This book was so good! I loved everything about this book, it was beautiful, whisical, and enthralling! This is a retelling of the Korean folktale "The Tale of Shim Cheong" and that makes me really want to find a translation of that original tale and read it.

Favorite Quotes:

"The memories of spirits and gods might be hazy , but not the memory of books. Stories are eternal."

"Nothing Extraordinary is ever done out of reason or logic, but because it's the only way for your soul to breath."

...sigh...cannot get this book out of my head!

Thank you, Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an arc!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea was one of my most anticipated books of the year! It is chock full of Korean mythology and fantastical moments reminiscent of Elizabeth Lim's writing!

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea follows Mina, whose homeland has been ravaged by storms and hurricanes because of the sea god's wrath. Every year, her village chooses a maiden to be the sea god's bride and sacrifice her to the ocean. To save her brother's true love, Mina sacrifices herself to the ocean but once entering the realm of the gods, realizes that things are different than they first appeared.

Magical is an understatement! I was absolutely enthralled by all the characters and locations this book took us! Reading this to me felt like a cloud! While there were times when I had difficulty making sense of what was going on, I was invested in the story and it kept me hooked till the end! Definitely be sure to check this out when it releases on Feburary 22nd, 2022!

"Tears are fine every now and then, but it's never a good thing to waste water."

While reading this magical fairytale turned grim reality, I was completely enchanted by the prose of this author. I was in love with her ability to describe the waves of the ocean or the suffocating feeling in Mina's chest underneath the sea. I loved how engrossing this writing is, and I will without a doubt claim it is its strongest element. She's a poet basically with this sort of lyrical writing.

I think one of my first issues is that I did not fully comprehend how much this story wouldn't actually revolve around the Sea God (although with spoilers it does haha— the reader doesn't know it). What I mean by this is the reader spends hardly any time in the palace with hardly any answers until the last 30%. I was expecting court life and politics of that, and honestly, the city was not expected or how important it would become in this realm under the sea, overflowing with spirits and previous brides. I grew a bit agitated waiting for crumbs of information, so it took me some time to like Shin even because my mind as going "SEA GOD SEA GOD SEA GOD." Personally, this is my own issue with the text, so I think this critique should be taken lightly by others. it did affect my rating because this is my own experience, but I think upon reread my rating would grow.

"Humans tell myths to explain what they cannot understand."

The only other issue I found was that the pacing was very disruptive in a lot of scenes. It would move slow like molasses for an extended period of time, and then suddenly, everyone broke lose into chaos, which I'm usually a fan of. It just felt wrong(idk how to describe it) here. This issue was the biggest problem for me because I'd find myself anxiously waiting for that moment to sink back into the pages, and sometimes it wouldn't because things kept changing suddenly.

Overall, this is definitely a book that I want to read again in a year or so because I'm also going through a lot in my personal life. I loved the fairytale warm hug at the beginning (which is funny because the beginning is so scary) with the writing, and i truly cannot wait to read more from Axie Oh.

I don’t know what I was expecting from this gorgeously covered book but I got so much more! This retelling of a classic myth puts the power back into girls hands instead of fates (a moral truly relevant in our world). It has splashes of Spirited Away in the same way that Sailor Moon does for Elizabeth Kim’s Six Crimson Cranes. It can be seen by those looking for it but it completely holds its own story. This was a could not put down kind of book that will whisk you away into the spirit world. While the ending was perfect, I wish I could have stayed in the magic just a little longer.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a delightful novel full of wonderful characters and beautiful storytelling. It was enjoyable from beginning to end. The characters were well-developed, and the plot moved at a realistic pace. The ending was powerful and very symbolic of the novel. Some of the characters could have been given more time and more explanation. The Goddess of Memory is very easy to mistake for the Goddess of Women and Children, which can make their endings slightly confusing. Other characters could have gotten more of a chance to exist in the world around them. The novel would benefit by allowing the reader to get to know some side characters more. As well, the beginning of the novel could use more description of the status-quo. As I read the first few chapters, I was left wondering about how life worked for Mina prior to her sacrifice. The reader is told the status-quo but is never shown. A larger description of Mina’s world would benefit the story and make Mina’s sacrifice, and the change it brings in her life, more impactful.

