What do you think?
Between Ghosts and Gods
Not yet published
Expected 26 Sep 26From a rising star in the realm of YA dark fantasy comes an evocative and fast-paced feat of world-building—infused with Chinese mythology, macabre humor, and an enemies-to-lovers romance.
Having sold her soul to a demon lord, Kasu works the exchange desk at Camellia House, a high-stakes gambling den in the under-realm. Here, in Ghost City, Kasu keeps her head down, following the strict moral code of the Heavenly Principles in hopes of one day achieving reincarnation. Night after night, she dispenses gambling tiles to customers who surrender their treasures—jewelry, limbs, dreams—which Kasu stores in a ghoulish cabinet for her mistress. Into this regime drops Arun, a brash mortal prince in search of his mother. Desperate to honor her code and spare the foolish young man—as innocent as he is arrogant—a fate worse than death, Kasu enlists her companion “curse” Ruo, a wise-cracking cat with an appetite for eyeballs, and mounts a rescue. As danger and deceit engulf her, Kasu must reexamine her beliefs about the gods she worships . . . and the mortal she was. At once wry and poignant, teeming with masked demons, hungry ghosts, and high atmosphere, this dazzling dark-fantasy adventure draws from the deep well of Chinese mythology while crafting a richly appointed world like no other.
Having sold her soul to a demon lord, Kasu works the exchange desk at Camellia House, a high-stakes gambling den in the under-realm. Here, in Ghost City, Kasu keeps her head down, following the strict moral code of the Heavenly Principles in hopes of one day achieving reincarnation. Night after night, she dispenses gambling tiles to customers who surrender their treasures—jewelry, limbs, dreams—which Kasu stores in a ghoulish cabinet for her mistress. Into this regime drops Arun, a brash mortal prince in search of his mother. Desperate to honor her code and spare the foolish young man—as innocent as he is arrogant—a fate worse than death, Kasu enlists her companion “curse” Ruo, a wise-cracking cat with an appetite for eyeballs, and mounts a rescue. As danger and deceit engulf her, Kasu must reexamine her beliefs about the gods she worships . . . and the mortal she was. At once wry and poignant, teeming with masked demons, hungry ghosts, and high atmosphere, this dazzling dark-fantasy adventure draws from the deep well of Chinese mythology while crafting a richly appointed world like no other.
344 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 26, 2026
About the author
Ann Sei Lin
6 books187 followersAnn Sei Lin is a writer and librarian with a love for all things fantasy. She writes YA fantasy that seeks to bring readers on magical and whimsical adventures through other worlds. When not writing, she can be found reading, gaming, or trying to make origami rabbits.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Did Not Finish
September 15, 2026DNF @ 10%
i think this is a little too YA for me, and i’m gonna stop myself now while i can. i don’t think this is a bad book and i think a lot of people will like it more than me, but i just expected something a bit more mature.
i think this is a little too YA for me, and i’m gonna stop myself now while i can. i don’t think this is a bad book and i think a lot of people will like it more than me, but i just expected something a bit more mature.
July 28, 2026
3.5 ⭐️s
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I loved the storytelling because it felt brand new and the plot though dark with heavy fantasy elements, somehow maintained a cozy outlook. The concept and plot was refreshing and very much new.
However, the characters kind of felt stagnant throughout with no sign of development and it seemed to rush at the end.
The purpose and the plot remained solid. I will recommend for lovers of fantasy especially the ones with morally grey characters, ghosts, curses and a nice plot.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I loved the storytelling because it felt brand new and the plot though dark with heavy fantasy elements, somehow maintained a cozy outlook. The concept and plot was refreshing and very much new.
However, the characters kind of felt stagnant throughout with no sign of development and it seemed to rush at the end.
The purpose and the plot remained solid. I will recommend for lovers of fantasy especially the ones with morally grey characters, ghosts, curses and a nice plot.
September 20, 2026
I loved the concept of this, but there were some parts that were written so badly that it took me out of it. It ended a lot better than it started and I do hope there is a second book, but it was honestly repetitive and would not so much call this a romance. They hold hands and hug... are they middle schoolers?
I place this in the same category as Kate Chenli's 'A Bright Heart' because what a great concept, and what an intriguing way to write it... See you guys for book 2 though. 🙂↕️
I place this in the same category as Kate Chenli's 'A Bright Heart' because what a great concept, and what an intriguing way to write it... See you guys for book 2 though. 🙂↕️
August 31, 2026
When Ann Sei Lin said *Between Ghosts and Gods* might be her best one yet, I was like gurllll the Rebel Fire series was SO good and literally ruined me. How are you going to top that???
She indeed topped that and now I genuinely don’t know what to do with my life.
This book was so lush yet so nightmarish at the same time. The under realm is such a strange place. You could be looking at what you think are flowers, then look closer and realise the centre of the flower is something else entirely. Or you’re walking around and someone passes you carrying what you think is a bag, only to realise it’s someone’s head. 😭 The world is beautiful and grotesque in equal measure and I was so into it.
I really adored the contrast between Kasu and Arun. Kasu is the ultimate good girl who follows the rules, keeps her head down and does everything according to the Heavenly Principles because she genuinely believes in them. Every time she quotes the Heavenly Principles, there’s something so sad about it because you can see how much faith she has placed in them.
And then she slowly starts realising that the people who make the rules don’t necessarily follow them.
Her dream of reincarnation absolutely broke me too. She doesn’t want anything extravagant. She just dreams of a small house on the edge of an apple orchard. There’s so much hope and yearning in that little dream, especially knowing how desperately she wants to believe that she can earn her way towards it.
Then Arun comes along and completely disrupts her life 😂 He’s brash, arrogant, impulsive and very good at testing Kasu’s patience. But he’s also searching for his mother, and what starts off as Kasu trying to save this foolish mortal prince turns into this whole journey through the under realm together. I really loved watching their friendship develop along the way.
And Ruo!!! The cat!!! 😏
I loved that he actually behaves like a cat. Rubbing himself against Kasu, threatening to push things off tables and generally doing whatever he wants. But he’s also incredibly loyal and I will always defend cats from the accusation that they aren’t loyal. Ruo is loyal. He just has his own terms and conditions.
What I really loved about this story is that everyone has a motive. Nobody is completely innocent and even the gods aren’t necessarily much better than the demon lords.
There’s also something so interesting about the idea of reincarnation being something that has to be earned. Who gets to decide who deserves another life? Does everyone deserve an equal chance at reincarnation? And just how far are people willing to go to get what they want?
Anyway, Ann Sei Lin really said you thought *Rebel Fire* was good? Here, have THIS.
And unfortunately for me, she was right. I am unwell. 🥲
She indeed topped that and now I genuinely don’t know what to do with my life.
This book was so lush yet so nightmarish at the same time. The under realm is such a strange place. You could be looking at what you think are flowers, then look closer and realise the centre of the flower is something else entirely. Or you’re walking around and someone passes you carrying what you think is a bag, only to realise it’s someone’s head. 😭 The world is beautiful and grotesque in equal measure and I was so into it.
I really adored the contrast between Kasu and Arun. Kasu is the ultimate good girl who follows the rules, keeps her head down and does everything according to the Heavenly Principles because she genuinely believes in them. Every time she quotes the Heavenly Principles, there’s something so sad about it because you can see how much faith she has placed in them.
And then she slowly starts realising that the people who make the rules don’t necessarily follow them.
Her dream of reincarnation absolutely broke me too. She doesn’t want anything extravagant. She just dreams of a small house on the edge of an apple orchard. There’s so much hope and yearning in that little dream, especially knowing how desperately she wants to believe that she can earn her way towards it.
Then Arun comes along and completely disrupts her life 😂 He’s brash, arrogant, impulsive and very good at testing Kasu’s patience. But he’s also searching for his mother, and what starts off as Kasu trying to save this foolish mortal prince turns into this whole journey through the under realm together. I really loved watching their friendship develop along the way.
And Ruo!!! The cat!!! 😏
I loved that he actually behaves like a cat. Rubbing himself against Kasu, threatening to push things off tables and generally doing whatever he wants. But he’s also incredibly loyal and I will always defend cats from the accusation that they aren’t loyal. Ruo is loyal. He just has his own terms and conditions.
What I really loved about this story is that everyone has a motive. Nobody is completely innocent and even the gods aren’t necessarily much better than the demon lords.
There’s also something so interesting about the idea of reincarnation being something that has to be earned. Who gets to decide who deserves another life? Does everyone deserve an equal chance at reincarnation? And just how far are people willing to go to get what they want?
Anyway, Ann Sei Lin really said you thought *Rebel Fire* was good? Here, have THIS.
And unfortunately for me, she was right. I am unwell. 🥲
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC from the publisher in preparation for a UKYASpotlight interview. It has not affected my opinions.
BETWEEN GHOSTS AND GODS is a fun tale inspired by Chinese mythology that asks what constitutes a moral life?
This book is inspired by Chinese mythology but it is not a retelling of it. There are elements that are more recognisable than others - the celestial empress, the hungry ghosts - but it all feels like it fits together into a believable world. It's also a different body of mythology being drawn on than in her debut trilogy, REBEL SKIES, which really helps distinguish it. This is also helped by it being an older and darker tale.
