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The Devoted: A Beautifully Written Crime Drama About a Mother Cast into the Hong Kong Underworld
Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 19:58:11
100 copies available
U.S. only
A stunning, page-turning love story of family and fate from the author of the acclaimed memoir, Inferno.
Eunha grows up in a quiet village in Hong Kong with little knowledge of the reputation of her father, a Dragon Head and leader of a criminal organisation infamous in the city. While her grandmother does her best to shield her from the violence that underpins their lives, Eunha only has her brother Solomon and their one permitted companion, a boy named Kai, for company.
But when Eunha marries into a supposedly respectable Hong Kong family, the veneer of her quiet life begins to crack. When her young son is kidnapped, she is cast back into the city’s criminal underground and into the orbit of Kai, now a Dragon Head himself. In this world love and loyalty are stalked by fear and betrayal. Will Eunha finally give in to the life she has strived so hard to rise above or was her future always fated?
The Devoted is a beautifully written, unforgettable debut novel of love, family and betrayal from an electric new voice in fiction.
Eunha grows up in a quiet village in Hong Kong with little knowledge of the reputation of her father, a Dragon Head and leader of a criminal organisation infamous in the city. While her grandmother does her best to shield her from the violence that underpins their lives, Eunha only has her brother Solomon and their one permitted companion, a boy named Kai, for company.
But when Eunha marries into a supposedly respectable Hong Kong family, the veneer of her quiet life begins to crack. When her young son is kidnapped, she is cast back into the city’s criminal underground and into the orbit of Kai, now a Dragon Head himself. In this world love and loyalty are stalked by fear and betrayal. Will Eunha finally give in to the life she has strived so hard to rise above or was her future always fated?
The Devoted is a beautifully written, unforgettable debut novel of love, family and betrayal from an electric new voice in fiction.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh boy… this one is a bit of a mixed bag for me.
The story itself isn’t bad at all. It’s actually quite a sad and emotional one, centered around family, loss and the long shadow of a life tied to a criminal organization.
We follow Eunha, whose father is a Dragon Head in the Triads, and we see her life unfold through both past and present timelines. I did like that structure, it gave a fuller picture of her upbringing and how everything connects.
But… I kept waiting for something more to happen.
The first chapters were fine, and I thought we were building toward something intense, but the story stays very linear and just follows Eunha’s perspective as she tells her story. It felt more like being told what happened rather than experiencing it.
I think part of it is also expectations. I went in thinking this would have more suspense or thriller elements, but it leans much more toward literary fiction and character driven storytelling.
There were moments that caught my attention, especially toward the last 10% when things finally started to come together, and I’ll admit that part had me more engaged.
Also… Kai… yeah... dude, I had a bit of hope. HAD -.-. That’s all I’m saying...
Overall, not a bad book at all, just not what I was expecting, and it didn’t fully work for me.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the ARC.
The story itself isn’t bad at all. It’s actually quite a sad and emotional one, centered around family, loss and the long shadow of a life tied to a criminal organization.
We follow Eunha, whose father is a Dragon Head in the Triads, and we see her life unfold through both past and present timelines. I did like that structure, it gave a fuller picture of her upbringing and how everything connects.
But… I kept waiting for something more to happen.
The first chapters were fine, and I thought we were building toward something intense, but the story stays very linear and just follows Eunha’s perspective as she tells her story. It felt more like being told what happened rather than experiencing it.
I think part of it is also expectations. I went in thinking this would have more suspense or thriller elements, but it leans much more toward literary fiction and character driven storytelling.
There were moments that caught my attention, especially toward the last 10% when things finally started to come together, and I’ll admit that part had me more engaged.
Also… Kai… yeah... dude, I had a bit of hope. HAD -.-. That’s all I’m saying...
Overall, not a bad book at all, just not what I was expecting, and it didn’t fully work for me.
⭐ 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the ARC.
May 26, 2026
The Devoted by Catherine Cho is definitely a cross between 3.5 and 4 stars. I'm leaning more towards 3.5.
What is interesting is that this book is about a daughter raised by a family who are a part of the Triads. I was expecting more intrigue, maybe a little violence, perhaps a little deeper dive into the modern day mafia of sorts. There are various mentions of families who make millions of things the West take for granted in their Amazon prime deliveries - curtain hooks, super glue, you get the idea. These are not just sweat shops, these are underground organizations who will hurt each other to ensure they're the ones making the most profit.
Instead, The Devoted is a very lush, slow book about Eunha, who is Korean and raised in Hong Kong. I'm not sure why Cho actually chose this approach. It didn't affect the storyline to have her not be Chinese. Regardless, I found the story slow, detached, and many times slightly bored with what could have been happening.
It's a story about being a mother, loving the wrong people, falling into a trap you can't get out. The Devoted is incredibly melancholic, dreary, and I wished there was more ooomph in the overall descriptions of Hong Kong.
Catherine Cho is a well written writer, and I do want to see what she writes next. Just wish this book kept me slightly more enthused.
What is interesting is that this book is about a daughter raised by a family who are a part of the Triads. I was expecting more intrigue, maybe a little violence, perhaps a little deeper dive into the modern day mafia of sorts. There are various mentions of families who make millions of things the West take for granted in their Amazon prime deliveries - curtain hooks, super glue, you get the idea. These are not just sweat shops, these are underground organizations who will hurt each other to ensure they're the ones making the most profit.
Instead, The Devoted is a very lush, slow book about Eunha, who is Korean and raised in Hong Kong. I'm not sure why Cho actually chose this approach. It didn't affect the storyline to have her not be Chinese. Regardless, I found the story slow, detached, and many times slightly bored with what could have been happening.
It's a story about being a mother, loving the wrong people, falling into a trap you can't get out. The Devoted is incredibly melancholic, dreary, and I wished there was more ooomph in the overall descriptions of Hong Kong.
Catherine Cho is a well written writer, and I do want to see what she writes next. Just wish this book kept me slightly more enthused.
2026
February 2, 2026ANHPI TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Washington Square Press
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Washington Square Press
February 24, 2026
Okay so I read The Devoted a couple weeks ago and I’ve been meaning to sit down and actually write this because it deserves it.This story follows Eunha a young Korean woman raised in Hong Kong by her grandmother far away from her father’s violent world. Her father is a Dragon Head in the Triads and even though her grandmother does everything she can to shield Eunha and her brother Solomon from that life it’s always there in the background. Eunha grows up marries into what seems like a respectable Hong Kong family and tries to build something clean and separate from her past. But when her son is kidnapped she’s pulled straight back into the criminal underworld and back into the orbit of Kai her childhood friend who is now a Dragon Head himself. From there it becomes this intense story about family, loyalty, fate, forbidden love, and whether you can ever truly escape the blood you were born into.I read this around the same time I was reading Jade City and apparently I was just fully in my Chinese mafia era because I ate this up. I loved that it had that same criminal dynasty energy, the power struggles, the honor and violence, but it felt way more intimate and emotional. And the jade dragon theme was everythingggg I was Obsessed. Halfway through I genuinely thought this was going to land at a solid four stars for me. I was invested, I liked the writing, the tension was building but then the ending hit. The character development, especially for Eunha, completely sealed it. Watching her step into her own power and make choices instead of just reacting to the men and the world around her!?That’s what bumped it to five stars. It turned from a good crime family drama into something that actually felt powerfully personal.
Also I am still not over Kai. That’s all I’ll say.I’m honestly so happy I randomly got approved for this on NetGalley because it ended up being one of those surprise favorites. If you loved Jade City and want something with organized crime, complicated family loyalty, and emotional stakes I highly recommend.
Also I am still not over Kai. That’s all I’ll say.I’m honestly so happy I randomly got approved for this on NetGalley because it ended up being one of those surprise favorites. If you loved Jade City and want something with organized crime, complicated family loyalty, and emotional stakes I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 14, 2026
“The Devoted: A Novel” by Catherine Cho is the story of a Korean woman who becomes entrenched in the crime organization she so desperately wanted to avoid. Heartbreaking, powerful and electric, “The Devoted: A Novel” is a tribute to motherhood and family, a tale of power, feminism and an examination of faith and destiny.
Eunha grew up with her beloved brother, Solomon, raised by their grandmother in a quiet and traditional Korean village. Eunha’s mother passed away and she saw her father only rarely, although she knew enough as a child to know her father was the head of a very powerful crime syndicate known as The Triads. Solomon’s destiny was to take over as the “Dragon Head” but the only thing Eunha’s grandmother wanted for her was to avoid the same fate that she and her daughter had suffered, marrying into the dangerous crime family. When Eunha becomes an adult, she starts to look back on the choices she has made and begins to question if her choices were really hers at all.
“The Devoted: A Novel” has alternating chapters, ones that take place during present day for Eunha and ones that tell the story of her past, growing up with her grandmother and brother in her father’s very imposing shadow. Told this way, readers can examine how Eunha’s adult life is heavily influenced by her childhood and how her choices were swayed by the others in her life.
Eunha is a devoted mother, dedicated sister and dutiful daughter, providing for all the men around her at her own expense. Although the story takes place on the other side of the world, women everywhere will connect with Eunha, trying to keep up with society’s expectations without losing the woman she is.
“Devoted” is character driven and full of emotional intrigue and drama. It is a quiet tale of feminist revenge and rage, a group of unsuspecting women who gather together to seek justice against the men who society gave power and influence to, who have been deemed ‘untouchable’.
Cho’s story is emotional, evoking all of the feels, from sadness to joy, from anger to redemption and relief. As the novel comes to a close and Eunha comes into her own, the ending delivers complete satisfaction as Eunha finally gets what she deserves, as do the men who took everything from her.
“The Devoted: A Novel” is quiet, unassuming and reluctant, like its protagonist, but it will leave an impression. Cho has created a powerful story worth telling.
Expected publication date: July 14, 2026
“The Devoted: A Novel” by Catherine Cho is the story of a Korean woman who becomes entrenched in the crime organization she so desperately wanted to avoid. Heartbreaking, powerful and electric, “The Devoted: A Novel” is a tribute to motherhood and family, a tale of power, feminism and an examination of faith and destiny.
Eunha grew up with her beloved brother, Solomon, raised by their grandmother in a quiet and traditional Korean village. Eunha’s mother passed away and she saw her father only rarely, although she knew enough as a child to know her father was the head of a very powerful crime syndicate known as The Triads. Solomon’s destiny was to take over as the “Dragon Head” but the only thing Eunha’s grandmother wanted for her was to avoid the same fate that she and her daughter had suffered, marrying into the dangerous crime family. When Eunha becomes an adult, she starts to look back on the choices she has made and begins to question if her choices were really hers at all.
“The Devoted: A Novel” has alternating chapters, ones that take place during present day for Eunha and ones that tell the story of her past, growing up with her grandmother and brother in her father’s very imposing shadow. Told this way, readers can examine how Eunha’s adult life is heavily influenced by her childhood and how her choices were swayed by the others in her life.
Eunha is a devoted mother, dedicated sister and dutiful daughter, providing for all the men around her at her own expense. Although the story takes place on the other side of the world, women everywhere will connect with Eunha, trying to keep up with society’s expectations without losing the woman she is.
“Devoted” is character driven and full of emotional intrigue and drama. It is a quiet tale of feminist revenge and rage, a group of unsuspecting women who gather together to seek justice against the men who society gave power and influence to, who have been deemed ‘untouchable’.
Cho’s story is emotional, evoking all of the feels, from sadness to joy, from anger to redemption and relief. As the novel comes to a close and Eunha comes into her own, the ending delivers complete satisfaction as Eunha finally gets what she deserves, as do the men who took everything from her.
“The Devoted: A Novel” is quiet, unassuming and reluctant, like its protagonist, but it will leave an impression. Cho has created a powerful story worth telling.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Being children of the Dragon Head - a leader within the infamous criminal organization of the Triads - Eunha and her brother Solomon live a sheltered life. When her son disappears, she digs into something deeper than the appearance.
For a premise about a Korean family in Hong Kong, surprisingly the story doesn't focus on dissecting either Korean roots or HK setting. The story, on the other hand, allows a glimpse of the dynamics in modern day mafia, which is heavily centered around power and betrayal. Going through loss and addiction, there's plenty of messiness in this family drama in which characters desire to make their own fate. Yet, I was expecting more tension and emotional investment and what feels like an intentional attempt of exploration of the criminal world reads like a slow narrative that flows like episodes (the transitions between timelines could have been smoother). I read this with a steady anticipation, waiting for the moment.
This is not to say that there aren't some emotional moments and one might appreciate the texture that comes from the characterization. Perhaps I wished for a more weighty exposure (of the events and characters) and despite of the lack of deeper attachment, the last 50 pages drew me in and there was hope for a longer commitment. Also, this is a book that will reward readers looking for an engaging prose.
THE DEVOTED provides unique lens into family in the mafia world. Even if the attempts missed the mark for me, I enjoyed Cho's memoir INFERNO and would read more of this author.
[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Atria books . All opinions are my own ]
For a premise about a Korean family in Hong Kong, surprisingly the story doesn't focus on dissecting either Korean roots or HK setting. The story, on the other hand, allows a glimpse of the dynamics in modern day mafia, which is heavily centered around power and betrayal. Going through loss and addiction, there's plenty of messiness in this family drama in which characters desire to make their own fate. Yet, I was expecting more tension and emotional investment and what feels like an intentional attempt of exploration of the criminal world reads like a slow narrative that flows like episodes (the transitions between timelines could have been smoother). I read this with a steady anticipation, waiting for the moment.
This is not to say that there aren't some emotional moments and one might appreciate the texture that comes from the characterization. Perhaps I wished for a more weighty exposure (of the events and characters) and despite of the lack of deeper attachment, the last 50 pages drew me in and there was hope for a longer commitment. Also, this is a book that will reward readers looking for an engaging prose.
THE DEVOTED provides unique lens into family in the mafia world. Even if the attempts missed the mark for me, I enjoyed Cho's memoir INFERNO and would read more of this author.
[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Atria books . All opinions are my own ]
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A kidnapping, Hong Kong's Triad underworld, family secrets, and a heroine forced to confront her past.
Cho's writing is undeniably beautiful. The novel is atmospheric, emotionally perceptive, and vividly rooted in its Hong Kong setting. Using the framework of a kidnapping and the backdrop of the Triad underworld, Cho explores themes of family loyalty, motherhood, identity, and the lasting influence of the past. Eunha is a compelling and layered protagonist whose struggles with belonging and obligation form the emotional heart of the story. The childhood flashbacks are seamlessly woven into the narrative, gradually revealing the relationships and secrets that shape her present-day choices.
My main criticism is that the novel never became quite as gripping as I expected. While the kidnapping plot creates immediate tension, the story frequently turns toward reflection, memory, and family history just as the suspense begins to build. Readers approaching the book as a crime thriller may find themselves wishing for a stronger sense of momentum and urgency.
That said, I can see why this novel will resonate with many readers. It is thoughtful, ambitious, and handles themes of motherhood, devotion, and inherited trauma with nuance and sensitivity. It simply didn't deliver the level of emotional impact or suspense I was hoping for.
Overall, The Devoted is a well-crafted literary family drama that occasionally struggles to balance its thriller elements with its more introspective ambitions. It's worth picking up if you enjoy character-driven fiction, though readers seeking a fast-paced page-turner may come away disappointed.
Cho's writing is undeniably beautiful. The novel is atmospheric, emotionally perceptive, and vividly rooted in its Hong Kong setting. Using the framework of a kidnapping and the backdrop of the Triad underworld, Cho explores themes of family loyalty, motherhood, identity, and the lasting influence of the past. Eunha is a compelling and layered protagonist whose struggles with belonging and obligation form the emotional heart of the story. The childhood flashbacks are seamlessly woven into the narrative, gradually revealing the relationships and secrets that shape her present-day choices.
My main criticism is that the novel never became quite as gripping as I expected. While the kidnapping plot creates immediate tension, the story frequently turns toward reflection, memory, and family history just as the suspense begins to build. Readers approaching the book as a crime thriller may find themselves wishing for a stronger sense of momentum and urgency.
That said, I can see why this novel will resonate with many readers. It is thoughtful, ambitious, and handles themes of motherhood, devotion, and inherited trauma with nuance and sensitivity. It simply didn't deliver the level of emotional impact or suspense I was hoping for.
Overall, The Devoted is a well-crafted literary family drama that occasionally struggles to balance its thriller elements with its more introspective ambitions. It's worth picking up if you enjoy character-driven fiction, though readers seeking a fast-paced page-turner may come away disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Literary fiction melds with crime and gangsters set in Hong Kong amid the Triads to tell a story of heartbreak and resilience. This is a character driven novel with intensity and grit focusing on themes of motherhood and family.
Eunha is the daughter of a Korean Dragon Head (triad) leader. The story opens with her son, Minsuk, being kidnapped and continues with Eunha’s search for him. The gangster underworld of her family seeps through the pages as events take over in the search for Minsuk. Her brother, Solomon, assists her, while her venal husband, Philip, abandons her. As her search goes on she meets up with Kai, whom she knew as a young girl and is now heavily into the triads. An attraction blossoms and Eunha feels she may be able to find Minsuk now that her life seems brighter. But reality soon reenters and a terrible twist at the end forces Eunha to understand that only she controls her life.
Eunha is a remarkable character. She’s persistent and determined. Her story is told through interconnecting moments in her life as one memory comes upon the present to reveal the past. It reveals how Eunha went from being a socialite to the hostess of the Cinnamon. It felt so sad at times as Eunha would remind another character that she grew up motherless and her son was a well. The other female characters of Eunha’s world are as entrenched in this dark gangster world as Eunha.
This is a book for readers who like gangster-relationship stories that include romance and grit. Enjoyable read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Washington Square Press for allowing me access to this ARC.
Eunha is the daughter of a Korean Dragon Head (triad) leader. The story opens with her son, Minsuk, being kidnapped and continues with Eunha’s search for him. The gangster underworld of her family seeps through the pages as events take over in the search for Minsuk. Her brother, Solomon, assists her, while her venal husband, Philip, abandons her. As her search goes on she meets up with Kai, whom she knew as a young girl and is now heavily into the triads. An attraction blossoms and Eunha feels she may be able to find Minsuk now that her life seems brighter. But reality soon reenters and a terrible twist at the end forces Eunha to understand that only she controls her life.
Eunha is a remarkable character. She’s persistent and determined. Her story is told through interconnecting moments in her life as one memory comes upon the present to reveal the past. It reveals how Eunha went from being a socialite to the hostess of the Cinnamon. It felt so sad at times as Eunha would remind another character that she grew up motherless and her son was a well. The other female characters of Eunha’s world are as entrenched in this dark gangster world as Eunha.
This is a book for readers who like gangster-relationship stories that include romance and grit. Enjoyable read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Washington Square Press for allowing me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Atria Books, Washington Square Press, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review.
