This was my first Axie Oh book and I thought that it was a very solid YA fantasy. This is definitely for the younger YA crowd in my opinion. The main characters are 17, but they don't necessarily read as that age. They read a little too naive for that age.

The story has good world building and has a fairly easy plot to follow once the story gets going. I enjoyed seeing Ren and Sunho's friendship blossom and how they worked together to get through their respective troubles. I want to protect sweet, troubled, but protective Sunho at all costs. <3

The pacing throughout the story as a whole felt odd. Sometimes it felt we went from 0-100 real quick and other times the pacing felt steady.

The narrator has a very soothing voice which made the audiobook easy to listen and fly through, but I did find it hard sometimes to differentiate between each character voice for the multi-POVs.

Overall, I did enjoy the story, and I would consider reading the sequel since the first does end on a cliffhanger.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the author for the ALC! ✨

⭐4.25 ⭐ <b> Beautiful storytelling and world-building! </b>

I was excited to dive into another Axie Oh novel, after falling in love with The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea last year —and I loved it! It blended another Korean folklore with modern fantasy elements - creating an interesting world where magic meets technology, and a celestial city floats above a gritty underworld.

🌟There was a great mix of political tensions, military control, and rebellions of the common citizens woven in. It had a core theme of light against darkness - which reminded me of Grishaverse in some ways. There were underlying themes, of greed, control, misuse of resources and conlfict between nations.

<b> The beginning packed a punch very quickly with some events! </b> There were moments in the story that surprised me, along with some impactful twists. There was an interesting pacing of events, with a clear and engaging plot. The story had a good flow and progression.

🌟I was so excited to get approved for the audiobook ARC for this by Dreamscape media. <b> I enjoyed the narration by Eden Jun - the voice was clear, calm and expressive. </b> I think she captured the mood and atmosphere of the world and its characters very well with her narration

🌟<b> The Multi-POV's </b> were engaging to read, and had various threads of perspectives woven together effectively. The character's were on their own individually motivated journeys, and I liked that they came together and parted ways when needed. Being together didn't feel forced.

I loved all the characters, and their relationships- the themes of family, friendship, and carmaraderie were at the heart of this story. I love how balanced it was in this regard, and how these relationships grounded the characters motivations.

I thought Ren & Sunho's relationship was sweet, the circumstances in which they got to know each other was excuted in a natural way. There was a softness and simplicity to their interactions, without uneccsary drama or angst which I liked - and how they slowly built trust, became vulnerable, and learnt to rely on each other.

🌟<b> Small notes for what I felt could have been even better: </b>

I felt a lack of deeper emotion and connection getting into the story. I think the book could have been longer and taken more time with digging into the characters and the world, so that the emotional impact of certain moments struck a deeper chord. Some events towards the end also felt a little rushed. This is a YA book, so certain aspects of the story are simpler, and the characters are young as would be expected. The evolution in the romance was fairly quick which I usually don't like, but since the story grounded itself in other facets of their personality, and remained steady as a friendship, I didn't find it off-putting.

<b> Overall, this is a solid YA, I would say a cut above most in terms of quality. The world-building, themes, writing, plot and characters - are all promising and well-executed. I'm looking forward to reading the reading the second book in the duology once it's out! </b>

<i> Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an audiobook ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. </i>

This was a solid YA novel. I think if you liked Axie Oh’s first book “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea” then you will like this a lot. I kept thinking that this would make an excellent anime/Studio Ghibli movie. As I got toward the end I kept thinking there wasn’t enough time for everything to get wrapped up. It turns out there’s already a sequel in the works scheduled for release this fall. I will definitely be picking it up when it when it comes out to find out how it all ends. Would recommend! Thank you to the publisher for the audio copy I received for my honest opinion.

Let me start off by saying this is not a bad book. I think this is the type of book that I would have enjoyed more if I head read the physical book instead of listening to it.

The narrator for this book sounds incredibly young. So much so that every character sounds like a petulant child. Now this works for some characters SOMETIMES. But our dear narrator had very little variation in her voice acting much to her detriment. Because of this, connecting with the characters become a little difficult.

