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The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26From the author of The Last Dragon of the East comes a sweeping fantasy adventure with a dash of romance between a nine-tailed fox and the demon-hunter who captures her, banished to the underworld together and forced to form a reluctant alliance in order to escape the circles of Hell.
Yue may be the last of her kind. At night, she stalks the streets of the capital city of Longhao, luring in unsuspecting victims with the mask of a beautiful woman, then consuming them in her true form of the nine-tailed fox.
When she is captured by a powerful demon hunter named Sonam and banished to Hell, she manages one final act of dragging him—and two of his subordinates—down with her.
Now trapped in an abyss with unimaginable terrors, they’ll need each other’s help to navigate Hell and bypass the gods who preside over each circle, each of whom presents the group with a unique and deadly challenge. Forced to depend on one another as they claw their way out of the underworld, both demon and demon hunter discover that there might be more to the other than meets the eye.
Yue may be the last of her kind. At night, she stalks the streets of the capital city of Longhao, luring in unsuspecting victims with the mask of a beautiful woman, then consuming them in her true form of the nine-tailed fox.
When she is captured by a powerful demon hunter named Sonam and banished to Hell, she manages one final act of dragging him—and two of his subordinates—down with her.
Now trapped in an abyss with unimaginable terrors, they’ll need each other’s help to navigate Hell and bypass the gods who preside over each circle, each of whom presents the group with a unique and deadly challenge. Forced to depend on one another as they claw their way out of the underworld, both demon and demon hunter discover that there might be more to the other than meets the eye.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
19 people are currently reading
4857 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
February 24, 2025
I don’t rate books I haven’t read, but I’ll make an exception until that one star gets removed
February 24, 2025
The hate-filled one star review by a bitter, jealous rejected author hasn't been removed yet. When it's removed, I'll remove this one.
February 24, 2025
Dropping my rating in advance because reading books with diversity, equality, and inclusion is so important for representation and building empathy. If more people read books like this, maybe they wouldn't have the heart or audacity to be so hateful to go out of their to dis on a book that hasn't even come out yet 🖤😌✨️
This book looks amazing and I can't wait for it!
*if I change my review after reading this book it will be because of personal enjoyment, writing style etc, not because I believe human beings should be hated on for their individuality*
This book looks amazing and I can't wait for it!
*if I change my review after reading this book it will be because of personal enjoyment, writing style etc, not because I believe human beings should be hated on for their individuality*
September 29, 2025
i received a complimentary review copy from saga press books in exchange for my honest review. this doesn’t affect my thoughts about the book in any way. thanks to katrina kwan & netgalley! out 24/02/26. 🖤🥀
4.5 ⭐
🦊 demon fox x legendary demon hunter
⚔️ reimagining of chinese mythology
🩸enemies to lovers (slowburn!)
🗡️ found family
if you're a fan of asian mythological retellings, yue & sonam might just be for you. this new and exciting adult historical fiction fantasy boasts a beautiful retelling of chinese mythology. what happens when a demon fox and her hunter fall into hell? told in two different POVs, we see yue & sonam's slow descent into hell and its trials full of dark magic and angered, fallen gods. the storytelling is adventurous and fast-paced, so there was never a boring chapter with these characters. there was a perfect balance of comedic banter & romantic tension. i also liked how yue was written: angry. i think it's one of my favorite things in fantasy novels. EVER. i loved seeing her and sonam's aggression towards each other change into something, softer and more trusting. it was nice seeing yue not attempting to bite sonam's head off (kinda funny too lol).
overall, the book is fun. very much so. i just wish we got more romance? it just felt that way to me. the last few chapters were also kind of underwhelming especially during the battle parts. i hope we get an extended epilogue of some sorts. it wasn't satisfying enough for me.
4.5 ⭐
🦊 demon fox x legendary demon hunter
⚔️ reimagining of chinese mythology
🩸enemies to lovers (slowburn!)
