he Floating World by Axie Oh weaves a spellbinding silkpunk fantasy that’s inspired by Korean legend and Final Fantasy.


I’m happy to say, this one did not disappoint. In her latest novel, Oh crafts a compelling cast of characters who tugged on my heartstrings. There’s Ren, an orphan who lives with a performance troupe while trying to conceal her powers. Then, on the other hand, there’s Sunho: an ex-soldier turned sword-for-hire who remembers little of his past. Their two paths collide when he’s tasked with tracking down a mysterious girl who lit up the sky.

The world itself is equally as interesting. Beneath a floating city in the sky lies the Under World, a city that’s plunged in darkness. To light their city, they mine a toxic ore, which creates devastatingly unintended consequences.

However, this book wasn’t completely without flaws. I think my biggest issue was the pacing. The fight scenes were a cool mix of martial arts and unique weapons (like there’s a really fun train fight sequence) that I wish they had lasted longer! On a similar note, I wish the final third had hit the brakes a bit. There’s so many plot reveals and developments happening back-to-back that the story didn’t give itself enough time to properly breathe and build up suspense.

All in all though, The Floating World delivers a heartfelt adventure that sucked me in and swept me off my feet. The sequel can’t come fast enough because this one ends on a doozy!

Thank you, NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Floating World was one of my most anticipated books for 2025 and while I enjoyed it, I don't think it fully delivered. This book goes from Final Fantasy 7 to Castle in the Sky to Shadow and Bone. The story beats are almost 1-1 with FF7 Remake at the beginning which made me envision Suhno as Cloud and The Underworld as Midgard throughout the story. Ren is a mix between Aerith and Tifa. While I enjoyed the obvious inspiration, I was glad that the story came into it's own and became more original. I'm excited to read the sequel to see what Sunho, Ren, and Jaeil do. I also hope for more Jaeil POV chapters in the second book since his character is more mature and has his own motivations.

Oh I fear this is my favorite of Axie Oh’s books and she is slowly making her way to my favorite authors list- 4.75 stars ✨

Big thank you to Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Expected Publication Date: April 29th, 2025

This book was the perfect blend of Korean mythology, adventure, and incredible world-building. The plot was immaculate and the romance weaved into it so perfectly. There were moments when the progression of Ren and Sunho’s relationship felt a bit… disingenuous? I might attribute that to their odd connection and I’m hoping it’s elaborated on in book 2, but the slow burn could have been a bitttt slower.
The world-building was my favorite. It was Studio Ghibli worthy, it was so stunning and the details weren’t dumped on you from the get go. It was really unique, which is what I loved. I’ve gotten tired of the same copy-paste fantasy worlds and this book was NEW. It reminded me a lot of Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle, mixed with a bit of Shadow & Bone.

A must-read and a definite re-read for me 🗡️

I’m a huge fan of Axie Oh for her lyrical prose and Ghibli-esque world design so I was so excited for the chance to read The Floating World, the first in a new YA fantasy duology. This is a romantic fantasy (emphasis on romantic) based on the Korean Celestial Maiden legend and I was instantly immersed from page one. Oh has such a gift for beautiful worlds and characters you instantly fall in love with.

Ren is a traveling performer with her family. She is a lively spirit and loves her family fiercely but everything is put on the line when a demon attacks and she reveals her powers that she has guarded fiercely.

Sunho is a sword for hire in the Under World as he tries to piece back the memories he has lost from the last two years. The only thing he can remember is that he needs to find his brother.

Sunho is tasked with finding Ren and the two of their stories quickly become intertwined. I love both Ren and Sunho so much and their cute but special romance as it grows through much peril. I can’t believe I have to wait for the conclusion to their story but I know it will be worth it!

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Playful and dramatic, with a sweeping wonder that fuses worlds below the ground and in the sky, the schemes of an industrial complex, and personal drama driven purely by the heart. In the way of excellent retellings, this story fully integrates and expands on the legend of the Woodcutter and the Celestial Maiden in all new ways.

Ren is instantly lovable, for her free spirit, teasing side, and confidence with flute and performance that hides an insecurity over suppressing her magical abilities (and, yes, I do think she’d be best friends with one of my own MCs). She and the others bring an infectious spark that turns every encounter larger than life, from seeing new cities to deadly fights to enjoying a cup of noodles. This is a book made for living in the moment.

Stepping back to consider events logically, I did have some questions. One minute Ren’s obsessed with the ticking clock, the next she’s…not. And look Sunho, if you don’t suspect that the random girl with a mask and things that match your only other clues has anything to do with the person you’re hired to find, then I don’t know how to help you. But at the end of the day, I enjoyed their earnest commitment to the tasks at hand. Even from Jaeil, who plays a pseudo villainous role.

Anyway, manhwa adaptation when?

Very happy book two is coming soon.

Everyone is so right by comparing this to a Studio Ghibli film. Really great worldbuilding, lush detail, and some incredibly well drawn characters/

First off, that cover? OBSESSED. Second, this felt like a Studio Ghibli movie in written form. It sucked me in from the first page and I almost read this all in one sitting. It was all so intriguing to me even if it was a little easy to figure everything out. I enjoyed my time in this world so I didn't even care. I literally cannot wait to get my hands on the second book.

Honestly, YA fantasy will always be a lovely escape for me! Sometimes a simple, magical world and plot is what you need, and this was well balanced with romance, action, and a quest. While adult me might not be raving about this, I just know teenager me would've loved this. Also, this cover art? Incredible.

Axie Oh when i catch you Axie Oh..... this book was one hell of a ride.... everytime i giggled, fate(Miss Axie) slapped me back down to earth.... full rtc

Beautiful vibes and delightful writing mark the Axie Oh experience.

Light romance and humor brighten the tale, but for me the real draw is the world and mythological touches.

3.5 stars - Haunted by their pasts, a traveling acrobat and an ex-soldier find themselves on a journey for answers - one in search of help for their family, and the other hoping to unlock the years of memories they awoke without. Filled with monsters, magic, and mystery, this tale takes you on an adventure through the Under World's darkness and up into the skies and the Floating World that resides there.

THE GIRL WHO FELL BENEATH THE SEA is one of my favorite books, in part because of the how beautifully Axie Oh describes her settings, and THE FLOATING WORLD lives up to my expectations once again! Oh's writing is simply gorgeous and perfectly fits the world of myth and fantasy that she's created. I love the choice to make Ren a performer and to allow her skills, like acting and stealth, to bleed into her everyday life as she progresses on her journey. It made for a more believable story for me, in terms of her abilities during the many altercations she and Sunho encounter. And speaking of Sunho, I am curious to see where the second novel takes him after the revelations of book one. Particularly in regard to his feelings about himself and the "demon" inside him.

Despite a few moments where it felt like things moved a bit fast for me, often in terms of the romance, overall I felt this was an intriguing start to a duology and I'm looking forward to seeing where book two takes us.

p.s. Can we take a moment to appreciate that cover?? Perfection.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I HAVEN’T STOPPED THINKING ABOUT THIS BOOK SINCE I FINISHED IT. Truly. My soul? Shattered. My heart? Belongs to Ren and Sunho. My brain? Still screaming into the void about that ENDING.

Ren is a cheerful and spirited acrobat traveling with her adoptive family, bringing joy and wonder to the villages they perform in. But during one of their festival shows, a demon attacks and Ren, in a desperate attempt to protect everyone, unleashes a blast of silver light, a power she’s kept secret since childhood. The creature is defeated but her uncle is gravely injured. This sets Ren to journey beyond the mountains to find a cure…
Along the way she meets Sunho, a mercenary with no memories, just his name and sword. He’s been tasked with tracking down a girl who wields silver light… not knowing she’s the very one he’s traveling with.

I fell in love with both Ren and Sunho. Their interactions were soft, sweet, and so natural. Watching them slowly open up to one another? It wrecked me. And the umbrella and a red scarf??!!😭 The way they supported each other and protected each other?! UGH, my heart! Must protect them at all costs!

Sunho’s arc? I don’t even have the words. His backstory, the emotional reveals, the heartbreak. The twists and turns with the revelations to his backstory basically put me through a paper shredder.
I was straight up having flashbacks to Cloud and Zack’s parallels "you’ll be.. my living legacy" moment and absolutely sobbing. My Shaylaaaaaassss 💔 (FF7 crisis core ☹️)

I’m a bit feral about that ending. I needed book two like yesterday. But thank the stars I don’t have to wait a full year because The Demon and the Light drops in just a few months. But I need answers like NOW. (catch me banging at the gates like a feral beast lol for any crumbs on book two).

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group (Feiwel & Friends) and @fiercereads for this ARC!

5 Stars—but honestly, it deserves infinity! ⭐️

The Floating World
What can I even say… I’m OBSESSED! 😍
Axie Oh, you are absolutely incredible. The worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss. The characters? I adore them. The twists and revelations? I was gasping!

I’m officially in my Ren & Sunho era, and I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon—not until I get my hands on The Demon and the Light ARC… and probably not even then.

Sunho is just the sweetest—his thoughtful gestures toward Ren made my heart melt. And Ren is the light that dances through the darkness in his soul. Their bond is everything. I absolutely love the friendship they share with Yurhee and Tag.

This book is also a beautiful reimagining retelling of the Korean folktale The Woodcutter and the Celestial Maiden.
Axie Oh mentioned that The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea helped inspire The Floating World, along with influences from The Floating Castle, Sailor Moon, Hayao Miyazaki, and Final Fantasy—and wow, you can truly feel the magic.

So if that is your vibe, you NEED this book on your shelf ASAP.

Until then, I’ll be diving into The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea to keep the vibes going. 💖

Thank you Netgalley and Axie Oh for the Arc! 🥰
#netgalley #thefloatingworld

✧ thank you netgalley & macmillan children's publishing group for the arc ✧

ren is trying to hide away from her past while finding a cure for her uncle. but her encounter with sunho, who is on a mission to hunt her in exchange for information about his missing brother, forces her to face her past. the two unexpectedly form a friendship, and try to help each other on their own missions.

rating: 3/5 ⭐️ | spice: 0/5 🌶️

the cover really had drawn me in and made me want to pick this book up! this is my first time reading anything by axie oh, but i have seen some of her other books around so i was curious. while this book wasn't the best thing i've ever read, i still enjoyed it.

the start was kind of very slow and draggy for me. i get that the beginning is often used to just set the stage and build the world, but i felt like there was a little bit too much unnecessary details. i really didn't get captured in until probably about 40% in when the plot started to plot, and all the dots started to connect.

once everything started to come together, i really enjoyed the world, plot, and magic system of the book. i was hooked in watching all the secrets unfurl, and kept looking forward to what was going to happen next. if this book was just based on the fantasy aspect and not so much the romance, i would have liked it a lot more.

the romance was what took me out of the story and made this only a 3-star for me. i didn't really feel any of the chemistry between the two main characters. i didn't feel like there was any relationship building from when ren and sunho first met to when they became "friends" and started to trust each other. for sunho, who was using to being alone and not relying on anyone, to suddenly switch and start caring for someone, i just needed more convincing. and then to progress to lovers... yeah, that didn't do it for me.

i also do have to note that this is a YA book and reads as very YA. it took me a little bit to get used to the writing style.

but overall, i did enjoy this book! while it didn't leave off on too heavy of a cliffhanger, there's enough anticipation to make me want to read the next book.

A runaway acrobat and the ex-soldier pursuing her, Ren and Sunho make for unlikely allies in a world of floating cities, airships, and mysterious magic.

Axie Oh weaves a unique steampunk fantasy world, made complex with sobering politics, for her cast of colorful characters. This book never loses its sense of whimsy and heart even amidst some of the darker plot beats, staying grounded in its characters' journeys to each other. I can definitely see some Ghibli Castle in the Sky inspo at work, which is just delightful. I'm especially locked in on Jaeil's side of things as it adds such a fun wild card element to the story.

I'll be off to hunt down the sequel after that ending!

I received this arc from NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group.
I loved this book. I fell in love with Ren and Sunho immediately. This book is multi POV with majority of the story being told from either Ren or Sunho’s POV, and a few chapters being told from Jaeil’s POV. Ren starts off the story as she is traveling with her family in a caravan as a troupe of performers. They travel from village to village putting on shows showcasing the legends of the Floating World. When tragedy strikes, Ren has no choice but to leave her family behind to track down a cure to save her uncle. Along the way she meets Sunho who has been hired to track down the girl with the silver light and return her to the Under World. He knows very little about the girl he is supposed to be looking for, but Sunho has something that he wants and Captain Jaeil promises to help him in return for bringing the girl back alive.
I really liked the worldbuilding and magic in this story. I also really liked the legend of the Celestial Maidens that was tied in with the main storyline. This book is available now so go grab your copy and dive into Ren and Sunho’s story.

The Floating World was pure magic that completely took me by surprise. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I certainly wasn’t prepared for this charming, transportive tale that feels like stepping into both an epic sci-fi fantasy and a beautifully crafted Korean drama.

The legend of the Celestial Maidens was new to me, but I was captivated by the beauty and depth of Axie Oh’s worldbuilding. I fell in love with Ren and Sunho and the adventure that starts with them trying to save themselves but quickly transforms into something much deeper as they begin to save each other.

I was only halfway through the book before I had to jump online and preorder my own copy. I devoured this story in less than 24 hours, and now I’m already counting down the days until the sequel and grand finale arrives.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and Korean mythology woven into this book. The Woodcutter and the Celestial Maiden is very similar to The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl in Chinese mythology, which I am assuming is because both stories originated from the same story . I agree with some of the reviews in which they mention that the writing was simple, but I honestly didn't mind that because the way it was written was still able to draw me into the book's world and setting.

I also really loved Ren and Suho's relationship; they are so cute and sweet with one another. However, I do wish I had seen a bit more buildup to their relationship and chemistry.