The world building is unique and well done. The story was compelling. I wish I had read the physical book instead

I really loved reading the ARC, and re-reading it as audiobook was still such a magical experience. I liked the narrator for the story for the most part. I think bc of the narrator's voice, it definitely felt more childish in a sense though? I mean I know this is a YA book but sometimes it didn't feel like the characters were 17, but a little younger bc of the voices from the narrator.
I still really enjoyed being in this world a second time and I cannot wait for the sequel!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for the ALC!

3 Stars ✨

Clean YA Fantasy

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for this advanced audio arc of The Floating World, in exchange for an honest review.

Audiobook 🎧 4/5 ✨
Narrator : Eden Jun
11hrs

The Floating World blends Korean Mythology with themes of identity, culture, love and family. We follow a girl named Ren, a traveling performer with a secret, hidden past. Tragedy strikes and she is forced to go on a mission to help save a family member. Along the way she has to navigate a world full of spirits, danger and magic, all while trying to find her place in the world.

I thought this book was good, but also lacking excitement for an adventure book. The writing was immersive, but felt like the world building lacked a bit. The romance was sweet and not the focal point. The whole book felt soft and sweet because of Rens heart and personality. There were moments where I would find myself zoning out a little - probably due to slower pacing than I’m used to. I did love the found family and look forward to seeing where the rest of the story goes!

As far as the narration, I thought the narrator did a great job overall. But for a book with Korean characters, I was expecting a different accent than what sounded like a British accent. It was hard to remember these characters were Korean while listening -even though Eden Jun is Korean, if that makes sense 😅. That would be my only complaint.

Content ⚠️
-no language
-kissing only
-mild YA fantasy violence

I had a great time listening to this book! Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC. I think the narrator did a wonderful job portraying all of the characters and with her storytelling. This book is firmly in the YA category but definitely reads a bit younger than expected. Our story follows Ren, a traveling acrobat, who has a unique ability which she has kept hidden since childhood. Unfortunately, due to an attack by a demon, she is forced to use her ability in an attempt to save herself and those she loves. Word travels fast and this ultimately makes her a target for dozens of swords-for-hire who are trying to kidnap her. Meanwhile, we have Sunho, an ex-soldier, who cannot remember anything except bits of his life prior to 2 years ago. He’s since been taking on various jobs with the latest venture being to join the hunt for the girl who holds the power of the silver light. Soon, circumstances find himself crossing paths with Ren (without him knowing she is his target)... and I feel like at this point the crux of the story truly begins. This was a very interesting concept but it felt like a slower start for me. I only really became invested around 25-30% into the story once the two main characters met. While I enjoyed Sunho as a character and loved the bits of flashback we get as his memory is slowly returning and how his secret ability plays into the story, it was a bit harder for me to connect with Ren (maybe because I felt that she read younger than expected). Overall, the setting was imaginative, the writing and narrating were quite good, and it was a solid read. Overall, I’d give it a 3.5.

Final Fantasy meets Castle in The Sky? 🙂‍↕️ Sold.

This was such a an adventure- The world building was so well done, the storyline had that classic feel with gut wrenching twists (think Fullmetal Alchemist), the characters were all great- I didn’t connect too much w/ a few side characters, but that might’ve just been a me thing, other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this nonetheless!!

The romance def stuck to the YA side of things, which I didn’t mind at all!! It was more so a subplot, so don’t expect too much, but the feelings are there!!
And that ending?! Oh, I am in shamblessss. I had to rewind the audio for a second like, wait- did I miss something or did it really just end like that?!
It did in fact end LIKE THAT!! 😭😭😭😭
Overall, this was amazing & I would literally 🪦 if they produced an animation of thissss.
Eden Jun did a wonderful job narrating & bringing life to all the characters, I fear my mind is stuck here for the next couple of weeks 😔

The Floating World is a beautiful, whimsical YA fantasy inspired by Korean mythology and the Celestial Maidens. It was sweet, charming, and an easy read.

This book is well written and the audiobook well done. I felt the narrator was the perfect choice to tell this story! The world was unique, at least compared to anything I have read, and I loved the FMC's family and friends. Both the FMC (Ren) and MMC (Sunho) have really interesting backstories. Getting the glimpses of their pasts was one of my favorite parts of the book.

However, despite how beautifully this was written and narrated, I had a hard time picturing the world it was set in. I would have liked the setting to be more flushed out for a clearer image. Also, for a romantasy, I don't feel like the romance was well developed. While keeping in mind that this is a YA novel, I felt their relationship was "insta-love" and was quite surface level.

In general, young adult books can suit a variety of people. The Floating World, however, is definitely meant for younger teens than an older teen/young 20's audience. I think the plot and relationship within this story will go over a lot better with a younger audience than myself!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review! A video review will be uploaded before the release date 5/27/25 on my TikTok @alireadsanywhere

I do not like books with demons and especially possession and even though this was not done in an extremely dark way I felt like the book started off with the story the MC was listening to about the demon and then she ended up with a demon inside her and that should have been in the synopsis since I would not have picked up this book. I do think AXIE oh is a great writer and this is my own personal feelings and that is why I am mentioning that it should have been in the synopsis so I did not get so uncomfortable I needed to DNF the book at 58% in

Thank you Axie Oh, Dreamscape, and Netgalley for the ALC! I didn't have many expectations jumping into this book, but it ended up being a great reminder of why the fantasy genre is my absolute favorite. While I've been drudging through my ebook and paperback, I cruised through this one, especially through the second half. I loved it so much and can't wait for Book 2!

This book had all the right vibes. I told my husband that it has the lost princess and romance of Anastasia, and the tragedy and intensity of Demon Slayer. We love both, so it was a no-brainer that I fell in love with this and told my husband it read/listen to it ASAP. The characters drew me in, and I loved the growth that Ren and Sunho experienced while on the run and trying to reach their different(and later aligned) goals. Their slow-burn romance was also perfection <3

I went into this knowing that it was a duology, but MAN. That cliff-hanger was pretty brutal. There were several twists that I never saw coming, and I thought the world-building was also exquisite. The narrator was fantastic, though it took me a little bit to get accustomed to her voice for Sunho. Once I did, however, it was smooth listening!

There's definitely more I was meaning to say, but my pregnant brain is fried lol.

I think that my favorite thing about this book has to be the world. This world felt so unique and cool. It reminded me of a cross between a Studio Ghibli world and the world of Arcane. There's a whimsy to it, but also a darkness, and I think that is part of what made it so unique and vibrant. I also think it was very well-developed and planned. You really can feel such a difference when reading a book where the world has been so carefully considered and crafted.

I do think that some of the characterization and character development throughout the story was lacking a bit. I didn't find myself getting very attached to the characters at all. I liked that there was a found family element, I do really love that in a book, but I wanted a bit more from it. It didn't feel fully backed up to me.

This was definitely a fast-paced and interesting plot (I don't want to say too much because I don't want to spoil anything), but it felt quite unique and I did enjoy it. Some people might consider this too fast of a pace, but I would rather a book be fast than slow, so I didn't find it distracting or jarring or anything like that. That is totally a personal preference thing.

And I think this cover is so pretty and whimsical and I want to go to there!

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

I really enjoyed this exciting new tale from Axie Oh, with her beautifully written Asain inspired storytelling! These characters were well written and Wren was a great MC! I thought the world building was fascinating and hope to see more in the sequel! The narrator was great and easy to listen to as well! I look forward to finding out what happens in the next book!

4⭐️

What a delightful start to a new Korean mythology–inspired YA fantasy duology! "The Floating World" blends the serene beauty of a Studio Ghibli film with the dark, compelling storytelling of an RPG like "Final Fantasy". The world-building was fantastic, and I enjoyed gradually unraveling the characters’ pasts as the story progressed. I’ve always loved a multi-POV narrative, and Axie Oh skillfully offers readers glimpses into multiple sides of the conflict, while still revealing key plot points at just the right moments.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the characters, especially Sunho and Jaeil, but even the cast of side characters who all brought their own unique personalities and backstories to the table. The “found family” hit hard, both in the flashbacks and in the present timeline as the characters grew closer to one another.

I was also captivated by the politics and the fantastical elements of the world, particularly the demon-like creatures and their origin. The final third of the novel was especially gripping: the action picked up, the narrative took a darker turn, and though my heart was crushed in the process, I couldn’t put it down.

Despite some of the darker themes, the story does read on the younger side, which made it hard for me to fully connect with the romance between Ren and Sunho. At times, the characters took longer than necessary to piece together certain plot developments, which made the suspense feel a bit drawn out and predictable. Even so, I believe this book will appeal to a wide audience, and I’m hopeful that the sequel will continue to deepen the romance.

