AUGUST 2019 - AudioFile
Audiobook narrator Emily Woo Zeller voices an array of characters both magical and mundane in this romantic urban fantasy, set in contemporary Seoul. Gu Miyoung appears human, but she’s actually a GUMIHO, an immortal nine-tailed fox who feeds on the life force of men. Though her exacting mother cautions her to keep a low profile, Miyoung reveals herself when she rescues a human classmate from a goblin attack, kicking off a chain reaction that has life-changing consequences. Although Zeller’s smooth tone and even pacing underscore the occasional lulls in the story, she gets to show off her emotive range during bursts of action and high-stakes drama. Character voices are subtle yet distinct throughout this angsty, atmospheric audiobook. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
05/13/2019
In this haunting fantasy romance from debut author Cho, Korean folklore comes to life in modern-day Seoul as a supernatural creature and human collide. Gu Miyoung is a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox demon, who takes the shape of an 18-year-old young woman. She will weaken and die unless she feeds on the gi or life force of others every full moon, but she confines her victims to evildoers. While out walking his dog, Ahn Jihoon, also 18, stumbles across a dokkaebi, a goblin of Korea. Miyoung saves Jihoon, in doing so creating a connection between her gi and his own. After Miyoung is introduced as a new student at Jihoon’s school the following week, their mutual surprise leads to attraction, and the two come to support each other in school. Intent on keeping her daughter away from the human boy, Miyoung’s mother intervenes violently, requiring Miyoung to link them irrevocably together to save his life. Seamlessly weaving together the supernatural elements with everyday life, Cho’s debut—driven by anguish, sweet romance, and the need for connection—is a formidable first effort that ends with a promise of further adventures. Ages 12–up. (June)
From the Publisher
Praise for Wicked Fox:
An Amazon Best Book – July 2019
An Entertainment Weekly Summer Best Book Pick
A Refinery29 Summer Best Book Pick
A Junior Library Guild Pick
“Vibrant debut novel . . . an utterly original take on the young-adult fantasy.”—Entertainment Weekly
“A romantic and unique read bursting with lush atmosphere.”—BuzzFeed
“This book is a delight from start to finish. It’s everything I adore about the best Korean drama, mixed with a dash of urban fantasy. The chemistry between Miyoung and Jihoon kept me turning the pages into the wee hours of the night. Cho’s prose and pacing are crisp, and the world is utterly transportive.”—Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn
“Full of heart and heat, Wicked Fox is the perfect summer read. If this charming yet emotionally charged novel doesn’t win you over with the supernatural mystery or fraught family drama then the sweeping romance will.” —Tor.com
“A fun read that should have YA enthusiasts hooked.” —Culturess
“This is urban fantasy as readers have not seen it before: steeped in Korean folklore…Fresh and fast paced, weaving together action and romance.” —School Library Journal
“For K-drama addicts everywhere, this book is for you! Romance and suspense that will make you cry, cheer, laugh, and swoon...I seriously loved this book! Now, please, somebody make it into a real K-drama!”—Ellen Oh, children’s author and We Need Diverse Books co-founder and president
“I fell in love with the world of Wicked Fox...Cho’s Miyoung and Jihoon will steal your heart and give it back to you a thousand times fuller. This is a page-turning debut you cannot miss.”—Traci Chee, New York Times bestselling author of The Reader series
“Wicked Fox is a delight from beginning to end. Set against the bustling cityscape of Seoul, this elegant contemporary fantasy explores what it means to be a monster and what we must give up in the pursuit of love, forgiveness, and our truest selves. A triumph!”—Julie C. Dao, author of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns
“In this haunting fantasy romance…Korean folklore comes to life in modern-day Seoul as a supernatural creature and human collide…Cho’s debut—driven by anguish, sweet romance, and the need for connection—is a formidable first effort that ends with a promise of further adventures.” —Publishers Weekly
“The story is reminiscent of a K-drama with sweet romantic moments, lovable friends, and impossible obstacles … an addicting read with complex main characters and unexpected twists. This fantasy debut will be eagerly devoured, and readers will clamor for a sequel.” —Kirkus Reviews
“With plentiful Korean words in the text to describe the food, culture, clothing, and family dynamics, Cho establishes an authentic setting. . . The current surge of interest in K-pop, K-drama, and Korean film will draw readers to this fantastical romance set in contemporary Seoul.” —Booklist
“Reading Wicked Fox was like coming home. A gorgeous contemporary fantasy set in modern Seoul, Cho’s compelling debut balances creatures from Korean myths—goblins and immortal foxes—with the everyday lives of teenagers, navigating friendships, family drama, and first love. Suspenseful, romantic, and utterly consuming.” —Axie Oh, author of the New Visions Award–winning Rebel Seoul
School Library Journal
06/01/2019
Gr 8 Up—Miyoung may look like any other Korean girl, but she's the daughter of a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who feeds on the life force of men. This makes Miyoung half gumiho—and half human. Though raised by her mother, Miyoung is drawn to humans as well, wondering about her missing father and hating that she must kill in order to live. Nevertheless, she manages to follow her mother's rules, always maintaining distance from others so that her secret is not discovered. But one night she strays from the rules, saving the life of Jihoon, a human boy who was attacked by a goblin, and all does not go according to plan. Miyoung suddenly finds herself juggling Jihoon's human world of school and friends with her supernatural world of shamans, spirits, and magic. This is urban fantasy as readers have not seen it before: steeped in Korean folklore but with an added layer of contemporary Korean school and home life, appealing not only to K-drama fans but to lovers of fantasy in general. Dealing with themes of family, loyalty, and trust, the book has a unique setting and premise. VERDICT Fresh and fast paced, weaving together action and romance, this is a promising debut that adds a new voice to any urban fantasy collection.—Zoë McLaughlin, Michigan State University, East Lansing
AUGUST 2019 - AudioFile
Audiobook narrator Emily Woo Zeller voices an array of characters both magical and mundane in this romantic urban fantasy, set in contemporary Seoul. Gu Miyoung appears human, but she’s actually a GUMIHO, an immortal nine-tailed fox who feeds on the life force of men. Though her exacting mother cautions her to keep a low profile, Miyoung reveals herself when she rescues a human classmate from a goblin attack, kicking off a chain reaction that has life-changing consequences. Although Zeller’s smooth tone and even pacing underscore the occasional lulls in the story, she gets to show off her emotive range during bursts of action and high-stakes drama. Character voices are subtle yet distinct throughout this angsty, atmospheric audiobook. R.A.H. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine