The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha
Published by Harper Alley on February 13, 2024
ISBN: 0062685120
Genres: Folklore, Historical Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

Kai can’t understand why the people in her 16th century Korean village can’t just let her pursue her passion for martial arts and stop insisting that she behave like a woman. As she comes of age amid swirling rumors about her mother’s past, Kai discovers that her destiny was set years ago by none other than the legendary nine-tailed fox demon, Gumiho.

The Fox Maidens takes Korean folklore and adds a feminist, lesbian twist. It’s important to read Ha’s note at the end, which fits the story into a generational trauma context. The illustrations and color palette are beautiful, and Kai’s mother is a fascinating character, though the rest are less dimensional. Recommend to fans of Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s Squad, lovers of folklore, or those interested in Asian culture.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath