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!

thank u netgalley and the publisher for sending me the E-Arc of this book!

I loved The floating world! The plot was incredibly original and kept me engaged from start to finish. The world-building was immersive, and the storyline felt fresh and intriguing. The characters were absolutely formidable, each with their own depth and personality, making it easy to connect with them. The pacing was addictive, making it hard to put the book down.

However, the book wasn't perfect. My main criticism is that some events were resolved too quickly and without much explanation, which made them feel a bit rushed and unrealistic. Additionally, the "instalove" aspect was quite noticeable and felt a little forced, which detracted from the otherwise strong emotional depth of the story.

Despite these minor flaws, The floating world is a captivating read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an original and thrilling narrative.

the floating world by axie oh is a breathtaking, fantasy adventure that had me completely hooked. huge thank you to the publisher for the e-ARC! 🤍

reading this book felt like stepping into a studio ghibli film. it’s full of gorgeous scenery, heartwarming relationships, and just the right touch of darkness to keep things interesting. i loved every second of it.

one of my favorite parts of the book were the relationships between the characters, especially our main characters, ren and suhno. god, i adored them 😭. they are so precious, and i cannot wait to see more of them in book two. i also hope we get more of ren’s chosen family in the sequel. i loved what i saw of them, but i definitely wanted more!

as always, axie oh’s worldbuilding was absolutely stunning. i felt fully immersed in this beautiful, new world, and i wasn’t ready to leave just yet. (that being said, i would have loved for the book to be just a touch longer, as the ending felt a little bit rushed to me.) she has officially become an autobuy author for me because i have absolutely adored every single one of her books so far.

i’m so excited for book two, and need it like yesterday! 🪽🗡️🎭☀️

I loved this book! It's a beautifully written story that pulls you in from the start. The two main characters, Sunho and Ren’s journey is both thrilling and deeply emotional, as they uncover lost memories and navigate their intertwined fates. The writing is lyrical, the characters are compelling, and the world feels rich and dreamlike. It’s a story filled with adventure, self discovery, and a sprinkling of romance.


Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars .
Axie Oh is becoming an auto buy author for me. I couldn’t love this book more than I do. The way this book felt like a warm cup of tea. I wanted to savor it slowly and never run out. Ren and Sunho’s story was so beautifully written, I can’t wait to continue it in book 2. I want nothing more than the happiest of ending for every character in this book. Thank you so much for Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing for the eARC

I was incredibly excited to see this book from Axie Oh, as I absolutely adored The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, and this story did not disappoint! This was such a fun and engaging read that I couldn’t put down from start to finish (I read the whole thing on a 5 hour flight and it made the time just zoom by!) the pacing is perfect, at no point did I feel like it dragged on and there was always new information being discovered and told to our protagonists.

Every single character, from the two main protagonists whose povs we inhabit, to every single side character along the way, were unique and had their own motivations and quirks. I especially liked the instances where we got in the pov of one of the “antagonists” (and I’ll use that term lightly) as his thought process and desires were deeply compelling. I think we’ll see a lot more of him in the next book.

Speaking of the next book, this book had an incredible complete story that still left soooo much room for speculation on what is going to happen next and I cannot wait!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the eARC of this book!

“The woodcutter, catching sight of the youngest and most beautiful of the [celestial] maidens, stole her wings.” “Men fear women who have wings.”
“If I had wings, would you steal them?” No, “I’d want to see you fly”

Summary:
Sunho and Ren have lived vastly different lives. He as a sword-for-hire working within the shadows and darkness of the Under World, her as a street performer traveling freely within her caravan under the vast, open sky. Though their lives are worlds apart, it is the fragments of their forgotten pasts and the dormant powers they share that ignite their journeys and ultimately draw them together. Will they be able to see who the real monsters are among them, or will they be turned against each other?

Themes to expect:
Light vs. Dark (Shadow & Bone reference)
Humans as the true monsters
Disparity between underclass or 'oppressed' class vs upper elites
Predestined fate
Family as character motivation

