Lina lost almost everything of meaning. What's left is her little sister, but her safety depends upon Lina's continued subservience to the gang lord who murdered all of her companions and treats her like a slave. Then Rui, more commonly known as the Pied Piper, steals both she and her tormentor away to his realm, a place that sits between the ones in her world, but not quite. He's bored and offers her a challenge. Kill him in fourteen days, or die. She might be determined, but he's godlike and every time she thinks she's figured out how to kill him, she's foiled. Then a completely different opportunity presents itself. You'll need to read the book to find out what it is and how everything plays out. I will say that unveiling is most satisfying. ( )

After the destruction of her entire Talon gang, eighteen-year-old Shin Lina—the Reaper of Sunpo—is forced to become a living, breathing weapon for the kingdom’s most-feared crime lord. All that keeps her from turning on her ruthless master is the life of her beloved little sister hanging in the balance. But the order to steal a priceless tapestry from a Dokkaebi temple incites not only the wrath of a legendary immortal, but the beginning of an unwinnable game…

Suddenly Lina finds herself in the dreamlike realm of the Dokkaebi, her fate in the hands of its cruel and captivating emperor. But she can win her life—if she kills him first.

Now a terrible game of life and death has begun, and even Lina's swift, precise blade is no match for the magnetic Haneul Rui. Lina will have to use every weapon in her arsenal if she wants to outplay this cunning king and save her sister...all before the final grain of sand leaks out of the hourglass.

Because one way or another, she'll take Rui's heart.

Even if it means giving up her own.

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars

I was interested in the beginning because Korean mythology, but I also heard enemies to lovers? And y’all, I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope. You know I couldn’t turn that down.

Plot: The general plot is perhaps not the most unique in terms of the basis/structure. It wasn’t necessarily formulaic; I think it’s just plot points I’ve seen in a lot of other fantasy novels (ex. this happens and this happens and then some sort of betrayal and then that happens). But I did like how the plot was very character-driven, and I think that it worked well. The plot pacing was good, and I felt like I just flew through the book. I honestly could not put it down. I also love when authors tie in the title with the plot, so I liked that little tidbit too.

Characters: Lina is a very strong-willed character, and I enjoyed reading from her perspective. Lina and Rui are both a bit morally ambiguous in their own way, and I really liked how their characters complimented and contrasted with each other. There’s definitely still a good amount of mystery surrounding Rui, and I’m really interested in learning more about him and his past. The secondary characters like Kang and Chan didn’t play as much of a role, but I hope to see more of them in the sequel too.

Romance: Regarding the romance, you already know I love the enemies-to-lovers trope, and I also love the “who did this to you”/“who hurt you” trope. So when that was also in there, I just, yes, *chefs kiss* delicious. I enjoyed the build-up of their relationship and how, even by the end of the novel, it was definitely still in development which is a nice change from insta love, which I see a lot of. I’m really looking forward to seeing their relationship grow; I loved their dynamic so much.

Honestly, I think the romance was what sold me on this one with the mythology and action taking more of a backseat. But I truly enjoyed it a lot, and I can’t wait for the next book. I definitely recommend it to fans of romance, enemies to lovers, fantasy, and Korean mythology!

CW: mentions of physical abuse/torture, addiction ( )

Although this book is evidently the first of a new series, I felt as though I were dropped down in the middle of a story. Confusion was compounded by the unfamiliar names and terms in an unfamiliar world. The plot revolves around Lina, who has been enslaved to be an assassin after her tribe has been killed. In order to save her little sister, she must first follow the orders of one person, then another, and finally the Dokkaebi emperor Rui, who challenges her to kill him in 14 days. One hardship and misadventure after another challenge Lina until there is finally a satisfying resolution, which will easily lead to the next installment of the series. A list of characters and glossary would have definitely helped this reader. ( )

Mouse Trap

Sophie Kim explores loss and self-worth, within a world full of Korean mythology. Shin Lina’s family and friends are dead, and now she is forced to work for their murderer to save the life of her sister. Except her recent job catches the interest of the Dokkaebi, Haneul Rui, who offers her a perilous bargain. Shin Lina must use all her skills to win Dokkaebi’s game, or lose the last person she loves.

Shin Lina is consumed with debilitating guilt and self-loathing, having failed to save the Talon. She only lives for the hope her sister Eunbi may still be alive. Her sheer stubbornness and determination have made her the best assassin in Sunpo. It is this fortitude that makes Shin Lina a compelling, and interesting character. The addition of the Pied Piper to Korean mythology is a bit jarring at first. Though, the Pied Piper’s abilities and persona as a god work very well in this story. Particularly relishing in games of fortune, his magical flute Manpasikjeok, and his mischievous ruthlessness.

Haneul Rui is as beautiful as he is dangerous. Giving Shin Lina an impossible challenge. She suffers through a lot, and her situation is terrible. Though this is a YA, and written as such, a lot of the situations in this book are NA. Entangled Publishing includes some content warnings on their website. Though, there are plenty of popular YA tropes. It is the journey through Korean culture, stories, and characters that make this a great read. Sophie Kim does a wonderful job weaving in all these elements to create a compelling world.

Haneul Rui’s involvement is not particularly romantic. Especially since his test seems designed to humiliate Shin Lina. Though, eventually Haneul Rui and Shin Lina find a common purpose. Despite her many difficulties, Shin Lina grows to understand that people and Dokkaebi are complicated. She slowly fights back for the memory of those she has lost, and finds the strength to live for herself. ( )