One issue I had with the book was some plot points felt a bit undeveloped or were all over the place. The purpose of Ren's journey was to find the cure for her uncle's poison but I didn't feel that sense of urgency from her character in her POV chapters, and I almost found myself forgetting about it entirely. I don't want to give too many spoilers, but I do think there was a way to make their relationship a lot more tragic when it came to Suho's whole situation.

Overall I did have a fun time reading the book and will definitely be requesting the sequel too! I really want to see what happens to Ren and Suho and hopefully see more of Jaeil, Yurhee, and Tag in the next book as well

***ARC received from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***

Oh I so wanted to love this book, everything about this feels like it would be everything that I enjoy. Unfortunately for the good parts they were overshadowed by to many strong references to other stories.

The book is told through three separate POV, Ren, Sunho and occasionally Jaeil. For me Jaeil is the strongest of the POV mostly because he keeps the secondary plots moving along which directly impact the main plot. I didn’t hate Ren and Sunho but I just didn’t find them as interesting as Jaeil who has a little more depth to his character. He is conflicted, trying to be tough yet not become his father.

Ren and Sunho are unfortunately more surface level than Jaeil. Sunho’s chapters faired a little better for me simply because I liked his back story more. He is searching for his brother, trying to find to truth of what happened to him, who he was before he awoke with no memories. There is a mystery there about him that is trying to be solved similar to Jaeil there is something in his chapters driving the story forward. Ren doesn’t really have there, there is no mystery, she knows who she is, has all her memories even if they are a little blurred at times and for how pressing helping Little Uncle was it starts to get forgotten the more she interacts with Sunho and her story gets intertwined with him. She also feels incredibly young compared to Sunho, Jaeil and even the secondary characters. Leaving her to feel a little out of place with the other characters.

For a book that is over 350+ pages not a lot of interest happens in this. The beginning starts strong with Sunho in a a battle on a train and Ren dealing with a a demon attacking the caravan after a performance. Unfortunately though the action kind of dies off after that which was a disappointment. Everything felt very rushed, even though it appears to be a duology too much was resolved without any real struggle without any real weight to the conflict. The secondary conflicts Jaeil is bringing up about a potential war with a neighboring country have no impact on the plot. Its like its being mentioned so it doesn’t come out of left field instead of making it feel like an actual war is looming on the horizon.

This book is pitched as Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone and oh boy at a certain point this started to drive me crazy. I do want to say that this is a uniquely me problem but at a certain point I just found myself focusing on the references and there are a lot of them. At points this book is just Final Fantasy 7, I know the book just says Final Fantasy but yeah, its just 7. The boy with memory lost, turned into a soldier against their will in a shady experiment. The girl stolen from her mother, with ancient powers and the military that is trying to rule the entire world. Even the upper and lower city with the upper city blocking out the light. It at times loses being a reference and just become a straight retelling and it pulled me right out of the story. The Celestial Maiden reference feels the same, it is referenced many times but it also gets lost as the other references take center stage. I wish this book had allowed itself to be more original instead of just retelling other stories because the bones of a good story are there. I, I loved The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, I loved the mythology in that book and it didn’t feel lost in other stories.

I am interested to see where this goes in the next book, I would like to see how Sunho’s storyline is resolved.

Thank you Axie Oh and NetGalley for letting me be an ARC reader for this book!!

When I heard that this book had Final Fantasy 7 vibes I was sold. I absolutely love that game and as I was reading The Floating World I could definitely see that and it drew me in. But it wasn’t just Final Fantasy vibes I was getting it also reminded me of Anastasia which I absolutely loved. The story and world building were easy to follow and the characters were unique in their own ways. The MCs and side characters all had great parts and I just wanted to know more about the world and characters the more I read. As for the main characters there is Ren, the FMC, and Sunho, the MMC.

Ren is a very carefree girl at the beginning of the book. She lives a modest life but a happy one. When something comes and changes her life she chooses to go on a journey to save somebody she loves. That’s one thing I admire about her. She knew it would be dangerous yet she did it anyway and she kept going even as the road continued to challenge her. She still ventured into a world that was not her own. But she didn’t go alone.

Sunho is the exact opposite of Ren. Where she is carefree he is cautious. Where she is enthusiastic with her emotions he is guarded. And where she is light he is dark. They balance each other, though both have secrets of their own. As the story progresses they learn to trust each other and lean on each other for help. And the more they learn to trust each other the more they learn that maybe there can be more than just friendship between them.

All in all I loved this book. It felt fresh in a fantasy sense. I read a lot of the same type of fantasy books but this one felt different from my usual. And I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait for book 2!

CW: Violence, death, child neglect, child abandonment, fantasy violence & human experiments