Summary: Before Bari's birth, it was foretold that she would be a child of calamity. She would bring misfortune and death to those around her as long as she was alive. Abandoned by her parents to die, she was saved and raised by an elderly couple. Unfortunately, they met a miserable demise because of this very act. To save all those she loved, she is tasked with going to the underworld to obtain the holy water, the yaksu, that has the properties to right all wrongs and solve all problems.

Mujang,... more>> a disgraced god who was once known for his might and power, has been confined on Mount Dongdae in the underworld. He is also trying to find the yaksu to redeem himself and save his beloved little sister. After thousands of years, he is given a proposition. He must have a child with a human and give that child over to the goddess Mago in exchange for the yaksu. But where will he find a human woman in the underworld, a place where only the dead can roam?

Bari, a maiden who cannot truly live or die.

Mujang, a disgraced god burdened by guilt and desperation.

Can these broken souls win against fate? Or will they succumb to the mysterious forces at work?

Warning: Graphic depictions of violence and death, disturbing themes, mentions of SA, suicidal thoughts and attempts, major deception/dub-con

Review: This novel is based on the Korean myth of Princess Baridegi, the origin story of the very first shaman. A shaman is thought to be someone who acts as a bridge between the dead and the living, so it makes sense that Bari, a living human, starts her journey in the underworld, the land of the dead. If you are curious and have the time, try reading a brief summary of the myth. I found it fascinating, and it brought a bit more depth to this story.

If you've read any of the other Lavender Blue books, you'll know what you're getting yourself into. It's dramatic, it's riveting, and it's... full of plot holes in places. It's a quick read, and I haven't translated a fantasy/mythological novel before, so it was an interesting experience to say the least! There were parts in the novel that gave me goosebumps from the horror of what was being depicted, almost like one of those scenes in a zombie movie where the protagonists are looking death in the eye. Overall, it was an entertaining read just like the other Lavender Blue novels. Out of all the ones I've read so far, I'd say this has similar vibes to Lady of Yeonsung, so if you enjoyed that novel, I'd give this one a try! <<less