After picking up the first book (based on its cover, why not?) and thoroughly enjoyed it, I just had to get my hands on this arc.

And just like the first one, this was a fun (second chance because….the first book) romance set in a mythical underworld cruise based on Korean mythology. It picks up 30 something years from the first book, with Seokga finding himself in the middle of another investigation that has him and his threaded (red thread of fate threaded) soulmate racing to save the mortal and heavenly realms.

Really enjoyed this book. I laughed, i cried, I rooted for and i was so invested with Seokga and Kisa, and can I say that the red thread of fate is a hoot?

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Del Rey Random House for this arc.

I had such a fun time reading this book and think I actually prefer it to the first one! The setting of a cruise ship in the underworld was a great choice and I loved that the book was another mystery mixed with romance.

Seokga returns and he is just as entertaining as in the first book. I liked that you could see his character development since book 1 and he was trying to be a better person, but was still the trickster god we know at heart. I was a bit worried because I knew Hani was reincarnated into a new character and she was a major part of why I enjoyed book 1. However, I didn’t need to worry as I really liked Kisa both as a character and as Seokga’s ‘new’ love interest. She is Hani’s opposite, which in turn brings out a new side to Seokga’s character that I enjoyed reading about.

The side characters were such a large part of this book and they were all well written and fleshed out. It was fun to see some characters return from book 1 (no spoilers) and I also really liked Hajun who was introduced in this book as Kisa’s best friend on the cruise.

Aspects of the mystery were quite obvious, including the red herrings, but that didn’t stop it from being a fun read. The pacing was fast and I really loved the setting. It looks like the ending is set up for a sequel which I really hope we get!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Del Rey for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable and satisfying sequel to the God and the Gumiho, just as easy to read and hard to put down, with romance that is once again sweet and a little spicy and perfectly tension- and longing-filled. I remembered the first book fairly well but forgot a few details, and that was not a problem reading this book. Generally the book reminded me of what I needed to know if I needed. I found this book reminiscent of some Percy Jackson books in a fun way for adult readers. I really enjoyed the additional aspects of Korean mythology explored in this book.

I devoured the first book in this series and was so excited to pick up book 2 after that cliff hanger. I was willing to put aside my sheer love of Hani to see what new love Sophie Kim would create for Seokga. However.. I found Kisa to be nothing special. She is cold and too scientifically-minded about their connection. It broke my heart watching the man who waited 33 (7 of which were actively spent looking and going a bit insane) be shattered by her coldness towards their thread. Sadly, I don't think she warmed up enough by the end to make me not miss Hani.

The plot itself is interesting, though the twist at the end was a little expected. I was glad we got to see some characters returning from book 1 and I am genuinely glad for all the closure that happens.

I will say, I wish that Sophie Kim explained the creatures a bit better. While it was easy for me to just look up what each creature that gets name-dropped was, I wish that I didn't have to do that each and every single time.

Overall, the book was okay and I miss Hani.

i loved being back in this world with these characters again 🥰 i also really loved getting to meet new characters and see old familiar faces. i don’t typically like stories with “true love” or “soulmates” but the way the relationship between seokga and kisa developed again was just perfect for me. it was the right amount of slow-burn with added familiarity. also the added mystery of having to solve another crime together and teaming up with familiar faces was great to see. i really love this series and i would love to read more of these characters and more of what Sophie kim comes out with in the future!

Sophie Kim delivers a stunning, emotional sequel with The God and the Gwisin—a story that explores fate, grief, and the fragile beauty of second chances. Set in a world of divine politics, haunting mysteries, and deep spiritual ties, this book is as layered and atmospheric as it is heartfelt. Picking up after the events of The God and the Gumiho, this sequel shifts focus to Seokga, the reluctant and morally gray detective god still aching from the loss of his fated mate. What unfolds is a story about love that transcends time and reincarnation, and the emotional labor it takes to truly reconnect—with someone who is no longer the same.