The audiobook itself was fine, and while Eden Jun has a lovely voice, there wasn’t enough vocal distinction between characters to make it a seamless listening experience. There are always inherent limitations to a single narrator in a multi-POV novel, but even still, I found myself struggling to follow the dialogue and shifts in perspective. Unless you’re a seasoned audiobook-only reader, you might run into similar issues.

I can’t wait for the continuation of the duology—and how lucky are we that Axie Oh is only making us wait six months for the final installment? I suppose that makes up for the cliffhanger ending!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media for access to the audiobook ARC via NetGalley!

4.5 stars! Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy! You can pick up The Floating World now.

Axie Oh's done it again. She's crafted an original, fascinating world full of incredible characters and an action-packed storyline. I absolutely breezed through this book because Ren and Sunho were compelling characters with clear motivations that somehow became intertwined. While I think the romance could have been a bit stronger, I appreciated how they opened up about their pasts and allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other.

Also, if you're like me and looking to fill the hole in your chest from the Arcane series finale, this is your book! The dynamics of the Floating World and Under World are just like Piltover and Zaun, and there are even rabid "Demons" who are injected with a toxic serum! What fun!

I can't wait to see where The Demon and the Light goes next, and I hope you all pick this one up!!

This has such a unique and amazing story! It is definitely worth the listen. However, the narrator does leave something to be desired. I truly enjoyed listening to her for Ren's parts, but when it switched to Sunho it didn't feel like the characters were different. Other than that I really enjoyed this audiobook for what it was!
4.5/5

This was such a unique magical story!
We follow 2 main characters, Ren and Sanho. Ren is an acrobat traveling with a caravan troop, but she has a hidden power she doesn't want anyone to know about. When a demon attacks their camp and ends up injuring one of her adoptive family members, Ren needs to travel to find him a cure. Sanho cannot remember anything from his life before he woke up 2 years ago. He works small jobs and his latest one is to find the girl who has revealed her power. The power of the princess everyone thought was dead.
Ren and Sanho were both great characters. They both have a lot of mysteries surrounding them. You can tell how much Ren has come to love the family who adopted her 10 years ago after something happened to her (we don't know what). She will do anything to find the cure for Little Uncle. Sanho is even more of a mystery. He doesn't remember his life prior to 2 years ago, but we keep getting memories come back throughout the story that fill in his past. Ren and Sanho (obviously) meet up and they form a really great bond. At first it's just 2 people trying to help each other, but it turns into something more.
The plot was so interesting. It did take me a minute to get into, but after the world building formed in my head and I got to know the characters, I was all in. I love books with journeys, and this one really kept my interest. I was so interested in if Ren would find the cure for Little Uncle and if Sanho would find out who Ren was. Sanho's past when revealed, really added another level to the book and was really compelling. It lead to a great segue to the second book.
This book had both Ren and Sanho's POVs, which I loved. There was only one audiobook narrator for them both, but she did a great job. I prefer a separate narrator for multiple POV books just to keep things more clear in my head, but since the characters and storylines were so different, I didn't have a hard time remembering whose POV we were in, even if the characters were together.
I'm really excited to find out what happens in the second book!

This audiobook was harder to listen to, because the story itself is written in dual POV but there is only one narrator. The narrator, while having a lovely voice, doesn't use inflection to differentiate between characters. Instead of feeling immersed in the story, I felt myself really having to focus on which character was speaking. The story itself was simply amazing. I love that Ren, the FMC, is deeply loyal to her family and seeks to find a cure for her Uncle. While hiding her true identity and power, she meets a young sword for hire, Sunho (the MMC) who unbeknownst to him, is actually searching for Ren. As these two unlikely heros band together, their reliance and trust in one another grows. When they learn the truth will their growing friendship prevail? This story has a unique magical system with a dose of steam punk. The modern reimaging of the Korean myth is expertly imagined.

This story is set in a richly imagined world of magic and wind. It started out somewhat slowly and took its time introducing the characters but that made them and their motivations all the more real. The writing is beautiful and the characters are well rounded and relatable. Once I got past the first few chapters, I listened to it in one breath. The narration was pleasant no matter which speed I chose, which made the entire experience all the better.

This book certainly set up the world and the beginning of a new saga quite well.

First off, thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me this free audio-arc!

I should open this by simply saying this book was not for me for numerous reasons. The characters were lackluster, the pacing odd (fast and short book but little progression in plot), and I personally didn’t like the narrator.