It is not a clear-cut teen tale, unlike her debut. It's still definitely aimed at actual teenagers, unlike a lot of upper YA, but it's not quite aimed at newly teen-ed readers. It's suitable for them, but the characters are older, the demons and their bargains make it feel daker (bribes with human limbs, anyone?), not to mention the central relationship has romantic elements to it (though this is not the focus by any measure). It's perfect for the readers who started as young teens reading her debut and are now a few years older than when they first picked up her world.
The characterisation is very interesting - and well done. Kasu holds firmly to her heavenly principles and acts by them, even when it seems counterintuitive (or you really suspect she's been sold a lie.) I certainly did not think she was doing the "right" thing a lot of the time, but the book had sufficiently explained her world view to you that you understood what she was doing - even if her goals felt unrealistic. By contrast, Arun's goals were very easy to understand (find his missing mother) - though he was pretty narrow minded at times! They made for interesting characters and I could understand, if not always sympathise, and thus was invested in following their story.
Kasu's pursuit of the principles allows the book to explore the concept of a moral life, and whether it's ultimately worth following the morals when the people in charge who claim one only benefits from following said morality break it. It's a question of the virtues of personal belief despite it being used as an "opiate of the masses" and how you square the two. It's a nuanced discussion and one that doesn't come to a conclusion - because there's no easy one to give.
As far as I can tell from an internet scour, this is a standalone. It does end feeling like a standalone, with the promise that there is more in the world but these characters having finished their journey. Perhaps there will be another novel after this - I will not complain - but it's also very satisfying on its own.
BETWEEN GHOSTS AND GODS is a fun tale inspired by Chinese mythology that asks what constitutes a moral life?
This book is inspired by Chinese mythology but it is not a retelling of it. There are elements that are more recognisable than others - the celestial empress, the hungry ghosts - but it all feels like it fits together into a believable world. It's also a different body of mythology being drawn on than in her debut trilogy, REBEL SKIES, which really helps distinguish it. This is also helped by it being an older and darker tale.
It is not a clear-cut teen tale, unlike her debut. It's still definitely aimed at actual teenagers, unlike a lot of upper YA, but it's not quite aimed at newly teen-ed readers. It's suitable for them, but the characters are older, the demons and their bargains make it feel daker (bribes with human limbs, anyone?), not to mention the central relationship has romantic elements to it (though this is not the focus by any measure). It's perfect for the readers who started as young teens reading her debut and are now a few years older than when they first picked up her world.
The characterisation is very interesting - and well done. Kasu holds firmly to her heavenly principles and acts by them, even when it seems counterintuitive (or you really suspect she's been sold a lie.) I certainly did not think she was doing the "right" thing a lot of the time, but the book had sufficiently explained her world view to you that you understood what she was doing - even if her goals felt unrealistic. By contrast, Arun's goals were very easy to understand (find his missing mother) - though he was pretty narrow minded at times! They made for interesting characters and I could understand, if not always sympathise, and thus was invested in following their story.
Kasu's pursuit of the principles allows the book to explore the concept of a moral life, and whether it's ultimately worth following the morals when the people in charge who claim one only benefits from following said morality break it. It's a question of the virtues of personal belief despite it being used as an "opiate of the masses" and how you square the two. It's a nuanced discussion and one that doesn't come to a conclusion - because there's no easy one to give.
As far as I can tell from an internet scour, this is a standalone. It does end feeling like a standalone, with the promise that there is more in the world but these characters having finished their journey. Perhaps there will be another novel after this - I will not complain - but it's also very satisfying on its own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The story takes me into a fascinating world of ghosts, gods, demons and the afterlife, with Chinese mythology woven beautifully into the story. I was surprised to see the word rambutan is also in this book (because this is my favorite local fruit).
Kasu, a ghost who works at Camellia House, a gambling den in the underworld. When she was alive, she made a deal with a demon and sold her soul. Now, she follows the Heavenly Principles, hoping that one day she’ll get the chance to be reincarnated. Things change when Arun, a mortal prince, arrives in Ghost City looking for his missing mother.
Kasu agrees to help him, and what starts as a simple search soon turns into something much more dangerous. Along the way, they encounter ghosts, demons, secrets and lies that make Kasu question everything she thought she knew about the gods and even her own past. As Kasu and Arun grow closer, she is also forced to think about what she is willing to give up for a second chance at life.
Though I may not familiar with the Chinese mythical world, I guess Kasu was probably my favourite part of the story. I enjoyed watching her slowly uncover the truth about her past and question the things she had always believed in. For example, she slowly realizes that maybe the gods she trusted weren’t as righteous as she thought they were.