The romance is one of the book’s biggest strengths. While fate ties Seokga and Kisa together, their relationship isn’t rushed. Instead, it’s grounded in mutual respect, patience, and a slow-burning emotional intimacy. Watching Seokga struggle with who Kisa was versus who she is now was deeply moving, and the tension between memory and identity is handled with remarkable nuance.

Kisa is a beautifully written contrast to Hani from the first book: more structured, analytical, and cautious. And yet, her quiet strength is just as compelling. Their dynamic is fresh and complicated, and the invisible emotional tether between them adds a poetic layer to their connection. If you enjoy introspective romance that asks philosophical questions and earns its swoon-worthy moments, this one will hit the mark.

Beyond the romance, the book expands the divine world and continues the murder mystery thread from the first novel. While I was more emotionally invested in the character arcs and familial dynamics than the central mystery, it still offered tension and stakes that kept the story moving. The divine politics are well-woven, and the worldbuilding remains rich and immersive.

This is a sequel that honors its predecessor while carving its own unique path. Vulnerable, funny, and emotionally honest, The God and the Gwisin is a must-read for fans of slow-burn romance, reincarnation tropes, and mythology-infused fantasy. Seokga’s journey—both as a god and as a man learning to love again—will stay with me for a long time.

This sequel was a blast.

I really loved how it played on the idea of fated mates and how it can be tested by change, grief and growth. Watching Seokga grapple with the idea that the person he loved might no come back was heart-breaking but compelling. I also liked the fact that despite being fated the romance was not rushed, respects and mutual care develops before anything swoon worthy happened.

I also enjoyed the murder mystery and the divine political aspects of the story,

The story was very layered with multiple plot points, the world-building is rich and the emotional tension feels real.

Hwanin— I mean Hwanung’s tits this was absolutely breathtaking. The imagery. The characters and their personalities (including the red thread of fates witty persona).

I was pleasantly surprised at how deeply I fell into this book. I couldn’t put it down (unless I was forced to).

I’m not usually one for mystery novels but this kept me interested with the twisting turns and character banter.

Plus, the little spice was a nice bonus!

The first book, The God and the Gumiho was one of my top reads the year it came out (2024?). I loved Hani, and ultimately its my great fondess for her that wouldn't let me enjoy this book like it should have been enjoyed. The only reason I do not regret reading this book is because of the scene we get with Hani. I just didn't like Kisa as much. However, its the same feel, kdrama-esque, mythology and mystery as the first one. If you enjoyed that one you will probably enjoy this adventure. Thank you to the publisher Del Rey for the early copy via Netgalley.

What completely hooked me was this fantastic blend of deep spiritual lore, a compelling mystery, and genuinely bone-chilling moments. The way Kim brought the gwisin (Korean ghosts) to life and integrated them into this narrative felt incredibly authentic and often terrifyingly real. I found myself totally immersed in the atmosphere, feeling that creeping dread right alongside the characters.
Seokga is on this desperate, heartfelt search for his lost love. His journey is layered with grief, determination, and a surprising amount of tenderness.
It's not a light read, by any means, but if you're looking for a story that combines rich Korean folklore, profound themes of fate and reincarnation, a compelling mystery, and genuinely unsettling horror this is it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey Books and Random House, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the first book and the end made me cry. Already knowing Seokga’s personality and how deep his love ran for Hani made this book feel familiar.

Seokga is the same witty, uninterested (unless it’s her), unbothered (on the surface), questionable (not that good) detective that he was in the first book. Only in this one, he has a therapist and we learn more about his inner child and where the feud with his brother began. I enjoyed seeing a more vulnerable and serious side of Seokga.

Kisa is the polar opposite of Hani: neat, organized, a rule follower, less experienced, less spontaneous, and more analytical.

I loved their story (maybe slightly more). Seokga has to reconcile his old feelings and his memories of who Kisa was in her past life, with who she is now. Points were made and the philosophical question that hovered over them was my favorite. This plus an invisible thread connecting them that can deliver their emotions or thoughts had me not wanting the story to end.

There’s a mystery that needs to be solved, but you’ll have to read to find out more about it 😉.

I will say that with this book, I connected more to the romance and familial aspects than the mystery part, though I was happy to be back in the world and be along for the ride.

Read for:

🧵 Murder mystery

🧵 Soulmates

🧵 Reincarnation and past life discussions

🧵 Korean folklore/mythology (loose interpretation)

🧵 Threaded by Fate (literally)

🧵 Dual POVs

OVERALL

Overall, I give this a 5 out of 5 stars. Though the answer to the mysteries were there all along and not surprising, the use of returning characters, the concept of reincarnation and fate, and seeing Seokga’s relationship with his family made the story for me.

www.ihavetosay.blog

"I love you because for my soul, loving you is like breathing. It's all it knows how to do. It's all it wants to do, and it's dangerous, almost... I would plunge into hells river for you... I would face the Mad God for you. Because I love you, Seokga. In this life and the last."

I loved The God and the Gumiho, and had high expectations for book two but this book was everything and more!! From the reincarnation, to the yearning and banter, to the murder mystery, to the randomly becoming parents to Seokga's ... older brother?

It had me laughing, then crying then gasping about the twists and turns, but I think the real winner was how in love Seokga was with Kisa this whole time, his adoration of her was to die for :')

Can we just talk about the dream with Hani, and then Mago arriving at the last page?? Sophie knows how to write a fun book, I couldn't have asked for anything better!

Thank you to Netgalley and Del Rey for the eARC of this book!
The God and the Gumiho was one of my favorite books of 2024 and this sequel lived up to all of my expectations. It has elements of a murder mystery, reincarnation, k pop idols, second chance romance and Korean mythology all mixed into one book. I appreciate that it touched on mental health issues.

Book Review: The God and the Gwisin by Sophie Kim
Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for the review copy!

This one had it all, ghosts, gods, grudges; what more could you want?. The God and the Gwisin blends Korean mythology with murder mystery in a moody, magical world that feels cinematic and haunting.

The vibe? Dark, romantic, and a little bit deadly. I loved the setting and the exploration of legacy, truth, and who gets to be remembered. Kim’s writing brings it all to life.

Now let’s talk about the gwisin. Mysterious? Check. Morally gray? Mhmm!

That said, while I enjoyed the journey, parts of the plot felt a little uneven, especially in the pacing. I wanted just a bit more clarity and emotional connection at key moments. Still, the atmosphere and themes totally delivered.

⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 stars)

I’ll definitely be watching what Sophie Kim writes next!

The God and the Gwisin introduced me to a new favorite trope: love that transcends even reincarnation. This book picks up decades after The God and the Gumiho, where we find Seokga still searching for Hani’s reincarnated form, guided only by the red string of fate that ties them together. After years of hopeless searching, Seokga reluctantly takes a small vacation aboard a yacht for the dead — and there he meets Kisa, Hani’s reincarnation, who is now a gwisin (ghost) due to an untimely death. But Kisa has no memory of him, and she is not quite the Hani he once loved. Together, they find themselves entangled in a murder mystery, with far more at stake than they realize.

Surprisingly, I enjoyed this book even more than the original — which isn’t often the case with sequels. I absolutely adored the romance between Seokga and Kisa. Though they’re soulmates connected by fate, they still have to navigate the awkward, tender work of becoming a new couple and discovering each other all over again. I especially loved how Kisa, despite being different from Hani, still complements Seokga beautifully. It struck me that Hani taught Seokga he was capable of love, but it was Kisa who taught him how to love fully.

That’s why love across reincarnation has become one of my favorite tropes — it captures both the constancy of love and the beauty of rediscovering it in a new form.

Following the dramatic ending of the first book, the story resumes 33 years later. Seokga is drawn by the red thread of fate, believing it will lead him to Hani — only to find it actually leads to Yoo Kisa. To Seokga’s disappointment, Yoo Kisa has no recollection of her previous life as Hani, and therefore doesn’t remember him either. However, when Seokga's brother is killed, the two must work together to uncover the killer’s identity, all while trying to make sense of their mysterious bond and what role they play in each other’s lives.

