Wicked Fox (Gumiho Series, book 1)

By Kat Cho

Blurb: 

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.

Review: 

I received this book in a past FairyLoot box some point last year. It did seem interesting at the time but because I spent most of last year in a reading slump, I never got a chance to read this amazing book. I'm so pleased I've read it eventually and especially this year because book 2 is coming out pretty sharpish, which I can't wait to read.

So I started this book just as I felt myself slipping into a reading slump, I also needed this book for my transfiguration OWL so it worked out perfectly. I'm also pleased that it pulled me out of the reading slump.

This book is about a girl who transforms into a Gumiho at every full moon to feed on the Gi of bad people. She feeds of bad people because she wished she never had to feed but has found out the hard way if she doesn't feed she will die.

On one full moon when Miyoung is new to the area, she is feeding when she is disturbed and we meet Jihoon. I'm not going to go into too much detail about their meeting because it is a great read from start to finish and we revisit this scene quite a few times throughout the book.

There is a lot of food descriptions mentioned throughout this book that may make you start to crave Korean food. I'm now wanting to try Korean food thanks to this book as I've never tried it and this book made it sound amazing. Obviously as a vegetarian it will be without the meat for me.

A thing I liked about this book was the insight to the past every now and then after certain events between Miyoung and Jihoon. We later discover these are an actual persons memories and someone we meet in the book. This just makes it that bit more interesting.

The friendship between the two main characters develops a hell of a lot throughout this book and the trust between them develops a lot. At times Miyoung does get on my nerves because she only does things that her mother would like but then I guess with a mother like Yena I suppose you would. It's quite upsetting at times though because she's never truly had a friend and any mistake that Miyoung makes Yena covers up, which sort of ruins the life experience of making mistakes. Life must be difficult for Miyoung and I honestly don't know how she doesn't suffer with mental health problems.

Jihoon on the other hand is quite a shy character but always goes out of his way to protect his friends and the ones he loves. He is a great example of what a friend should be like, he is always there when you need him, even if you think you don't need him. He is extremely close to his grandmother due to his mother leaving him. At times you can tell that he has a lot of hate and anger in his body but he deals with it quite well.

The characters within this book are just perfect and I feel that the contrast between the two personalities and how they came together is just perfect. I wouldn't really change anything about them, the only problem is Miyoung gets on my nerves at times but I feel it's quite necessary for her personality as she has a lot to deal with.

This story revolves around trusting others even in difficult times, things happen for a reason and you have to trust your gut instinct even though other people are against what you think. You only live for yourself and no one else. That sounds really selfish but you can only decide on things that benefit you and if they end up being pointless or not what you expected then it is a lesson learnt.

There is quite a lot of action within this book, including food. It was well planned out and I felt like the setting was just perfect. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes slow romance and great friendships. There is also a touch of humour within this book too which keeps it interesting just that bit more. It is fast-paced for sure too and well worth the read just to enjoy a different county and the aspects of it.

Favourite Character: Jihoon

Read: 21/04/20 - 29/04/20

5 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie

Wicked Fox (Gumiho Series, book 1)

By Kat Cho

Blurb: 

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.

Review: 

I received this book in a past FairyLoot box some point last year. It did seem interesting at the time but because I spent most of last year in a reading slump, I never got a chance to read this amazing book. I'm so pleased I've read it eventually and especially this year because book 2 is coming out pretty sharpish, which I can't wait to read.

So I started this book just as I felt myself slipping into a reading slump, I also needed this book for my transfiguration OWL so it worked out perfectly. I'm also pleased that it pulled me out of the reading slump.

This book is about a girl who transforms into a Gumiho at every full moon to feed on the Gi of bad people. She feeds of bad people because she wished she never had to feed but has found out the hard way if she doesn't feed she will die.

On one full moon when Miyoung is new to the area, she is feeding when she is disturbed and we meet Jihoon. I'm not going to go into too much detail about their meeting because it is a great read from start to finish and we revisit this scene quite a few times throughout the book.

There is a lot of food descriptions mentioned throughout this book that may make you start to crave Korean food. I'm now wanting to try Korean food thanks to this book as I've never tried it and this book made it sound amazing. Obviously as a vegetarian it will be without the meat for me.