And here comes the part of the book that stood out to me the most, the idea of having a second chance. It really made me think about how far I would go if I were given another chance at life. Would I be willing to give up something important just to get what I wanted? And at what point does the price become too much?
Overall, I enjoyed this book for its unique world, interesting mythology and the questions it left me thinking about. It wasn't a perfect read for me, but Kasu's journey and the idea of second chances definitely stayed with me.
Kasu, a ghost who works at Camellia House, a gambling den in the underworld. When she was alive, she made a deal with a demon and sold her soul. Now, she follows the Heavenly Principles, hoping that one day she’ll get the chance to be reincarnated. Things change when Arun, a mortal prince, arrives in Ghost City looking for his missing mother.
Kasu agrees to help him, and what starts as a simple search soon turns into something much more dangerous. Along the way, they encounter ghosts, demons, secrets and lies that make Kasu question everything she thought she knew about the gods and even her own past. As Kasu and Arun grow closer, she is also forced to think about what she is willing to give up for a second chance at life.
Though I may not familiar with the Chinese mythical world, I guess Kasu was probably my favourite part of the story. I enjoyed watching her slowly uncover the truth about her past and question the things she had always believed in. For example, she slowly realizes that maybe the gods she trusted weren’t as righteous as she thought they were.
And here comes the part of the book that stood out to me the most, the idea of having a second chance. It really made me think about how far I would go if I were given another chance at life. Would I be willing to give up something important just to get what I wanted? And at what point does the price become too much?
Overall, I enjoyed this book for its unique world, interesting mythology and the questions it left me thinking about. It wasn't a perfect read for me, but Kasu's journey and the idea of second chances definitely stayed with me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🚨 SPOILER ALERT: READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!
I am giving Between Ghosts and Gods by Ann Sei Lin a captivating 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Get ready to plunge into a rich world of mythology, spirit realms, and high-stakes magic, because this stunning fantasy brings all the atmospheric intrigue, deep lore, and tension right to your Kindle screen!
ARC Disclosure: A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author Ann Sei Lin for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
Between Ghosts and Gods by Ann Sei Lin is an utterly spellbinding fantasy read that immerses you in a beautifully detailed world suspended between mortal lives, lingering spirits, and powerful deities! Ann Sei Lin excels at world-building, weaving mythological elements and intricate magic systems into a story that feels both grand and deeply personal.
The narrative follows a compelling journey exploring what one would pay for a second chance at life. The tension between the realm of ghosts and the power of gods creates a breathtaking backdrop for character growth, fraught alliances, and subtle emotional bonds. Watching the leads navigate dangerous realm dynamics while facing their own pasts keeps you completely invested from the opening chapter to the dramatic payoff!
The Good
The world-building and atmospheric prose are breathtaking! The balance between mythic scope and intimate character moments gives the story a rich, immersive quality that fantasy fans will adore.
The Not So Good
Because the lore and world rules are so intricate, the opening chapters require a bit of focus to fully grasp the magic system, but once everything clicks, the story moves at a thrilling pace.
I am giving Between Ghosts and Gods by Ann Sei Lin a captivating 4-star review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Get ready to plunge into a rich world of mythology, spirit realms, and high-stakes magic, because this stunning fantasy brings all the atmospheric intrigue, deep lore, and tension right to your Kindle screen!
ARC Disclosure: A huge thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author Ann Sei Lin for providing an early digital review copy (eARC) of this book! All thoughts, fanatical reactions, and honest reflections shared in this review are entirely my own.
The Review
Between Ghosts and Gods by Ann Sei Lin is an utterly spellbinding fantasy read that immerses you in a beautifully detailed world suspended between mortal lives, lingering spirits, and powerful deities! Ann Sei Lin excels at world-building, weaving mythological elements and intricate magic systems into a story that feels both grand and deeply personal.
The narrative follows a compelling journey exploring what one would pay for a second chance at life. The tension between the realm of ghosts and the power of gods creates a breathtaking backdrop for character growth, fraught alliances, and subtle emotional bonds. Watching the leads navigate dangerous realm dynamics while facing their own pasts keeps you completely invested from the opening chapter to the dramatic payoff!
The Good
The world-building and atmospheric prose are breathtaking! The balance between mythic scope and intimate character moments gives the story a rich, immersive quality that fantasy fans will adore.
The Not So Good
Because the lore and world rules are so intricate, the opening chapters require a bit of focus to fully grasp the magic system, but once everything clicks, the story moves at a thrilling pace.
Review of advance copy
Kasu is a ghost bound to a demon lord in the under-realm. Working at a gambling den, she dreams of paying off her dues so she can reincarnate into a new life. Then she meets Arun, a prince from the mortal realm searching for his mother who is rumoured to have been banished from the heavens after her ascension. Together, they brave the under-realm’s devious demons and hungry ghosts, uncovering secrets that might also hold the key to Kasu’s freedom.
