Last of the Talons

Written by Sophie Kim

Narrated by Jaine Ye

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705080177

Reviews for Last of the Talons

[Angel White · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well that was fun! I haven't read a Pied Piper retelling before and this was much better than I expected. I loved this one so much I finished in under two days.

This did start off a tad slow but as it went along, it just got better and better. By the end I was thoroughly in love and can't wait to see where this goes next.

[Ekene Ogbue · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really really really wanted to lie this book. But it just felt so flat. And I'm so sad ? ?

[victoriagd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mouse TrapSophie 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.

[sleahey_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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.

[sennebec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[thepageladies · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book Review…Last of the Talons by Sophie Kim

After the destruction of her entire Talon gang, eighteen-year-old Shin Lina is forced to become a 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. But the order to steal a priceless tapestry from a Dokkaebi temple incites the wrath of a legendary immortal. Now a terrible game of life and death has begun. Lina will have to use every weapon in her arsenal if she wants to outplay this cunning king and save her sister before the final grain of sand leaks out of the hourglass.

Last of the Talons is the debut novel, and first book in the Talon’s series, by Sophie Kim and I enjoyed it! It was a little rough in the beginning but as the story progressed it became better and better! It has a unique worldbuilding with a nice mix of magic, mythology and folklore. The main character and the secondary characters are well developed.Lina is a dagger wielding assassin with an absolutely adorable little sister! There were a few questions left unanswered so hopefully the release of the next book won't be too far! Thank you Entangled and Sophie Kim for sharing this book with me!