Wicked Fox

By: Kat Cho

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

An addictive fantasy-romance set in modern-day Seoul.

Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret - she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt.

But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead - her gumiho soul - in the process.

Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl - he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to men. He's drawn to her anyway. When he finds her fox bead, he does not realize he holds her life in his hands.

With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous and reignite a generations-old feud . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon's.

Includes a PDF of a glossary of Korean terms appearing in the audiobook.

Praise for Wicked Fox:

“Vibrant debut novel...an utterly original take on the young-adult fantasy.” (Entertainment Weekly)

“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)

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2019 Kat Cho (P)2019 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“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)

"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)

“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)

Inventive and interesting!

I read a lot of YA, and Kat Cho has created a truly different story with this book. It takes place in Korea, and the customs and culture that shine through were interesting and unusual. My only complaint about the audio book is that the narrator reads it in this whispering, breathless way - sort of annoying but by no means a show stopper.

A little let down

I want to start off with the positive, it is a good lighthearted read suitable for young adults. I really wanted to like this book, I really enjoy Korean dramas and hoped that this had a similar feel. It just was really slow and a little boring but I kept listening because I just kept hoping it would get more interesting. I don’t know why but I feel like it fell a little short of expectations.

Will read the next one!

Very much so enjoyed this novel. I loved how flawed the characters were and how they clearly grew. I enjoyed the love between all the characters and how the author underlined how important friendship is. The plot took me places I didn't expect quite a few times, which is always nice to be surprised! Great story telling that pulls no punches.

I also loved getting to learn more about Korean culture and folklore through this novel.

I will read the next one.

a bit cringey and frustrating at times

a good story but the drama can be frustrating. if you like korean drama then you would like this.

Pretty good, a little slow

I liked the story, and the characters were ok. The middle of the story was a bit slow, but the ending was awesome! The narrator was great. Disn't know it was a series. I'm preordering the 2nd book, because I can't not finish a story

Beautiful, elegant and superbly narrated

Wicked Fox is a sophisticated YA fantasy novel that turned out far, far better than I expected. Well-drawn characters, a plot with a number of unexpected twists and an absolutely fantastic narrator. Highly recommended.

I wanted to like it *spoiler alert*

I usually love stories set in Japan, Korea, and China. But the non-communicative emotional drama dragged out even past my limits for it. I stubbornly held out to the end, but felt wrung out. The use of the Christian man thinking that killing was justified and would save them upset me. I try to be open minded and enjoy stories with beliefs that are not my own, but wow that struck a wrong chord.

Sorry Ms. Cho. I tried. May your future books be better and find the right readers.

twisted version of korean fairytale

great book. All the lying was really starting to annoy me but the other emotions were true.

Wicked Fox is a Delight!

I love Asian TV dramas so this book immediately grabbed my attention. And wonder of wonders it hits all the feel goods of those dramas with added layers of suspense, drama, and romance making this read a true delight. There were even some surprises for me which were nicely turned. Emily Woo Zeller is perfect narrating this book. I loved all her voices, her pacing, etc. Can't wait for book two!

Amazing, very interesting

This is my first time reading a Korean author, being a Korean women. I loved it! Was very interesting. I began reading this book not knowing what could happen for being Korean. But Kat Cho is an amazing author, and can’t wait to read this next book of hers. Awesome job Kat Cho!