A thing I liked about this book was the insight to the past every now and then after certain events between Miyoung and Jihoon. We later discover these are an actual persons memories and someone we meet in the book. This just makes it that bit more interesting.

The friendship between the two main characters develops a hell of a lot throughout this book and the trust between them develops a lot. At times Miyoung does get on my nerves because she only does things that her mother would like but then I guess with a mother like Yena I suppose you would. It's quite upsetting at times though because she's never truly had a friend and any mistake that Miyoung makes Yena covers up, which sort of ruins the life experience of making mistakes. Life must be difficult for Miyoung and I honestly don't know how she doesn't suffer with mental health problems.

Jihoon on the other hand is quite a shy character but always goes out of his way to protect his friends and the ones he loves. He is a great example of what a friend should be like, he is always there when you need him, even if you think you don't need him. He is extremely close to his grandmother due to his mother leaving him. At times you can tell that he has a lot of hate and anger in his body but he deals with it quite well.

The characters within this book are just perfect and I feel that the contrast between the two personalities and how they came together is just perfect. I wouldn't really change anything about them, the only problem is Miyoung gets on my nerves at times but I feel it's quite necessary for her personality as she has a lot to deal with.

This story revolves around trusting others even in difficult times, things happen for a reason and you have to trust your gut instinct even though other people are against what you think. You only live for yourself and no one else. That sounds really selfish but you can only decide on things that benefit you and if they end up being pointless or not what you expected then it is a lesson learnt.

There is quite a lot of action within this book, including food. It was well planned out and I felt like the setting was just perfect. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes slow romance and great friendships. There is also a touch of humour within this book too which keeps it interesting just that bit more. It is fast-paced for sure too and well worth the read just to enjoy a different county and the aspects of it.

Favourite Character: Jihoon

Read: 21/04/20 - 29/04/20

5 stars out of 5

Written by Sammie

Illumicrate - Chain of Gold Special Edition

Items: 

• Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare 
• Bridge Through Time Triptych by @rosiethorns88
• Mortal Instruments Blanket by @yoshiyoshitani
• Clandestine Tea For One Set by @chattynora
• Shadowhunters Playing Cards by @merwildandco and @chattynora
• Foiled Print Duo by @arz28
• Cortana Letter Opener by @fableandblack

Review: 

Check out Sammie's first impressions in the video:

This was my first special edition box with Illumicrate for Chain of Gold, but overall my third ever special edition box. I feel like this was 100% worth the money and I would definitely get another one from them. They were a touch on the expensive side but the quality of items was 100% worth it and the box was well packed with loads of items that I loved.

The first item that I discovered in this box was the tea for one set. This was just purely amazing and I really love who decided to put this in a box. It's a tea pot for one cup of tea but the base of the pot sits into your cup and then you have a plate to sit your cup on top of. The design on it was really simple but also really pretty, I loved this item and it was 100% my favourite item alongside the book. The only thing I would have liked would have been some Shadowhunter tea or something along those lines so we could enjoy the use of the item while reading the book. The quote on the tea pot was just perfect.

The next item was a letter opener, this was quite a unique item and I loved how it was displayed in that little box. It was quite heavy too and I really didn't expect it to be. It was in the shape of Cortana which seems to be the theme of Chain of Gold, obviously this is because of Cordelia since she is the main character and it's her go to weapon. It is actually quite detailed for what it is and I love the final touch on the base of the handle by having the angelic rune.

I then came across the stained glass windows which are known as the bridge of Triptych. The artwork on these stained glass windows are of the favourite trio; Will, Tessa and Jem. I loved how we were able to get artwork from The Infernal Devices eventhough the box was based on Chain of Gold. I can see why because obviously these characters are mentioned within Chain of Gold as they are the parents within this trilogy. The design of them was really nice and I loved how that you were able to put them into any position you wanted. I loved that the colours on the 3 panels were common throughout each one and that they were quite pale to give it that older appearance. The only thing that I would have loved is to have a panel dedicated to just Will and Jem, but then I can see why they have Tessa with each of them. Just think it would have been that nicer touch how I mentioned. Plus I'm a huge fan of Jem, just because he is so caring and loving towards his parabati and his family.

