As the second book in the duology, The God and the Gwisin picks up where its predecessor left off, delivering a heart-wrenching yet satisfying continuation of Sophie Kim’s mesmerizing world. After the emotional ending of book one, I couldn’t wait to dive back in—and this sequel did not disappoint.

Once again, we’re immersed in a Korea where mythical creatures walk the streets and gods actively shape human lives. This time, the story ventures deeper into the afterlife, expanding on its already rich world-building in a way that’s both captivating and immersive.

At its heart, the story follows Seokga, the trickster god, now reinstated, as he searches for his reincarnated love, Hani. After waiting thirty-three years, his hope dwindles—until the red string of fate loops around his pinky, leading him not to Hani, but to Kisa. As they navigate the eerie afterlife aboard a supernatural cruise ship, they must unravel the mystery of Seokga’s brother’s murderer, all while confronting destiny, identity, and love.

Seokga is a brooding yet passionate god, torn between longing for his past love and accepting who Kisa is now. The book explores Theseus' Paradox—if all parts of a ship are replaced, is it still the same ship? Applied to souls and reincarnation, this question lingers throughout the book, forcing Seokga (and the reader) to ponder: Is Kisa truly Hani, or someone entirely new?

Kisa, on the other hand, struggles with the weight of expectations. She has no memories of Seokga, yet constantly feels compared to Hani. Her emotional journey is raw and compelling, making her an incredibly relatable protagonist. Seeing the subtle connections between Kisa and Hani’s past self was one of my favorite aspects of the book.

With Death on the Nile vibes, an intriguing murder mystery, and a romance wrapped in fate and longing, The God and the Gwisin delivers humor (including a sentient red string), familiar and new characters, and a powerful love story written in the stars.

If you love murder mysteries, romance, and Korean mythology, this duology is a must-read!

Thanks again, NetGalley, for the ARC!

The God and the Gumiho easily became one of my favorite books last year so I was really excited to read the sequel. Especially after the ending of book 1 (which I won’t spoil) because it was unexpected. So when I started The God and the Gwisin, I was immediately immersed back into the world.

We were introduced to a few new characters and I admit I had a hard time adjusting to Kisa’s character because I really wanted Hani back. However, she grew on me and I was invested with her journey. Seokga will always be my favorite character from this series and he definitely made this book interesting. I also love that Soo Min made an appearance and got to reunite with Kisa. The friendship in this book was a great aspect of the story!

Although I enjoyed reading this book, there were a few things that disconnected me from the overall story. One of them being like I said, I couldn’t help but want Hani back (even though her and Kisa are one and the same). Also, because I didn’t find myself wanting to follow the characters through their mystery on the ship. I feel like this aspect of the story was obvious and not as intriguing as the mystery in book 1.

Still, I would recommend this series to people who are interested in Korean mythology, the red threads of fate, grumpy/ sunshine, reincarnation, and mystery! 💖

Thank you Netgalley & Random House Publishing Group, Del Rey for the eARC!

This follow-up to The God and the Gumiho is not quite as good as its predecessor. It's a little clunky with pacing and character development and character time, and suffers from trying to close loopholes and inconsistencies. The villain is easy to identify early on, but there's such a mess of other subplots and partial plots and things left over from the first book that aren't well-explained, it's all a bit of a disappointment. And a main character who is a lover of libraries would know that the Dewey Decimal system, which she mentions twice, is a racist and eugenicist and otherwise biased system that has been replaced in many libraries by the Library of Congress's classification system. So while I loved The God and the Gumiho and gave it 5 stars, this one gets only 2.

I enjoyed every second of reading this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and with what happened at the end, I was eagerly awaiting diving straight back in to see what was going to happen with our favourite grumpy x sunshine couple!
Seokja's 'grumpy with everyone apart from her' personality came out even more in this book which I found so funny and endearing and made me love him even more.
The murder mystery element kept me so intrigued and invested in the story and being stuck on a ship with an unknown murderer added even higher stakes.
With some new faces and other familiar friends, anyone who loved The God and the Gumiho is in for a treat with this one!

.4 stars.
- (slight) spoilers ahead! (I think)

"You love fully and completely, only to have it returned in less than half."

The god and the gwisin is an interesting conclusion to the series, and it was a whole rocky ride that I found myself leaning in.

Seokga has his soulmate reincarnated and tied to him with a red thread, only to realise, she's dead, and not Hani as he mostly expected, yet hoped like a delusional. But with his brother's unexpected murder and only few days to solve in, he teams up with Kisa, Somi and Hajun. And they all are the worst detectives mind you.

The writing style was absolutely interesting, one thing I can never deny is Sophie Kim's writing style always get me in ways I cannot decipher, it's like being attached to one with such an interesting handwriting which is absolutely normal. The pacing seemed quiet alright for me too. And Kim's book having red thread theory like the previous one has me with NO complains, because I absolutely enjoy the red thread as she does.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and loved it like always. I also predicted the most trust ones, even though one took me aback, and it was really satisfying and thrilling ride, I was gripping my seat with every moment that passed.

"Murder Mysteries have the potential to be rather fun when you're already dead and can't be murdered again."

The God and the Gwishin expands on the world introduced in The God and the Gumiho, and while I enjoyed it, my feelings were more mixed this time around.

This time, we follow Seokga on a vacation cruise through the underworld—prescribed by his psychologist after he exhausts himself searching for Hani’s reincarnation. As fate (or mischief) would have it, this is exactly where he finally finds her—dead, trapped as a gwishin, and nothing like Hani. When a murder occurs onboard, the two are thrown together to solve both the crime and their complicated feelings. Accompanied by familiar faces—some friends, some foes—they soon realize the case is far bigger than they imagined.

One aspect I actually preferred in this installment was the murder mystery—it felt more elaborate and added an engaging layer to the story that kept me hooked. However, my biggest struggle was with Kisa. In The God and the Gumiho, Hani completely swept me off my feet—just like she did with Seokga. So when Kisa wasn’t “Hani 2.0,” I felt the same disappointment as our trickster god. Unlike him, though, I couldn’t just let my feelings slide or change in her favor. I was prepared for this, but Kisa just didn’t get to me in the same way, which left me a bit detached from her character.

Another small thing that pulled me out of the story was the inclusion of a spice scene. It wasn’t badly written, but I really loved the “closed door” approach in the first book—it fit so well with the overall tone. Having a more detailed scene this time felt a little jarring in comparison.

Overall, this was still an enjoyable read with a well-crafted mystery and rich mythology, but it didn’t capture me in quite the same way as its predecessor.

I'm still excited for what follows and will surely inhale a next installment!

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this. This was a beautiful way to connect these books. My heart broke for Seokga in his search for Hani and finding Kisa. The author did a brilliant job of making the reader relate to Seokga, personally I kept waiting for Kisa to be like Hani the way Seokga did. The murder mystery throughout was an added touch and I thought that was also rounded out beautifully. This book ends in a way where I’d be satisfied if it ended here, but I’d also be curious if this world continued in other ways.

Thank you to Del Rey for offering me this arc. ♡

This book was such a joy to read. I LOVE LOVE SEOKGA AND KISA. When book 1 released I was so desperate for a sequel and now I immediately need book 3, I know a cliffhanger when I see one GIVE MEEEE PLEASE!

In The God and the Gwisin Seokga, our favorite trickster god, is searching for the reincarnation of Hani. After years of searching a red string suddenly appears on Soekga’s pinky and on the pinky of a young doctor, Yoo Kisa. This subsequently leads to an event that causes Seokga to relentlessly search far and wide, for years, to get to the end of a literal tangled thread. Meanwhile, Kisa, who has no memories of ever being Hani, is a gwisin (ghost) working on a ship waiting for when she can get added to the reincarnation queue. When their paths finally cross they are thrust into a whodunit mystery on a cruise ship for the dead. We meet some old characters as well has brand new ones and along the way new bonds are formed. Seokga and Kisa navigate their bond and learn to love and trust one another again and my goodness, I LOVE THEM. Not only did we get to see a lot of Seokga’s insecurities get explored in this book we also saw the bond with his older brother being explored through a new dynamic and it was such a beloved part of the story for me. While I loved Hani in book 1 I somehow loved Kisa even more? And in book 3 if Kisa does not become a (view spoiler) what do I even have to live for??? I have to now cancel the doctor’s appt I have in the morning because I stayed up to finish this book and I am tiiiiiiired.