This story, inspired by Chinese mythology, reimagines the underworld in vivid details, and what a world Ann Sei Lin has built! The hellscape is treacherous and full of unpredictable ghosts and demons. I thoroughly enjoyed Kasu and Arun’s wild ride. It’s not horror all the way, though. I LOL-ed at a few hilarious scenes like one with the Sage of a Thousand Faces (which gave me major anime vibes) and a ridiculous play staged by the ghosts mocking the gods 🤭
I also absolutely love Kasu, whom I rooted for from the get-go. She tries to live by the Heavenly Principles - guidelines issued by the gods to live a virtuous life - hoping that by following them, she’ll earn reincarnation. But as the journey tests her and memories of her past resurfaces, she finds the courage to rise above what she once blindly followed. And there’s also Ruo, the unpredictable two-tailed cat born from a curse of hatred, a wild card that tags along and kept the journey really entertaining 😏
This is a standalone young adult novel but I kind of wish there was a sequel as I really enjoyed it so much. Thank you, Pansing, for sending me the uncorrected proof for review.
This story, inspired by Chinese mythology, reimagines the underworld in vivid details, and what a world Ann Sei Lin has built! The hellscape is treacherous and full of unpredictable ghosts and demons. I thoroughly enjoyed Kasu and Arun’s wild ride. It’s not horror all the way, though. I LOL-ed at a few hilarious scenes like one with the Sage of a Thousand Faces (which gave me major anime vibes) and a ridiculous play staged by the ghosts mocking the gods 🤭
I also absolutely love Kasu, whom I rooted for from the get-go. She tries to live by the Heavenly Principles - guidelines issued by the gods to live a virtuous life - hoping that by following them, she’ll earn reincarnation. But as the journey tests her and memories of her past resurfaces, she finds the courage to rise above what she once blindly followed. And there’s also Ruo, the unpredictable two-tailed cat born from a curse of hatred, a wild card that tags along and kept the journey really entertaining 😏
This is a standalone young adult novel but I kind of wish there was a sequel as I really enjoyed it so much. Thank you, Pansing, for sending me the uncorrected proof for review.
August 27, 2026
Between Ghosts and Gods follows Kasu, a young woman who makes a bargain with a demon lord to reincarnate, and she is determined to earn her way back to the mortal world. But everything changes when Arun, a mortal prince searching for his missing mother enters the underworld. Together, they’re caught up in a dangerous journey involving ghosts, gods, demons and secrets that challenge everything Kasu thought she knew about the afterlife.
I really wanted to love this book because the premise was SO intriguing. A ghost city filled with gods, demons and spirits, a girl desperate for a second chance at life, a prince searching for his mother, and a mysterious journey through the underworld? I was immediately sold. And of course the world-building was probably my favourite part of the book. Ghost City felt strange, eerie and beautifully imaginative, and I loved the way the book mixed darker supernatural elements with little moments of humour.
Kasu was an interesting character. I liked that her motivation wasn’t simply about saving the world but she desperately wants another chance at life, and that makes her choices feel much more personal. As the story progresses, she starts questioning the rules and beliefs she has followed for so long, particularly her ideas about the gods and what it actually means to be worthy of reincarnation. I also enjoyed Kasu and Arun’s relationship, although the romance was a slow burn.
My biggest issue was that, despite loving the concept, I didn’t always feel completely connected to the characters. There was so much interesting mythology that makes me felt like I was watching the story unfold from a distance rather than being completely immersed in it. The pacing also felt a little uneven for me, particularly when the story was introducing its lore and explaining how this supernatural world worked. I loved the premise and the imaginative world, but it just didn’t quite become the immersive, unforgettable fantasy I was hoping it would be.
Thank you #Pansing @definitelybooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be available at all good bookstores on 10th September 2026🤍
I really wanted to love this book because the premise was SO intriguing. A ghost city filled with gods, demons and spirits, a girl desperate for a second chance at life, a prince searching for his mother, and a mysterious journey through the underworld? I was immediately sold. And of course the world-building was probably my favourite part of the book. Ghost City felt strange, eerie and beautifully imaginative, and I loved the way the book mixed darker supernatural elements with little moments of humour.
Kasu was an interesting character. I liked that her motivation wasn’t simply about saving the world but she desperately wants another chance at life, and that makes her choices feel much more personal. As the story progresses, she starts questioning the rules and beliefs she has followed for so long, particularly her ideas about the gods and what it actually means to be worthy of reincarnation. I also enjoyed Kasu and Arun’s relationship, although the romance was a slow burn.