Eunha grew up with her brother, Solomon, under the care of her grandmother and an ajusshi who works for her father. Her grandmother worked hard to shelter them from the darkness that their father surrounds himself with as a leader of the Triads, a dangerous criminal organization. Once Ajusshi's nephew, Kai, comes to stay with the family, the three become close friends.
All grown up, Eunha marries a well off businessman and has a son. But after her son is kidnapped, she's thrust into the darkness that her grandmother fought to keep her away from.
Alternating from Eunha's childhood to the present, The Devoted is an emotional family drama about love, fate, secrets, and finding your inner strength.
I was expecting more of a thriller, but The Devoted is told through Eunha's eyes, keeping most of the inner workings of the criminal organizations hidden. Even during the kidnapping at the beginning, I felt like I was watching helplessly as the men in Eunha's life worked to find her son.
The pieces of Eunha's quiet childhood scattered throughout the story gave off a reflective feeling. The prose and imagery were beautifully done, leaving me with a melancholy aftertaste. I loved the exploration of identity: being Korean in a foreign land, running from the dark parts of your family, and being a woman performing different roles for the men in her life.
Eunha's journey is beautiful, tragic, and filled with strength and love.
Eunha grew up with her brother, Solomon, under the care of her grandmother and an ajusshi who works for her father. Her grandmother worked hard to shelter them from the darkness that their father surrounds himself with as a leader of the Triads, a dangerous criminal organization. Once Ajusshi's nephew, Kai, comes to stay with the family, the three become close friends.
All grown up, Eunha marries a well off businessman and has a son. But after her son is kidnapped, she's thrust into the darkness that her grandmother fought to keep her away from.
Alternating from Eunha's childhood to the present, The Devoted is an emotional family drama about love, fate, secrets, and finding your inner strength.
I was expecting more of a thriller, but The Devoted is told through Eunha's eyes, keeping most of the inner workings of the criminal organizations hidden. Even during the kidnapping at the beginning, I felt like I was watching helplessly as the men in Eunha's life worked to find her son.
The pieces of Eunha's quiet childhood scattered throughout the story gave off a reflective feeling. The prose and imagery were beautifully done, leaving me with a melancholy aftertaste. I loved the exploration of identity: being Korean in a foreign land, running from the dark parts of your family, and being a woman performing different roles for the men in her life.
Eunha's journey is beautiful, tragic, and filled with strength and love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy!
The Devoted is a story of family and fate. Being raised in Hong Kong by their Korean grandmother, Eunha and her brother Solomon live a sheltered life, while their father is the leader of an infamous criminal organization. Now, as an adult, and married into a supposedly respectable Hong Kong family, Eunha's life begins to crack, sending her back into the criminal underground, a world that she once tried to escape.
This book really ended up being a mixed bag for me. It had all the workings to being a 5-star read. It was emotional, it had a compelling story, and it had strong writing. But I kept feeling like the story was just scratching the surface of its own potential. I found myself waiting for the narrative to really dig deeper into the characters and the conflict, to build on the tension and the emotional aspects of the story even more. I think because of that, I never really felt pulled in by the book. I didn’t feel any sense of immersion until the last 15%, but at that point it was a bit too late.
I would have loved to have peeked behind the curtain more with the criminal organization that Eunha’s father led, and to see all the inner workings. It would have just added to the atmosphere.
That said, Eunha’s story was undeniably emotional. While the book didn’t entirely deliver in the ways that I was hoping or expecting, I still appreciate what it was trying to do, and I can see why it may resonate more strongly with other readers.
3.5 stars!
The Devoted is a story of family and fate. Being raised in Hong Kong by their Korean grandmother, Eunha and her brother Solomon live a sheltered life, while their father is the leader of an infamous criminal organization. Now, as an adult, and married into a supposedly respectable Hong Kong family, Eunha's life begins to crack, sending her back into the criminal underground, a world that she once tried to escape.
This book really ended up being a mixed bag for me. It had all the workings to being a 5-star read. It was emotional, it had a compelling story, and it had strong writing. But I kept feeling like the story was just scratching the surface of its own potential. I found myself waiting for the narrative to really dig deeper into the characters and the conflict, to build on the tension and the emotional aspects of the story even more. I think because of that, I never really felt pulled in by the book. I didn’t feel any sense of immersion until the last 15%, but at that point it was a bit too late.
I would have loved to have peeked behind the curtain more with the criminal organization that Eunha’s father led, and to see all the inner workings. It would have just added to the atmosphere.
That said, Eunha’s story was undeniably emotional. While the book didn’t entirely deliver in the ways that I was hoping or expecting, I still appreciate what it was trying to do, and I can see why it may resonate more strongly with other readers.
3.5 stars!
June 4, 2026
Thank you for the free book Atria Books @atriabooks Washington Square Press @washingtonsquarepress , Netgalley @netgalley and Catherine Cho @catherinekcho for this free book! PUBLISHES JULY 14, 2026
“The Devoted” by Catherine Cho ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Family drama. Location: Hong Kong. Time: Past and present.
SYNOPSIS:
Raised in the Hong Kong New Territories by their Korean grandmother, Eunha and brother Solomon live a sheltered life. Their father is a Dragon Head, a leader in the infamous Triads criminal organization. Their grandmother shields them from their father’s violent world-Eunha has only Solomon and Kai, their one permitted companion, for company. When Eunha’s father arranges her marriage into a supposedly respectable family, her sheltered life cracks. Her young son is kidnapped, her cruel husband divorces her, she falls into the city's criminal underground and back to Kai, now a Dragon Head himself. As Eunha leaves innocence behind, her options constrict. She learns about the terrible Triad life she unknowingly was raised in (and now knowingly lives in). Was her future always fated?
FAVORITE BITS:
Immersive details about life in Hong Kong across gender, class and cultural roles.
Cho’s character development.
Her plot twists.
NOT SO FAVORITE BIT:
Chapters move back and forth across time, but there are no chapter headings to alert readers.
It’s layered intrigue and suspense, it’s a gritty look at upbringings and respectability”, it’s quietly powerful, and it’s 5⭐️s from me 📚👩🏼🦳
“The Devoted” by Catherine Cho ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Family drama. Location: Hong Kong. Time: Past and present.
SYNOPSIS:
Raised in the Hong Kong New Territories by their Korean grandmother, Eunha and brother Solomon live a sheltered life. Their father is a Dragon Head, a leader in the infamous Triads criminal organization. Their grandmother shields them from their father’s violent world-Eunha has only Solomon and Kai, their one permitted companion, for company. When Eunha’s father arranges her marriage into a supposedly respectable family, her sheltered life cracks. Her young son is kidnapped, her cruel husband divorces her, she falls into the city's criminal underground and back to Kai, now a Dragon Head himself. As Eunha leaves innocence behind, her options constrict. She learns about the terrible Triad life she unknowingly was raised in (and now knowingly lives in). Was her future always fated?
FAVORITE BITS:
Immersive details about life in Hong Kong across gender, class and cultural roles.
Cho’s character development.
Her plot twists.
NOT SO FAVORITE BIT:
Chapters move back and forth across time, but there are no chapter headings to alert readers.
It’s layered intrigue and suspense, it’s a gritty look at upbringings and respectability”, it’s quietly powerful, and it’s 5⭐️s from me 📚👩🏼🦳
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eunha has grown up as an outcast; her family prefers her older brother and the other girls at school want nothing to do with her. But being the daughter of a Dragon Head, the leader of a Triad in Hong Kong, things could be worse. When her brother flees to Canada after a bad decision, and her only other companion Kai goes to jail after taking the fall, Eunha decides that she will allow her father to set her up with a businessman. It keeps her out of her father and brother's world, and makes her grandmother happy.. who cares that her husband doesn't like her, and the world she marries into still makes her feel like an outsider. But when her son is kidnapped, all signs point to her family being the cause. Eunha finds herself shoved back into that world after Kai waltzes into her life, and she discovers that some feelings cannot be buried.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book, could not put it down. I wouldn't categorize it as a mystery/thriller, but I can understand why it would be.
The characters were well rounded, I was both rooting for and against most of them at all times. Eunha is such a relatable character, the lengths she was willing to go for her son made me love her even more. I was slightly confused about when the book was set until maybe halfway, but that could have just been me missing that context earlier on.
Am absolutely going to look into more of Cho's work!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC. Projected publishing date: July 14th, 2026
I absolutely DEVOURED this book, could not put it down. I wouldn't categorize it as a mystery/thriller, but I can understand why it would be.
The characters were well rounded, I was both rooting for and against most of them at all times. Eunha is such a relatable character, the lengths she was willing to go for her son made me love her even more. I was slightly confused about when the book was set until maybe halfway, but that could have just been me missing that context earlier on.
Am absolutely going to look into more of Cho's work!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC. Projected publishing date: July 14th, 2026
June 10, 2026
**Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!**
this book was easy to read (how the story was told, the sentences, chapters, etc.) I very much enjoyed learning Eunha’s back story. I think the parts where she and Solomon were small were my favorite. I could see where they lived, feel the atmosphere.
I didn’t dislike the parts where she was an adult I just feel like possibly there wasn’t enough about her fleshed out during those times? She felt “flat” sometimes, her inner dialogue repetitive. However, this could be a clever choice on the authors part as well to show how narrow her options and thoughts really were.
There are twists and turns in here and it’s not pleasant at times. Kidnapping, violence, and portrayal of organized crime make for dark reading.
Ultimately, I took from the story that no matter the people we knew as children, many times they are NOT the same now as then and no matter how much we look for that spark of innocence in them, it’s gone. We have to at some point believe that they may not be “good” people. In general or for us specifically to be around.
Also, the story shows Eunha slowly reclaiming her power throughout. But is she gaining freedom? I don’t know. Does power =freedom?
I enjoyed this book and it gave me a lot to think about. I will recommend it and will try more from the author.
this book was easy to read (how the story was told, the sentences, chapters, etc.) I very much enjoyed learning Eunha’s back story. I think the parts where she and Solomon were small were my favorite. I could see where they lived, feel the atmosphere.
I didn’t dislike the parts where she was an adult I just feel like possibly there wasn’t enough about her fleshed out during those times? She felt “flat” sometimes, her inner dialogue repetitive. However, this could be a clever choice on the authors part as well to show how narrow her options and thoughts really were.
There are twists and turns in here and it’s not pleasant at times. Kidnapping, violence, and portrayal of organized crime make for dark reading.
Ultimately, I took from the story that no matter the people we knew as children, many times they are NOT the same now as then and no matter how much we look for that spark of innocence in them, it’s gone. We have to at some point believe that they may not be “good” people. In general or for us specifically to be around.
Also, the story shows Eunha slowly reclaiming her power throughout. But is she gaining freedom? I don’t know. Does power =freedom?
I enjoyed this book and it gave me a lot to think about. I will recommend it and will try more from the author.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Devoted had such an interesting premise, and I went in expecting more tension, intrigue, and a deeper look into the world surrounding the Triads. The idea of a family connected to a powerful criminal organization had a lot of potential, especially with themes of power, betrayal, loss, and family loyalty.
Instead, this ended up being a much slower and more melancholy read than I expected. The writing itself is lush and thoughtful, and there are some emotional moments, but the story often felt distant. I kept waiting for the plot to build into something more gripping, but it stayed quieter and more restrained than I had hoped.
I also wanted more from the setting and cultural elements. With a Korean family living in Hong Kong and ties to the criminal world, I expected those pieces to feel more central to the story. There were glimpses of interesting dynamics, but I wanted a stronger sense of place and a deeper emotional connection to the characters.
That said, the last part of the book did pull me in more, and I can see this working better for readers who enjoy slow, character-focused family dramas with literary prose. For me, the premise was stronger than the execution, but I would still be interested in reading more from Catherine Cho.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Instead, this ended up being a much slower and more melancholy read than I expected. The writing itself is lush and thoughtful, and there are some emotional moments, but the story often felt distant. I kept waiting for the plot to build into something more gripping, but it stayed quieter and more restrained than I had hoped.
I also wanted more from the setting and cultural elements. With a Korean family living in Hong Kong and ties to the criminal world, I expected those pieces to feel more central to the story. There were glimpses of interesting dynamics, but I wanted a stronger sense of place and a deeper emotional connection to the characters.
That said, the last part of the book did pull me in more, and I can see this working better for readers who enjoy slow, character-focused family dramas with literary prose. For me, the premise was stronger than the execution, but I would still be interested in reading more from Catherine Cho.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was absolutely transfixed from the first page. The story follows Eunha who is the daughter of the leader of an infamous criminal organisation as she navigates the life she is in. She grows up in a small village in Hong Kong, raised by her grandmother alongside her older brother and their friend Kai- they live a quiet life shielded from their father’s organisation. But Eunha gets married off to a wealthy man and when her son Minsuk is kidnapped her life begins to fall apart.
This book had me in a chokehold, I didn’t want to put it down at all. I cared so deeply for the characters especially Eunha, Solomon and Kai. Flashing back to their childhood growing up knowing what would be expected of them made the story so much more devastating. I felt my heart break at so many points in this book because they all deserved the world but were held back by life and circumstances.
I won’t spoil anything of course but I was rooting so hard for some of these characters but was often painfully let down because some had become set in their ways after all this time. It was so sad to think of these characters as they were when they were children, their innocence and happiness contrasting so starkly with them as adults that it was often hard to accept that they were the same person. Honestly, the writing was absolutely masterful.
This book had me in a chokehold, I didn’t want to put it down at all. I cared so deeply for the characters especially Eunha, Solomon and Kai. Flashing back to their childhood growing up knowing what would be expected of them made the story so much more devastating. I felt my heart break at so many points in this book because they all deserved the world but were held back by life and circumstances.
I won’t spoil anything of course but I was rooting so hard for some of these characters but was often painfully let down because some had become set in their ways after all this time. It was so sad to think of these characters as they were when they were children, their innocence and happiness contrasting so starkly with them as adults that it was often hard to accept that they were the same person. Honestly, the writing was absolutely masterful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Devoted, a debut novel by Catherine Cho, is set in modern day Hong Kong. Eunha and her brother Solomon are raised by their grandmother after their mother was sent away and their father, head of the Dragon Heads, a criminal mafia type organization, lives elsewhere to run his “business.” They live a very sheltered life in the village and have one friend Kai throughout their childhood. As they grow up, they go to university and Solomon joins his father in the Triad life. Eunha eventually marries Phillip, a man her father chose as being from a good family and as a stable choice for her. Unfortunately their marriage is tumultuous and finds its end after their son is kidnapped. Eunha must create a new life for herself and ends up crossing paths again with Kai, who is also now a Dragon Head himself. She is thrust deeper into the dangerous life of the Triads and must make tough choices along the way.
I really enjoyed the telling of this story. It was unique, riveting and emotional. I loved the Hong Kong setting and description of the way of life, the buildings and streets, and the food. It felt very realistic to me, at least as to what I imagine these criminal organizations to be like. I loved Eunha’s progression throughout the book and really applauded her ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I really enjoyed the telling of this story. It was unique, riveting and emotional. I loved the Hong Kong setting and description of the way of life, the buildings and streets, and the food. It felt very realistic to me, at least as to what I imagine these criminal organizations to be like. I loved Eunha’s progression throughout the book and really applauded her ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for my ARC. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Devoted is everything I love about literary fiction. It is a brilliant debut that delivers a complex story through a singular voice.
This is a gorgeously written book. The prose sung with beautiful, delicate word choice but always an undercurrent of danger. It’s both the rose and the thorns on display here. Cho is a writer to watch if this debut is anything to go by. There is depth and layers to every aspect of this story, with a thrumming threat running beneath at all times. We open with a scene of violence and unpick the events that led to it. Within this, there’s grappling with tough themes around family, fate and legacy. The timeline moves between past and present deftly, establishing the knotty relationships that define the book. There is love in many forms, with a brilliant exploration of motherhood. You feel the actions of the past reveberate through into the present as the ramifications continue to still be keenly felt.
Eunha’s voice is arresting. She is smart and determined, with a deep-seated drive to protect those she loves by any means. Her life has often been controlled by others and the depiction of this is stark and violent in its own way. That control is vicious and neverending, looped in with generational trauma and the secrets buried within her past. Her character arc over the course of the book is excellent and subtly builds to an explosive conclusion. There’s a lot of tangled relationships and complicated dynamics which we slowly learn more about. I loved the different layers we get to understand of her through the pages.
The Devoted is a detailed, wonderful character study and exploration of motherhood, family and love.
This is a gorgeously written book. The prose sung with beautiful, delicate word choice but always an undercurrent of danger. It’s both the rose and the thorns on display here. Cho is a writer to watch if this debut is anything to go by. There is depth and layers to every aspect of this story, with a thrumming threat running beneath at all times. We open with a scene of violence and unpick the events that led to it. Within this, there’s grappling with tough themes around family, fate and legacy. The timeline moves between past and present deftly, establishing the knotty relationships that define the book. There is love in many forms, with a brilliant exploration of motherhood. You feel the actions of the past reveberate through into the present as the ramifications continue to still be keenly felt.
Eunha’s voice is arresting. She is smart and determined, with a deep-seated drive to protect those she loves by any means. Her life has often been controlled by others and the depiction of this is stark and violent in its own way. That control is vicious and neverending, looped in with generational trauma and the secrets buried within her past. Her character arc over the course of the book is excellent and subtly builds to an explosive conclusion. There’s a lot of tangled relationships and complicated dynamics which we slowly learn more about. I loved the different layers we get to understand of her through the pages.
The Devoted is a detailed, wonderful character study and exploration of motherhood, family and love.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
his novel is a tremerndous read for so many reasons. The characters are rich, easy to empathize with, to get involved with. The Hong Kong setting is so well realized you';ll finish the book, look up, and wonder why you're not there. Having been to Hong Kong twice trust me when I tell you that every detail is correct, every sound, smell, color, and light. Catherine Cho's writing is always luminous, falling like crystal water, sentence after astonishing sentence.. Eunha is part of a family of Koreans living in Hong Kong. Her father is a Dragon Head, the leader of a powerful triad group, who has insisted in taking her brother, Solomon, under his wing. The close relationship between sister and brother is marvelously developed. This, though, is Eunha's story and what a tale it is. The ups and downs are fully realized, the heartbreaks and triumphs vivid. During tyhe course of the book Eunha learns and grows as she learns more and more about her close-knit family. Her growing strength is at the heart of the story Cho spins so magnificently. This is a book I feel certain everyone will enjoy, even cherish. I wanted to read it all over again the moment I finished it. You will, too. One of my favorite books of the year, Highest recommendation.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Devoted throws you straight into the chaos with a desperate mother searching for her missing child, and it never lets go of that tension. As the story unfolds, we gradually learn the full weight of Eunha's struggles, losses, and heartbreak, making her journey all the more compelling.
Eunha was easily my favorite part of the novel. Watching her transform from a woman overwhelmed by grief and fear into someone stronger and more determined was incredibly satisfying. At the same time, her pain felt authentic and deeply human, which made me emotionally invested in her every step.
