Vicious Spirits - by Kat Cho (Paperback)

About the Book

"First published in the United States of America by G.P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2020"--Title page verso.

Book Synopsis

New romance and dangers abound in this companion to the crowd-pleasing Wicked Fox.

After the events of Wicked Fox, Somin is ready to help her friends pick up the pieces of their broken lives and heal. But Jihoon is still grieving the loss of his grandmother, and Miyoung is distant as she grieves over her mother's death and learns to live without her fox bead. The only one who seems ready to move forward is their not-so-favorite dokkaebi, Junu.

Somin and Junu didn't exactly hit it off when they first met. Somin thought he was an arrogant self-serving, conman. Junu was, at first, amused by her hostility toward him until he found himself inexplicably drawn to her. Somin couldn't deny the heat of their attraction. But as the two try to figure out what could be between them, they discover their troubles aren't over after all. The loss of Miyoung's fox bead has caused a tear between the world of the living and the world of the dead, and ghosts are suddenly flooding the streets of Seoul. The only way to repair the breach is to find the missing fox bead or for Miyoung to pay with her life. With few options remaining, Junu has an idea but it might require the ultimate sacrifice. In usual fashion, Somin may have a thing or two to say about that.

In Vicious Spirits, Kat Cho delivers another beguiling and addictive read full of otherworldly dangers and romance.

Review Quotes

Praise for Vicious Spirits

"When danger lurks from beyond the grave, supporting characters find themselves in the limelight in this enthralling sequel to Wicked Fox. . .Once again Cho artfully balances Korean-inspired folktales, K-drama motifs, emotionally complex characters, and unpredictable plot twists. . . This folktale fantasy will not disappoint." --Kirkus

"Steeped in Korean folklore, this is a strong sequel . . . Alongside complex romantic relationships, this is also a story of friendship, family, found family, and what it means to stand up for others and to be able to depend upon others." --School Library Journal

Praise for Wicked Fox
An Amazon Best Book - July 2019
An Entertainment Weekly Summer Best Book Pick
A Refinery29 Summer Best Book Pick
A Junior Library Guild Pick

"Vibrant debut novel . . . an utterly original take on the young-adult fantasy."--Entertainment Weekly

"A romantic and unique read bursting with lush atmosphere."--BuzzFeed

"This book is a delight from start to finish. It's everything I adore about the best Korean drama, mixed with a dash of urban fantasy. The chemistry between Miyoung and Jihoon kept me turning the pages into the wee hours of the night. Cho's prose and pacing are crisp, and the world is utterly transportive."--Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Wrath & the Dawn

"Full of heart and heat, Wicked Fox is the perfect summer read. If this charming yet emotionally charged novel doesn't win you over with the supernatural mystery or fraught family drama then the sweeping romance will." --Tor.com

"A fun read that should have YA enthusiasts hooked." --Culturess

"This is urban fantasy as readers have not seen it before: steeped in Korean folklore...Fresh and fast paced, weaving together action and romance." --School Library Journal

"For K-drama addicts everywhere, this book is for you! Romance and suspense that will make you cry, cheer, laugh, and swoon...I seriously loved this book! Now, please, somebody make it into a real K-drama!"--Ellen Oh, children's author and We Need Diverse Books co-founder and president

"I fell in love with the world of Wicked Fox...Cho's Miyoung and Jihoon will steal your heart and give it back to you a thousand times fuller. This is a page-turning debut you cannot miss."--Traci Chee, New York Times bestselling author of The Reader series

"Wicked Fox is a delight from beginning to end. Set against the bustling cityscape of Seoul, this elegant contemporary fantasy explores what it means to be a monster and what we must give up in the pursuit of love, forgiveness, and our truest selves. A triumph!"--Julie C. Dao, author of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

"In this haunting fantasy romance...Korean folklore comes to life in modern-day Seoul as a supernatural creature and human collide...Cho's debut--driven by anguish, sweet romance, and the need for connection--is a formidable first effort that ends with a promise of further adventures." --Publishers Weekly

"The story is reminiscent of a K-drama with sweet romantic moments, lovable friends, and impossible obstacles ... an addicting read with complex main characters and unexpected twists. This fantasy debut will be eagerly devoured, and readers will clamor for a sequel." --Kirkus Reviews

"With plentiful Korean words in the text to describe the food, culture, clothing, and family dynamics, Cho establishes an authentic setting. . . The current surge of interest in K-pop, K-drama, and Korean film will draw readers to this fantastical romance set in contemporary Seoul." --Booklist

"Reading Wicked Fox was like coming home. A gorgeous contemporary fantasy set in modern Seoul, Cho's compelling debut balances creatures from Korean myths--goblins and immortal foxes--with the everyday lives of teenagers, navigating friendships, family drama, and first love. Suspenseful, romantic, and utterly consuming." --Axie Oh, author of the New Visions Award-winning Rebel Seoul

About the Author

Kat Cho used to hide books under the bathroom sink and then sneak in there to read after bedtime. Her parents pretended not to know. This was helpful when she decided to write a dinosaur time-travel novel at the tender age of nine. Sadly, that book was not published. She currently lives in New York City and spends her free time trying to figure out what kind of puppy to adopt. Kat is the New York Times and international bestselling author of the Gumiho duology and Once Upon a K-Prom. Find her at KatChoWrites.com.