A cinematic fairytale about love and self sacrifice. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea pulls readers in with a vivid writing style, captivating characters, and a story that will keep you turning the pages deep into the night.

In a superstitious town devastated by deadly storms, the patriarchy thinks that by sacrificing a young woman (not their sons) to the Sea God (how can they know they are a cis/het deity). We enter the story as a new bride for the Sea God is chosen. When the bride happens to be Mina’s brother’s girlfriend, this sets up a chain of events that will see our hero Mina sacrifice herself for her brother, taken to the spirit realm, only to discovers that the Sea God ha been trapped in an enchanted sleep all along. Mina, with the help from a group of gods, spirits and demons to wake up the Sea God and put an end to the deadly storms.

It is a fantastic tale that feels like an instant classis, perfect for gifts, and a reread!

Ever since her debut, I’ve been a huge fan of Axie Oh and her works, so naturally I was excited for her next release! I was even more excited for it after reading about the premise and seeing that stunning cover. Stunningly gorgeous, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea was a sweeping tale of love, magic, and taking fate into your own hands.

Every year, ferocious storms hit Mina‘s home; her people believe that the Sea God is sending these as a means of vengeance, so to appease him, they sacrifice a beautiful girl to serve as his bride. This year, Shim Cheong, the beloved of Mina’s brother Joon, is chosen. However, since she can’t bear to see him suffer, Mina takes Cheong’s place instead and finds herself in the Spirit Realm where she meets the Sea God himself and discovers that he’s in an enchanted sleep. She then meets a mysterious lord named Shin, and their fates seem to be tied together as Mina tries to uncover the mystery of the storms in her land.

This book is a reimagining of the Korean tale of Shim Cheong. I hadn’t heard of this story before, but after looking it up, it was clear to see how the author takes the original tale and makes it her own while maintaining the beauty and hope of it. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea was also comped to Studio Ghibli films, specifically Spirited Away, which I think was an apt comparison. The worldbuilding had a whimsical feeling to it, and the prose had a quiet beauty and calmness to it that I loved.

The premise was really fascinating. When Mina finds herself in the Spirit Realm, she discovers that she has a Red String of Fate tied between her and the Sea God. However, this isn’t permanent and she later finds herself bound to Shin in the same way. Mina sets out to discover the secret of the Sea God’s enchanted sleep and why the vicious storms strike her homeland every year. I was fully immersed in this story and couldn’t put it down; also, this was a standalone book and was a quick read, which I personally like.

I loved the characters! Mina is headstrong and determined; her courage comes out in her desire to help her family. She takes on a fate not meant for her and makes it her own, and then later changes it again. Her first few interactions with Shin don’t go very well, but soon she discovers that while his outward personality seems closed off and cold, in reality he’s caring and willing to take the weight off other people’s shoulders. His friends Namgi and Kirin also form bonds with her, and Mina befriends a few spirits along the way.

The romance was so good. I did think it progressed a little fast, but by the end, I was crying at the softness of it all. I love them, I really do!

The writing was so, so gorgeous. The love in this book shines through every page, and I couldn’t get enough of it! I’ve always loved Axie Oh’s books for the beautiful writing and amazing characters; this was her first fantasy genre book, and I love that she holds a common theme of love in every story, no matter the genre. I highlighted so many quotes because so many words resonated with me.

Overall, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea told a tale of love and courage. I loved the writing and the characters, as well as the premise. I can’t recommend The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea enough, especially if you’re looking for a gorgeous fantasy standalone!

I love this so much, it blends oral story methods that involve lots of summing up and epic sweeps with longer narrative that explores character and has just the right amount of detail. The mythos was fascinating and every character felt real and moving no matter their page time

Did I like it? It's going straight to my favorites shelf. "The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" is one of those books with a fantastic, dreamy atmosphere that I can't put down. It also has the presence of creatures from Korean folklore, as it is a retelling of a tale from that area; only with a feminist twist where the protagonist really decides her future and reflects on it.

If you like Spirited Away, this is an ideal option for you. It has a very relatable vibe. There is romance, very cute and it evolves from "strangers" (half enemies) to true love. There are two queer characters that I loved too much.

ARC courtesy of Feiwel & Friends via NetGalley.

As beautiful as the cover art. Such a lushly written story of love, family, culture, and discovering that you decide your own destiny.