While some parts moved a bit slower than I expected, the powerful character development and emotional depth kept me turning the pages. A moving story about resilience, love, and finding strength when everything seems lost.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Sara | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Threads | Blog
Eunha was easily my favorite part of the novel. Watching her transform from a woman overwhelmed by grief and fear into someone stronger and more determined was incredibly satisfying. At the same time, her pain felt authentic and deeply human, which made me emotionally invested in her every step.
While some parts moved a bit slower than I expected, the powerful character development and emotional depth kept me turning the pages. A moving story about resilience, love, and finding strength when everything seems lost.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Sara | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Threads | Blog
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Cho is very clearly a talented writer. Her prose is lyrical and the rhythm of it reminded me of gentle waves crashing against the land. All that being said, I wish the novel would’ve been better paced. The action was slow, and I found myself putting the book down at times. It was hard to connect to the FMC. Her acceptance of circumstances made me want to pull my hair out. The fight in her doesn’t come about until the very end of the novel, and for me that’s when it finally became interesting. Her lack of agency was grating. This is a character driven novel, so it was hard for me to root for her when it felt like she had no fight in her. The fire in her came too late for me, and her character arc felt rushed.
There weren’t any surprises in the story. In fact, I predicted early on who was responsible for certain actions that take place. The ending was inevitable, and I did feel some satisfaction with the way things played out. Though there’s much loss in this story, it does end with a sense of justice and hope.
Cho is very clearly a talented writer. Her prose is lyrical and the rhythm of it reminded me of gentle waves crashing against the land. All that being said, I wish the novel would’ve been better paced. The action was slow, and I found myself putting the book down at times. It was hard to connect to the FMC. Her acceptance of circumstances made me want to pull my hair out. The fight in her doesn’t come about until the very end of the novel, and for me that’s when it finally became interesting. Her lack of agency was grating. This is a character driven novel, so it was hard for me to root for her when it felt like she had no fight in her. The fire in her came too late for me, and her character arc felt rushed.
There weren’t any surprises in the story. In fact, I predicted early on who was responsible for certain actions that take place. The ending was inevitable, and I did feel some satisfaction with the way things played out. Though there’s much loss in this story, it does end with a sense of justice and hope.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars! The Devoted was a very intriguing read, both while reading the plot and the book itself. However, it was not what I was anticipating. I think that this lowered its overall rating. I had different expectations about the themes and where the plot was going to go. When starting the book, I had the idea it was going to lean more into the mafia/crime organization portion of the story.
This book did fly by. It was honestly a breath of fresh air for a fiction book of this type to have such short chapters that absolutely breeze by. The story moved along. I was not as enthralled with the story as I wish I could have been though. Some parts of the book were absolutely heartbreaking though.
Catherine Cho had impeccable writing styles. Even though this one was not my total favorite, I will definitely be on the lookout for this author's books.
Thank you NetGalley, Washington Square Press, & Catherine Cho for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Devoted is released on July 14, 2026!
This book did fly by. It was honestly a breath of fresh air for a fiction book of this type to have such short chapters that absolutely breeze by. The story moved along. I was not as enthralled with the story as I wish I could have been though. Some parts of the book were absolutely heartbreaking though.
Catherine Cho had impeccable writing styles. Even though this one was not my total favorite, I will definitely be on the lookout for this author's books.
Thank you NetGalley, Washington Square Press, & Catherine Cho for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Devoted is released on July 14, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Eunha, a young Korean woman married to a respectable Chinese businessman, lives in a Hong Kong ocean-view apartment as a proper tai tai (a wealthy, married woman of leisure). She has a helper to care for her three-year-old son, Minsuk, and plenty of time to play tennis and gossip with her friends at the exclusive Palm Club. But when Minsuk is snatched off a busy street, Eunha is pulled back into the criminal underworld she has worked so hard to avoid. Could the kidnapping be tied to her brother Solomon’s role as a Dragon Head within the Chinese Triad syndicate that controls so much of Hong Kong? As her well-ordered life begins to spiral out of control, Eunha also gets caught in the orbit of Kai, a childhood friend who had been a favorite of her Dragon Head father and who, too, has achieved success in the Triad. Can Eunha find the strength to resist Kai’s allure and chart a new and different course for herself? Alternating between Eunha’s sheltered childhood in a remote village and her troubled present, memoirist Cho’s (Inferno) elegant, introspective fiction debut is a haunting and emotional tale about family love, loyalty, betrayal, and vengeance.
June 8, 2026
Eunha is a Korean woman living in Hong Kong, the daughter and sister of men who are high up in the underworld on the island. The story alternates between her past, when she's growing up with her brother under the care of her grandmother and an associate of her father, and the present, when her son is abducted and ultimately returned but is taken from her by her sister-in-law. Distraught by her situation, she returns to the underworld and tries to make sense of her life.
This was billed as a mystery/thriller, but I think it was just literary fiction. I had a hard time getting into the story, but I do think the prose was lovely and the book is well written. I enjoyed the setting in Hong Kong and Eunha is a compelling character, but I do think I would have liked it more if it was more of a true thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was billed as a mystery/thriller, but I think it was just literary fiction. I had a hard time getting into the story, but I do think the prose was lovely and the book is well written. I enjoyed the setting in Hong Kong and Eunha is a compelling character, but I do think I would have liked it more if it was more of a true thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 rounded up to 4 as The Devoted is a book that stayed with me for a few days . I had to let it sink in so therefore it really is a 4 star read for me.
The Devoted is an epic family story with driven characters , crime and the age old question how far would you go to protect your child.
Hong Kong itself is a dark and gritty and character and the writing had me feel like I was right there in the heart of this great city: the best and the worst.
The Devoted is perfectly paced and I did not want to put the book down.
Our main character Eunha is resilient , determined and a force to be reckoned with and I liked the gangsgter element to this very atmospheric story.
The rest of the journey I will leave up to the reader . This was my first but not last Catherine Cho book as she writes beautifully and with heart.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Washington Square Press for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Devoted.
The Devoted is an epic family story with driven characters , crime and the age old question how far would you go to protect your child.
Hong Kong itself is a dark and gritty and character and the writing had me feel like I was right there in the heart of this great city: the best and the worst.
The Devoted is perfectly paced and I did not want to put the book down.
Our main character Eunha is resilient , determined and a force to be reckoned with and I liked the gangsgter element to this very atmospheric story.
