This was so good. I am left with so many questions and need so many answers. I feel like there’s a love triangle, or at least a friendship redemption coming up and I cannot wait to see more of it. I need more of Yurhee and Tag, Little Uncle and Hwi. So much more. I cannot wait for book 2!

This was an good book with an interesting premise! This is a reimagining of the Korean folktale, the Celestial Maiden, while the setting and characters are clearly inspired by Final Fantasy 7 and the plot has some inspiration from Castle in the Sky (and FF7). The tone in this book leans towards the younger side of YA (almost middle grade), although it deals with some heavy topics (but not in depth) and also comes with all the things a typical YA novel has, such as simple sentence structures, light world building, a high convenience factor and ease of resolution for plot lines. It was a little too YA for me, which is a personal preference for sure. The beginning starts out relatively slow and picks up towards the end, although the action scenes at the end were lacking in my opinion - many fights that only lasted a few paragraphs and then we'd move on. I also think that there were too many things going on and the main plot (which I think is the romance?) got completely lost in all the random side plots.

The romance also kind of came out of nowhere, one day they were just in love? Which is not to say that I didn't like Ren (FMC) and Sunho (MMC), because I did like them. They are both complex characters and hopefully they get more depth in the next book as they have a lot of potential! I will say that my favorite characters are Jaeil and Sana and I hope they get a lot more screen time in the next book as well. I would like to know a lot more about Jaeil.

I'd recommend this if you enjoy YA fantasy romance! I'll likely read the sequel since I am interested in knowing what will happen next. I think though that if I read another book by Axie Oh after this series, it will not be in her fantasy works. I just find her world building and fantasy plot lines to be too weak and so I think her romances will be better for me.

This was a fun read that felt very Studio Ghibli mixed with Marvel and would really work out well as either an anime or graphic novel.

I definitely think this book is geared towards the younger YA set. The main characters' motivations, actions, and feelings were very straightforward. While I liked the worldbuilding, the storyline and characters were a little too simplistic for me. There wasn't really any subtext for older teens or adults to parse out. Authoritarian governments are bad. Wealth and class inequities are also bad. There is a Chosen One to round out the usual fantasy tropes.

This would definitely be a good introduction for tweens and younger teens to the world of fantasy, especially one that mirrors real world issues and with strong characters to root for.

For those who are well versed in fantasy, this is more of a lighter read that works as a palate cleanser. And I won't lie, it's been almost two weeks since I've read this, and I don't remember any details that really stood out to me.

Thank you to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for this arc.

This was such an enjoyable read. The world is really cool and well-developed. I loved the characters, Sunho and Ren. The way they brought peace to each other in their dark and unstable world was so sweet. I only wish there was a little more from the third POV character (I'm so intrigued by him and feel like there could be more to him) and some of the plot/reveals felt very predictable. But this didn't take away from my enjoyment of The Floating World at all. Sunho and Ren stole my heart and then made it ache at the end. I am very much looking forward to book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends for this digital ARC!

Honestly, I don't think any of you understand how excited I was for this book after reading " The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea " and falling in love with Axie Oh's fantasy worldbuilding. And once again she has outdone herself because the worldbuilding in this book was just as amazing. It doesn't feel like you have to struggle to figure out backstories and concepts, they are handed to you in such a perfectly understanding way that makes you delve deeper into the story.
As for the characters, I loved them both. Sunho and Ren are beautifully created and are both complex characters that slowly come to an understanding of each other. The romance isn't forced either and I appreciate that, I can actually see two people like this in real life falling in love.
The ending though! I can't wait for the next book!! Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillian Childrens Publishing Group for an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed The Floating World, which is my introduction to Axie Oh's work. I could instantly see the references to Final Fantasy especially, Final Fantasy VII, but I really didn't get the references to Shadow and Bone? I got more Avatar: The Last Airbender vs Shadow and Bone, but maybe that's just me?

The characters were nice, but they were missing a certain amount of depth. If I'm being honest, they seemed a lot younger than they were supposed to be, Ren in particular.
At the beginning of the book, I thought she was closer in age to a 14-year-old vs. a 17-year-old. As the story progressed, she seemed less like a little girl, but it was still jarring to adjust to that. Still, I did like her character as well as Sunho and Jaeil their perspectives were woven in really well! I just wish there was a bit more to them.

While the characters were a little on the flatter side, the worldbuilding was phenomenal. Everything felt rich with detail, and it was very easy to pick up on the world's Socioeconomic and Political environment.

I will say apart from a few genre-typical violence or dark elements... this felt a little middle-grade reader vs YA. I think this book would do well with the younger ages in YA, but I'm not sure how older teens would respond.

That being said, it was a nice book, and I look forward to seeing how it progresses.

I may not be unbiased for this review, but here we go - great YA fantasy!
First of all, can we give a round of applause for this beautiful cover?
That was the first thing that caught my eye.

