Reviews

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim

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cossty's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

eclipsen_night's review against another edition

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emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

fadingapple's review against another edition

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funny hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC!

3.75/5 stars

This was a lot of fun - the characters, plot, and world were super interesting and I really loved the whole reluctant buddy-cop vibe. It wasn't quite insta=love but it was close, but it wasn't insufferable (not my favorite trope) - and the banter was actually quite cute and funny. I really enjoyed the the history and how the lore and mythology was woven into the urban setting - I am not usually a fan of Urban Fantasy but honestly this was handled perfectly.

I can't say I loved or really connected with either main character, and I found the plot fairly predictable...but I had a great time reading it and plan to continue with the series. I do recommend it, but I can't say it's a lifelong favorite. But definitely worth reading!

pdxpagemaster's review against another edition

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

While I enjoyed the second half of the book a lot, I found myself wanting more from this book.

The Korean mythical elements were very cool and vibrantly explored. However, the characters lacked some depth that made it hard to care about their stakes in the story.

This reads as a fantastical murder mystery with romantic elements. I’m not sure I wanted a cop/crime drama when I came to this book and wish it was more about the mythical elements - especially with regards to the trickster God character.

30something_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I wasn't expecting that ending to leave me in tears, but here we are. 🥲

This was a thoroughly entertaining read and I can absolutely see how this is a love letter to k-dramas. Everything about the plot and the way the characters were just so over the top but still lovable.

The ending got me 🥲 I shouldn't have been surprised because it's such a classic ending for a story like this and the author could have absolutely left it at that (the last scene would play out so perfectly on screen) but I am glad there will be more to the story. Can't wait to see where this story goes!

chelseas_reads's review against another edition

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slow-paced

1.0

rachelheis's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

ABSOLUTELY ADORED THIS BOOK! The dual POV was incredible as was the writing style. Kim created delightfully complex characters and wove their stories together beautifully. I really enjoyed how well she weaved in mythology within a more modern setting. Several plot twists were extremely well written and took me completely by surprise. The ending was also unexpected and I absolutely loved how she finished it. This was a book that made me feel and I absolutely loved every page of it.