The rest of the journey I will leave up to the reader . This was my first but not last Catherine Cho book as she writes beautifully and with heart.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books/Washington Square Press for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Devoted.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I do love a good criminal organization story and thought “The Devoted” was going to be a quite interesting and well-worth the read for me. Just getting around to reading this one, I can say it was just an okay read for me. Slow on the flashbacks but the writing was on point. Surprises…there were none in this story and it was very predictable for me. I did want more from the cultural side of things as it catered towards a Korean family living in Hong Kong with associations to the Triad. Emotional loss, struggles, family, fate and identity set the themes I picked up on the story. Good debut from a first-time author and short read. Modestly rating a 3.5.
Thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. This is my honest and personal review. All opinions are mine and were not biased in any way.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Publishing: July 14, 2026
Pages: 256
Thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. This is my honest and personal review. All opinions are mine and were not biased in any way.
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Publishing: July 14, 2026
Pages: 256
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From the eye-catching opening line, this book grabbed my attention and took me on an emotional ride.
Set against the neon-lit underworld of Hong Kong, THE DEVOTED by Catherine Cho is a sweeping literary crime saga about a Korean family bound by violence, loyalty, and the devastating cost of devotion. At its center is Eunha, a woman who has spent her life trying to escape the shadow of her family’s criminal empire—only to discover that some legacies cannot be outrun. A thoughtful and impressive work, this novel tackles motherhood, devotion, and inherited trauma with nuance and compassion, leaving a lasting impression
Eunha's journey is beautiful and tragic and real.
Despite a slight lull in the middle, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its strengths far outweighed its pacing issues, making it a very enjoyable read.
.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy. Publication date is July 14, 2026.
Set against the neon-lit underworld of Hong Kong, THE DEVOTED by Catherine Cho is a sweeping literary crime saga about a Korean family bound by violence, loyalty, and the devastating cost of devotion. At its center is Eunha, a woman who has spent her life trying to escape the shadow of her family’s criminal empire—only to discover that some legacies cannot be outrun. A thoughtful and impressive work, this novel tackles motherhood, devotion, and inherited trauma with nuance and compassion, leaving a lasting impression
Eunha's journey is beautiful and tragic and real.
Despite a slight lull in the middle, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its strengths far outweighed its pacing issues, making it a very enjoyable read.
.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy. Publication date is July 14, 2026.
June 18, 2026
ARC Review of The Devoted by Catherine Cho.
This a literary fiction novel set in Hong Kong about a woman named Eunha. She is a Korean woman who we meet at the beginning of the novel when her young son goes missing. Eunha grew up in a world where her father, then brother,
were leaders in a crime organization and she believes this is why her son is missing.
We follow Eunha from that point, also going back to her childhood (where she was raised by her maternal grandmother) and her relationship with her brother. As children Eunha and her brother met Kai, the nephew of one of her fathers trusted men and we see the story unfold when Kai comes back into Eunha’s life as an adult.
I thought this book was well written and the mystery aspect of it was very good - I had thought I knew exactly what at happened (which I found out I did not). I liked Eunha’s character and was rooting for her. It was fast-paced and a really good read!
This a literary fiction novel set in Hong Kong about a woman named Eunha. She is a Korean woman who we meet at the beginning of the novel when her young son goes missing. Eunha grew up in a world where her father, then brother,
were leaders in a crime organization and she believes this is why her son is missing.
We follow Eunha from that point, also going back to her childhood (where she was raised by her maternal grandmother) and her relationship with her brother. As children Eunha and her brother met Kai, the nephew of one of her fathers trusted men and we see the story unfold when Kai comes back into Eunha’s life as an adult.
I thought this book was well written and the mystery aspect of it was very good - I had thought I knew exactly what at happened (which I found out I did not). I liked Eunha’s character and was rooting for her. It was fast-paced and a really good read!
June 15, 2026
A beautiful, devastating story of love and loss.
The story alternates between her past, when she's growing up with her brother under the care of her grandmother. Then to the present when her son is abducted and her contacting her brother for help.
There weren’t any real surprises in the story. I was able to predicte who was responsible. I also wanted more from the setting and cultural elements. A Korean family living in Hong Kong and ties to the criminal world. There were glimpses of interesting dynamics, but I wanted a stronger sense of place and a much deeper emotional connection to the characters.
Though there’s much loss in this story, it does end with a sense of justice and hope.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story alternates between her past, when she's growing up with her brother under the care of her grandmother. Then to the present when her son is abducted and her contacting her brother for help.
There weren’t any real surprises in the story. I was able to predicte who was responsible. I also wanted more from the setting and cultural elements. A Korean family living in Hong Kong and ties to the criminal world. There were glimpses of interesting dynamics, but I wanted a stronger sense of place and a much deeper emotional connection to the characters.
Though there’s much loss in this story, it does end with a sense of justice and hope.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, Atria Books and Washington Square Press.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A Korean woman whose father leads a criminal organization and her past will put her n danger as she triies to start a new life. She s raised by her grandmother along with her brother a sheltered life is launched in to a dangerous world. When her young son is kidnapped she s thrown into a criminal world as she tries to survive. Sometime the things we are running away will eventually catch up. Can she be able to finally live a life without having to watch her back? T is one woman struggle t gan control despite her family legacy.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
A Korean woman whose father leads a criminal organization and her past will put her n danger as she triies to start a new life. She s raised by her grandmother along with her brother a sheltered life is launched in to a dangerous world. When her young son is kidnapped she s thrown into a criminal world as she tries to survive. Sometime the things we are running away will eventually catch up. Can she be able to finally live a life without having to watch her back? T is one woman struggle t gan control despite her family legacy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a beautifully written and heartbreaking book. A young woman from a Korean family, growing up and living in Hong Kong, becomes collateral damage from the choices made by her parents, her brother, her husband. In the process, she finally finds herself.
I struggled a little with this book, and that's my fault rather than the author's. I think readers who know anything at all about Korean culture and/or Hong Kong will find it atmospheric. I felt like I was trying hard to keep up; again, that's on me. Having this turn up in my NetGalley feed gave me a little nudge to stretch beyond my usual reading comfort zone, and I'm glad that I did.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley. I received no compensation for this review.
I struggled a little with this book, and that's my fault rather than the author's. I think readers who know anything at all about Korean culture and/or Hong Kong will find it atmospheric. I felt like I was trying hard to keep up; again, that's on me. Having this turn up in my NetGalley feed gave me a little nudge to stretch beyond my usual reading comfort zone, and I'm glad that I did.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from NetGalley. I received no compensation for this review.
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