Side note: Someone anyone make this into a kdrama with IU (and yes, I do still need Scarlet Heart Ryeo closure and this might be how.) ALSO ALSO it was so funny seeing kopiko, a coffee candy that has constant sponsored placements in kdramas, make an appearance here; SOPHIE KIM FOR PRESIDENT FOR REAL!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Del Rey, for giving me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Fate's Thread, we continue to follow Seokga on his forced "vacation" cruise. He partners up with a crew member as he works through his past trauma to solve another mystery.

I really adored this first book in this series and am happy to say that the second book does not disappoint. I did find that this book went in a more serious direction that altered the tone from the original book. I do love how the romance is initiated and blooms. I found it realistic and fair.

I do wish that the setup had been given a bit more time before we jumped right into the cruise to help lay the foundation of the characters.

Overall I really enjoyed it and the ending was bittersweet. I hope these two shenanigans continue in another book.

A silly lil murder mystery on a cruise ship filled with romance and Korean mythology? Hello???

Dare I say this is even better than book 1?

Lighthearted and funny, yet deeply touching with high enough stakes to keep the plot interesting. This series is like a comfort blanket to me. Sophie Kim can put out eight books in this world and I will read every single one.

I will be going back to reread my highlights when I’m in need of some kicking my feet and giggling.

I would literally read Sophie Kim's school notes at this point...

The second installment of the Fate's Thread duo was one of my most highly anticipated sequels of the year, and one I had been holding my breath for ever since I completed book one early last year. I was so so thankful when I received an email from the publisher for an arc of this book, it was exactly what I needed!

The first book, we fell in love with Hani and Seokga's antics, learning more about them and their bond, and really getting a feel for who they are and how they fit together. The second book, we were given some new characters, but with a twist. They felt familiar but at the same time foreign, which I'm guessing is how our main character felt about the situation as well. Somehow, it worked out really well, and our new leads were endearing and lovable just like in the first book. The mystery was really enjoyable and I devoured this book too within two days(although I kind of guessed the twist around the middle of the book, it was still a fun time to see it get revealed to the characters). I won't reveal too much for now, but maybe closer to the release date I'll give less cryptic thoughts into who we follow and what they go through ;)

Overall, a really great second book, and one that leaves me wanting to read more of their story in the future(please Sophie, give us at least one more I beg you!!!)

I could not have asked for a better sequel. it had all the same characteristics that made me fall in love with book 1 yet it still brought new elements to the story dynamic.

soekga broke my heart and made me cry. his character arc is so well developed and i loved that this book was focused a bit more on his story. to see him realise that hani was who he needed then but kisa is who he needs now just shows how much he's changed and the fact he can appreciate that!! "im...reformed" I SOBBED.

kisa still has traits hani had and I just think that the way their relationship is balanced is absolutely perfect. I adored kisa as a fmc, she was intelligent, logical, steady and her arc was fantastic too.

the host of side characters stole my heart. the friendships were so precious and the parting scene- I was a goner. yeomra was actually so unserious and i'm really hoping we get a book focused on him, I am on my knees begging.

this book had everything I wanted, funny moments, soft & tender scenes, points where I could hear my heart shattering. every feeling I felt in book 1 was felt in this and more. definitely two of my favourite books ever and certainly will be rereading & annotating fervently.

the scenes with baby hwanin & soekga were some of my favourite. the care, protective fierceness and love soekga has almost killed me. the forehead kissed and holding to his chest, I MELTED.

in all seriousness I need a short story where soekga takes down godly gossip. my card is on speed dial 💳💥💳💥

4.5 on StoryGraph

Such a fantastic follow up to the first book! I think I might have enjoyed this one even more than the first one.

We have our familiar cast rejoining us for this book, with one notable difference. Hani is now Kisa who is the same but maybe not… Because of this, the dynamics and story are different than the first book. Instead, there is a sweeter and more gentle romance that blossoms here. If you’re looking for our characters to grow and mature, you’ll find it here.

I did really enjoy the story, there’s a mystery to be solved like the first one, but I’d argue the heart of this novel is healing and tips this more towards a cozy fantasy feel.

A fantastic follow up, I’d love to see more of this world if there are more stories to be told!

Arc Provided through net galley in exchange for an honest review

This is the second book in the Fates thread series. If you have not read the first one please skip this review because of spoilers. If you have read this first I recommend reading this one without reading the blurb.