My biggest issue was that, despite loving the concept, I didn’t always feel completely connected to the characters. There was so much interesting mythology that makes me felt like I was watching the story unfold from a distance rather than being completely immersed in it. The pacing also felt a little uneven for me, particularly when the story was introducing its lore and explaining how this supernatural world worked. I loved the premise and the imaginative world, but it just didn’t quite become the immersive, unforgettable fantasy I was hoping it would be.
Thank you #Pansing @definitelybooks for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be available at all good bookstores on 10th September 2026🤍
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Between Ghosts and Gods by Ann Sei Lin is a romantic fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology that sees Arun, a mortal prince, enter the underworld in search of his mother. Out of his depth in this world of demons and curses he is lucky to meet Kasu, who sold her soul to a demon and is now working off her debt and trying to abide by the many many Heavenly Principles in the hope of being able to reincarnate. What starts out as a seemingly simple quest soon becomes far more dangerous and as Kasu and Arun face that danger together a bond begins to form, leaving Kasu wondering how much she is really willing to pay for a second chance at life.
I am not going to lie, the first thing that caught my eye when I saw this book was the stunningly beautiful cover, it is truly a work of art. Then I read the description and it sounded like fun so I picked it up. Overall it was an enjoyable read, I loved the setting and was fascinated by the world the author created using aspects of mythology. Kasu was an interesting character, her determination to try to live by the Heavenly principles could have felt preachy if not handled delicately but the author did a good job with it. Unfortunately the same could not be said for Arun, I felt like he lacked any depth as a character and so I was not really invested in his quest or his relationship with Kasu, which is unfortunate given that the book is described as a romantic fantasy. I did not see the ending coming but on reflection it was actually the perfect way to end this story.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I am not going to lie, the first thing that caught my eye when I saw this book was the stunningly beautiful cover, it is truly a work of art. Then I read the description and it sounded like fun so I picked it up. Overall it was an enjoyable read, I loved the setting and was fascinated by the world the author created using aspects of mythology. Kasu was an interesting character, her determination to try to live by the Heavenly principles could have felt preachy if not handled delicately but the author did a good job with it. Unfortunately the same could not be said for Arun, I felt like he lacked any depth as a character and so I was not really invested in his quest or his relationship with Kasu, which is unfortunate given that the book is described as a romantic fantasy. I did not see the ending coming but on reflection it was actually the perfect way to end this story.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings below are my own.
I have very complicated feelings about this book, and therefore find myself struggling to find a way to review it. On the one hand, this setting had me intrigued because I'm a huge fan of Heaven Official's Blessing and therefore love to explore the Chinese heaven and underworld, but I can't say I was too enraptured by Lin's portrayal of them in this story. They felt drab and underdeveloped to me, like we were just passing by on a train tour, or something.
I also couldn't connect with the characters or the plot because this felt very much like everything was happening to Arun and Kasu, and they weren't doing a lot of things themselves. Considering the premise of this book, I was very shocked by that, and ultimately ended up disappointed. I really don't like passive characters in fiction, and so this totally sucked for me.
Also, I hated the ending. Wow. It's giving Supernatural and as much as I love that show, this is NOT meant as a compliment!
I'm going to give this three stars because I mostly found it just boring and bland, but also Ruo... love me a kitty character :D if I hadn't have liked Ruo, this would've been 2 stars without a doubt. If you're looking for a more interesting take on Chinese heaven and the Chinese underworld, maybe just try Heaven Official's Blessing instead?
I have very complicated feelings about this book, and therefore find myself struggling to find a way to review it. On the one hand, this setting had me intrigued because I'm a huge fan of Heaven Official's Blessing and therefore love to explore the Chinese heaven and underworld, but I can't say I was too enraptured by Lin's portrayal of them in this story. They felt drab and underdeveloped to me, like we were just passing by on a train tour, or something.
I also couldn't connect with the characters or the plot because this felt very much like everything was happening to Arun and Kasu, and they weren't doing a lot of things themselves. Considering the premise of this book, I was very shocked by that, and ultimately ended up disappointed. I really don't like passive characters in fiction, and so this totally sucked for me.
Also, I hated the ending. Wow. It's giving Supernatural and as much as I love that show, this is NOT meant as a compliment!
I'm going to give this three stars because I mostly found it just boring and bland, but also Ruo... love me a kitty character :D if I hadn't have liked Ruo, this would've been 2 stars without a doubt. If you're looking for a more interesting take on Chinese heaven and the Chinese underworld, maybe just try Heaven Official's Blessing instead?
September 17, 2026
First of all, thank you for NETGALLEY to give me an arc copy of this book.
.
