Book Review – Wicked Fox by Kat Cho
A fresh and addictive fantasy-romance set in modern-day Seoul.
Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret – she’s a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt.
But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead – her gumiho soul – in the process.
Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl – he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He’s drawn to her anyway.
With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous… forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon’s.
My rating:
I struggled to connect with this a little, which is why I only gave it 3.5 stars, despite enjoying it overall. I think this is more due to my mental state than the book though!
I really liked the magic and myths within it – especially those around the fox bead and the shamans. The gumiho legends felt really accessible for someone like me, who is relatively new to them. And Miyoung is a good main character, I really felt for her and it was lovely to see her start to open up. I did like her relationship with Jihoon, but I think it felt a little forced due to the time jumps. Plus the see saw of whether or not they liked each other was a little overdone my the end.
I loved Jihoon’s family and friends, especially his grandmother. She is a legend. Miyoung’s family are a lot less lovable! I don’t think I can say much without being hugely spoilery, but I am hoping for a little more on one part in book two.
I enjoyed the story overall, and the ending was good, though there was a “redemption” that I think was too easily accepted. I’m definitely going to be looking out book 2 and hopefully will be in a better reading mood then! 🙂
Buy Wicked Fox from Waterstones.
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