DNF at 50%
I quite liked the starting of this book, reading about various fantastical/mythical creatures from different cultures is always fun for me. It felt like I was reading a fantasy kdrama set in the modern world. The romance wasn't too bad, I quite enjoyed the banter.
But there was this one scene that couldn't make me continue the book at all. The MC, Hani, is a gumiho who eats the livers of men. The villain of this book eats the hearts/organs (I don't remember quite well as I read this a whole ago) of innocent people after killing them. There's really no difference between the MC and the villain even if the MC eats the livers of men that have done bad and evil things, the act itself is the same. The MC had the nerve to be absolutely disgusted when she learnt this act performed by the villain when she herself does the same as a gumiho. I couldn't understand the duality of the MC and so I didn't continue reading the book.

I have to be honest, this just wasn’t for me. It’s not bad, I’m just not the target audience. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters.

[UPDATED]

⭐️: 4
I’m so glad I gave this book another chance! This is was nice book to start the summer. Some pages had me snickering but by the end I was invested enough to get teary-eyed. I’m so glad the next book is out already and will be reading it soon!

⭐️: 2
DNF. I tried to get into it, but it didn’t hold my interest Maybe I’ll give it another chance at a later time.

I adored this novel! It's a charming, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt fantasy rooted in korean mythology. Hani and Seokga are an unlikely duo you cant help but adore. Watching them fall in love had me kicking my feet. The writing was beautifully written and I adored every moment!

It took more than half the book for me to really connect with the characters, but once I did the ball really started rolling. I think the mystery aspects were done very well, but the romance was a little flat. I think Sophie Kim did a wonderful job of introducing us to Korean mythology. It was so beautifully done.

A super cute contemporary fantasy perfect for fans of kdramas and Korean folklore

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

I’m reviewing this so much later than I planned oops. Even though it’s been a while though, this book was charming enough to definitely leave an impact. The beginning started out pretty slow, and at first it was hard to really like the main characters. They were supposed to be incredibly old, but they acted like bickering, petulant teenagers that never had to grow up. I love fox spirit myths in general, and it was a bit difficult to like Hani because I felt like she was missing a lot of the usual charm and poise. After sharing some tender moments with other characters, however, I started appreciating her more and just got used to her shenanigans with Seokga (who is also pretty immature for his age/past.)

I really ended up enjoying the plot (especially that ending!!!! wtf!!) and the entire world just felt so immersive. The main characters may have been a bit irritating at times, but they were definitely fleshed out well and you can understand a lot of their motivations more over time. Even the side characters were great and felt like their own unique individuals.

Closing thoughts:
Overall a really entertaining read, if you don’t mind a bit of a slow start and enjoy kdramas/ramping stakes then this will probably be an amazing read for you.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and not sponsored in any way.

Wow, what a book. I really enjoyed the back and forth with both MCs and their, for lack of a better word, rottenness. They're not bad creatures, just a nice gray area characters and I appreciate that. Their slow building attraction, also, is lovely as well as their eventual passion for each other. Can't get enough of this book.

This was a fun and unique take on Korean folklore and mythology. I really liked the banter between Seokga and Hani as well.

I had high high hopes for this book but it truly fell shor for me. I didnt care for the main characters, I think that they didn't really align given the actual history of the folklore.

If you love korean mythology x kdrama x mystery = this is up your alley cause I devoured this book upppppppp

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

This was such a great and wide sweeping fantasy novel! I loved the story of Hani and Seokga and how they fell in love. This story was beautifully written and was so wonderful.

3.5⭐️

This would have been a 4/5 had the first 17 chapters not been so…boring? Basically if you can make it through the first half of the book the rest is really good! It definitely has the kdrama vibes I was expecting.

If you’ve ever wished for a K-drama packed with grumpy x sunshine chemistry, Korean mythology, and a murder mystery, then The God and the Gumiho is your next obsession! Sophie Kim delivers a story that’s equal parts thrilling, hilarious, and heart-wrenching, with a dynamic duo you won’t be able to get enough of.

Hani, the infamous Scarlet Fox, is a former chaos-bringer turned reluctant café worker, just trying to stay out of trouble. Seokga, a disgraced trickster god with a divine hit list, is trouble. Their banter is absolute gold—sharp, flirty, and filled with the kind of tension that makes you want to scream at them to just kiss already. Their reluctant partnership in hunting down a demon turns into something far more complicated, especially when secrets start unraveling and their pasts collide.

The 90s setting adds a nostalgic charm (think pagers, old-school cafés, and classic Seoul vibes), while the murder mystery keeps the stakes high. The mythology is woven seamlessly into the plot, making the world feel rich and immersive. And with a romance that smolders beneath all the chaos, this book delivers on all fronts.

A must-read for fans of myth-infused fantasy, slow-burn romance, and K-drama-worthy storytelling.

"Hani wonders if she's the wickedest of all for letting herself enjoy it. For savoring his attention even as she deceives him."

I won't stop screaming about this book for the rest of the day. Kim does an absolutely incredible job at weaving today a fantastical, mythical detective story set in modern (ish) day South Korea. The banter and wit between are two leads was fast-paced and highly entertaining. The imagery and mythology weaved into the story was not overwhelming or understated—but just the right amount to keep me turning the page. I eagerly await for the release of book two.

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC.

4.75 ⭐

I was late on reading this one and I completely regret that - it has become one of the books I think about frequently. The God and the Gumiho's cover drew me in at first, the beauty of the characters had me loving it. We follow Hani, the infamous killer known as the Scarlet Fox. She's hiding and working as a barista at a paranormal coffee shop to pass her days. One of her (annoying) customers happens to be Seokga, the fallen trickster got kicked out of the divine realm for a failed coup. He is facing punishment to capture 20000 demons as a detective to join the divine realm once more. When Seokga is overwhelmed by a string of cases, he ends up in need of an assistance. Hani ends up applying and they are forced to cooperate with each other while keeping their own secrets.

I loved the world and the mythology within the book. I wish the romance moved a bit faster, but I really enjoyed the light tension that slowly evolved as they started to get to know each other. I loved the depth of the story and how the supporting characters interacted with our main two despite them both being certified loners.

THE ENDING. AHHH.

If you want anything that feels like a K-Drama, this is it for you.

🦊 Delicious romantic tension
🦊 Angsty Romance
🦊 Spin on Korean mythology
🦊 1990s setting
🦊 Thrilling mystery
🦊 K-drama vibes

Thanks to Del Rey & NetGalley for the eARC of The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim for an honest review!

I loved this modern take on the use of Korean mythology. I wasn't expecting it given I don't think the blurb mentioned it. The characters were easily likeable. I did end up also listening to this in audio form and I wished I didn't. I think I would have enjoyed it more reading it myself. ( I just found the voices a little annoying and flat). But the story overall was great!

The author did not sugarcoat the reality of the gumiho and how they were born with a lust to devour souls and livers. They way everything was mentioned so casually and making it all a taboo in the modern age was spot on. Especially with how everything was more loose back in the day than it is today.

The God and the Gumiho is a creative and hilarious take on Korean mythology! This was such a brilliant story that was suspenseful and hilarious. As a bonus, it sent me on a trip to discovery of Korean mythology.

The satire and thrill that this story had was so delightful. There is mythos, murder, and an enemies-to-lovers trope that was pinch me perfect. Hani, the Scarlet Fox, is hysterically sassy, whereas Seokgo is such a lovable grump. I loved everything about this book and the ending was absolutely perfect!

I will be recommending this read to all of my book buddies, because there are so many crossovers into different genres that I believe everyone can get something from it. I cannot wait to see what happens next and will be rereading this one soon.

Honestly, there were moments of slowness but overall I enjoyed the story. Being Korean myself, I loved seeing all of the folklore elements.

honestly i had been so excited for this book when it was announced because korean folklore fiction?! absolutely a yes! it grabs you so well & just wont let go! 🤩 hope to be approved for the second! 🙇

This was easily one of my favorite books of 2024. Sophie Kim knows how to tell a story - this was full of humor and light-hearted fun, mixed with mystery to keep the reader intrigued, and an emotional ending that actually caught me off guard and had me crying. I was so surprised this wasn't a standalone but I'm looking forward to the next book.