So, this book was presented as a very YA read. I have no problem with that. I like the stupidity that are so typically done by the protagonist of Young Adults. It shows and synergize so well with how naive Arun and Kasu was. Both of them had partial adult side and also juvenile side which I found adorable. Okay maybe Arun makes me want to kick somebody here and there, but overall he's doing it very reasonably and handle it portionally well. Kasu had done wrong in her part too so their chemistry are perfectly balanced.
One more, I love the design and lore of the 4 Demon Lords. I can't pick which one is my favorite. The Moth Demon, The Hone Onna, The Yatagarasu, The Scary Lord Cobalt, or The Lord of Thousand Faces. All of them are scary but I think I'll find Lord Cobalt lore to be more terrifying if not on par with Moth Demon. (I know their name but censored it. Find it yourself when read * wink wink*)
If only I can draw each one of them since the description of them was very clear in a very short paragraph. I'm truly impressed. And for a clean, stand alone, asian fantasy book, this novel is truly marvelous. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
.
So, this book was presented as a very YA read. I have no problem with that. I like the stupidity that are so typically done by the protagonist of Young Adults. It shows and synergize so well with how naive Arun and Kasu was. Both of them had partial adult side and also juvenile side which I found adorable. Okay maybe Arun makes me want to kick somebody here and there, but overall he's doing it very reasonably and handle it portionally well. Kasu had done wrong in her part too so their chemistry are perfectly balanced.
One more, I love the design and lore of the 4 Demon Lords. I can't pick which one is my favorite. The Moth Demon, The Hone Onna, The Yatagarasu, The Scary Lord Cobalt, or The Lord of Thousand Faces. All of them are scary but I think I'll find Lord Cobalt lore to be more terrifying if not on par with Moth Demon. (I know their name but censored it. Find it yourself when read * wink wink*)
If only I can draw each one of them since the description of them was very clear in a very short paragraph. I'm truly impressed. And for a clean, stand alone, asian fantasy book, this novel is truly marvelous. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Between Ghosts and Gods" drew me in with its haunting underworld, Chinese mythology, hungry ghosts, masked demons and a gambling house where customers wager far more than money, but what stayed with me most was the human heart beneath it all.
Kasu’s longing for an ordinary life and a place where she truly belongs made the story so much more relatable. I loved the contrast between her strict devotion to the Heavenly Principles and Arun’s reckless, teasing energy. Their banter brought humor and warmth to an otherwise dark and macabre world, and watching their relationship gradually develop was one of my favorite parts.
The story also explores faith, identity, reincarnation and complicated mother-child relationships. It asks what makes someone worthy of forgiveness, and what happens when the beliefs guiding your entire existence begin to unravel.
My favorite tropes and elements:
* Enemies to lovers
* Slow-burn romance
* Dangerous quest
* Talking animal companion
* Reincarnation
A huge thanks to Ann Sei Lin for kindly sending me this beautiful YA fantasy ARC!
Kasu’s longing for an ordinary life and a place where she truly belongs made the story so much more relatable. I loved the contrast between her strict devotion to the Heavenly Principles and Arun’s reckless, teasing energy. Their banter brought humor and warmth to an otherwise dark and macabre world, and watching their relationship gradually develop was one of my favorite parts.
The story also explores faith, identity, reincarnation and complicated mother-child relationships. It asks what makes someone worthy of forgiveness, and what happens when the beliefs guiding your entire existence begin to unravel.
My favorite tropes and elements:
* Enemies to lovers
* Slow-burn romance
* Dangerous quest
* Talking animal companion
* Reincarnation
A huge thanks to Ann Sei Lin for kindly sending me this beautiful YA fantasy ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF @ 30% - YA fantasy
Kasu works as a receptionist at a gambling den in the underworld. She sold her soul to a demon and now must work for her, for a number of years before moving on. She encounters human Arun, who is searching for his mother, Kasu believes, if she helps him she can do a good deed, and it will help her redeem her soul.
This sounded really interesting but the writing was a much younger YA, that I wasn't expecting, verging on middle grade. The underworld was very tame and some names / actions had me rolling my eyes. I liked the character of Ruo, who was like a snarky talking demon cat. I'm just clearly not the intended audience for this book so would possibly just recommend to younger YA readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to review the copy of the eBook.
Kasu works as a receptionist at a gambling den in the underworld. She sold her soul to a demon and now must work for her, for a number of years before moving on. She encounters human Arun, who is searching for his mother, Kasu believes, if she helps him she can do a good deed, and it will help her redeem her soul.
This sounded really interesting but the writing was a much younger YA, that I wasn't expecting, verging on middle grade. The underworld was very tame and some names / actions had me rolling my eyes. I liked the character of Ruo, who was like a snarky talking demon cat. I'm just clearly not the intended audience for this book so would possibly just recommend to younger YA readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to review the copy of the eBook.