🗡️ found family
if you're a fan of asian mythological retellings, yue & sonam might just be for you. this new and exciting adult historical fiction fantasy boasts a beautiful retelling of chinese mythology. what happens when a demon fox and her hunter fall into hell? told in two different POVs, we see yue & sonam's slow descent into hell and its trials full of dark magic and angered, fallen gods. the storytelling is adventurous and fast-paced, so there was never a boring chapter with these characters. there was a perfect balance of comedic banter & romantic tension. i also liked how yue was written: angry. i think it's one of my favorite things in fantasy novels. EVER. i loved seeing her and sonam's aggression towards each other change into something, softer and more trusting. it was nice seeing yue not attempting to bite sonam's head off (kinda funny too lol).
overall, the book is fun. very much so. i just wish we got more romance? it just felt that way to me. the last few chapters were also kind of underwhelming especially during the battle parts. i hope we get an extended epilogue of some sorts. it wasn't satisfying enough for me.
February 24, 2025
When a hateful knob goes low and gives an unreleased book 1 star, I go high and give that book 5 stars. Besides, this book looks fire. Thanks for getting it on my radar, 1-star reviewing knob.
January 20, 2026
I mean, who doesn’t feel smitten for a nine-tailed fox? This isn’t a heavy (or long) read - which is what I needed right now between my thicc reads.
Things that made it a TBR win:
- I will never feel exhausted from the enemies-to-lovers. Especially when she calls him “breakfast” or “dinner” and it feels threatening and also a terms of endearments. 🤭🥰
- Same for “found family” vibes.
- Yes, in general, to more mythology vibes like this.
Things I thought about:
- I know this says Adult, but I’d be okay if my YA reader picked this up. Overall, this felt more YA. 🤷🏽♀️
- There were parts that were more telling vs. showing. And I think it muted the world building. Action scenes could have been more developed. In the end, this felt more relationship focused.
3.75/5
TY Netgalley & Saga Press for this ARC
Things that made it a TBR win:
- I will never feel exhausted from the enemies-to-lovers. Especially when she calls him “breakfast” or “dinner” and it feels threatening and also a terms of endearments. 🤭🥰
- Same for “found family” vibes.
- Yes, in general, to more mythology vibes like this.
Things I thought about:
- I know this says Adult, but I’d be okay if my YA reader picked this up. Overall, this felt more YA. 🤷🏽♀️
- There were parts that were more telling vs. showing. And I think it muted the world building. Action scenes could have been more developed. In the end, this felt more relationship focused.
3.75/5
TY Netgalley & Saga Press for this ARC
February 24, 2025
Do I review books I haven't read yet? No. But just like many of the other 5 star reviews posted today, I am here to support Katrina Kwan in the face of the uncalled for hate. Books should be reviewed based on their content. Not on prejudice and backwards views.
February 24, 2025
I have never ever reviewed a book until I've read it, but following in Nathaniel's footsteps I WILL make an exception till Finn Voff's review gets removed.
February 24, 2025
I don’t usually rate books I haven’t read because I’m not a piece of shit who blithely contributes to fucking up the rating system, but I’m leaving this here until that pathetic one star review gets removed 😘
February 24, 2025
Ya'll aren't readyyyyy for [redacted] 🔥❤️
February 25, 2025
So, we’re making this one do numbers, right? Just out of spite for that review?
September 18, 2025
Thank you to Saga Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, for the free copy for review.
I went into this book with really high hopes, and it completely delivered. From the first page I was hooked by Yue, a slightly unhinged but hysterical nine-tailed fox who prowls the capital at night, luring in victims behind the mask of beauty. When she’s captured by the demon hunter Sonam and dragged with him into the depths of Hell, the story really takes off. The two of them, along with his subordinates, are forced to survive circle after circle of the underworld, each presided over by a god with their own twisted trial. The set up alone is brilliant, but what really impressed me was how seamlessly the book balanced humor, angst, romance, and mythology.
The world building was spectacular. Hell as a darker echo of the Jade Palace was such an intriguing detail, and each trial brought something new that kept me glued to the page. I loved the way Chinese mythology was woven throughout, not just the nine-tailed fox legend but also the Great Race, the tale of Houyi and Chang’e, and so much more. Those elements never felt forced but blended into the story naturally, and gave it so much richness. I especially appreciated how the backstories of the characters unfolded slowly, just enough to explain their choices and motivations without overwhelming the pace. Every member of the group was fun to follow, but Yue was my favorite: headstrong and stubborn, yet with soft spots that made her feel real and relatable.
And then there’s the relationship between Yue and Sonam. Their initial loathing practically burned off the page, which made their slow shift toward respect and eventually love all the more rewarding. The push and pull, the trust issues, the reluctant teamwork. Everything about their dynamic had me rooting for them. Watching Yue learn to let herself be vulnerable, to trust, and to love after being so alone was beautiful. Add in a fascinating exploration of prejudice, morality, and gray areas of good and evil, and this book became an absolute standout. I closed it with a huge smile because not only was the journey epic, it also gave me that Happily Ever After I was hoping for.
I went into this book with really high hopes, and it completely delivered. From the first page I was hooked by Yue, a slightly unhinged but hysterical nine-tailed fox who prowls the capital at night, luring in victims behind the mask of beauty. When she’s captured by the demon hunter Sonam and dragged with him into the depths of Hell, the story really takes off. The two of them, along with his subordinates, are forced to survive circle after circle of the underworld, each presided over by a god with their own twisted trial. The set up alone is brilliant, but what really impressed me was how seamlessly the book balanced humor, angst, romance, and mythology.
The world building was spectacular. Hell as a darker echo of the Jade Palace was such an intriguing detail, and each trial brought something new that kept me glued to the page. I loved the way Chinese mythology was woven throughout, not just the nine-tailed fox legend but also the Great Race, the tale of Houyi and Chang’e, and so much more. Those elements never felt forced but blended into the story naturally, and gave it so much richness. I especially appreciated how the backstories of the characters unfolded slowly, just enough to explain their choices and motivations without overwhelming the pace. Every member of the group was fun to follow, but Yue was my favorite: headstrong and stubborn, yet with soft spots that made her feel real and relatable.
And then there’s the relationship between Yue and Sonam. Their initial loathing practically burned off the page, which made their slow shift toward respect and eventually love all the more rewarding. The push and pull, the trust issues, the reluctant teamwork. Everything about their dynamic had me rooting for them. Watching Yue learn to let herself be vulnerable, to trust, and to love after being so alone was beautiful. Add in a fascinating exploration of prejudice, morality, and gray areas of good and evil, and this book became an absolute standout. I closed it with a huge smile because not only was the journey epic, it also gave me that Happily Ever After I was hoping for.
February 25, 2025
Have I read this book? No. It hasn’t even been published yet. Then why have I reviewed it you ask. Well, I will never let the haters and the hateful win. So here is my random review until I can read the book, make my comments and will still leave this as a 5* review whether I liked it or not, because I’m petty like that.
upcoming
September 20, 2024nine tailed fox retelling?? yes :D
Currently reading
February 7, 2026nine tailed fox + demon hunter trapped in the underworld together? say less 🦊✨⛩️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 star rounded up to 5.
I'm genuinely overjoyed to see an author improve so much from book to book. Back in 2024 I've read Katrina Kwan's previous fantasy release, The Last Dragon of the East, and my impressions weren't very positive. I gave it a 3. This one? This one was fun and fixed a lot of problems TLDotE suffered from.
First, TLDotE suffered from saggy middle facing random assorted dangers. This one gave it proper structure in form of passing a certain number of trials in order to escape Hell.
Second, TLDotE had the villain jump at the end out of nowhere with "haha gotchu" moment. Here Yue knows who she's chasing, just not the whole truth about the villain that is slowly revealed over time, but there's foreshadowing and breadcrumbs leading to the ultimate confrontation. There's no sudden "now you've fallen into my trap" monologue, there's a slow build up to that moment.
The magical masks also ramped up their significance over the course of the plot, so it wasn't just a gimnick but a Chekhov's gun.
Third, creating a party of 4 instead of having the couple alone on their own helps to create interesting interpersonal dynamics and fills the gaps where nothing interesting progresses between the 2 leads. Sooah was especially interesting being disabled (mute) as a result of a cruel punishment, but she wasn't defined by her disability.
