Sophie Kim is the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The God and the Gumiho. She has a penchant for writing stories that feature mythology, monsters, mystery, and magic. Her work includes young adult novels such as the Talons series and books on the adult spectrum such as the Fate’s Thread series.

I had the opportunity to interview Sophie, which you can read below.

First of all, welcome to Geeks OUT! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Thank you so very much for having me, it’s a pleasure to be here! I’m Sophie Kim, and I often say that my stories feature mythology, monsters, mystery and magic. I’m the author of the Talons series, as well as the Fate’s Thread series, which I’m here to chat about today. Book #1 of the series, The God and the Gumiho, came out last June – with its sequel, The God and the Gwisin, to follow on June 3rd, 2025 from Del Rey. 

While I’m not writing, you can likely find me working my way through my endless TBR, diving into research for new projects, or rewatching my favorite comfort shows and movies. 

What can you tell us about your latest project, the Fate’s Thread series?  What was the inspiration for this story?

The Fate’s Thread series begins with The God and the Gumiho, which follows a grumpy (and caffeine-addicted) fallen trickster god as he’s forced to team up with a wily gumiho in order to stop a demon of darkness from devouring the mortal world. It’s everything I adore about Korean dramas encapsulated in a book: there’s magic and mythology, enemies-to-lovers, a delicious slow burn, and side characters you can’t help but to love. 

The romantic arc of The God and the Gumiho continues in the forthcoming The God and the Gwisin, which I hesitate to describe entirely for those who have yet to read Book #1 (major spoilers are in its synopsis!) but I will say: The God and the Gwisin is a mashup of Hotel del Luna and Death on the Nile, following our two titular characters as they meet aboard a cruise ship atop an underworld river, teaming up to solve the murder of a powerful deity. 

When it comes to this series, my biggest inspiration was the magic of my heritage. Korean mythology is so fascinating, so rich, and incorporating these stories of gods and monsters into my writing has always felt so right. Yet I was also inspired by my love for Korean dramas, which my grandmother fostered in me early on – whenever I visited her, we’d watch a few episodes together after dinner, which always felt like a special treat. 

What attracts you about gumihos and Korean mythology when it comes to storytelling?

A lot of mythologies, such as Greek/Roman and Norse mythologies, are often spotlit through popular culture–which is honestly fantastic, as those pantheons are truly so interesting and full of amazing tales. Yet other mythologies, such as the Korean mythos, aren’t as prominent within popular media (at least, here in the U.S) –which I think is truly a shame, since there are so many creatures and realms within it that deserve to be known. I’ve always said that retellings and twists on folklore keep those traditional tales alive, sparking interest in the original lore, and I love adding my voice to the pile in that regard. 

The gumiho in particular is so fascinating. I think that, as a mythological creature, there’s something so interesting about a shape-shifting woman who steals the souls of men. A being like that is a welcome addition to any story, and is so full of potential for a great characterization. 

As an author, what drew you to writing, particularly speculative fiction and romance? 

When it comes to writing romance . . . I mean, simply put, I love love. I’m such a romantic at heart, and writing love stories, particularly through the lens of speculative fiction, has always felt like my calling. There’s nothing more fulfilling to me than writing a romantic arc within a setting brimming with monsters and mayhem. Worldbuilding is also so incredibly fun as an author, as is dreaming up these magical realms. As an avid fantasy reader, as well as a romance reader, combining the two together in my own work is a blast. 

How would you describe your writing process?

Hyper-focused. When I’m writing, everything else fades away. I lose track of time, and sometimes emerge to find that I’ve been writing away for five or more hours. When I’m working on a project, thoughts and ideas related to it are constantly running through my head, even when I’m not at my computer! Oftentimes, if I’m out and about, and an idea strikes me, I’ll have to pull out my Notes app as quickly as possible to log it. 

What are some of your favorite elements of writing? What do you consider some of the most frustrating/challenging?

I love when the characters flesh themselves out. Sometimes, with a character, I have to work exceptionally hard to ensure they have a distinct voice that sets them apart from the others. That can be quite challenging. However, there are times that the characters seem to spring to the page fully-formed. That’s always a welcome surprise. Hani from The God and the Gumiho is a perfect example of this. She knew precisely who she was the moment I began writing her first chapter. 

Aside from your work, what are some things you would want others to know about you?

I am excellent at baking vegan chocolate chip cookies, despite not being at all vegan. The vegan rendition turns out much better than my non-vegan ones. It’s a mystery I cannot puzzle out. 

What’s a question you haven’t been asked yet but that you wish you were asked (as well as the answer to that question)?

I would love to be asked which of my characters I’m most like, especially now that my list of characters has expanded to fit all five of my books’ casts!

Although all my characters are born from little pieces of me, Kisa (from The God and the Gwisin) and I are the most similar. Bookish, intelligent, yet also quite anxious and prone to second-guessing ourselves. Sometimes I wish I could say that I’m most like my badass assassin, Lina (from the Talons series), but the truth is that I’m dreadfully afraid of anything resembling a physical altercation. And she involves herself in a lot of those. On purpose. 

What advice might you have to give for any aspiring writers?

Don’t stop writing! You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, afterall. Be your biggest supporter, and chase your dreams, regardless of the fears that might be holding you back. 

Are there any other projects you are working on and at liberty to speak about?

Yes! My sixth book (that’s absolutely crazy to say) is slated for publication in 2026. 

It’s called The Winged Game, and it’s the fantasy/sports romance mash-up that I, as a reader, had been craving but couldn’t find anywhere. It’s a “heart-pounding and swoony fantasy sports romance in which, for a chance at redemption, a disgraced player of carriwitchet—the brutal, rugby-esque sport played atop winged steeds—must team up with and fake-date the rival player who destroyed her career.” 

Finally, what books/authors would you recommend to the readers of Geeks OUT? 

For those who enjoyed the Korean characters and mythology in my series, I would suggest checking out fabulous writers such as June Hur, Axie Oh, Kat Cho, Mai Corland, Graci Kim, and Yoon Ha Lee! 

I’m also a huge fan of Kamilah Cole, whose Divine Traitors duology is masterfully written. Kaylie Smith’s Phantasma, as well, is spectacular–as is her YA series, A Ruinous Fate. Elba Luz’s debut, Build a Girlfriend, is also laugh-out-loud funny, and full of heart!