Mina is fierce love. Everywhere she goes and with everyone she interacts with, she is love in some form.

I very much enjoyed the rich imagery that Axie created. I read most of this with animation type visuals in my mind, or gorgeous cinematography-like scenes reminiscent of Ang Lee’s work.

Axie made me fall in love with The Sea God, too. I will be reading this one again!

No idea how to rate this. Enjoyed the writing style and folklore but the ship was so... lacking and unmemorable.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Children's Publishing/Feiwel and Friends for allowing me to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Before I say anything about the story I was instantly drawn to the two gorgeous covers for The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. The stunning styles of the UK cover and the imagination of the US cover are both beautiful and enticing. They are essentially "eye-candy", eye-catching, and I love looking at both.

The covers are worthy of such a fantastically written story. I finished this book in a day and a half and I want to go back.

Mina is a relatable, stubborn but filled with love kind of character. She loves her family, the village she lives in, and the gods they worship. When her brother falls in love with the Sea God's destined bride and breaks rules to stand by her side during her sacrifice, Mina sees the hesitation of the bride and takes it upon herself to jump into the sea and takes the place of the Bride. Mina awakes to the Spirit Realm and finds herself in a Studio Ghibli-style world.

There is more to the story than just being the Sea God's Bride. There is a curse placed that only the Bride can break and Mina only has a month until her human body dies.

I have not read a book by Axie Oh before but I for sure will be picking another one up real quick. I absolutely adore her writing and the whimsical world of the Spirit Realm. I love Mina and the different godly Houses that reside in the Realm. She is fierce and determined and loyal and feels a lot of live for those around her.

Some would say that there is a "love triangle" but I disagree. There was never a moment where I thought Mina would go one or the other, it was always just the one. I thought their love story was told in such a sweet and exquisite way, it really hurt towards the end.

I don't want to say too much but this book almost stole a tear or two... especially at the end with Mina waiting at the sea.

Axie Oh has captured my own soul with her words, cinematic imagery, and heartfelt moments.

5 stars.

Fantastic, lush, dreamy, rich… I could go on and on.
This is the story of a brave girl that loves her family so much that she sacrifices herself to save her brothers love interest. She arrives in the spirit realm where she faces much danger and difficulty in her quest to break the curse out upon the sea god,
While not too mushy, it did feel a bit swoony and the descriptions were beautiful. I look forward to reading more by Axie Oh.
Copy reviewed courtesy of NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea
Author: Axie Oh
Rating: 🐲🐲🐲🐲🐲
Thoughts: "A rainbow of love, meaning. and life overflowed from these pages."

Truth be told, I don't even know how to start. If I could sum it up easily, I would say: I cried - and I don’t often cry with books..

The tale follows young Mina - the girl who fell beneath the sea out of choice and duty. After young Mina found her brother broken-hearted to learn the love of his life was the chosen one to be sacrificed to the Sea God in order to appease his wrath, Mina does the unthinkable; she volunteers. Yet, the sea God's wrath was truly not what it seemed like; he was cursed. Why was he cursed? Who could break it? Well, only the latter can be answered. The only person, according to the stories, who could end the despair present in both the human world and spirit Realm was the true Sea God's bride. Yet again, this solution is far more complicated - being deemed impossible after the sacrifice of 100 brides. Could Mina be the hope, the cure? How much farther would Mina go to save her people and those she loves? Teaming up with the sea God's loyal guards, Mina follows a story unlike she’s ever told; one with curses and dragons, good and evil spirits, heartbreak, and sacrifice.

Although this story is more than sacrifice and magic - it is heartfelt and romantic. If you saw my stories last night- this book is so insanely special to me. The lovely moments with her family, made me remember of a long and distant memory. The imagery was so vivid with life, it filled me with delight and comfort. Just by talking about it, I can smell the delicious aromas of dumplings, fights, love, and salt.

Oh, and don't get me started on the romance!!! It was written so nicely and the growth of both characters was beautifully done! I wish I can add all the quotes I adored from their story, but alas I cannot - until I have a copy of the book and highlight and make reels and- can you tell how much I love it?

I have a whole lot planned to convince you to buy. this. book.

Anywhooo... this entire realm was to die for. The friendships were warming touches of sweetness; the life embedded into the tale was plentiful, and the plot was intricately amazing.