September 21, 2026
The characters weren’t enough to bring this story forward for me. The world was fine and I think if we’d had an interesting character to follow it wouldn’t be so bad. But these two were both so annoying. Kasu is a sanctimonious bore, and Arun is an entitled jerk. (Though his chapters didn’t match his character with how Kasu’s saw him interacting with the world, which didn’t help either.) It just made the story drag no matter how many events and forces were at play because the most interesting thing in here was a cat curse.
Too much of this was telegraphed from way back, though the acting guild part explanation was nice. The end sets up for this to start out somewhere fun next time around, though there is zero indication anywhere that this is part of a series. It does not read as a standalone.
Too much of this was telegraphed from way back, though the acting guild part explanation was nice. The end sets up for this to start out somewhere fun next time around, though there is zero indication anywhere that this is part of a series. It does not read as a standalone.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.25 Stars
This book is quintessential YA. It’s a fast paced read that’s raring to go from the start, but slows down enough to let us experience the magic of the world, Kasu’s character arc, and the conflict she and her companions face.
It was light on the romance, but the bonds between Kasu and Arun, and with Ruo make for a sweet progression.
The world building is vivid and expansive, the descriptions and personalities of the side characters making it very easy to picture.
Kasu’s character arc is classic and yet still refreshing. The plot is the same, entertaining and well thought out, the story concluding with a satisfying but open ending.
This is the perfect YA fantasy standalone read, and I’d recommend it to all fans of the genre.
This book is quintessential YA. It’s a fast paced read that’s raring to go from the start, but slows down enough to let us experience the magic of the world, Kasu’s character arc, and the conflict she and her companions face.
It was light on the romance, but the bonds between Kasu and Arun, and with Ruo make for a sweet progression.
The world building is vivid and expansive, the descriptions and personalities of the side characters making it very easy to picture.
Kasu’s character arc is classic and yet still refreshing. The plot is the same, entertaining and well thought out, the story concluding with a satisfying but open ending.
This is the perfect YA fantasy standalone read, and I’d recommend it to all fans of the genre.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Filled with mythology and folklore set in the underworld, this story teems with fantastical creatures, ghosts, and demons from your wildest imagination. Think of it as a Chinese-inspired Coco x Mulan.
Between Ghosts & Gods follows Kasu who sold her soul to a demon lord from a gambling den, as she tries to abide by the Heavenly Principles in order to earn a chance at reincarnation. When a mortal prince, Arun, arrives in Ghost City to find his mother, Kasu finds herself teaming up with him, along with her eyeball-eating cat companion Ruo, on a perilous rescue mission that challenges everything she believes about the gods and herself.
Between Ghosts & Gods follows Kasu who sold her soul to a demon lord from a gambling den, as she tries to abide by the Heavenly Principles in order to earn a chance at reincarnation. When a mortal prince, Arun, arrives in Ghost City to find his mother, Kasu finds herself teaming up with him, along with her eyeball-eating cat companion Ruo, on a perilous rescue mission that challenges everything she believes about the gods and herself.
August 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
The world building in this book was just exceptional. It was so immersive. I could imagine this dark and macabre yet still quite vibrant world so clearly. There’s such a wonderful working of mythology meets modern and it’s just mesmerising. I would definitely read this again because the world felt so detailed I’m sure there’s new things I would notice. And impressively, the books isn’t that long. It feels like it manages to skilfully pack quite a lot in with a lot of impact.
I also really liked the two main characters. They both have a lot to contend with and are thrown into a very challenging situation. But more than that, some of the supporting case were just absolutely fascinating. I’m talking about a very fun cat in particular. It’s very easy to root for the main characters as they stumble through an incredibly precarious situation.
There’s also a very cool mystery! I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers but this was very well done. I really enjoyed how this unravelled!
The world building in this book was just exceptional. It was so immersive. I could imagine this dark and macabre yet still quite vibrant world so clearly. There’s such a wonderful working of mythology meets modern and it’s just mesmerising. I would definitely read this again because the world felt so detailed I’m sure there’s new things I would notice. And impressively, the books isn’t that long. It feels like it manages to skilfully pack quite a lot in with a lot of impact.
I also really liked the two main characters. They both have a lot to contend with and are thrown into a very challenging situation. But more than that, some of the supporting case were just absolutely fascinating. I’m talking about a very fun cat in particular. It’s very easy to root for the main characters as they stumble through an incredibly precarious situation.
There’s also a very cool mystery! I won’t say too much to avoid spoilers but this was very well done. I really enjoyed how this unravelled!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews