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Teddy Bears Never Die
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'The perfect mix of horror and heart' - Kylie Lee Baker, author of BAT EATER
'A grotesque, hilarious and heart-felt romp' - Bitter Karella, author of MOONFLOW
~ ~ ~
The horrormance genre mash-up you've been waiting for - from the award-winning Korean author Cho Yeeun comes a new novel where a young girl and a teddy bear team up to enact revenge!
A poisoned city - A grieving daughter - A boy trapped in a bear's body.
When the fledgling coastal town of Yamu is rocked by a mass-poisoning attack at The Seaview Parc, the luxury high-rise meant to revitalise the city, Hwayoung is one of many who lost family members. Except, she has never believed that her mother was poisoned. Now, fuelled by grief and a desire for revenge, Hwayoung spends her time hustling to save every penny and bring those responsible to justice.
Across town, Doha wakes up in a teddy bear and realizes something sinister has taken his body. When fate brings Hwayoung and Doha together, the two team up for a revenge quest that will shake the city's shiny façade to its rotten core.
This time, revenge is not just personal - it's supernatural.
** Translated from the Korean by Sung Ryu **
More praise for TEDDY BEARS NEVER
'Cho Yeeun's ability to balance sheer bloody wackiness with genuinely touching moments of friendship against all odds is absolutely singular' - Megan Bontrager, author of THE SEA HIDES ITS DEAD
'A grotesque, hilarious and heart-felt romp' - Bitter Karella, author of MOONFLOW
~ ~ ~
The horrormance genre mash-up you've been waiting for - from the award-winning Korean author Cho Yeeun comes a new novel where a young girl and a teddy bear team up to enact revenge!
A poisoned city - A grieving daughter - A boy trapped in a bear's body.
When the fledgling coastal town of Yamu is rocked by a mass-poisoning attack at The Seaview Parc, the luxury high-rise meant to revitalise the city, Hwayoung is one of many who lost family members. Except, she has never believed that her mother was poisoned. Now, fuelled by grief and a desire for revenge, Hwayoung spends her time hustling to save every penny and bring those responsible to justice.
Across town, Doha wakes up in a teddy bear and realizes something sinister has taken his body. When fate brings Hwayoung and Doha together, the two team up for a revenge quest that will shake the city's shiny façade to its rotten core.
This time, revenge is not just personal - it's supernatural.
** Translated from the Korean by Sung Ryu **
More praise for TEDDY BEARS NEVER
'Cho Yeeun's ability to balance sheer bloody wackiness with genuinely touching moments of friendship against all odds is absolutely singular' - Megan Bontrager, author of THE SEA HIDES ITS DEAD
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 21, 2026
8 people are currently reading
1548 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 3, 2026
Interesting idea for a horror story. However some parts were a bit confusing.
Thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for this eARC to be published on May 26th, 2026.
Thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for this eARC to be published on May 26th, 2026.
March 1, 2026
"I wanted to tell the world. That death treats everyone equally and makes no exception."
Who knew that a cute and cuddly little bear could be so demented…
Chucky meets Ted in this unforgettable tale that’ll make you think twice about jumping into any new cuddly trends.
This was wickedly fucking wild. The story kept you on your toes up until the very end and you never knew what was coming around the corner. It was gory and at points a little nauseating but I enjoyed it all. Parts were so over the top that I had to reread it just to prove to myself that I wasn’t imagining things.
The only downfall of this was that parts were confusing. To me, it seemed to jump from one thing to another very quickly. Now, I’m not positive if it’s because of the translation or my attention span. To me it was jumpy.
‘Teddy Bears Never Die’ definitely lives up to its title. This book is people who love bizarre and gore!
Who knew that a cute and cuddly little bear could be so demented…
Chucky meets Ted in this unforgettable tale that’ll make you think twice about jumping into any new cuddly trends.
This was wickedly fucking wild. The story kept you on your toes up until the very end and you never knew what was coming around the corner. It was gory and at points a little nauseating but I enjoyed it all. Parts were so over the top that I had to reread it just to prove to myself that I wasn’t imagining things.
The only downfall of this was that parts were confusing. To me, it seemed to jump from one thing to another very quickly. Now, I’m not positive if it’s because of the translation or my attention span. To me it was jumpy.
‘Teddy Bears Never Die’ definitely lives up to its title. This book is people who love bizarre and gore!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Trigger warnings: human trafficking, child abuse, death, blood, gore, body horror
This book was absolutely wild. Ive been interested in reading it ever since I first heard about it, i mean a book where someone wakes up as a teddy bear? Who doesn't want to read that book but it was so much better than even i thought it was going to be.
This book is genuinely terrifying in some parts. In the horror and gore sure but also in how awful some of the humans in this book are. This book really dives into the horrors of the world whilst also having some fun moments and that undertone of wow the teddy bear is alive.
I really did enjoy this book however it was definitely confusing at times and there was a few times I had go reread certain parts to make sure I was understanding what Doha was doing and going through. But overall, I really really enjoyed this book.
My favourite character was Hwayoung her story did break my heart quite a few times and i did feel for her, her story was heartbreaking however, I love how strong and badass she was.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one as much as you can enjoy a book like this.
This book was absolutely wild. Ive been interested in reading it ever since I first heard about it, i mean a book where someone wakes up as a teddy bear? Who doesn't want to read that book but it was so much better than even i thought it was going to be.
This book is genuinely terrifying in some parts. In the horror and gore sure but also in how awful some of the humans in this book are. This book really dives into the horrors of the world whilst also having some fun moments and that undertone of wow the teddy bear is alive.
I really did enjoy this book however it was definitely confusing at times and there was a few times I had go reread certain parts to make sure I was understanding what Doha was doing and going through. But overall, I really really enjoyed this book.
My favourite character was Hwayoung her story did break my heart quite a few times and i did feel for her, her story was heartbreaking however, I love how strong and badass she was.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one as much as you can enjoy a book like this.
January 29, 2026
A grieving girl and a boy trapped inside a teddy bear team up after a mass poisoning devastates their city.
In spite of the wonderfully colourful book cover, this is quite a sad book. A study in grief and the lows of humanity, which was quite gory at times.
I’m not sure if something was lost through the translation, but the flow felt a bit jarring. It seemed like a lot of time was spent recounting and overloading information about previous events. While I could sympathise with the two main characters, I never really connected with them.
I would still recommend this book, as it’s a unique and interesting concept that I’m sure a lot of people will enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
In spite of the wonderfully colourful book cover, this is quite a sad book. A study in grief and the lows of humanity, which was quite gory at times.
I’m not sure if something was lost through the translation, but the flow felt a bit jarring. It seemed like a lot of time was spent recounting and overloading information about previous events. While I could sympathise with the two main characters, I never really connected with them.
I would still recommend this book, as it’s a unique and interesting concept that I’m sure a lot of people will enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy Bears Never Die is a Masterclass in Action-Gore-Horror
I feel weightless right now writing this review. Because Teddy Bears Never Die is among one of my favorite books of all time. The craftsmanship that the Author demonstrated is sadly a dying breed among a sea of books. And that is one of the many reasons why this book has me soaring right now. I want to just cut to the chase and say "it's so good, go preorder it right now!", but that doesn't even begin to submerge you in all that I really want to say...however, I truly do not think I have the capacity to reduce my review to within the parameters given and still find it satisfactory. So, I'll do my best to keep the fangirling to a minimum and not write the pages upon pages that I really want to write explaining just how important this book is and how it belongs on every Readers Shelves who enjoy the strange, fun, creative, gorey, action packed, mysteries of books.
This book was a work of art. The finesse in stacking all of the metaphorical bricks of this tale in the way that the Author did...blew my mind. The level of control and absolute certainty that the author displayed was easy to pick up with how smooth this story flowed throughout.
This book doesn't roll out in a "Once upon a time" linear way....it's broken up and tossed around. Frightening things that go bump in the night, occasionally pop up to make the hairs on your arms stand the f up. There are bangs, there is blood, there is running, there are tears, there is revenge, and there is salvation.
To put it plainly, this story revolves around two teenagers, both served unfair fates and doing their best to make each day count in their separate lives...until, fate in fact does have a wicked sense of humor and these two are thrust together on one hell of a journey of ugly truths, horrors, most definitely some traumatizing events, and together they reforge their future.
I really loved what was written in the Authors Note at the end of the book, I think it really sums up how incredibly awesome this story is. I think after completing this book, it was the perfect "goodbye hug" to these characters.
The entire time I was reading I saw many visuals flowing through my mind and I ended up making a Spotify Playlist to put on when I wasn't able to read, so that I could still be back in Yamu, with Hwayoung and Doha🎒🧸. If you want to take a listen, you can do so here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74p...
Thank you endlessly to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Cho yeeun for the ARC! This was such a wild time and I will be non-stop talking about this book! I need any and everything from this incredibly talented Author and hope that more of her books will be translated to English.
I feel weightless right now writing this review. Because Teddy Bears Never Die is among one of my favorite books of all time. The craftsmanship that the Author demonstrated is sadly a dying breed among a sea of books. And that is one of the many reasons why this book has me soaring right now. I want to just cut to the chase and say "it's so good, go preorder it right now!", but that doesn't even begin to submerge you in all that I really want to say...however, I truly do not think I have the capacity to reduce my review to within the parameters given and still find it satisfactory. So, I'll do my best to keep the fangirling to a minimum and not write the pages upon pages that I really want to write explaining just how important this book is and how it belongs on every Readers Shelves who enjoy the strange, fun, creative, gorey, action packed, mysteries of books.
This book was a work of art. The finesse in stacking all of the metaphorical bricks of this tale in the way that the Author did...blew my mind. The level of control and absolute certainty that the author displayed was easy to pick up with how smooth this story flowed throughout.
This book doesn't roll out in a "Once upon a time" linear way....it's broken up and tossed around. Frightening things that go bump in the night, occasionally pop up to make the hairs on your arms stand the f up. There are bangs, there is blood, there is running, there are tears, there is revenge, and there is salvation.
To put it plainly, this story revolves around two teenagers, both served unfair fates and doing their best to make each day count in their separate lives...until, fate in fact does have a wicked sense of humor and these two are thrust together on one hell of a journey of ugly truths, horrors, most definitely some traumatizing events, and together they reforge their future.
I really loved what was written in the Authors Note at the end of the book, I think it really sums up how incredibly awesome this story is. I think after completing this book, it was the perfect "goodbye hug" to these characters.
The entire time I was reading I saw many visuals flowing through my mind and I ended up making a Spotify Playlist to put on when I wasn't able to read, so that I could still be back in Yamu, with Hwayoung and Doha🎒🧸. If you want to take a listen, you can do so here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74p...
Thank you endlessly to NetGalley, Orbit Books, and Cho yeeun for the ARC! This was such a wild time and I will be non-stop talking about this book! I need any and everything from this incredibly talented Author and hope that more of her books will be translated to English.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Korean horror novel that is part slasher, part supernatural, and all about revenge! 🔪🩸
💙 What I Liked: Besides the beautifully eye-catching cover, the whole premise and vibe of this book are SO good. I love love love how unique this plot is, and how the story has a blend of different genres such as horror, supernatural, thriller, comedy, and even some teen romance. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed how we got to connect with them through the flashbacks and explanations of their lives prior to current plot events. I personally enjoyed the way the story would jump back and forth between these flashbacks and present day, but I know that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I promise it makes sense for this story and I felt like it added to our understanding of different characters and helped to tie the plot together. The horror scenes are solid, and I found myself becoming so immersed in the story at times that it would be hilariously jarring when our talking teddy bear character reappeared. Also, the whole “possessed teddy bear” thing wasn’t corny at all (which I was half expecting)! It was explained well, made sense to the story, and the character really made you want to root for him. 🧸
💔 What Could’ve Been Better: There were some moments between our (teenage) main characters that were really cheesy and a bit eye-rolling, especially considering what was happening around them. Also, the main character was annoying sometimes, but it also kinda made sense for her? I tried to keep in mind that this novel was translated from Korean, and while I think it was done super well, there might have been some interactions/moments that did not land quite the same in the English translation.
🧐 Overall Thoughts: Seriously, just give this book a shot! It’s so fun, the story is genuinely interesting, and the pacing was great. I finished this book in just a few sittings because I kept wanting to come back to it and see where this roller-coaster was going to take me next. I want more Korean horror novels now and will be on the lookout for anything else by this author!
~Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 📚~
💙 What I Liked: Besides the beautifully eye-catching cover, the whole premise and vibe of this book are SO good. I love love love how unique this plot is, and how the story has a blend of different genres such as horror, supernatural, thriller, comedy, and even some teen romance. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed how we got to connect with them through the flashbacks and explanations of their lives prior to current plot events. I personally enjoyed the way the story would jump back and forth between these flashbacks and present day, but I know that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I promise it makes sense for this story and I felt like it added to our understanding of different characters and helped to tie the plot together. The horror scenes are solid, and I found myself becoming so immersed in the story at times that it would be hilariously jarring when our talking teddy bear character reappeared. Also, the whole “possessed teddy bear” thing wasn’t corny at all (which I was half expecting)! It was explained well, made sense to the story, and the character really made you want to root for him. 🧸
💔 What Could’ve Been Better: There were some moments between our (teenage) main characters that were really cheesy and a bit eye-rolling, especially considering what was happening around them. Also, the main character was annoying sometimes, but it also kinda made sense for her? I tried to keep in mind that this novel was translated from Korean, and while I think it was done super well, there might have been some interactions/moments that did not land quite the same in the English translation.
🧐 Overall Thoughts: Seriously, just give this book a shot! It’s so fun, the story is genuinely interesting, and the pacing was great. I finished this book in just a few sittings because I kept wanting to come back to it and see where this roller-coaster was going to take me next. I want more Korean horror novels now and will be on the lookout for anything else by this author!
~Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review! 📚~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy Bears Never Die is a Korean revenge novel, as a girl teams up with a boy trapped in a teddy bear to find out the truth about her mother's death. Hwayoung's mother died during a mass poisoning at the luxury apartment block where she worked, an event that also killed Doha's parents but left him alive. Hwayoung doesn't believe her mother was poisoned and spends her days trying to save money to get to the truth. Meanwhile Doha lives with his uncle, whose son died during the poisoning, and then he wakes up trapped in the body of a teddy bear. After a chance encounter thanks to the plot of a dangerous criminal, Hwayoung and Doha team up to get revenge.
I loved The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre so I was very excited to read another book by Cho Yeeun. This one has a similar combination of bloody violence mixed with cutesy ridiculousness, all brought together by an action thriller storyline of crime and revenge. The narrative moves between the two main characters and their past and present, giving it a perhaps surprisingly deep plot given that it is also full of bloody scenes featuring a teddy bear that can move and talk, and the connection between Hwayoung and Doha forms an emotional core for the book.
Generally, Teddy Bears Never Die feels like a film in the way it cuts between scenes, and it would would be a great book to adapt. It has a more conventional focus on two characters than The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre's vast range of perspectives, and I didn't find it quite as engaging as that book, but I had a fun time with it. Cho Yeeun definitely writes my sort of ridiculous bloody novel.
I loved The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre so I was very excited to read another book by Cho Yeeun. This one has a similar combination of bloody violence mixed with cutesy ridiculousness, all brought together by an action thriller storyline of crime and revenge. The narrative moves between the two main characters and their past and present, giving it a perhaps surprisingly deep plot given that it is also full of bloody scenes featuring a teddy bear that can move and talk, and the connection between Hwayoung and Doha forms an emotional core for the book.
Generally, Teddy Bears Never Die feels like a film in the way it cuts between scenes, and it would would be a great book to adapt. It has a more conventional focus on two characters than The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre's vast range of perspectives, and I didn't find it quite as engaging as that book, but I had a fun time with it. Cho Yeeun definitely writes my sort of ridiculous bloody novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was a riot! Cho Yeeun’s horror novels are so unique. Here, Doha, a teen boy, wakes up to find his soul has been trapped in a teddy bear. He teams up with his school friend Hwayoung to get revenge after the death of her mother and hopefully regain his body. And yes, he is a regular-sized teddy bear. So. Good.
Despite the often absurd plot elements, this novel thoughtfully touches on obsessive love, revenge, and the power of money. Similar to The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre, there is a theme of poverty and desperation that runs through this work, though the supernatural element here means that this idea is explored in a new way. In this novel, a major motif is “death as a great equalizer” and whether that may or may not be true….as running alongside the plot of Hwayoug’s revenge-seeking is the more sinister discovery of a disrespected and disturbed mass grave. This novel is horrific and heartfelt at the same time, and all these various threads come together explosively at the end.
I had a fantastic time with this novel. Absolutely pick it up if you are in the mood for some weird horror!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Despite the often absurd plot elements, this novel thoughtfully touches on obsessive love, revenge, and the power of money. Similar to The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre, there is a theme of poverty and desperation that runs through this work, though the supernatural element here means that this idea is explored in a new way. In this novel, a major motif is “death as a great equalizer” and whether that may or may not be true….as running alongside the plot of Hwayoug’s revenge-seeking is the more sinister discovery of a disrespected and disturbed mass grave. This novel is horrific and heartfelt at the same time, and all these various threads come together explosively at the end.
I had a fantastic time with this novel. Absolutely pick it up if you are in the mood for some weird horror!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy Bears Never Die by Cho Yeeun is a horror novel that follows a young girl who is on a path for revenge after her mother dies under mysterious circumstances. She comes across a stuffed bear that just so happens to contain the soul of one of her classmates. What happens after the two meet is a wild ride!
Don’t let the bright and fun cover for this book fool you. This is a dark novel. It has a lot of disturbing themes including child trafficking and how the rich can do anything they want for the right amount of money.
This book was such a unique time. I found myself invested very early on. There are a lot of questions to be answered and the book takes its time answering them but it never felt tedious to me. I flew through this book because I wanted to know what was going on and I was satisfied with where it went by the end. I think a lot of people would really enjoy this one.
I have seen this one pitched as having a romance and while I think it is there, it is in no way a large part of the book. This is mostly a revenge story with some mysterious elements to it.
I had a great time with this one. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Don’t let the bright and fun cover for this book fool you. This is a dark novel. It has a lot of disturbing themes including child trafficking and how the rich can do anything they want for the right amount of money.
This book was such a unique time. I found myself invested very early on. There are a lot of questions to be answered and the book takes its time answering them but it never felt tedious to me. I flew through this book because I wanted to know what was going on and I was satisfied with where it went by the end. I think a lot of people would really enjoy this one.
I have seen this one pitched as having a romance and while I think it is there, it is in no way a large part of the book. This is mostly a revenge story with some mysterious elements to it.
I had a great time with this one. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
March 23, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for the ARC!
After losing her mother to what she thought was a mass poisoning attack, Hwayoung is struggling to survive a a minor without anyone to lean on. Everything changes the day she finds a teddy bear dumped on the streets. It’s a famous mascot, something she holds dear to her heart. But no one would ever have guessed the bear is… possessed?
This was such a creative storyline. Absurd even. It’s got so many different elements: hauntings, ghosts, murder, abuse, revenge, etc… it was a bit difficult getting into it at first because it’s so strange and outlandish but once you get the rhythm going… it’s hard to put it down.
I was definitely rooting for Hwayoung all the way. She’s likable, she’s determined, and she acts somewhat impulsively. I really enjoyed the story diving into her past, Doha’s past, and the town’s unsavory secrets. The villains were obviously unlikable and some were more black and white as opposed to morally grey. Either way, I had no trouble navigating the different sub stories that weaved everything together.
Teddy bears hold a very special place in my heart, so I absolutely enjoyed this book.
After losing her mother to what she thought was a mass poisoning attack, Hwayoung is struggling to survive a a minor without anyone to lean on. Everything changes the day she finds a teddy bear dumped on the streets. It’s a famous mascot, something she holds dear to her heart. But no one would ever have guessed the bear is… possessed?
This was such a creative storyline. Absurd even. It’s got so many different elements: hauntings, ghosts, murder, abuse, revenge, etc… it was a bit difficult getting into it at first because it’s so strange and outlandish but once you get the rhythm going… it’s hard to put it down.
I was definitely rooting for Hwayoung all the way. She’s likable, she’s determined, and she acts somewhat impulsively. I really enjoyed the story diving into her past, Doha’s past, and the town’s unsavory secrets. The villains were obviously unlikable and some were more black and white as opposed to morally grey. Either way, I had no trouble navigating the different sub stories that weaved everything together.
Teddy bears hold a very special place in my heart, so I absolutely enjoyed this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars! Teddy Bears Never Die makes me want to return to more Korean horror novels! This was my first, but I am incredibly intrigued to read more after this. I have never seen anything like this book; completely original in every aspect.
At first, I was absolutely hooked. I needed to know where this story was going. The way the plot was going had me reading this incredibly fast. It started to fall off shortly afterwards. I think that this was due to the translation. Sometimes, I felt that I loved the writing style. Other times, I did not like it that much. It's unfortunate that this had such a hold on the ultimate rating.
Hwayoung was such a moving character to read. We learn a lot about this character, even in such a short time. You begin to feel sad for her, but she was my favorite character because of the emotions she evoked out of me.
Thank you Orbit Books & Cho yeeun for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Teddy Bears Never Die is released on May 21, 2026!
At first, I was absolutely hooked. I needed to know where this story was going. The way the plot was going had me reading this incredibly fast. It started to fall off shortly afterwards. I think that this was due to the translation. Sometimes, I felt that I loved the writing style. Other times, I did not like it that much. It's unfortunate that this had such a hold on the ultimate rating.
Hwayoung was such a moving character to read. We learn a lot about this character, even in such a short time. You begin to feel sad for her, but she was my favorite character because of the emotions she evoked out of me.
Thank you Orbit Books & Cho yeeun for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Teddy Bears Never Die is released on May 21, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit books (Run For It) for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I want to preface this review by stating that I absolutely love the book cover; it is what made me want to read this in the first place.
Teddy Bears Never Die by Cho Yeeun is built on a great, highly original concept. I enjoyed the ride for the most part. It's chaotic and the horror elements are creepy and done effectively.
However, the books pacing and structure were a little bit of a hurdle for me. The narrative frequently jumps between timelines, which made it feel disjointed. There is a lot of unnecessary information added that distracts from the overall plot. I am wondering if some of the flow issues were due to the fact this book was translated.
Overall, it's a fun, unique horror story, but the execution could have been better. I would still recommend this to fans of Korean horror or anyone looking for a fun read. Teddy Bears Never Die is set to be released on May 26, 2026.
Teddy Bears Never Die by Cho Yeeun is built on a great, highly original concept. I enjoyed the ride for the most part. It's chaotic and the horror elements are creepy and done effectively.
However, the books pacing and structure were a little bit of a hurdle for me. The narrative frequently jumps between timelines, which made it feel disjointed. There is a lot of unnecessary information added that distracts from the overall plot. I am wondering if some of the flow issues were due to the fact this book was translated.
Overall, it's a fun, unique horror story, but the execution could have been better. I would still recommend this to fans of Korean horror or anyone looking for a fun read. Teddy Bears Never Die is set to be released on May 26, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
TEDDY BEARS NEVER DIE
RATING: 4
GENRE: Fiction, Horror
I was first introduced to Cho Yeeun in The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre. It was a strange, yet intriguing story that keeps readers captivated until the end. Teddy Bears Never Die has the same feeling and takes the reader on wild ride as we follow two young protagonists, one who is trapped inside the body of a teddy bear, and a teenaged girl seeking revenge.
The story premise is absurd, yet tells a chilling tale of the villainy behind people and their search for power. Those who are placed into power abuse it and those who lack power suffer the consequences. It is a brutal story yet Cho is able to portray glimpses of humanity through Hwayoung and Doha, our two young protagonists, though marred by tragedy, are still not completely jaded by the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Cho’s commentary on society through a strange and unique lens. Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit books for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. Look out for this book on publishing date 5/26/26.
RATING: 4
GENRE: Fiction, Horror
I was first introduced to Cho Yeeun in The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre. It was a strange, yet intriguing story that keeps readers captivated until the end. Teddy Bears Never Die has the same feeling and takes the reader on wild ride as we follow two young protagonists, one who is trapped inside the body of a teddy bear, and a teenaged girl seeking revenge.
The story premise is absurd, yet tells a chilling tale of the villainy behind people and their search for power. Those who are placed into power abuse it and those who lack power suffer the consequences. It is a brutal story yet Cho is able to portray glimpses of humanity through Hwayoung and Doha, our two young protagonists, though marred by tragedy, are still not completely jaded by the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and Cho’s commentary on society through a strange and unique lens. Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit books for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. Look out for this book on publishing date 5/26/26.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"Teddy Bears Never Die" by Cho Yeeun is a wildly inventive horror romance mashup that hooks you right away with its absurd premise: teddy bears as supernatural revenge agents in a glittering but rotten Korean city. I loved the story's blend of grotesque whimsy and heartfelt revenge. Hwayoung and Doha team up against the corrupt elite who destroyed their lives, and the supernatural teddy bears are honestly a stroke of genius. It was creepy, chaotic, and oddly endearing as they tear through the shiny façade with bloody vengeance. It's the perfect mix of bloody wackiness and genuine friendship that keeps you turning pages. That said, the translation feels a bit clunky in spots, which pulled me out of the momentum during some tense scenes. Some plot threads also wrap up a little too neatly for such a bonkers setup. Still, this one's a standout for fans of weird horror with heart. It's unique, gory, and surprisingly emotional.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was an absolute blast! I loved The New Seoul Park Jelly Massacre so I was hyped for another Cho Yeeun novel, and she delivered exactly my kind of weird, bloody fun. Here, Hwayoung teams up with Doha—a boy whose soul has been trapped inside a teddy bear—to get revenge after her mother's death during a mass poisoning at a luxury apartment block. And yes, the narrative cuts between past and present as a sentient bear commits bloody violence. So. Good.
Despite the utter ridiculousness, this novel thoughtfully touches on grief, class inequality, and revenge, with the emotional bond between Hwayoung and Doha grounding all the chaos. It maybe didn't grab me quite as hard as Jelly Massacre (I missed that sprawling cast), but Cho Yeeun absolutely writes my kind of cinematic, violent novel. Pick it up if you want some action-thriller revenge with a side of creepy-cute chaos!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Despite the utter ridiculousness, this novel thoughtfully touches on grief, class inequality, and revenge, with the emotional bond between Hwayoung and Doha grounding all the chaos. It maybe didn't grab me quite as hard as Jelly Massacre (I missed that sprawling cast), but Cho Yeeun absolutely writes my kind of cinematic, violent novel. Pick it up if you want some action-thriller revenge with a side of creepy-cute chaos!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An absolutely wild fever dream of a read. The plot centers around an incident in the past, where residents and affiliates of a luxury apartment complex were poisoned by desserts left at their door. One of our two protagonists, Hwayoung, lost her mother during that incident: she was working as housekeeper to one of them. The other, Doha, is a school friend of hers.
But Hwayoung doesn't believe the incident is what actually killed her mother, and has spent her time focusing on trying to get justice (and winding up in some shady circumstances). Then Doha wakes up in the body of a teddy bear. From there on, there's a bloody, stylish, and unique revenge quest to be getting on!
The writing style is impeccable. The plotline is like nothing I've ever read. The worldbuilding is absolutely fantastic. And the characters felt very real, their emotional cores strong. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
But Hwayoung doesn't believe the incident is what actually killed her mother, and has spent her time focusing on trying to get justice (and winding up in some shady circumstances). Then Doha wakes up in the body of a teddy bear. From there on, there's a bloody, stylish, and unique revenge quest to be getting on!
The writing style is impeccable. The plotline is like nothing I've ever read. The worldbuilding is absolutely fantastic. And the characters felt very real, their emotional cores strong. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy Bears Never Die is a wacky and wild ride featuring revenge, loneliness and grief.
Hwayoung has had a lot of downfalls in life, her dad left when she was young and her mom is murdered during a mass poisoning.
Hwayoung believes her mom wouldn't have eaten the poisoned rice balls and is hell bent on finding out the truth of her murder.
Who knew that in order to gain answers all she had to do was team up with a possessed teddy bear?
This book is dubbed a "horrormance" but I wouldn't necessarily consider romance elements.
It's gory in places, bat shit crazy in others and will have you rooting for the main character throughout.
I did find that it seemed to recap events quite a lot throughout so I'm not sure if that is due to being translated.
I've never read anything by Cho Yeeun before and now I need to go read all her other works!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc.
Hwayoung has had a lot of downfalls in life, her dad left when she was young and her mom is murdered during a mass poisoning.
Hwayoung believes her mom wouldn't have eaten the poisoned rice balls and is hell bent on finding out the truth of her murder.
Who knew that in order to gain answers all she had to do was team up with a possessed teddy bear?
This book is dubbed a "horrormance" but I wouldn't necessarily consider romance elements.
It's gory in places, bat shit crazy in others and will have you rooting for the main character throughout.
I did find that it seemed to recap events quite a lot throughout so I'm not sure if that is due to being translated.
I've never read anything by Cho Yeeun before and now I need to go read all her other works!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy Bears Never Die is the first book I have read by Cho Ye-eun. I am not usually a big horror fan, but this one sounded like a bit of a genre mashup, with some comedy thrown in, so I decided to give it a try. I really enjoyed the characters and the premise. The story moved along at a good pace and, while violent at times, it also included a lot of humour, drama, emotion and even a dash of romance. It was a fun tale, but also a very thought-provoking one that touched on several interesting themes about capitalism, justice and the people who slip through the cracks, alongside competitive education and societal and familial expectations. As long as you don't mind a bit of violence and bloodshed, I recommend this book for its genre-defying narrative and quirky premise. I am giving it 4.5 stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy Bears Never Die is definitely a unique weird little book. i reaaaaally wanted to love this, like what do you mean a girl & possessed teddy bear team up, run amok & get revenge?? that should have been right up my alley...but unfortunately this fell short for me.
the horror elements were done well & the whole concept of the possessed teddy bear was fun, but the pacing made this an absolute drag to get through for me. i was invested for the first chapter but it quickly started to lose my interest by the second or third. i'm not sure if it was the overall structure, the writing style or just a lot was lost in translation but the flow of this was kind of all over the place.
the originality is a 10/10, the pacing & overall flow really kept me from really enjoying this.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
the horror elements were done well & the whole concept of the possessed teddy bear was fun, but the pacing made this an absolute drag to get through for me. i was invested for the first chapter but it quickly started to lose my interest by the second or third. i'm not sure if it was the overall structure, the writing style or just a lot was lost in translation but the flow of this was kind of all over the place.
the originality is a 10/10, the pacing & overall flow really kept me from really enjoying this.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
March 20, 2026
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for my free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
A horror novel about a girl and a possessed teddy bear out for revenge? I’m so in!
This was gory and horrific and right up my alley!
Teddy Bears Never Die is a Korean horror novel translated into English. I’m always a bit wary of translations but this one was done really well. In places the translation did feel a bit clunky but overall it was done very well and I don’t think I would have noticed if I didn’t already know.
There were times that I found the story a bit slow or a bit confusing but overall I enjoyed the wild ride this took me on. And the amazing ending made it all worth it.
If you are a fan of horror this is a must read!
A horror novel about a girl and a possessed teddy bear out for revenge? I’m so in!
This was gory and horrific and right up my alley!
Teddy Bears Never Die is a Korean horror novel translated into English. I’m always a bit wary of translations but this one was done really well. In places the translation did feel a bit clunky but overall it was done very well and I don’t think I would have noticed if I didn’t already know.