My thoughts:
I believe this book leans heavily on its influences from Shadow & Bone and the Final Fantasy franchise, relying on them as a primary hook to attract readers. However, beyond that the world-building and story development lack sufficient depth to establish a unique identity. The narrative remains flat and one-dimensional throughout.
What I disliked:
• Writing Style: Seems very short staccato like. Descriptions are minimal and repetitive.
For example, after a blood bath had ended it was stated that “Many had died violently. In the corner, a women curled over a smaller body – neither moved.” Descriptions are very factual and kept short to the point. There is no emotion behind seeing so many dead how the entire scene as a whole looked like. Just as suddenly as events occur, the reader is quickly whisked along to the next part of the story line.
The descriptions that are in the book; however, are often time used repetitively. There were a lot of mentions of the word chest to describe the MC’s feelings: “clawed up his chest”, “spread through her chest”, “racing in her chest”, “burning in his chest”, “tightening in her chest”, “settled in [his] chest’, “feeling stole up his chest”, “caught in her chest”, “lodged in her chest”, “pounded in his chest”, “hollow feeling in his chest”, “stirring in his chest”, “fluttering of excitement in her chest”, “curdling in her chest”, “painful feeling in his chest”, “heaviness in her chest”, etc. I am honestly impressed by the amount of variations the author came up with.
• Characters: All are very righteous to a fault, having a singular cause that determines their entire goal in life except when someone else needs saving then they drop everything to help. “Let’s save [them], because it’s the right thing to do. Because we can.” Although a very admirable attribute is it too much to want morally gray characters who rather do something selfish once in a while. Why help every stranger you barely know when you have a sick Uncle who is supposed to die in three weeks or when you have a brother who has been missing for 2 years. But I guess when you know the solution will be resolved for you at the end, I guess fictional characters don’t really have to worry about the journey that gets them there.
• World-building: Was a little confusing at the beginning and contains plot holes. The Under World isn’t what one would normally think of - an underground ruled by Hades - but more in the literal sense it is the Under World under the Floating World, which in actuality isn’t floating at all but anchored to the Under World by gigantic scaffold towers that reach up to its underbelly, the bottom of the mines. I am still unsure what the purpose of the Under Worlders or the use for the scaffold towers are. I originally thought the Under Worlders were responsible for mining the mithril and sending it up through the scaffold towers to use as a buoyancy agent for the Floating World. But the mines are on the underbelly of the Floating World so that isn’t the case. I also don’t understand how in a place like the Under World, where no light reaches, why people stay when there is an entire world outside the Floating World where people exist freely in light. It would’ve made sense if they weren’t permitted to leave by the army and imprisoned to mine the mithril, but instead at one of the council meetings it was suggested that “unlike the nobles, [they] couldn’t uproot [their] family and business” as if they were too poor to do so. This argument makes little sense to me. Also, why a Floating World at all, why have it if it takes so much effort to keep it somewhat afloat. This was never addressed in the book.
There is also a random mention of a war with a neighboring kingdom with its “all-consuming purpose: to defend it against those that covet the light.” Again, I am not sure what light they are referring to as the Sareniyans don’t own the light, it is everywhere other than directly below the Floating World.

Overall, the chain of events felt so clunky, systematically placed, that I kept repeating to myself how convenient that you are looking for someone and bam they just happen to end up in the same place, oh you forgot your memories well certain ones will just happen to be revealed at the necessary time. Things also just resolve so quickly and suddenly I am not sure why we had it in the plot in the first place. There was just no real struggle for these characters. Nothing for me to empathize with and keep my attention. This book also ended on somewhat of a cliff hanger, that is setting up the second installment of this series.

As someone who loved The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, this book is a big letdown for me.
Thank you so much Net Galley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the eARC and the opportunity to share what I think. All opinions are my own. Publication day is April 29th, 2025

There are a lot of things I can say about this one. The premise and the cover are amazing! I was really excited for this one. However, for me personally, I was a bit disappointed. I think my biggest issue was the way the romance felt between Ren and Sunho. It felt very insta-love to me and I am not a fan of that dynamic. I would've liked to see them develop their relationship more on page, so when the finale came, it would make more sense. The set up of the worlds is interesting and I definitely want to learn more about it. Overall, it wasn't my favorite, but I do want to read book 2!

Ren lives happily with her aunt and uncles as a part of a travelling performing troupe until the day the demons come for her family, while soldier Sunho searches for his older brother. When the two intersect, they begin an adventure bigger than either could have imagined.

I really enjoyed how this book took the struggles of children and teenagers in a dystopian world incredibly seriously. The characters may be young, but they're doing their best to take care of themselves, their families and their collaborators in a harsh environment. Sunho consistently tries to take care of smaller children he finds struggling around him, while Ren is deeply devoted to the uncle who was injured by demons.

While the relationship between Sunho and Ren is incredibly sweet and star crossed from the beginning, the book also supports a great cast of supporting characters: there were times I wanted to follow teenaged gangster Yurhee and Tag out the back door and watch their adventures just unfold for a day. Even antagonist Juneil is a complicated character - you'll both be rooting for him while wanting to yell at him. I wasn't familiar with the source legend of the Celestial Maiden, but the book really doesn't require a lot of background, and the unique world building becomes clearer as the novel unfolds.

The book would be wonderful for teenagers who are interested in fantasy and enjoy books which take them, their dreams and agency, very seriously. I'd recommend it to fans of Catherine Doyle or Kristen Ciccarelli.