Fourth, I think slow burn, no spice, enemies to lovers worked really well in this story. Spice and sexual tension is great when the author can confidently and skillfully write it, but stories based on mutual respect and emotional connection are equally valid. We get a few kisses and a sexy biting scene, but no actual sex, and I prefer that over shoehorned or poorly written ones.
There are quite a few Chinese legends mixed here, except the Nine-Tailed Fox, we also have The Legend of the Seven Suns (even though it's 10 stars here) and the story of Chang'e.
Overall, it was a fairly predictable, but cute and fun read. I only regretted
Recommended for fans of low spice, slow burn romantic fantasy and coming of confidence / finding your place in the world plotline. A book I've read recently with similar vibe: The Princess Knight
My first read of 2026, and a good start of the year.
ARC received from Netgalley & Saga Press.
I'm genuinely overjoyed to see an author improve so much from book to book. Back in 2024 I've read Katrina Kwan's previous fantasy release, The Last Dragon of the East, and my impressions weren't very positive. I gave it a 3. This one? This one was fun and fixed a lot of problems TLDotE suffered from.
First, TLDotE suffered from saggy middle facing random assorted dangers. This one gave it proper structure in form of passing a certain number of trials in order to escape Hell.
Second, TLDotE had the villain jump at the end out of nowhere with "haha gotchu" moment. Here Yue knows who she's chasing, just not the whole truth about the villain that is slowly revealed over time, but there's foreshadowing and breadcrumbs leading to the ultimate confrontation. There's no sudden "now you've fallen into my trap" monologue, there's a slow build up to that moment.
The magical masks also ramped up their significance over the course of the plot, so it wasn't just a gimnick but a Chekhov's gun.
Third, creating a party of 4 instead of having the couple alone on their own helps to create interesting interpersonal dynamics and fills the gaps where nothing interesting progresses between the 2 leads. Sooah was especially interesting being disabled (mute) as a result of a cruel punishment, but she wasn't defined by her disability.
Fourth, I think slow burn, no spice, enemies to lovers worked really well in this story. Spice and sexual tension is great when the author can confidently and skillfully write it, but stories based on mutual respect and emotional connection are equally valid. We get a few kisses and a sexy biting scene, but no actual sex, and I prefer that over shoehorned or poorly written ones.
There are quite a few Chinese legends mixed here, except the Nine-Tailed Fox, we also have The Legend of the Seven Suns (even though it's 10 stars here) and the story of Chang'e.
Overall, it was a fairly predictable, but cute and fun read. I only regretted
Recommended for fans of low spice, slow burn romantic fantasy and coming of confidence / finding your place in the world plotline. A book I've read recently with similar vibe: The Princess Knight
My first read of 2026, and a good start of the year.
ARC received from Netgalley & Saga Press.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to Saga Press and NetGalley for the arc!
This was SO good! Definitely making my favourites of the year list! Full rtc :)
This was SO good! Definitely making my favourites of the year list! Full rtc :)
September 13, 2025
Big fan of the “DEI book!” Rating and review to come :)
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Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the arc! I loved this much more than I thought I would! A fun romp full of heart and whimsy. Here are some other notes I had while reading:
-Yue and sooah, I love you
-I love these lore interludes
-Darker than I was expecting, even if we’re in hell
-“Yue, you need to wake up” why are my eyes burning
-Too much optimism, sure, but I’m American so every day I mind less and less.
-love the creativity with the magic, even though it took too long to get there
-the characters are the heart and soul of this novel. They’re wonderful
-the setting and plot is also well done. Fast paced and very engaging.
Overall, I’m in love. Whimsical, dark, and very ghibli-esque. Even with my issues, I can very well see myself coming back to this book and again. What a fun ride -4.5 masks
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.
.
Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for the arc! I loved this much more than I thought I would! A fun romp full of heart and whimsy. Here are some other notes I had while reading:
-Yue and sooah, I love you
-I love these lore interludes
-Darker than I was expecting, even if we’re in hell
-“Yue, you need to wake up” why are my eyes burning
-Too much optimism, sure, but I’m American so every day I mind less and less.
-love the creativity with the magic, even though it took too long to get there
-the characters are the heart and soul of this novel. They’re wonderful
-the setting and plot is also well done. Fast paced and very engaging.
Overall, I’m in love. Whimsical, dark, and very ghibli-esque. Even with my issues, I can very well see myself coming back to this book and again. What a fun ride -4.5 masks
February 24, 2025
Excited about this one!
November 12, 2025
"The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox" is an adult fantasy that blends Chinese mythology with a unique tale featuring a nine-tailed fox. When Yue is captured by a demon hunter, she drags him and his companions down to hell. Together they will have to make their way through 10 trials of the fallen sun gods to make their way back to the real world again, needing to trust in each other despite being sworn enemies.
I really liked this twist on the story of the moon goddess(Hou Yi and Chang'e). Throughout the story we switch perspectives between Yue, the nine-tailed fox, and Soman, the demon hunter. A third perspective slowly rolls out the Chinese moon goddess mythology and brilliantly blends it in with Yue and Soman's tale. As they work together, they realize that the other is not as bad as they seem. This was a cute fantasy standalone that was very engaging-once I got half way through, I read the 2nd half in one sitting! I loved the side characters - one was disabled(mute) but everyone worked together to create a language(sign) so that she was always included and and integral part of the team.
The only thing I had a little trouble with were some inconsistencies and confusing bits, especially in the beginning of the story.
-I didn't understand how the blood pact healed them
-It is said multiple times that demons can't lie, but Yue will say that and immediately tell a lie
-There was a part where Soman laid all his weapons out, and then while they were resting a city monster attacked them and he didn't have time to collect the weapons, but he ended up still having them with him
-I was confused for a bit: each chapter has a hunting log at the beginning, it took me a while to realize that even when the hunting log was on Yue's point of view, it was always Soman writing it. It's just confusing because Yue is a hunter too, she hunts for people to feed on
For this reason I am rating it 4/5 stars, but it was really excellent otherwise! This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and each one has been great :) I'd recommend this for adult readers who are interested in mythology and folktale-esque stories.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Also - the cover is STUNNING!!!
I really liked this twist on the story of the moon goddess(Hou Yi and Chang'e). Throughout the story we switch perspectives between Yue, the nine-tailed fox, and Soman, the demon hunter. A third perspective slowly rolls out the Chinese moon goddess mythology and brilliantly blends it in with Yue and Soman's tale. As they work together, they realize that the other is not as bad as they seem. This was a cute fantasy standalone that was very engaging-once I got half way through, I read the 2nd half in one sitting! I loved the side characters - one was disabled(mute) but everyone worked together to create a language(sign) so that she was always included and and integral part of the team.
The only thing I had a little trouble with were some inconsistencies and confusing bits, especially in the beginning of the story.
-I didn't understand how the blood pact healed them
-It is said multiple times that demons can't lie, but Yue will say that and immediately tell a lie
-There was a part where Soman laid all his weapons out, and then while they were resting a city monster attacked them and he didn't have time to collect the weapons, but he ended up still having them with him
-I was confused for a bit: each chapter has a hunting log at the beginning, it took me a while to realize that even when the hunting log was on Yue's point of view, it was always Soman writing it. It's just confusing because Yue is a hunter too, she hunts for people to feed on
For this reason I am rating it 4/5 stars, but it was really excellent otherwise! This is the 2nd book I've read by this author and each one has been great :) I'd recommend this for adult readers who are interested in mythology and folktale-esque stories.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Also - the cover is STUNNING!!!
September 7, 2025
I was so stoked for this book and it lived up to that expectation. Slightly unhinged but hysterical fmc check, Chinese mythology check, stern serious reliable and super hot mmc check, slow burn with all the angst check, trials check, this book just kept hitting box after box. I loved the back story that was woven in and provided enough of the history to understand the characters and their motivation but never gave away too much at once. Highly recommend and thanks for the author, the publisher and netgalley for the advanced copy!
January 30, 2026
Review to come! 🦊
(FINAL REVIEW:)
This was a fun and fast-paced paranormal romance that deals with a demon and demon hunter in an Ancient-China-like setting. The banter was funny, the romance cute, and in general, everything I could want in a fox demon romance. I will preface this review by stating that I’m a part of the book’s street team and that this review is in no way influenced by my part in this promotional team. Now, on to the review! 😊
The story is split into the POVs of the couple. Yue is a nine-tailed fox who has done everything to survive a world that sees her as nothing more than a pest. She’s witty and loves grinding her love interests gears to no end. Sonam is the demon hunter who is forced to team up with his prey in order to survive his accidental trip into Hell. He’s a serious man who wishes to keep those he loves safe while also desperately trying to please a very distant father. When the two are together, it’s a roller coaster of snarky quips at each other until at one point between non-ending battles and running they find common ground. ❤️
The side characters are a motley crew of loyal soldiers, and the plot itself is rather nicely paced, though I did wish we had a little longer in the beginning to get a better sense of the characters, but it adds to the element that the characters are learning more about each other at the same time as the reader which I found rather cute. The villain is also devious, but I feel like he could’ve had a little more nuance to his character in general. But despite these little things, I still had a great time reading! 👹
Big thank you goes out to the author, Kwan, for accepting my application to be on the street team in exchange for an honest review! It was so fun being in Hell with these characters and I’m assuming there were some cameos of characters from your previous book set in the same world. 😉🐉
Publication date: February 20, so go preorder this and also take a look at the Colored Pages Book Tours tour of this book!!
Overall: 4.25/5 ⭐️
(FINAL REVIEW:)
This was a fun and fast-paced paranormal romance that deals with a demon and demon hunter in an Ancient-China-like setting. The banter was funny, the romance cute, and in general, everything I could want in a fox demon romance. I will preface this review by stating that I’m a part of the book’s street team and that this review is in no way influenced by my part in this promotional team. Now, on to the review! 😊
The story is split into the POVs of the couple. Yue is a nine-tailed fox who has done everything to survive a world that sees her as nothing more than a pest. She’s witty and loves grinding her love interests gears to no end. Sonam is the demon hunter who is forced to team up with his prey in order to survive his accidental trip into Hell. He’s a serious man who wishes to keep those he loves safe while also desperately trying to please a very distant father. When the two are together, it’s a roller coaster of snarky quips at each other until at one point between non-ending battles and running they find common ground. ❤️
The side characters are a motley crew of loyal soldiers, and the plot itself is rather nicely paced, though I did wish we had a little longer in the beginning to get a better sense of the characters, but it adds to the element that the characters are learning more about each other at the same time as the reader which I found rather cute. The villain is also devious, but I feel like he could’ve had a little more nuance to his character in general. But despite these little things, I still had a great time reading! 👹
Big thank you goes out to the author, Kwan, for accepting my application to be on the street team in exchange for an honest review! It was so fun being in Hell with these characters and I’m assuming there were some cameos of characters from your previous book set in the same world. 😉🐉
Publication date: February 20, so go preorder this and also take a look at the Colored Pages Book Tours tour of this book!!
Overall: 4.25/5 ⭐️
August 20, 2025
im part of the street team so i was privileged to read this soooo early, i loved it so much !! i flew through it
rtc closer to the release date
rtc closer to the release date
February 6, 2026
3.25⭐️ this was cute, though I’m a little confused at the…physical nature of a human x giant demon fox relationship
Tropes/themes:
✨Demon Fox FMC seeking revenge
✨Hunter/scorned Prince MMC
✨games and trials in Hell
✨found family
✨evil fallen star gods
This was a very simple, predictable story - the synopsis tells you about all you need to know with the plot of the demon and her hunters falling into Hell and having to claw their way out through games and trials set by the star gods that rule its depths.
There’s a bit of like folklore-feeling background story that ties into the plot but the overall worldbuilding felt a bit shallow. I would’ve liked a bit more from our scene-setting and prefer my storytelling to not be so clearly laid out - it felt like i kept reading a repeated “we have to do this because of x” *does the thing* and then the next conflict appeared to do it again. At no point, was I surprised by a plot twist.
The romance was more of a subplot than I expected and I felt like it was very “tell instead of show” in the development area, and the attempt to tie in their histories fell a bit flat for me. Also agreed with other reviewers that this felt more YA than adult, and the closed door nature of any spice implications helped with that.