There were times that I found the story a bit slow or a bit confusing but overall I enjoyed the wild ride this took me on. And the amazing ending made it all worth it.
If you are a fan of horror this is a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The story follows two teenagers who have experienced family related traumas, thrown together in an unlikely situation where one of them possess a teddy bear. After the first chapter the story is action packed, even the flash backs are fast paced making it a quick but engaging read.
I was never bored or felt like skimming through paragraphs, no over descriptions or unnecessary dialogs.
Every plot point was explained, relevant, and no loose ends left in the mysteries.
The content of the book is definitely dark, dealing with very heavy subject matter.
if you are someone who enjoys horror this is definitely a good read. I would love yo see this as comic one day.
I was never bored or felt like skimming through paragraphs, no over descriptions or unnecessary dialogs.
Every plot point was explained, relevant, and no loose ends left in the mysteries.
The content of the book is definitely dark, dealing with very heavy subject matter.
if you are someone who enjoys horror this is definitely a good read. I would love yo see this as comic one day.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve read a few translated works, and this is a good one to start with. The cover makes it seem like it’s going to be a zany slasher, but it’s more bleak than I expected. It brings up many thoughts on revenge, grief, and classism. The writing is pretty good for a translated work, but the timelines jumped around a bit and it took more mental energy to keep track of things than I anticipated. This book was an entertaining bloodbath with a decent mystery. The characters were great and I would recommend this to anyone curious about Korean horror.
Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Orbit Books for allowing me to read this book early. The opinion in this review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I find it challenging to give this book a definitive rating because, honestly, by page 70 I had already started to lose interest in the story. It didn't quite hold my attention or offer the compelling pull I usually look for in a good horror story. I really appreciate @runforit for sending me this gifted advanced reader's copy. Reading tastes are so varied, and I believe others might find they connect with it differently. I encourage you to give it a try, as everyone’s experience with a book can be unique.
March 26, 2026
4.75/5
ARC
This was what I wanted and more. The cover grabbed me immediately and the subject matter of a killer teddy bear was too good to pass up.
However, it was so much more than a killer teddy bear. It was a story of revenge and a young girl’s tenacity to find her mother’s true killer.
I will pick up a copy of this for my library. It was just so good.
Tropes: Korean horror; suspense/thriller; a sprinkle of romance; human trafficking (body parts); graphic death and murder scenes; paranormal.
ARC
This was what I wanted and more. The cover grabbed me immediately and the subject matter of a killer teddy bear was too good to pass up.
However, it was so much more than a killer teddy bear. It was a story of revenge and a young girl’s tenacity to find her mother’s true killer.
I will pick up a copy of this for my library. It was just so good.
Tropes: Korean horror; suspense/thriller; a sprinkle of romance; human trafficking (body parts); graphic death and murder scenes; paranormal.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teddy Bears Never Die
By Cho Yeeun
Pub Date; May 26 2026
This is one of the most chaotic horror books I've ever read. It's fun but I wish it would slow down at times. I didn't really get a chance to connect with any of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By Cho Yeeun
Pub Date; May 26 2026
This is one of the most chaotic horror books I've ever read. It's fun but I wish it would slow down at times. I didn't really get a chance to connect with any of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
February 20, 2026
ARC
So funny the same thing happened to me with a Pengsoo plushie a couple years ago.
This is a wild ride of a read and I loved it! It’s a supernatural tale of revenge that has body horror, demons and also a sweet tale of teenage love. It can be heartbreaking and funny in the same breath.
So funny the same thing happened to me with a Pengsoo plushie a couple years ago.
This is a wild ride of a read and I loved it! It’s a supernatural tale of revenge that has body horror, demons and also a sweet tale of teenage love. It can be heartbreaking and funny in the same breath.
Read
March 24, 2026This was a fun read however don’t read this after watching two seasons of Ted the show I was fighting inner demons trying not to picture the smiley bear just being Seth Macfarlanes Ted going through very unfortunate circumstances.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Weird and heartfelt and full of carnage.
March 23, 2026
Hwayoung is an orphan teenager trying to survive in a wealthy Korean city while waiting to take revenge on the person who killed her mother. Doha is living with his elite uncle when he wakes up in the body of a discarded teddy bear. Hwayoung picks-up the teddy bear Doha on the street, and what follows is a string of dangerous events that will change their lives forever. This violent horror read has multiple points of view, is tragic yet moving with some humor, and illustrates how a wealthy few can commit atrocities for generations.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love a weird book, but this wasn't quite my brand of weird. I think some things might be a bit lost in translation with this one. The pacing is sort of all over the place when it comes to the current time line and receiving background info. It is a very original story though and definitely covers some heavy, but relevant themes.
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