A deck of cards featuring the major shadowhunters throughout all of Cassandra Clare series was also included in this box. I loved the design of them, how they were quite simple and not bright colours. I loved how there was artwork for each character. I wish that the jokers were the cats from each series that would have just been a nice touch. The only think that let the deck down was the artwork for Cordelia and Alastair was not correct as their race was potrayed wrong, but this is now being resolved and we are getting replacements for the two cards from Illumicrate, which I really appreciate. It is not the artist fault as they were not aware of this when producing the item and they hadn't read the book yet so could not be made aware of this problem.

The next item included in this box was two black and white with copper drawings, one of The Infernal Devices characters and one of Chain of Gold characters. I found these pretty awesome because they were on card so you could frame them and you could potentially colour them in however you want because the characters are actually white. I personally won't be colouring them in as they look beautiful as they are.

There was also a decent sized fleece blanket included in this box which is super soft and so cuddly, I love it. This is the first blanket that I have received in a book box and I actually really like it because it's neutral to all of Cassandra Clare's series as it just contains The Mortal Sword, The Mirror and The Mortal Cup. I also don't really mind the colour it's not the best but it is definitely not the worst. It is like some sort of dull dirty red. quite close to brown being truthful. But I still really like it. It's perfect to just snuggle up on the sofa with a glass of wine and a good romcom.

The book was obviously the last item in the box and the last item of my review. I found that most of the special edition books I got from book boxes were similar to Waterstones rune edition. But I do actually really like Illumicrate's copy as it is forest green with a sort of gold/bronze coloured sprayed edges. I feel that this slowly creeps above the Waterstones copy only by a small fraction. It has the same artwork on the end pages as the Waterstones copy and FairyLoot, this is because all first editions have this as well as the extended story at the end.

Written by Sammie

Check out Sammie's review of Chain of Gold or check out my review of Illumicrate's Chain of Gold Special Edition Box. 

Illumicrate - Chain of Gold Special Edition

Items: 

• Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare 
• Bridge Through Time Triptych by @rosiethorns88
• Mortal Instruments Blanket by @yoshiyoshitani
• Clandestine Tea For One Set by @chattynora
• Shadowhunters Playing Cards by @merwildandco and @chattynora
• Foiled Print Duo by @arz28
• Cortana Letter Opener by @fableandblack

Review: 

Check out Sammie's first impressions in the video:

This was my first special edition box with Illumicrate for Chain of Gold, but overall my third ever special edition box. I feel like this was 100% worth the money and I would definitely get another one from them. They were a touch on the expensive side but the quality of items was 100% worth it and the box was well packed with loads of items that I loved.

The first item that I discovered in this box was the tea for one set. This was just purely amazing and I really love who decided to put this in a box. It's a tea pot for one cup of tea but the base of the pot sits into your cup and then you have a plate to sit your cup on top of. The design on it was really simple but also really pretty, I loved this item and it was 100% my favourite item alongside the book. The only thing I would have liked would have been some Shadowhunter tea or something along those lines so we could enjoy the use of the item while reading the book. The quote on the tea pot was just perfect.

The next item was a letter opener, this was quite a unique item and I loved how it was displayed in that little box. It was quite heavy too and I really didn't expect it to be. It was in the shape of Cortana which seems to be the theme of Chain of Gold, obviously this is because of Cordelia since she is the main character and it's her go to weapon. It is actually quite detailed for what it is and I love the final touch on the base of the handle by having the angelic rune.

I then came across the stained glass windows which are known as the bridge of Triptych. The artwork on these stained glass windows are of the favourite trio; Will, Tessa and Jem. I loved how we were able to get artwork from The Infernal Devices eventhough the box was based on Chain of Gold. I can see why because obviously these characters are mentioned within Chain of Gold as they are the parents within this trilogy. The design of them was really nice and I loved how that you were able to put them into any position you wanted. I loved that the colours on the 3 panels were common throughout each one and that they were quite pale to give it that older appearance. The only thing that I would have loved is to have a panel dedicated to just Will and Jem, but then I can see why they have Tessa with each of them. Just think it would have been that nicer touch how I mentioned. Plus I'm a huge fan of Jem, just because he is so caring and loving towards his parabati and his family.

A deck of cards featuring the major shadowhunters throughout all of Cassandra Clare series was also included in this box. I loved the design of them, how they were quite simple and not bright colours. I loved how there was artwork for each character. I wish that the jokers were the cats from each series that would have just been a nice touch. The only think that let the deck down was the artwork for Cordelia and Alastair was not correct as their race was potrayed wrong, but this is now being resolved and we are getting replacements for the two cards from Illumicrate, which I really appreciate. It is not the artist fault as they were not aware of this when producing the item and they hadn't read the book yet so could not be made aware of this problem.

The next item included in this box was two black and white with copper drawings, one of The Infernal Devices characters and one of Chain of Gold characters. I found these pretty awesome because they were on card so you could frame them and you could potentially colour them in however you want because the characters are actually white. I personally won't be colouring them in as they look beautiful as they are.

There was also a decent sized fleece blanket included in this box which is super soft and so cuddly, I love it. This is the first blanket that I have received in a book box and I actually really like it because it's neutral to all of Cassandra Clare's series as it just contains The Mortal Sword, The Mirror and The Mortal Cup. I also don't really mind the colour it's not the best but it is definitely not the worst. It is like some sort of dull dirty red. quite close to brown being truthful. But I still really like it. It's perfect to just snuggle up on the sofa with a glass of wine and a good romcom.

The book was obviously the last item in the box and the last item of my review. I found that most of the special edition books I got from book boxes were similar to Waterstones rune edition. But I do actually really like Illumicrate's copy as it is forest green with a sort of gold/bronze coloured sprayed edges. I feel that this slowly creeps above the Waterstones copy only by a small fraction. It has the same artwork on the end pages as the Waterstones copy and FairyLoot, this is because all first editions have this as well as the extended story at the end.

Written by Sammie

Check out Sammie's review of Chain of Gold or check out my review of Illumicrate's Chain of Gold Special Edition Box. 

Illumicrate - Chain of Gold Special Edition

Items: 

• Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare 
• Bridge Through Time Triptych by @rosiethorns88
• Mortal Instruments Blanket by @yoshiyoshitani
• Clandestine Tea For One Set by @chattynora
• Shadowhunters Playing Cards by @merwildandco and @chattynora
• Foiled Print Duo by @arz28
• Cortana Letter Opener by @fableandblack

Review: 

This was my first ever special edition box. When it was announced I knew I needed it because it’s Chain of Gold, the sequel to my all time favourite book series The Infernal Devices. I need more Shadowhunter goodies in my life. I was sold further when they announced there would be a blanket. I’ve always dreamt of a blanket being included in a book box. I had to use Sammie’s images as my phone broke which meant I lost the images and due to moving house all of the stuff is currently packed away.

The book itself was a naked hardback with a foiled cover. I love naked hardbacks. I just feel the designs look better than on dust jackets. The spine had a quote on it and the edges were sprayed orange to match the text colour. I did find the green and orange colour combination unexpected but it sort of makes sense as the original cover's focus point was leafs. It was also stamped with Cassandra Clare’s signature to add to my signed Shadowhunter novels. This book was exclusive and a first edition so it included the bonus content. I love this book, I’m glad the box was delayed because it meant I could read it on Kindle and not ruin the perfection of my book.

The first item I will discuss is the stained glass window item. This was so unique and beautiful. I can imagine the images looking so pretty with the sunlight shining on them. It features artwork of Tessa, Jem and Will from The Infernal Devices. It also includes a piece of Tessa and Jem set in the modern shadowhunter times. Which is just lovely.

The next item is my all time favourite item, the blanket. This has an orange leafy design inspired by Chain of Gold but includes all 3 of The Mortal Instruments. It’s very pretty and very soft. I do prefer bigger blankets but due to it being in a small box I can forgive the size. It’s very comfy and does it’s job well to keep me warm at night.

I would say the most unexpected item that came out of a book box was the teapot that I got in this box. This teapot is a single cup teapot that slots together to complete the pretty design. I feel it is very fitting to the book. I just never imagined a fancy teapot in a box before. I don’t drink tea but I do want it on display in the kitchen and if it won’t ruin it, I may try brewing some hot chocolate in it from time to time.