P.S. I know I didn't talk about the plot much but I would have spoiled it if I did…but I'd scream with all the twists and turns. I'll leave you with this: hearts and destinies change. Fate was never meant to be concrete.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is one of my most anticipated reads of 2022 and it did not disappoint. I love Axie Oh’s writing but I think this is some of my favorite of hers. The world building is gorgeous. I felt like I was in the spirit realm surrounded by the fog. I did get some similarities with Spirited away but also with Howl’s moving castle. Fans of Studio Ghibli will love this story.

The characters were brilliant. I absolutely love Mina. She has this beautiful hopeful outlook and she will do anything for the ones she loves. She goes on a heartbreaking journey of self discovery that tests her faith in the gods. I found the side characters to be amazing too. I loved the relationships she formed and how each character had a different role in Mina’s overall story.

I loved the hints and pieces Axie left for us readers as the story progresses. It was like completing a puzzle. I loved the pacing of the story and found myself hurrying at the end to find out what happens. The romance was sweet and I could have even used more of it. I can’t wait for everyone to read this and fall in love with this brilliant retelling of The Tale of Shim Cheong.

Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mina loves her family a whole lot. So much so that she will do anything for them including sacrificing herself to protect her brother Joon's beloved Shim Cheong, the woman chosen to be the Sea God's bride. Mina is transported to the Spirit Realm, getting more than she ever bargained for.

When The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea came up on NetGalley, I immediately requested it. It had been on my radar for some time via Axie Oh's Instagram. Weeks and weeks went by with no approval. I thought I wasn't going to get it, and it would fall into my endless TBR. Lo and behold just a couple weeks ago, I got an approval. I immediately started reading but then got Covid, so reading became super hard for me. I could only read one short chapter like every couple days. When I finally got medicine and started to feel better, reading became a bit easier for me, and I couldn't put this book down! In Mina, Oh creates the perfect blend of flawed and lovable. Mina's strength and devotion to her family is admirable. The supporting cast is just as wonderful especially Mask, Dai, and Miki. The world in The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is richly crafted, and I imagined the Spirit Realm to be bursting with all the beautiful colors she describes. I knew from very early on that I would love this book, and that's exactly what happened. I cannot recommend this book enough.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea - by Axie Oh.

The amount of things I have to say about this book. I received this book as an arc and I am so excited I've finally gotten my hands on it.

I started reading this book today in the parent pick up line waiting for my kids to get out of school. I got home and immediately locked myself in my bedroom, and went straight back to this incredible story. I made dinner and back to the hobbit hole I went. I was preparing for a long night. I couldn't put this book down. I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep without finishing it.

I immediately fell in love with Mina and her story. She's feisty and brave and is determined. She loves her family and is ready to do whatever it takes for them. She also has a hilarious inner dialog at times. Her fate had me hanging by a thread and I needed to know how it ended.

Not only did I fall in love with Mina, but the side characters as well. They bring the story to life.

This book is fantastical and has beautiful world building that just sucks you in.

Axie Oh is now an automatic buy for me. I love her way of storytelling. Her book XOXO is an amazing read as well.

If you loved Red Winter by Annette Marie, you will love this book.

#axieoh #thegirlwhofellbeneaththesea #yafiction #yafantasy #bookstagram #yabookstagram #books #xoxo #yabooks #yareader

I’d like to thank NetGalley and the author for this eARC.

I love reading stories like this! Korean folklore is such a fun read for me. I definitely recommend this to anyone who likes an adventurous, exciting story!

I enjoyed this book the more I read. I was able to set the book aside in the first third with no feeling of urgency to return to the story. After the halfway point, I could not put it down. I could see a Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli film being made from this story. If I had not struggled with returning to the story in the beginning, I believe it would deserve a 5 star rating.

A feminist retelling of the tale of Shim Cheong, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is enjoyable and fast paced. Reminiscent of Spirited Away, Mina is lost in the spirit realm and has to find her own way to solving the curse of the Sea God. Without giving too much away, I loved watching Mina grow and work her way through all the problems laid before her, especially because every problem she solved was worked through with caring and love for those around her. Her love of her family is the strongest thread throughout the whole story and it was great to have a YA fantasy novel where that was one of the main themes..

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!