The God and The Gumiho - Book Review
The God and the Gumiho
Sophie Kim
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This was a fun read. While I was wrong about it being a Fall time book, I'm still so glad I picked it up. I ended up getting the audiobook to read along with as most of the Korean creatures I felt like I was pronouncing wrong. It made the atmosphere of the book feel better once I was listening to it as well. The book follows our two main characters as they mostly working together to catch an unruly demon who is piling up bodies faster than almost any have before. Their banter was great, both are mischief-makers at heart so they are constantly trying to get the better of each other. One thing I was glad about is that they both picked up on the overly suspicious character. I was really hoping they wouldn’t make it through the whole book and be like how could it be him (even if it was or wasn't that character)? Proud of the characters and author now. While it is odd to say we got to see immortal beings grow we kind of did they were both a bit better people at the end. The romance aspect itself was not played up much which is nice that it focused more on the plot and drama of the story instead.
Forgot to really write any down but did think it was amusing. 😅
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The story takes place in South Korea, in the fictional city of New Sinsi. It is set in the 90s, which is an interesting aspect. However, the date really didn’t come into play much except to talk about hairstyles for a little bit. The city is starting to come into full bloom when the book begins. We have descriptions of cherry blossoms and the aroma of coffee. The details of individual locations might be briefly gone into but the story doesn’t focus too much time on painting the scenes. Still, I didn’t feel a lack of visualization as the book kept us moving along.
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There is no definite magic system in the book. We are introduced to a whole mythology of magical creatures within the first few chapters. Most of these will technically be ones you have heard of just not these names for them. Each variety of creature will possess a type of magic of its own and just a raw power that seems similar to other beings. There is a pantheon of gods for various aspects of nature. The gods don’t play too big of a part outside of our main character being one.
We do get a bit better of a description of what Seokga’s powers are and were before his fall. Being a trickster god he had several that would help with making mischief. He was able to craft illusions, teleport, shapeshift, and mind control. Then there are Hani’s gumiho abilities speed, fire, the ability to transform into a fox, and the ability to steal souls.
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We are first introduced to the fallen god, Seokga. He has been on Earth a little over 600 years and hated almost every second of it. At the end of the first chapter, he mentions the only thing he loves about this plane, is coffee. Seokga is a perpetually grouchy person, he sees himself as above everyone and thus talks down to or doesn’t try to bond with anyone he works with. While others see this as a very lonely life Seokga only misses his old life in the world of the gods.
Then we meet Kim Hani, who hates coffee even as she works at the Creature Cafe. Hani is just as mischievous as the trickster god. Being a gumiho she still possesses her fox nature and moral compass. Hani was once known as the Scarlet Fox but keeps that part of her past hidden even taking pains to make sure her hair is always dyed a chocolate brown. Throughout the book, it is interesting to watch her not necessarily change but seem to care more about her actions toward others.
Seokga the Fallen has been tasked with eliminating unruly creatures in the mortal realm as a penance. After a recent string of murders presents a particularly nasty kind of suspect he has been granted a reprieve, catch both this demon and the infamous Scarlet Fox and he will be restored to his position. Overhearing this tidbit is Hani, The Scarlet Fox, is determined to sabotage Seokga's investigation of her. As they begin to work together Hani does everything she can to point the blame away from herself while also helping eliminate the demon threat.
Like many urban fantasies, this does have a romantic plot that comes along. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the characters for most of the book. Sure Hani commented on Seokga's appearance and started to be flustered when noticing his muscles. However for the most part I could have seen the banter staying as friends just as easily. When the moment happened though that Seokga was realizing there might be more it was actually adorable. From that point I could get behind their romance and how much it helped both of them be better people to save the city.
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Well, I certainly never would have suspected that was the villain. My money was on someone else. Either way, it was a good turn. The monologue was almost a bit much though. It wasn't too long just didn't feel quite needed. Then the god's involvement was just Wow. It shows how divinity isn't always kind or forgiving.
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The end of the book just gives the warm and fuzzies. I enjoyed this book so much. While not the Fall time book I thought it would be this was a great book for the vibes alone. I will look forward to the sequel, as I wonder if she will be a mortal now or somehow a gumiho again. Their dynamic with the humor and being able to work together so well even with how they started out was fun to read. Also so glad to have gotten the audiobook. I could understand what the words actually were as well making it just so much more immersive into the atmosphere. Definitely will recommend this book for a fun read.
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