This book was SO good. I'd recommend readers lock in for this one as it is a bit complicated, as both the main character and the reader aren't really sure what's happening, who to trust, what has happened in the past. If locked in, just accepting the unknown to be unknown, it's an AMAZING book, kind of thrilling honestly. There are so many shocking moments and revelations in throughout the book, and the majority of the time the reader finds out at the same time as the main character, so I enjoyed that, it was like we found out and reacted together at the same time.
For me, the characters truly made this story, like yeah that's kind of how it is with every book, but in this one the characters SHINE, they are SO well written, you don't get too attached, it's not like that, you just follow them, you learn about them, they grow, they fall, opinions change as the story progresses, there's just a lot going on with the characters, IT IS SO GOOD
The world building ia also really good, like I understood the politics and the history, I do wish there was more descriptions of the land though? There was a lot, don't get me wrong, like i knew what the place looked like, I just think for a Korean Mythology book there should be more? I am being picky, but the characters were SO well developed and written, I feel like the world should be described to the same standard. Or there could be an unplanned sequel that could give me what I want after that ending...
This was also the first YA book I have read in a LONG while, but it didn't feel like it, it didn't feel childish, it didn't make me feel immature, it just felt like I was reading a normal book without a significant romance plot? There is a romance plot, but there is zero spice, just one kiss, and two women who would follow each other anywhere.
Lastly, I want to give my opinion on other opinions, because in my opinion; the romantic feelings between the two main characters did NOT come out of nowhere, Shadow clearly found Scarlet visually appealing from the beginning, and Shadow thought about Scarlets appearance and whereabouts SO many times that, for me, would be a bit much for friends. The kiss did NOT come out of nowhere, it was well written, well timed, some may say even cliched timing, like something out of a romantic movie. Yes parts were confusing, but see how you feel after experiencing memory loss, it wasn't that bad, and if you read the book, the timeline is literally the least confusing thing in there. Not everything is spoon fed.
I don't know, maybe I just pay attention or something because I loved this book a lot.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A lush, myth‑steeped fantasy with irresistible tension
The Last Soldier of Nava is a captivating blend of Korean‑inspired mythology, sapphic longing, and slow‑unfolding mystery. Shadow’s journey—from a weaponized girl feared as a legendary monster to a woman trying to reclaim her identity after a thousand years—is emotionally rich and beautifully layered. The dynamic between Shadow and Scarlet crackles with suspicion, grief, and forbidden attraction, giving the story a magnetic push‑and‑pull that’s hard to look away from.
The worldbuilding shines with its eerie dead zones, serpentine court politics, and the haunting legacy of a father whose hunger for power spans lifetimes. At times the plot’s many moving pieces could use a bit more space to breathe, but the novel’s atmosphere, character depth, and mythic scope more than make up for it.
A compelling, romantic, and shadow‑soaked tale that lingers after the final page.

What a refreshingly quirky queer romantasy! I've read a gazillion fantasy books in my life, but none with this Korean folklore and mythology informing it, so I was hooked from the first page. Shadow and Scarlet are excellent foes turned lovers. I loved learning more about what makes both of them tick, what traumas they suffered, what drives them, and the sources of their magic. I loved the way they antagonized and sympathized with each other. And I loved that just when you think you know them, you learn something that flips your understanding completely on its head. And, and! I loved that neither of them were these blameless, virtuous heroes. They were complicated and scary and perfect for each other. I'll be so excited to read Yejin Suh's next novel.

Thank you to Harper 360 | Magpie and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book and provide and honest review.

If you’re on the hunt for a fantasy novel that delivers rich mythology and a gripping narrative, The Last Soldier of Nava should be at the top of your list. The story centers on Shadow, a protagonist with a mysterious past who navigates a world filled with ancient magic and political intrigue. From the get-go, you’re drawn into a beautifully crafted landscape where the stakes are high, and the consequences of power are palpably felt.

What truly shines in this novel is the dynamic between Shadow and Scarlet, both strong female characters. Their relationship is a masterclass in character development, blending humor and tension that keeps you invested in their journey. You’ll find yourself rooting for them as they confront both external threats and their own complicated feelings. Suh’s world-building is impressive, with vibrant settings and the haunting presence of deadzones that add layers to the plot, making the stakes feel even more urgent.

The themes of identity and self-discovery resonate deeply throughout the narrative. Shadow’s quest to understand who she is is both compelling and relatable. This isn’t just an adventure; it’s a thoughtful exploration of what it means to forge your own path in a world that seeks to define you.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins360, and Yejin Suh for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper for the reader’s arc in exchange for my honest review.

Shadow is an immortal soldier awoken, and in this she takes the life of an individual. Since then, she lives a quiet, tenuous life with a strange elderly woman. Until Shadow is captured by Scarlet, the sister of the individual she killed. In exchange for her freedom, Scarlet enlists her help to find the Soldier that killed her sibling. All awhile dealing with the inner court politics, the deadly shadow realm taking over the country and other enemies wanting to know her true identities.

I thought this was a very well written book, I liked the concept of it. The cover was what caught my attention because I like Asian/South Asian fantasy books, and this was right up my alley. The characters Shadow and Scarlet were imperfect and brutally cold, which is expected of them for the power they hold. Their positions at court are on unstable ground and what they want in life can’t be more different. I liked the romantic undertones of this book, slow burn and tension filled. I can’t really call it enemies to lovers, because they aren’t really enemies to the knowledge of Scarlet.

The book lost me at times, circling around in directions that I ended up a little lost and had to go back and reread. I found myself writing in events so I remembered what had happened, and sometimes the dialogue went on for longer than I personally enjoyed. The ending was… underwhelming for me and I guess that’s what made me sit back and go “okay then.”

Otherwise it was a great book, and the author really did make a good impression on the debut novel. I would read another book by this author.