Wicked Fox - Kat Cho

Wicked Fox plays on the Nine-Tailed Fox (Gumiho) Korean mythology and brings it to modern day Seoul. Author Kat Cho incorporates characters with distinctive personalities that explore themes of honesty, relationships, and humanity.

"A lot can happen in two months. You can meet a girl who seems angry and secretive and learn that it's all just a front for a kind heart that's been hurt too many times. I know what it's like to need to hide your bruises behind a facade."

---

Miyoung, half-human and half-gumiho, is grappling with the reality of killing humans by siphoning their gi. While her mother Yena regards humans as food and nothing more, its hard for Miyoung to swallow, especially being a highschool student trying to blend in. So, Miyoung is determined only to prey on criminals. But her secret is discovered when she takes down a dokkaebi (goblin) and saves fellow student Jihoon.

First off, Kat Cho includes many Korean culture and supernatural references, so readers can enjoy identifying with the characters and feel proud about their heritage. The book also includes a glossary for the Korean words used, which is great for Korean learners too.

Wicked Fox focuses a lot on families dynamics and the sad truth that many live without caring parents. Both protagonists, Jihoon and Miyoung, are both struggling with mother troubles. Miyoung endures her mother's coldness, while Yena constantly remind her daughter she isn't good enough. Much of Miyoung's struggles result from the inability to trust her mother. Yena's thin patience and vicious anger prevents Miyoung from having a healthy relationship with her. While Miyoung's mother 'Yena' sticks around judging her every breath, Jihoon's mother left him. At a young age, Jihoon watched his parent's relationship fall apart and he suffered the repercussions. Now, Jihoon lives with his grandmother and helps with her restaurant.

Another major theme is trusting others and strong relationships. Both Jihoon and Miyoung suffer from trust issues because of their parents. Though readers may be screaming at Miyoung to "BE HONEST!" In reality, Miyoung doesn't feel she has anywhere to go or someone to confide in. She believes her actions are unforgivable. Author Kat Cho made the relationships and struggles realistic as well, such as natural dialog and thoughts that made the characters come alive. For example, Jihoon and Miyoung loved each other no matter what difficulties they faced, whether it was something internal they needed to fix or a near death experience. If Miyoung or Jihoon said something hurtful, they realized their faults and apologized. The two would state when the the other did something they didn't like. Therefore, the characters would rethink their actions and words. There is nuanced commentary on how it's sometimes difficult to forgive, but love makes you want to give second chances. Plus, It was nice to read protagonists putting the other first in their choices. In the end, both Miyoung and Jihoon grapple with what they deserve in life. They face the world with their own choices and reflect on the role the people closest to them play in their lives. Overall, the book is very character driven. Each choice takes the plot in a new direction until reaching the end. In addition, the dialog feels very natural too. Many times in books, authors put awkward or dramatic sentences in dialog, but Kat Cho made her characters sound their age. Also, I loved our strong young ladies Miyoung and Somin. Two sharp, independent teens whose energies conflict a bit. They are characters I respected immediately, so I'm glad these wonderful characters were created. I think this story is unique to books. The Nine-tailed fox fable is interesting and the focus on Korean mythology in a young adult narrative is refreshing. Even just five chapters in, the author has fleshed out the characters a good amount. I can imagine who they are and the way it's written very clearly expresses their attitudes.