I think Yue was super cute but honestly this just wasn’t a super gripping story to me and I felt a bit bored. I’d suggest this for people that need a lighthearted palette cleanser and want to read one of those books that feel a little bit like a grown up bedtime story.
Thank you to Saga Press Books for a gifted physical ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
Tropes/themes:
✨Demon Fox FMC seeking revenge
✨Hunter/scorned Prince MMC
✨games and trials in Hell
✨found family
✨evil fallen star gods
This was a very simple, predictable story - the synopsis tells you about all you need to know with the plot of the demon and her hunters falling into Hell and having to claw their way out through games and trials set by the star gods that rule its depths.
There’s a bit of like folklore-feeling background story that ties into the plot but the overall worldbuilding felt a bit shallow. I would’ve liked a bit more from our scene-setting and prefer my storytelling to not be so clearly laid out - it felt like i kept reading a repeated “we have to do this because of x” *does the thing* and then the next conflict appeared to do it again. At no point, was I surprised by a plot twist.
The romance was more of a subplot than I expected and I felt like it was very “tell instead of show” in the development area, and the attempt to tie in their histories fell a bit flat for me. Also agreed with other reviewers that this felt more YA than adult, and the closed door nature of any spice implications helped with that.
I think Yue was super cute but honestly this just wasn’t a super gripping story to me and I felt a bit bored. I’d suggest this for people that need a lighthearted palette cleanser and want to read one of those books that feel a little bit like a grown up bedtime story.
Thank you to Saga Press Books for a gifted physical ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
December 13, 2025
As far as enemies to lovers goes, this one wasn’t painful - especially when we got to see glimpses of Yue’s past through her legend (which is cleverly interwoven in little chapters breaking up the action of the main plot). I liked the discussion of monstrousness, like how Yue is a monster because she must eat humans to survive, but that many humans choose to be monstrous.
I also really liked the way the different fallen star gods embodied their halls in Hell, most notably the Hall of Hunger and the quip about women being erased from their own stories.
I wasn’t as much a fan of how unevenly the POV chapters are distributed, with Yue covering the vast majority of the first half and Sonam taking the majority of the second half. Though, looking back on it, I do think that was probably the best way to keep things moving, and I definitely appreciated how short the chapters and the book as a whole was.
{Thank you Saga Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
I also really liked the way the different fallen star gods embodied their halls in Hell, most notably the Hall of Hunger and the quip about women being erased from their own stories.
I wasn’t as much a fan of how unevenly the POV chapters are distributed, with Yue covering the vast majority of the first half and Sonam taking the majority of the second half. Though, looking back on it, I do think that was probably the best way to keep things moving, and I definitely appreciated how short the chapters and the book as a whole was.
{Thank you Saga Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
November 26, 2025
This book took me by surprise in the best way. Knowing very little about the mythology of the nine tailed fox, I was concerned about being confused, but I was very intrigued by it. The author does a great job introducing the demon. I loved the writing and the romance in this.
This book is definitely for the romantasy people. The demon/demon hunter dynamic is great and the dual POV I think is very well done. The banter is pretty great for a mythology book. It refreshing for once for the FMC to be the morally gray one and a slave to the mask they bear. This was actually a little darker than I was expecting but nothing too gruesome.
I love the idea of the trials but I wish there was just a bit before that and some more world building but it is easy to read and very enjoyable and would very much recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
This book is definitely for the romantasy people. The demon/demon hunter dynamic is great and the dual POV I think is very well done. The banter is pretty great for a mythology book. It refreshing for once for the FMC to be the morally gray one and a slave to the mask they bear. This was actually a little darker than I was expecting but nothing too gruesome.
I love the idea of the trials but I wish there was just a bit before that and some more world building but it is easy to read and very enjoyable and would very much recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher for an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2025
Katrina.... I'm telling you now keep writing fantasy's like this and you can have my first born child.
I loved this so much, I ate it up in almost 24 hours and didn't leave my Kobo's side till this was done because every bit of this was amazing.
