LAST OF THE TALONS by Sophie Kim – a review

LAST OF THE TALONS

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Disclaimer: Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with the ARC of this; Last of the Talons book! I received this copy for free and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

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Always controlled. Always at another’s whims. Whether it be at the behest of the Blackbloods or at the will of the Dokkaebi emperor, I am never anything but a pawn to be moved around the chessboard by another’s hands. I am nothing but a plaything.

Last of the Talons

Every step Shin Lina takes in life is decided by someone else, but if there’s any mistake in the calculation, that misstep is hers to take responsibility for. She carries so much on her shoulders, her literal life is not in her hands. Loss after loss, it’s easy for her to throw herself in the near-death situations – after all, that’s where she danced all her life. So, when the Dokkaebi shows up at the rooftop, the game doesn’t change, the stakes just get higher.

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For my loud and messy mind, this book quieted every voice but that of the story in front of me. I know that sounds too dramatic, but I was literally glued to my seat and completely ignored the pain in my back, because nothing could’ve torn me apart from this gem of a book.

I loved the story, was bought by the Korean mythology, stuck around for Lina & Rui’s dynamic. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with this much chemistry between the MCs. The bickering, the teasing…oh, I can’t!

I don’t want to spoil things, but I want to talk about the details in the book, like the eyes and the looks, how you can actually tell every emotion and how the author played with that. The way she portrayed the pain and the grief, as well… genius! And the fact that this is her debut novel… Besties, grab this book! Don’t make me use some Manpasikjeok magic on you!

Anyway, I feel like I haven’t presented the book well enough yet, so here’s some rapid-fire facts about it:

• ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS, I repeat, ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS
• amazing story building
• Korean mythology
• wonderful dynamic between all characters, actually
• beautifully crafted backstories
• flashbacks throughout the story that build up to a crescendo of pain, grief, regret (and empathy from a reader)
• the DETAILS!!! the subtle moments

Although the story could’ve ended completely where it has now, I hear that there’s a sequel coming, and best believe I’ll be waiting for that one. I am officially a Sophie Kim devoted fan.