm the Pied Piper ruled over. I could imagine myself there with the smells of the flowers.

I can’t say too much about the other characters because they were all so lack luster and one dimensional.

Rui as a character confused me.. I wanted more from him. This whole “you have 14 days to kill me Or I kill you” just didn’t make sense.. what was the point? And all because of a tapestry that collected dust.. I don’t know.

The romance for me was okay. I did enjoy it at times but I wish we got more.

Overall, there were parts I did like. The last 20% had me sitting on the edge of my seat. And then there were times where I was bored.

I just don’t think this book was for me. Will I read the sequel? Probably not.

I was excited to read this book after seeing it on the cover of PW. It is the story of Shin Lina, an 18 yo girl who has been forced into a dangerous life to keep her younger sister safe from harm. After her crime family is killed by another crime boss, Lina is forced to work for him. When he has her steal an important tapestry, the two of them find themselves in the realm of the Dokkaebi, the immortals. The only way Lina can escape with her life and save her sister is to kill the emperor of this city. But things are not always as they seem. This book combines Korean fantasy, the story of the Pied Piper, and romance.

A good debut and I had some fun reading this book. Definitely a good fantasy to sink into plus I liked the MC. Hope to see more books by this author.

Death does not die and neither will you

2.5

Do you know how much I wanted to love this book? And how disappointed I was left??

I will agree with the rest of the reviews for this book: great idea, poor execution. I'm a little hesitant when a book features an already ''powerful'' protagonist because it usually feels like "they're the greatest assassin ever but not really" and this book was that. We're always reminded that Lina is a great assassin, the greatest assassin in Sunpo but it doesn't feel that way. In fact, she feels like... an amateur? How is she the greatest assassin ever and the first thing that comes to her mind is to seduce Rui to kill him?? At least to me, she didn't seem as prepared for everything as an assassin should be. She's betrayed and is always a step behind so she really doesn't feel like a great assassin.

I also felt that the author focused more on developing the romance than the rest of the characters and worldbuilding. Other than Lina and Rui, the other characters were just there. Even Lina's former gang members, Rui's court, the Blackbloods felt flat. The greatest assassins and spies and gang members didn't know they were falling in a trap? Like, I'm not an assassin but if I were, I'd be suspicious of anything and never underestimating anyone, not even rivals.

*******SPOILER******
I didn't really like the twist in Lina getting serpent skin(idk how to explain it I've stopped producing brain cells at the age of 14). I would have preferred to see her remain a human, a mortal among immortal Dokkaebi

Overall, could have been done better

I really, really need the next book. Like. Now. I really liked the storyline and I have hopes and dreams on how it'll end, but I can't state enough how much I need hands on the next book!

Shin Lina is an assassin, the Reaper of Sunpo, and has lost nearly everything and is owned by a despicable man. One day when she steals something sacred she gets more than she bargained for.

'Death does not die, and neither will you, Shin Lina.'

Before I gush over the rest of the book let me just tell you I have a new bbf. Rui. He's mine ladies and gents.....back off!!!!! I mean the man is an Emperor and he has a fondness for winter. It all just points to being mine!

I absolutely loved this book! It's been a while since I've had this feeling about a book and it feels so good! The utter joy of reading each word, sentence and paragraph and never wanting it to end but still wanting to know what happens!

The writing, the story, the characters, the world of Gyrulcheon. Everything! In fact I'm actually lost for words! I do not know how to review this book to do it justice apart from to say that it deserves all the stars and now I'm off to stalk the author and to see what's next!

I love Asian fantasies. Being Asian myself, I grew up with such a Westernized viewpoint of children's literature. So to see yet another debut by an Asian author, well, it fills my heart with joy.

With that said, while I found this book well written and the narrative style easy and fluid, I found myself questioning the motivations of certain characters. I had such a difficult time understanding why the emperor Rui was so interested in Lina. It felt too much like instalove on his part, and that's one of my most disliked tropes. And that affected my overall enjoyment of the book. While this particular book wasn't too my personal taste, I think this is still a worthy addition to any HS library collection.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy.

Mouse Trap

Sophie Kim explores loss and self-worth, within a world full of Korean mythology. Shin Lina’s family and friends are dead, and now she is forced to work for their murderer to save the life of her sister. Except her recent job catches the interest of the Dokkaebi, Haneul Rui, who offers her a perilous bargain. Shin Lina must use all her skills to win Dokkaebi’s game, or lose the last person she loves.

Shin Lina is consumed with debilitating guilt and self-loathing, having failed to save the Talon. She only lives for the hope her sister Eunbi may still be alive. Her sheer stubbornness and determination have made her the best assassin in Sunpo. It is this fortitude that makes Shin Lina a compelling, and interesting character. The addition of the Pied Piper to Korean mythology is a bit jarring at first. Though, the Pied Piper’s abilities and persona as a god work very well in this story. Particularly relishing in games of fortune, his magical flute Manpasikjeok, and his mischievous ruthlessness.

Haneul Rui is as beautiful as he is dangerous. Giving Shin Lina an impossible challenge. She suffers through a lot, and her situation is terrible. Though this is a YA, and written as such, a lot of the situations in this book are NA. Entangled Publishing includes some content warnings on their website. Though, there are plenty of popular YA tropes. It is the journey through Korean culture, stories, and characters that make this a great read. Sophie Kim does a wonderful job weaving in all these elements to create a compelling world.

Haneul Rui’s involvement is not particularly romantic. Especially since his test seems designed to humiliate Shin Lina. Though, eventually Haneul Rui and Shin Lina find a common purpose. Despite her many difficulties, Shin Lina grows to understand that people and Dokkaebi are complicated. She slowly fights back for the memory of those she has lost, and finds the strength to live for herself.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Last of the Talons by Sophie Kim is an amazing #ownvoices YA fantasy that is inspired by Korean mythology. The story revolves around Shin Lina, otherwise known by her alter ego, the Reaper of Sunpo. When her little sister's life is threatened, she has no choice but to enter the realm of Haneul Rui, the emperor of the Dokkaebi, otherwise known as the Pied Piper. At first, she has no hesitation with attempting to kill him. But he is a powerful enemy. Will she have the strength and the street smarts to succeed in this mission?

Here is a fantastical excerpt from Chapter 1:

"The lock itself seems simple enough - I've picked hundreds, probably thousands, of locks before. This will be no different.
Yet I hesitate.
Stealing from the Dokkaebi...
I wonder, grimly, if I will face the wrath of the Piped Piper after this. If he will lure me away with his enchanted flute as he's done to so many mortals and slaughter me in his hidden realm. A sick sort of satisfaction creeps its way into my chest."

Overall, Last of the Talons is a YA fantasy that will appeal to fans of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass or Kat Cho's Wicked Fox. One highlight of this book is how it infused Korean mythology into the plot. I've rarely seen Korean-inspired fantasy books. As a reader of Asian descent, I am so happy to support this #ownvoices author. Another highlight of this book is the slow-burn romance. I can't say anything more without spoiling, but I will say it was a pleasant surprise. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of YA fantasy in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in September!

**3.5 rounded up**

Last of the Talons follows Shin Lina, the Reaper of Sunpo, after the destruction of her gang, the Talons. Lina is forced to become a weapon for the gang that destroyed hers, with the threat of her sister's life hanging over her. After Lina steals a tapestry from a Dokkaebi temple, she finds herself thrust into a game of life or death with the Emperor. It's kill or be killed, and Lina will have to use every last one of her weapons, and some new ones, to save herself and her sister.

The second half of this book was a lot more enjoyable for me than the beginning half, which is why this rating is being rounded up to a 4 instead of down to a 3. I found the beginning of the book to be a bit slow and I wasn't feeling compelled to pick it up often. I also struggled a bit with Lina's characterization - she is called the Reaper of Sunpo, a deadly assassin, but it really isn't until closer to the end of the book that we see this side of her. We learn a bit about her former gang members through flashbacks, but nothing that really showed Lina as this feared assassin. That being said, the second half of this book was very good. The pacing was a lot better, there was a ton of action and there were twists that I wasn't expecting at all. I also enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lina and Rui. I'm not an avid enemies-to-lovers fan (meaning I don't typically seek it out), but I found myself very invested in their relationship and how it developed. They are two very different characters but share similar grief, and it was interesting to see this play out, while also engaging in a "kill or be killed" game.

Overall, I'd say this was a solid first book, and I'm definitely looking forward to where this story will go after the major twist at the end!

Thank you for accepting. I’m a sucker for story’s like this. Enemies to lovers YES WE LOVE IT! Mythology based YESS! Can’t wait to have this one in my hands. Love how the characters were and what they become.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled:Teen for allowing me to read this amazing book. I am in LOVE. The setting, these characters, and this incredible plot is just perfectly together in a incredible ride. 3 words to describe this book would be tension, badass, and assassins. A easy 5 ⭐️ stars! I can’t wait to have a physical copy!