The world building? Amazing, I found it interesting that Hell was a darker form of The Jade Palace. I loved watching the group overcome the trials that were handed to them and found each character fun and enjoyable. My favorite was of course Yue. She's headstrong and a little stubborn at times but does have soft spots and I loved that. It really showed that you can have a headstrong character but still make your character soft. Watching her and Sonam fall in love was beautiful.
Now what I really really loved about this was the addition of the story of Chang'e and Hou Yi and how it mixed into what was happening. I found it unique for this story, since I wasn't exactly expecting it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Katrina Kwan & Saga Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this so much, I ate it up in almost 24 hours and didn't leave my Kobo's side till this was done because every bit of this was amazing.
The world building? Amazing, I found it interesting that Hell was a darker form of The Jade Palace. I loved watching the group overcome the trials that were handed to them and found each character fun and enjoyable. My favorite was of course Yue. She's headstrong and a little stubborn at times but does have soft spots and I loved that. It really showed that you can have a headstrong character but still make your character soft. Watching her and Sonam fall in love was beautiful.
Now what I really really loved about this was the addition of the story of Chang'e and Hou Yi and how it mixed into what was happening. I found it unique for this story, since I wasn't exactly expecting it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Katrina Kwan & Saga Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
April 24, 2025⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢⌢
﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉୨★୧﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉
𝟶𝟷 / 𝟹𝟶 / 𝟸𝟻
┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ୨★୧ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈
⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣
Just started reading The Last Dragon of the East and already anticipating this release! I will read just about anything that has The Thread of Fate / Red String of Fate trope but now the author is exploring a story of a Gumiho? I’m thrilled!
﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉୨★୧﹉﹉﹉﹉﹉
𝟶𝟷 / 𝟹𝟶 / 𝟸𝟻
┈ ┈ ┈ ┈ ୨★୧ ┈ ┈ ┈ ┈
⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣⌣
Just started reading The Last Dragon of the East and already anticipating this release! I will read just about anything that has The Thread of Fate / Red String of Fate trope but now the author is exploring a story of a Gumiho? I’m thrilled!
Want to read
December 14, 202416 Oct 2024
I will read anything silly with ancient Chinese mythology
I will read anything silly with ancient Chinese mythology
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Saga Press for providing me with a copy. All opinions are my own.
The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox is a fast-paced and emotionally rich tale about love, revenge, redemption, and acceptance. It teaches that we are more than our scars and mistakes, and that we are worthy of love–ugly parts and all.
This is truly an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Not grumpy dislike, not lightly argumentative to insta-lust. Both of the main characters hate and actively try to kill one another repeatedly. That being said, this is such a small part of what made this book great.
This story contained so many themes and layers that enriched the experience. Reminiscent of both Orpheus & Eurydice and Dante, the journey through hell forces all the characters to confront their own unresolved trauma and acknowledge the humanity of their fellows (even when they aren’t technically human). Furthermore, the idea of the red thread of fate isn’t explicitly mentioned as a concept in the story, but its presence is very clear to the reader in how the lives of the characters touch one another in unexpected ways.
Fast-paced, evocative, and stunning, this book is perfect for fans of books like The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and media like Princess Mononoke, who enjoy their fantasy adventure with deep emotional payoff. For all you cycle-breakers out there, do not miss this one.
The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox is a fast-paced and emotionally rich tale about love, revenge, redemption, and acceptance. It teaches that we are more than our scars and mistakes, and that we are worthy of love–ugly parts and all.
This is truly an enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Not grumpy dislike, not lightly argumentative to insta-lust. Both of the main characters hate and actively try to kill one another repeatedly. That being said, this is such a small part of what made this book great.
This story contained so many themes and layers that enriched the experience. Reminiscent of both Orpheus & Eurydice and Dante, the journey through hell forces all the characters to confront their own unresolved trauma and acknowledge the humanity of their fellows (even when they aren’t technically human). Furthermore, the idea of the red thread of fate isn’t explicitly mentioned as a concept in the story, but its presence is very clear to the reader in how the lives of the characters touch one another in unexpected ways.
Fast-paced, evocative, and stunning, this book is perfect for fans of books like The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and media like Princess Mononoke, who enjoy their fantasy adventure with deep emotional payoff. For all you cycle-breakers out there, do not miss this one.
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