Second, when I saw the author was Axie Oh, I was sold - hence why I may not be entirely objective..

Oh, Axie! You’ve done a beautiful job.

The world-building was seamless. She crafted it in a way that makes you picture everything so vividly, as if you’re walking through it, admiring its beauty. The floating world made me think of the floating mountains of Avatar, but not a whole bunch of little mountains. If you know what I mean. 😅
The underworld had the vibes of The Maze Runner mixed with Ready Player One. It was really cool.

The story was entertaining with a steady pace. There were a few moments when my heart leaped—sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a not-so-good way. 🥲

Sunho and Ren were a really nice balance of light and dark. Their dynamic was cute and so sweet. I feel like there could’ve been more development in their love story, but the focus was more on their journey, which I really appreciated. Not everything has to be romantic.
This love felt more like finding a family and learning about first love. 🤌🏼

The ending left me both happy and devastated. I have to know what happens with Sunho!
I hope Ren becomes the ultimate badass of MC - she has such potential for that.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading it. Obviously, Axie did an amazing job. Can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you, Netgalley!
ARC provided by Netgalley. Courtesy of Feiwel & Friends | Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

The Floating World by Axie Oh is a gem! The author's worldbuilding is exceptional, creating a vibrant and original setting that drew me in immediately. The characters are richly developed and relatable. I loved the dynamic between Ren and Sunho, how they helped each other realize their own strengths. You’ll get all the feels with this book, from joy to sadness and everything in between. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in The Floating World and can’t wait to return! Really, I’m going to have a tough time waiting until October for the next book.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for an immersive fantasy read, especially those who appreciate a touch of romance and great storytelling.
I received an ARC of The Floating World by Axie Oh from NetGalley for an honest review.

Whoever thought to describe this book as "lighthearted", I fear for what you think is dark for YA. Be warned, there are a lot of dark, heavy topics from child soldiering to murder to experimentation on kids.

I mostly enjoyed this adventurous story. I can definitely see the Final Fantasy vibes in it. I really like Sunho and Ren together and all they overcome. I'm very curious to see what happens in the next book and am so glad we don't have to wait super long to find out!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

I was given this book through NetGalley. Ren is a troupe performer who is trying to save her uncle after a demon attack. Sunho is a sword for hire who takes a job to find a girl who produced a bright light. This story is enteraining and has mysteries. Both main characters have their own issues and motivations for their actions. I enjoyed this story and cannot wait to see what happens next.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. I was so anticipating this new book from Axie Oh, but it fell a little flat for me. I was still entertained. For me what diminished my enjoyment of this book was that it was too fast paced. So much happens so quickly and we don’t really get a chance to get to know the characters. The relationships/friendships were hard for me to believe because we didn’t get much true time with them or see much development. While there are darker themes, this felt like the younger side of YA. (Which isn’t a bad thing! Just something to note!) I did enjoy the uniqueness of the story and the concepts. It just overall wasn’t executed the best for my taste. I did enjoy the personality of the FMC. Her longing for normality despite her bloodline was refreshing. I definitely was getting Castle in the Sky vibes from the story mixed with a hint of final fantasy, so I think the comparison titles are spot on!

Ren is an acrobat who wants to forget her past. Sunho is a young man who has no memories but desperately seeks his brother.

I really enjoyed Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, which combines Korean mythology with a touching emotional depth. Like The Girl, The Floating World has connections to legend– it’s inspired by the legend of The Heavenly Maiden and the Woodcutter, which is referenced multiple times throughout. (Western readers may be more familiar with the story of the swan maiden, which has some similar notes.)

I think a number of readers who enjoyed The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea will enjoy this one too. I’d classify it as a YA book that doesn’t transcend age ranges as readily as the other novel, but I wouldn't take stars off for that. There are other issues. The characters are certainly likeable, even some of the secondary ones. But I disliked the necessary suspension of disbelief (for example, why Ren set out in the direction of the Floating World) and some plot points being painfully predictable (like Sunho’s malady and its origins). Ah, and it is a duology, which ultimately means little satisfaction in the first book. My kingdom for more standalones!

Massive Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an e-Arc copy of The Floating World by Axie Oh.

This is what I love about YA fantasy book!

The story follows Ren, a young woman whose hidden powers are unleashed in a moment of desperation as her family faces a brutal attack. This act not only marks her as a target for those who fear/want her, but also leaves Uncle on the brink of death, forcing her to embark on a perilous journey to find a cure.

Meanwhile, Sunho, a grumpy ex-soldier who’s now tasked with track her down.
His mission, however, becomes far more complicated as their paths cross and their destinies intertwine. Sunho and Ren are both hiding big secrets from each other that could threaten their friendship and could put their lives in even more danger. Can they truly trust each other to reveal what they’re hiding?

Their journey is one of danger, discovery, and the fragile hope that lies in the bonds they forge along the way. Their relationship is sweet and slow to build, but some moments felt rushed (like they trusting each other quite fast); I’m also hopeful there will be a lot more character development in the next installment.

Despite some pacing hiccups, and some minor characters not being as present as much as I hoped; Axie Oh’sThe Floating World is a promising start to what looks to be an exciting series with a thrilling blend of action, romance, and intricate world-building. With its lush storytelling, drawing clear inspiration from Final Fantasy and Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky; the blend of high stakes adventure and fantastical elements creates a world that feels both fresh and nostalgically comforting.

I also fear I need book 2 as soon as possible, especially after that ending.

I was captivated—and not let down—as soon as I learned that The Floating World was a cross between Final Fantasy and Shadow and Bone. Rich world-building, adventure, and a gripping retelling of Korean legend are all abundant in Axie Oh's lively, romantic fantasy.

The plot centers on Ren, an acrobat with a secret talent, and Sunho, a former soldier with a lost background. As they travel together to face both real and imaginary evil, their fates become entwined when their paths cross. Their developing relationship is a highlight; their innate chemistry and depth of feeling made me cheer them on at every turn. The world-building is captivating, and Sunho's gloomy Under World contrasts exquisitely with Ren's more colorful—yet no less perilous—travels. The characters' interactions made their journey all the more interesting, and I adored how the mythology and setting seemed rich without being overpowering.

Although I was mostly interested, the cliffhanger finish was both exciting and a little annoying. The speed did slow down a little in the middle, though. There are so many unanswered questions, and I'm excited to see what happens next.

Found Family
Hidden/ Secret Pasts
Politics
Acceptance
I won’t lie it took some time for me to get into this one. Once it started though, I didn’t want to stop. Ren ran away from her past and has a new family now. A family she would do anything for because they took her in and love her as their own. Sunho genuinely can’t remember anything. However, he’s hired to find the light and along the way a friendship, or more, forms between the two.
Sunho and Ren both held secrets from each other. However, they got close quickly that turned into something romantic. This shocked me since I thought they’d be more guarded with each other. But seeing the protective nature they had for each other was nice, she took care of him and he protected her. The atmosphere was interesting to get into and how their resources made these… superhumans. I did get a bit confused on how it was traveling between the Under World and Floating World but I enjoyed this and look forward to book 2! The cliffhanger was despicable! A fast paced, ya fantasy that’ll definitely keep your attention. I also liked how realistic it was with Ren trying to use her powers. She didn’t magically get it overnight, it took her the course of the book to figure it out along with the frustration she felt.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this arc.

Even tho I really enjoyed the girl who’d fell beneath the sea, this just was a disappointment. I understand the inspirations from Shadow and Bone and Final Fantasy but I felt like some of it was a bit too on the nose for me. The characters weren’t fleshed out as much as I hoped for and the sentence structure was too short and very repetitive.

This is amazingly written, but sadly the romance just didn't land for me. It was very much an insta-love situation and I am not a big fan of those. The story itself was amazing, so keep that in mind. I just really struggle with insta-love. The worldbuilding was amazing!

It was a slow start for me but when ultimately it picked up I was OBSESSED. I adored every bit of this story, the characters, and the growth throughout the story. Well done, I can't WAIT for the sequel.

With interesting world building, charming characters, and a quick pace, The Floating World definitely kept me entertained. Ren and Sunho are cute leads, and I liked that they both had secrets but learned to trust each other. The emotional vulnerability was also a plus. Secondary characters were fun but not as in-depth. The action really picked up in the last fourth or so of the story, and the ending left a lot of question that will surely be addressed in the sequel coming out this fall! So three stars for a good opening and I’m looking forward to seeing where Ren and Sunho’s journeys lead.

Sunho can’t remember anything from his life before he woke up in the Under World two years ago with just his sword and his name. Working odd jobs to survive, he comes across the job that will give him lifetime security. A chest of coins for anyone who can find the girl who wields silver light.

Meanwhile, Ren is an acrobat living with her adopted family. Everything changes one day when their performance is attacked by a demon. In a moment of fear, Ren releases a blast of silver light. In the aftermath, she decides to go on a journey to find the demon that attacked them–running into Sunho along the way.

Thanks to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced copy of The Floating World by Axie Oh to review! I have thoroughly enjoyed Axie Oh’s fantasy before, and this reading experience was no different. Oh is great at weaving in the details of the world, immersing you in magic, mythology, with a touch of romance.

The pacing of the plot also works well, moving at a pace that keeps you engaged with plenty of action. But we don’t sacrifice the characters to the plot. Sunho and Ren have great chemistry, and I enjoyed the unraveling mystery of both of their pasts. There’s plenty to still explore in book two, and I’m excited to see what comes next!

All in all, if you like mythology-inspired fantasy and lots of action with great characters, definitely check this one out when it comes out in April!