Worldbuilding
I noticed that the same issues I had with the first book are still present here. Do you remember how the names of mythological creatures were mentioned in the first book without any description or explanation? That happens again in this one. Several beings from Korean mythology are introduced as if we were in Zootopia — simply dropped into the story and treated as commonplace, as though the author assumes the reader is already well-versed in Korean folklore. The same goes for the various gods of the pantheon: they make brief appearances without much depth or development. I find this a shame, because I love being able to picture things vividly when I read. But in this case, all I could see were empty spaces in my mind, and that left me feeling quite disappointed.

Story
The mystery subplot felt rather underwhelming — rushed, predictable, and lacking depth. There were, however, a few funny moments and conversations that made me chuckle, much like in the first book, in the style of classic Korean comedy. I also found there was too much telling in the narrative style. I would have preferred to perceive more emotions and details firsthand, instead of just having them explained to me.

Characters
I loved the way Seogka’s character was developed in this second volume. He gains much more depth and complexity, and I enjoyed every aspect of his psychological evolution. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Kisa. Her character remains very rational and emotionally distant, almost disconnected from reality due to her single-minded focus on research. This made it difficult for me to connect with her.
I was also disappointed by the use of certain romance tropes. Because Hani’s soul was reincarnated, Kisa and Seogka became fated mates, but this dynamic felt overly forced and unnatural. I just didn’t sense any real chemistry between them, whereas I found Hani and Seogka’s relationship in the first book genuinely fun and compelling.
Somi makes an appearance in this book, but I could not care less about her, because I never quite liked her.

Overall, I was not fully convinced by this book. If a sequel is released, I probably won't read it because Seogka is the only thing that holds my interest, and that's not enough to make me want to continue.

2.5 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodderscape for kindly approving me with an eARC in exchange for honest review

I really liked this! I enjoyed the first one too, but I liked this one more. It read really quickly and was a lot of fun. The characters are goofy and silly. Like The God and the Gumiho, there was romance and a mystery as well. I listened to the audiobook as well, and it was great. Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for an e-arc of this book.

4.5⭐️ Rounded Up

**POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HABENT READ THE GOD AND THE GUMIHO**

I loved this sequel so much! I was a little nervous how this would go given the ending of God and Gumiho because I really liked Hani. As it turns out, it was a nice mix of staying true to her memory while giving us a new love story as well. I loved seeing Seokga come to terms with the situation. I think his and Kisa’s debate over theory was really interesting and a great plot point from which to develop the relationship.
As far as the mystery plot goes, The God and the Gwisin is a more “cozy” murder mystery than book one. There aren’t as many action points happening and yet I found this story held my attention more than the first (which I loved). I think it was the different relationships and character interactions that really drew me in this time.
I had a theory early on about Seokga’s powers that led me to be less surprised by the big reveal at the end but I really liked how everything woven together for it. The epilogue was really sweet and leaves us with the potential for more which I find very exciting!

Thank you to NetGalley and Del Rey for this ARC opportunity!! My thoughts are entirely my own.

The God and the Gwisin is such an enjoyable follow-up that blends romance mystery and Korean folklore so well. I’ve always loved Korean folk characters and this story really reminded me of the feeling I get when watching Kdramas like Goblin The Lonely and Great God or Tale of the Nine Tailed. The story kept me hooked from start to finish and I loved the mix of humor emotion and all the little twists. If you enjoyed The God and the Gumiho this sequel is definitely worth picking up

This was in my top 10 anticipated releases for this year, thank you NetGalley for the e-arc of this book! The God and the Guhimo was one of my favorite books of 2024 and the second book in the duology is easily one of my favorite reads for 2025. The mystery kept me on my toes and the twist at the end of Hwanin's murderer was unexpected. The deep emotions of grief and finding love was done so well. I was dying for Kisa and Seokga to end up happily ever after. The setting of the cruise ship was perfect for a summer read. I love Sophie Kim's writing and her immersive worldbuilding. If you love K-pop Demon Hunter's, you definitely need to read this duology!!! I will forever recommend this series.