Then in the box was Shadowhunter playing cards which had designs based on a range of characters The Infernal Devices and Chain of Gold. I love playing cards and I didn’t actually own any at the time of receiving the box, so I’m more than happy. I look forward to using these on holiday whenever that may be.

This box also included foil artwork. I’m not a big fan of artwork but because the box was so packed, I really can’t complain. I do appreciate art from fandoms I enjoy. When I move I want a wall of artwork so these lovely prints will be added to that. One art is the characters from The Infernal Devices, the other is their children the main characters of Chain of Gold.

The final item is also a very cool item. This was a Cortana letter opener. I love the design of it and it feels like a little mini sword. I’m rubbish at opening letters, so this will definitely fix this problem. I can’t wait to give it a go. Also if you didn’t want to use it, it would still be a great decorative items.

Overall, I absolutely loved this box. The extra price was well worth it. I’ve never been more impressed by a book box. I loved it so much. I hope to get more special edition boxes in the future.

Rating: 5 runes out of 5

Written by Lauren

Illumicrate - Chain of Gold Special Edition

Items: 

• Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare 
• Bridge Through Time Triptych by @rosiethorns88
• Mortal Instruments Blanket by @yoshiyoshitani
• Clandestine Tea For One Set by @chattynora
• Shadowhunters Playing Cards by @merwildandco and @chattynora
• Foiled Print Duo by @arz28
• Cortana Letter Opener by @fableandblack

Review: 

This was my first ever special edition box. When it was announced I knew I needed it because it’s Chain of Gold, the sequel to my all time favourite book series The Infernal Devices. I need more Shadowhunter goodies in my life. I was sold further when they announced there would be a blanket. I’ve always dreamt of a blanket being included in a book box. I had to use Sammie’s images as my phone broke which meant I lost the images and due to moving house all of the stuff is currently packed away.

The book itself was a naked hardback with a foiled cover. I love naked hardbacks. I just feel the designs look better than on dust jackets. The spine had a quote on it and the edges were sprayed orange to match the text colour. I did find the green and orange colour combination unexpected but it sort of makes sense as the original cover's focus point was leafs. It was also stamped with Cassandra Clare’s signature to add to my signed Shadowhunter novels. This book was exclusive and a first edition so it included the bonus content. I love this book, I’m glad the box was delayed because it meant I could read it on Kindle and not ruin the perfection of my book.

The first item I will discuss is the stained glass window item. This was so unique and beautiful. I can imagine the images looking so pretty with the sunlight shining on them. It features artwork of Tessa, Jem and Will from The Infernal Devices. It also includes a piece of Tessa and Jem set in the modern shadowhunter times. Which is just lovely.

The next item is my all time favourite item, the blanket. This has an orange leafy design inspired by Chain of Gold but includes all 3 of The Mortal Instruments. It’s very pretty and very soft. I do prefer bigger blankets but due to it being in a small box I can forgive the size. It’s very comfy and does it’s job well to keep me warm at night.

I would say the most unexpected item that came out of a book box was the teapot that I got in this box. This teapot is a single cup teapot that slots together to complete the pretty design. I feel it is very fitting to the book. I just never imagined a fancy teapot in a box before. I don’t drink tea but I do want it on display in the kitchen and if it won’t ruin it, I may try brewing some hot chocolate in it from time to time.

Then in the box was Shadowhunter playing cards which had designs based on a range of characters The Infernal Devices and Chain of Gold. I love playing cards and I didn’t actually own any at the time of receiving the box, so I’m more than happy. I look forward to using these on holiday whenever that may be.

This box also included foil artwork. I’m not a big fan of artwork but because the box was so packed, I really can’t complain. I do appreciate art from fandoms I enjoy. When I move I want a wall of artwork so these lovely prints will be added to that. One art is the characters from The Infernal Devices, the other is their children the main characters of Chain of Gold.

The final item is also a very cool item. This was a Cortana letter opener. I love the design of it and it feels like a little mini sword. I’m rubbish at opening letters, so this will definitely fix this problem. I can’t wait to give it a go. Also if you didn’t want to use it, it would still be a great decorative items.

Overall, I absolutely loved this box. The extra price was well worth it. I’ve never been more impressed by a book box. I loved it so much. I hope to get more special edition boxes in the future.

Rating: 5 runes out of 5

Written by Lauren