final rating: 4.75/5☆

thank you to netgalley and the publisher Entangled Publishing for the e-arc!

i started this series specifically because i read another arc of Sophie Kim's new book and decided to request for this one, not even expecting to be approved. and i'm so glad i did!! what a ride, and i absolutely cannot wait for the conclusion to this story. the worldbuilding for this story just continues to grow, and the story gets more and more complex.

(spoilers ahead!)

i love how the thread of Lina getting the imugi scales evolves to the whole prophecy and the imugi wanting to take over the human realm. i did not expect it to to go there, thinking it was just an upgrade for her. and man, this story just does not let up and it physically hurts to see Lina being controlled by the prophecy and Rui having to go through all of that getting hurt and having to remember it's not her. i don't know how Kim does it, but the endless angst is real.

it let up once. at the end, for half a chapter, which was insane because it followed up with what might be taboo for ya stories? a child death. that's right. Lina's adorable little sister Eunbi got killed right as she finally regained control of herself. and worst of all, by an (i'm sorry) side character who wasn't all that important to begin with. i might have screamed. especially in the postlude where Lina let herself be locked up and taken over.

i can't wait to see where the story goes with a new war of the dokkaebi against the omugi, Rui against Lina, with the severed red thread.

"Death does not die, and neither will I."

TW: abuse, abandonment, addiction, animal cruelty, animal death, blood, body-horror, body-shaming (internalized), child death (on-page), confinement, death, death of a loved one, drug use, drug abuse, genocide, grief, injury/injury detail, medical content, medical trauma, mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, physical abuse, sexual harassment, sexual content, stalking, torture, violence, war.

I am in so much pain.

This book was everything I hoped it would be and more. Sophie Kim created a masterpiece that is devastating and heart wrenching, artfully crafted and engaging. I haven't felt this much about a book in a long time, to the point I was struggling to pick it up because I was so invested in what was happening. And because I knew that this wasn't going to end well, considering the fact this is book 2 in a trilogy.

Which leads to my next point: this is how you write a middle book. It was a perfect bridge between the start of the story and the conclusion. So much happened in terms of plot and world-building but I never felt like the book merely existed because the author didn't know what else to write. Not a single word was wasted.

The ending? I am not going to recover from that for awhile. *I* cried. Do you know how much it takes to get me to cry while reading? A lot.

Overall, this was... fantastic. It exceeded my high expectations and left me wanting more. I'm unbelievably grateful for the chance to read the ARC and will now spend my time (im)patiently waiting for book 3.

This book had me completely enraptured from page one. I've been rooting for Lina and Rui since book one, and I was so torn with how their story unfolded in this. He's so sure though, and the fact that they're tied together in more ways than one gives me great hope.

Lina really struggles with the Voice of the prophecy though, and it continues to fight for control over her. There were so many shocking moments in this. I'm still completely broken by the ending of this. I need the next book as soon as possible!

5✰ // yet again i feel like i’ve been utterly enwrapped by Sophie Kim’s eloquent and captivating writing. Kim has yet again transcended into the space of storytelling and provided a raw and enchanting sequel here in Wrath of the Talon. all that have read Last of the Talon will not be disappointed and will recognize and appreciate, once again the immersive and unblinking way in which this second book in Talons grasps you. books and stories that you can allow yourself to be lost in are so rare these days. Wrath of the Talon will leave you reading not just for the sake of being so invested in the characters, plot, and delicate world-building, that we have come to love; but also, because there is something so wholly engaging about Wrath of the Talon, such that i found even as i allowed myself to get lost into the pages, never once did i ever feel myself trying to over-anticipate or wander from the unflinching path the story takes.

i cannot speak highly enough of Wrath of the Talon and i feel so fortunate to have found an author that writes from such a true, precise, loving, and cutting place. it is truly such a gift to find a series that remains embroidered into your heart, in the way that i can feel Talons has become in mine.

once again, i can hardly bear the wait until the next installment in Talons is released. Kim has honestly taken the incredible momentum from her debut novel and continued to build upon the spellbinding cadence of the series.

i find myself unable to recommend Wrath of the Talon adequately enough. if you loved book one, do not miss this wonderful sequel in the Talons series. may this sequel live in my chambers for many, many cycles to come.

thank you so much to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Brittany Zimmerman at Entangled Publishing for providing me with the ARC of this book, which I received for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

I-

So, this is what heartbreak feels like.
Miss Kim, [sigh] you know that scene where Lina carved out Jiwoon's heart in the first book? Yeah, I feel like you did the same to me with this book, and I don't appreciate it.
And I could go on about how masterfully and brilliantly you portrayed the trauma, the guilt, and internal conflicts, the relationships, emotions, and how everything was dosed just right to make this story as epic as it truly is, but first, I need a moment to compose myself because I am devastated. The story of the Talons is by far the best I've read in *a while*, and I love every bit of it, but this one was brutal.
Not to give away any spoilers, I just want to say that I'm astounded by the creative choices for Wrath of the Talon, and I can't wait for everyone to read it so we can all be heartbroken and amazed together.
It ends in a cliffhanger, too, so we have to wait for the last installment to see what happens, and!! we're warned to bring a box of tissues for it. Miss Kim, that better be for the tears of happiness!

UM EXCUSE ME?!?? how DARE you make me cry like this!! this book deserves a thousand stars! i honestly have no words other than I NEED THE THIRD INSTALLMENT NOW 😭

Revenge......

Back with Lina and Rui aka the Reaper of Sunpo and she has one thing on her mind....revenge. Revenge on the Blackbloods and now she is stronger than ever before with the Imugi venom.

I was so invested in this book, it nearly broke me! But Lina did get on my nerves, she is just so cruel and so questionable and also 'the voice' got on my nerves!!!

Poor Rui and Lina, they certainly went through it in this book - and I also went through it reading it!

Can't wait to see what happens next!

Picking up right where Last of the Talons left off, Wrath of the Talon follows Shin Lina, the Reaper of Sunpo, as she schemes and murders her way through the city that was her home (while also navigating her newfound Imugi powers), stopping at nothing to take the Blackbloods down for good. However, this is just a small piece of the story that fate has prophesized for Lina. 

This book felt totally different from Last of the Talons, but in a good way. Whereas Last of the Talons took place in the idyllic pocket realm of Gyuelcheon, Wrath of the Talon takes place in the realistic and grimy Sunpo, where Lina grew up. The duality of the two settings was a stark change that I think really emphasized the grit of this story. I feel like Lina and Rui also each underwent lots of growth in this sequel--they are no longer the Pied Piper and Reaper of Sunpo engaged in a friendly and murderous deal, they are now adversaries on a chess board that spans kingdoms and realms. 

I also really loved the addition of the interludes in Wrath. Getting those additional POVs really helped add complexity to the story, and I loved getting to see from the Dokkaebi circle's eyes as they watched Lina's Prophecy grow and progress. The new characters introduced to the cast were also a rich addition (especially Iseul!) that I feel really open up the possibilities for the third installment in the trilogy. And of course, I can't forget to mention the Imugi--even I still can't decide if I love them or fear them. They're like cute and vicious frienemies that I hate to admire.

The one thing I did have a hard time with while reading this was dealing with the Voice. I understand that was arguably the most important part of this whole story, but mind control has just always been a plot device I don't jive with. I also very clearly (along with all of the other arc readers I'm sure) had my hopes and dreams crushed in the last two chapters, and I wish there was a different way to get Lina to that point, but I understand how the events that transpired would be the only thing that could push Lina that far. Overall, I do feel like this was a strong sequel for the series, even though some of the main plot points I didn't love as much as I hoped I would.  

I would recommend this to anyone who read and loved the first in the series, Last of the Talons, as well as all the angry girls out there who might relate to Shin Lina.

Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for my e-ARC of this title, received in exchange for an honest review.

Wrath of the Talon by Sophie Kim is a phenomenal Korean YA fantasy.
With very unique world building and entertaining characters this story was simply incredible.
Sophie Kim did a fantastic job setting up the characters and the world in this series.
Action packed and perfectly paced I didn’t want it to end!

Thank You NetGalley and Entangled: Teen for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Wrath of the Talon is the sequel to The Last of the Talons, a fantasy novel, based upon Korean mythology. Wrath of the Talon picks up where The Last of the Talons leaves off, with Shin Lina having escaped the gang and saved her sister by allying herself with Haneul Rui of the Dokkaebi (Korean goblins or devils). Lina has also acquired the Voice, an entity that whispers in her head about possible courses of action - including following the Prophecy that will make Lina Empress, but only if she does what the Voice wants. Unfortunately, what the Voice wants and what Lina wants are not always the same, but the Voice is able to do more than whisper. This volume delves deeper into Korean mythology, and includes Imugi (Korean dragons) as well as Dokkaebi. The use of Korean terminology adds to the setting of the novel, although the meanings are not always immediately apparent.

I enjoyed reading about Lina, a strong, fierce young woman plagued by her past and concerned for her family. The mythology upon which the novel is based seems authentic, although I'm not familiar enough with Korean mythology to know for sure. I had difficulty getting into this volume; it may be because it's been over a year since I read the first one, and some of the details escaped me. That Lina loses her independence to the Voice - and knows what is happening - may be disturbing to some readers, as may be the sometimes graphic violence depicted, which often occurs at the behest of the Voice or the Imugi. For that reason, this book is recommended for readers 16 and older.

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

Lina is on a rampage to prove herself and get revenge from everyone who ruined her life and there's nothing I love more than a mad woman. I got book 1 just because I got this arc and I am so glad I did! I preferred book 1 over this because the start was quite slow for me and I had to start and stop many times but the way everything crescendoed in the end was absolutely unpredictable! Certain choices were made and I understand why they were made but I was really sad that it had to be that way. Will definitely be reading book 3!

The bloody and tension filled sequel to Last of the Talons and the second book in the trilogy. The Reaper of Sunpo is presumed dead... and she's back to get revenge... however after her transformation from ingesting poison in the previous book she is changed...and this change has something talking to her in her head, slowly taking over her body and forcing her to fulfill the prophecy that would make her the Empress of All and lead to many bodies dropping and a war impending... not to mention the possibly destruction of the very Emperor she loves. Shin Lina survived and now she is changed, she now has potent Imugi venom in her veins and a voice in her head that is slowly consuming her. All she wants to do is get revenge against all of those who had killed those she cared for. Yet she is slowly losing her mind and herself to a prophecy that foretells her becoming the new Queen of the Imugi and the one to take it all... Then there is Rui, the beautiful Dokkaebi Emperor who loves her, and whom she's discovered is her red string of fate soulmate... but the string of fate works in two ways.. they may be romantic soul mates or mortal enemies.... only time will tell what happens as Lina slowly loses her mind and control of her own body to the prophecy. Can love win or will revenge cost Lina everything and in the end... can Lina and Rui be tied together by love or will it turn into a war neither of them could ever imagine. This was a heartbreaking and tension filled sequel. I loved how the story grew and how Rui and Lina faced off against a new challenge and how this book really shows that there are stakes and prices to be paid when you seek revenge. I am so excited for the finale in the trilogy and how it all ends, I am rooting for Lina and Rui but after the cliffhanger of what happened in this book I am just hoping they get a happy ending. This was such a good book and this series has been an absolute joy to read!

<spoiler> Lina begins hearing the Prophecy " a sentient prophecy hell bent on fulfilling itself and taking control of Lina's mind and body". Rui and Lina discover they are soulmates yet with Lina being turned into an Imugi, a Dokkaebi's enemy, can they trust each other. Rui was forced to become the pied piper and kidnap humans for the imugi in order to save his people. Lina is losing herself and can't seem to fight the voice in her head. Rui tries to help her but when one of Lina's enemies kills Eunbi (Lina's beloved little sister) Lina completely gives up and gives the reigns of her mind and body over to the Prophecy. Rui and her do get married before this as Rui needed a way to distract the prophecy controlling Lina while keeping an eye on Lina to make her safe. Rui is determined to save Lina, however Lina is trapped in her own mind now and trying to avoid the grief and lost of her sister. The Prophecy has begun to take over.* </spoiler>

*Thanks Netgalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC | Entangled: Teen for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I loved the first book in this series. This book took forever to draw me in. I feel like this tends to be the curse of the second book. Either it is a book that keeps the reader super engaged, or it is the book that gets you to the finale that blows you away. But that second book is the one you must muddle through to get to the good stuff. This was that type of book for me. There was a lot of character and plot building leading up to what I am sure is going to be an epic final book. The final couple of pages make me super excited to see what happens next.
Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing LLC and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great sequel. I loved the story and the writing. This was so great.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

Wrath of the Talon follows Shin Lina as she must learn to deal with the effects of the Imugi venom in her body as she continues to seek out revenge on the Blackbloods gang.

This was pretty much everything I could've asked for from a second book. The stakes were escalated well, the interpersonal conflicts got messier and more complicated, the angst was dialed up. Fans of book 1 will find a lot to like here, and will be left wanting even more! (seriously, when is the next book coming out, i'm not sure i'll survive until then)

Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Teen, and Sophie Kim for this incredible book!

Full of danger, adventure, magic, excitement, heartbreak, and just the right amount of spicy romance!

This book is book two in the series. I recommend reading book one, Last of the Talon, first. I loved reading the continuation of Lina and Rui's romance. Rui's dedication as a caregiver to Linas' sister Eunbi is so sweet. He is becoming such a loving character. My feeling for him have grown 100 percent since the beginning of book one.

The book contains some painful heart wrenching moments. I was literally in tears.

How can I possibly wait a whole year for book three??

Highly recommend! Five stars all the way!

Five plus stars!!!

You're going to love it!!!

in this sequel to last of the talons, lina wants to right all wrongs, but she’s battling a voice telling her not to trust the dokkaebi, especially when it comes to rui. rui’s determined to get lina back, but she’s not making it easy for him…

this book had so much angst, and i was absolutely here for it. not only angst between lina and rui, but even within lina herself. all this tension played into the plot very well! i enjoyed this book so much and i can’t wait for the final installment of this trilogy!

Must read ! I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend. The story was very well written and was so entertaining. I could not put this down.

Graphic: Sexual content, Death, Murder, Blood, Torture, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Manipulation, Child Death, Loss of a Loved one
Moderate: War, Gore, and Sexual harassment

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for a free e-ARC in return for an honest review!

While I'm not sure this was better than the first book in some aspects, in others it was for sure! Was a lot more romance than I was hoping for though and not really too much plot progression. Most of the plot happens near the end, the rest is quite a slow, drawn out "this is what the 3rd book will be about" and a hell of a lot of romance in it (and a fair bit more sexual content than I'd expect from a YA book?).

The characters were mostly the same, I didn't quite like the slight POV change however but it wasn't too bad overall. I mainly just didn't like how overly aggressive and demanding the voice was, it was a stark contrast to Lina yes but it was also kinda just aggravating to read through honestly aha. It was a pretty nice twist on the prophecy cliche though! Eunbi was as great as ever, she's been what was getting me through these 2 books mainly because I just loved her so much.

The plot was a tad all over the place. It seemed to want to focus on Rui and Lina's romance mainly rather than progress too much plot. I think it suffers from middle book syndrome a fair bit, not quite sure how to move from the start to the end (book one to book two) and wants to leave the big action ending all to the last book? Though the finale of this one was certainly interesting and it did pick up the pace a fair bit, even if sadly it wasn't for too long.
In the middle of the book the pacing does slow down to a crawl while there's a *massive* lore dump that goes on for quite a while. It's just text book lore dumping and does get to be a bit of a slog to get through even if the world building is interesting.

Through my reservations though, I will be reading the 3rd book - mainly, honestly, because it seems like there might be less romance so I can read more of what I'm enjoying which is, ofc, the action and world building haha! I did quite enjoy the world building in this (even if I didn't quite appreciate the delivery of it) and how the history of everything got fleshed out. I'm quite interested in what action will take place next!

I want to say thank you to NetGalley and entangled publishing for letting me have this arc.
Okay I’m going to be real.
If you ever read a book and you’re in so much shock and you want to throw it out the window. This is the book for you lol
I was beyond shocked! Like what in the actual ***** like all of it! None of it I saw it coming. Like the whole book it just twist 360 and it’s like. Whole completely different from the first one.
The venom, the deaths, the 🌶️ is that much. But man. the book was good. Just I just couldn’t believe what just happened. I can’t wait what happens next.