This was an amazing read!
It was thrilling and emotional. My heart beated for Lina and Rui. I love how the author included the korean folklore in the story. I can't wait to read volume 2.

Thank you Netgalley and Entangled Teen for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"The Reaper of Sunpo does not fall... death does not die, and neither will you, Shin Lina..."

Last of the Talons is a fantastic debut by Sophie Kim and I, very much, look forward to reading the sequel.

The story is fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I adore Lina's feisty spirit and her guilt-ridden soul.

She was tricked by an opposing gang and found her entire family, besides her younger sister, dead at home by the hands of her enemy.

"You're the last of us, Lina. The last of the talons..."

When her enemy and gang leader forces Lina to steal a tapestry it begins a series of terrible events. The leader is taken by the Pied Piper to another realm. Lina's sister is threatened: if Lina doesn't retrieve the leader back from the Pied Piper, her sister will die.

The Pied Piper finds Lina, takes her to his realm and strikes a deal with Lina: kill the emperor in two weeks then you can go home safely. Every failed attempt she makes Lina will receive a punishment. Let the assassination attempts begin...

"For even a realm away I can feel it. A tug in my gut. A spark in my chest. A humming in my blood. I am the last of the Talons. My kingdom calls to me. And when I arrive... the Blackbloods will feel my wrath."

I love the progression of Lina and the Emperor's enemies to lovers relationship. It's a push and pull of emotions of not knowing what is real and when it's part of the assassination attempt or if the Emperor is tricking Lina. I love that they are actually enemies for most of the book instead of just all talk and no action. Lina honestly tries to kill the Emperor multiple times. The romance is filled with tension and I really like that their relationship is not black and white, it's unsure and not concrete.

I'm excited for more exploration of the Emperor's realm and Lina's newly made abilities. The ending paragraphs are perfect and keep me intrigued.

My only tiny negative is, I don't know if this will change in the final version but, there are chapters and moments when we get a look into Lina's past. There is not a lot of warning and it can be jarring to go back and forth between past and present if not handled well.

Overall a beautiful debut and I need that sequel as soon as possible!

4.5 stars

4.5 stars
This is a story about a young teen, Lina, who has become an assassin in order to survive and protect her younger sister, Eunbi. The main portion of the story involves Lina and an emperor, Rui, who is the Pied Piper. There is a lot of adventure, intrigue and some romance, too. The first part of the book was a little slow for me with the introduction of the characters and the story but once it got going it was hard to put down! If the story sounds interesting to you, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy! Happy reading!

3.5 stars. At some point I might decide to round up to 4.

This book took me nearly two months to read— and purely because of life circumstances. It was fast-paced and enjoyable, but I had all sorts of life craziness pop up in the last month or so that I was not anticipating.

For much of it, I likened it to an Asian Throne of Glass, because the main character is an assassin who is forced into a bargain with a king. Tonally it's quite similar, too, with lots of sarcasm/bravado, flirting, magic, creatures similar to the Fae. It's a lot of fun, and I anticipate many people really enjoying it. The writing is solid and easy to read, only three or four errors such as some text not italicized when it should be, a female horse being referred to as a stallion, and several letters of a word being italicized when they shouldn't be.

I enjoyed it overall, but the ending didn't quite work for me. Too much was left unexplained and did not feel earned— just ended up feeling like a Deus ex machina. And with a handful of other things that could be overlooked if they were isolated occurrences (SPOILER) such as Lina not asking ANY smart questions about the rando rebels she met before totally trusting them, or why the highly trained guards who took the same magic fighting potion as Jiwoon weren't able to match his strength, or why Lina convinces herself she's fine with macking on a guy who kidnaps and enslaves humans and won't apologize for it or set them free (END SPOILER) it was just a bit too much for me to accept. I'll check out the description/reviews for the second book to see what direction it might be going in before giving it a try!

Incredible, stunning, debut with swooning romance and high concept fantasy adventures, I ADORED this book

It was the cover that grabbed my attention, but then the actual story... I devoured this in a few hours! First person present tense is always the easiest to read, but the story really sucked me in.

It has really interesting themes:
- Korean mythology - The Pied Piper was a myth I knew absolutely nothing about, so it was refreshing to read something new!
- Enemies to lovers
- An assassin/morally gray main character
- "Who did this to you?"

The main character, Shin Lina, has incredible depth and realistic flaws; she is so strong and driven to reach her goals and to not fail. I love a main character that isn't overpowered.

The story has some predictable fantasy tropes that helps the plot progess, but the Korean mythology woven throughout the novel is so interesting!

Whilst it is classified YA, it is definitely more mature and deals with deep themes.