The red string of fate finally appears for Seokga after 30 years of grieving. But why does it lead to the underworld and a cruise ship on the river of Death? A murder mystery and rediscovering love unfold with a surprising twist.

Sophie Kim has done it again. I was so excited to be approved for this ARC. Kim has a way of drawing you into the story and keeping you hooked. I absolutely adored all of the characters, new and old, in this second installment. It was wonderful how developed each character was and how full each of their character arcs were throughout the story. OMG there were so many plot twists and turns it became painful to have to step away from this story. Don‘t even get me started on the ending?!?!

Please read this series if you love mythology, fated mates, murder mystery and found family. You can find me diving into anything Sophie Kim writes. Truly one of my favorite authors of the year (possibly ever)

This book is utterly delightful, and Kim has managed to do it again with this series. If you want an excellent discussion of soulmates, Red String Theory, and all of the fun monsters and gods and tricksters you could want, then look no further. The characters are flawed, messy, and absolutely charming.

Thank you so much for the ARC, it was so lovely to be back in the world.

Non spoiler review with little context until the release in June.

K-pop drama with “who done it” set on a cruise ship for the dead in the nutshell.

I am a sucker for a tortured man and our god is just that. In fact I was as equally as grumpy as him for the first third of the book because I simply missed Hani.

I really enjoyed the new characters, some laugh out loud moments and if it’s possible to find love again.
The reincarnation trope was done so well.


I am already looking forward for book three!

An absolute amazing follow up, i can't even believe I devoured this in a day. I'm having withdrawal from it!

The God and the Gwisin by Sophie Kim is an absolute MASTERPIECE. If you thought book one was anything to go by then just you wait until you pick up book two. equal parts heart-wrenching where you will see me sob uncontrollably because I’m easily emotional just like that, work soon worthy romance that had me giggling and kicking my feet like crazy.

This book is filled with so much vivid and rich mythology that I will just never get over how it was created around to build a beautiful story. Seokga’s journey from trickster to a god in therapy (yes, therapy literally !) is both hilarious and deeply moving, knowing how down bad he is for Yoo Kisa. And his reunion with Yoo Kisa??? The one who his reincarnated love who doesn’t even remember him??? YEA THAT SCENE WAS CHEFS KISS GIVR MR MORE OF THAT perfect angst 🔥😫.

The slow-burn romance and angst will wreck you in the best way possible. If you love K-drama vibes, mythological intrigue, and sizzling tension, this book is going to blow your mind ( although pick up the god and the guhimo first🤩)

a stellar follow up and a worthy successor to the god & the gumiho, which was one of my favourite reads from last year! i love a good locked room whodunnit - and the god & the gwisin delivered murder mystery, goofy partnership and heart wrenching emotional damage (for me)

meeting kisa was great. she feels super real, super stressed and super sad - but she still wants to see the best in everyone. i felt really sorry for her because not only is everyone in the book comparing her to hani, i was too. she is an entirely different character, which is great for reading a brand new love story, but i really missed hani.

it was nice to see some familiar faces (somi redemption arc is what hani would have wanted <3) and meet some new ones too.

all in all i had just as good of a time with the sequel, which nearly never happens. these books are fun, contain emotional depth and have plot lines that are tied up in neat little bows. 4.5 because the remaining 0.5 is for my girl hani (miss u queen)

When I tell you I was refreshing my emails non stop to see if I got accepted for this ARC. I was so excited to see the direction in which Sophie would take with this one.

Okay, so, this book took me a bit longer to get into, and I’ve put it down to comparing the romance of Hani and Seokga to Kisa and Seokga. I personally loved the enemies to lovers in the God and the Gumiho and a tiny part of me wishes that Kisa took on the role of the enemy in that she would kinda hate Seokga for the non-consenting thread.

To be honest I think I just fell so in love with Hani that I found Kisa to be lack lustre in comparison. Oh the irony.

When I hit 60% everything went out the window and I couldn’t put the book down. It was foreign, yet so beautiful to see such a warm side to the trickster God. I absolutely loved the return of Somi and for her chance at redemption. The mystery element was really well done.

All in all, I’d rate this one a 4 star. I will be picking up more of Sophie Kim’s writing in future and with the ending I *hope* there may be a book 3?

Thank you Netgalley, Sophie and Del Rey publishing for this ARC.