Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the advanced copy for review!

Surprisingly I haven’t read one of Axie Oh’s novels before - she’s been on my to read list forever. I saw someone describe The Floating World as a mixture of steam punk and Asian influences and I was sold.

The story is told from 3 perspectives: Ren, Sunho and Jaeil Ren is described as a strong female lead with some powers, a mysterious past, and a longing to keep her found family together. Sunho could almost be described the same way - some powers, but a past he’s desperately trying to remember. Jaeil seems to be the most morally grey to me, but serves as an interesting perspective to hear from.

The world building is great - and I found the universe easy to understand. The plot itself seemed quite straightforward - so it’s the characters and uniqueness of the environment that lend weight to the story.

Overall rate this 4 stars! Looking forward to reading more in the follow up.

I was totally gripped right from the very start, absolutely everything else stopped that day. I loved the characters and I am really hoping that there is more to come

First I wanna thank Axie Oh, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in advance. I love Axie Oh's books and was so excited to read this one since I read the synopsis. It was such a great journey but I wasn't excepting to cry at the end.
I wanna talk about Ren first, our FMC, she's so damn strong. You meet her on a happy moment with her family and, then, because she releases her Silver light power on a moment she's afraid for someone she loves. But when we get to know more of her story... This girl went through SO much since she was just 7 years old. Imagine having to hide your identity behind a mask for years and not losing who you are in the meantime... And from the moment something bad happen, she doesn't think twice, she packs some things and alone she goes into the unknown to help the people she loves. And what an adventure she has throughout the book!
Enters our MMC Sunho, he's supposed to be a swordsman but he's such a cinnamon roll with a heart of gold and we see that when he discovers the truth and then the decisions he makes after that.
I really like the secondary characters as well: her family members, Yurhee, Tag, Hwi... They all add something to the book, either fun or sweet. And then there's Jaeil... From his first POV chapter I felt there was more to him (it's normally like that with evil general's sons) and I was right. And I even got it right what it was. And he pretends not to care but we know he does, we can see he does in some actions throughout the book but then, because of his father, he tries to hide that part of him. I'm hoping for more of him on the second book.
I really loved this story, the world building was super interesting and a very different concept. Loved the pace of it, there was always something happening or on the verge to happen. And on the last few chapters, I was on the edge of my seat and on the peek of my emotions and the last chapter made me full on cry.
I was going to give it a 4.5 or 4.75 stars but as it made me full on sob, its a full on 5 stars and I can't wait to see how the story will continue.

The Floating World is a YA fantasy that mixes Korean mythology and adventure with celestials, magic and demons. As with the author's previous book, the world-building was really nice and the story was waved into the world in a way that naturally moved the story forward. The different parts of the world as well as the in-book mythology.

The main characters are Ren, an acrobat with a hidden power, and Sunho, an ex-soldier with a sword and a darkness inside. When their paths collide they must both make decisions about what they want their future to be. I enjoyed both of them, both individually and as a duo. The way their relationship grew over the course of the story was really sweet. However, I never became fully emotionally invested in their sad backstories. Something with the way it was written just didn’t hit the right spot. Also many of the side-characters could have been more fleshed out.

With that said, it’s a book with high stakes, political intrigue, great chemistry between the two main characters that suffers a bit from irregular pacing. If you want a unique mythology inspired YA fantasy with Final Fantasy and Studio Ghibli vibes, then this one's for you.

“Losing himself. It's what he feared the most. Losing herself, she shared the same fear.”

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. An ex-soldier, he can remember little of his life from before two years ago, when he woke up alone with only his name and his sword. Now he does odd-jobs to scrape by, until he comes across the score of a lifetime—a chest of coins for any mercenary who can hunt down a girl who wields silver light. Meanwhile, far to the east, Ren is a cheerful and spirited acrobat traveling with her adoptive family and performing at villages. But everything changes during one of their festival performances when the village is attacked by a horrific humanlike demon. In a moment of fear and rage, Ren releases a blast of silver light—a power she has kept hidden since childhood—and kills the monster. But her efforts are not in time to prevent her adoptive family from suffering a devastating loss, or to save her beloved uncle from being grievously wounded. Determined to save him from succumbing to the poisoned wound, Ren sets off over the mountains, where the creature came from—and from where Ren herself fled ten years ago. Her path sets her on a collision course with Sunho, but he doesn't realize she's the girl that he—and a hundred other swords-for-hire—is looking for. As the two grow closer through their travels, they come to realize that their pasts—and destinies—are far more entwined than either of them could have imagined...

Sunho is certainly an interesting character. Having no memories of his past, he uses the skills he possesses to make a living as best as he can. I really liked that despite his profession, he was incredibly kind to all those who deserved it. The fact he was willing to risk his life for the innocent was also a bit attraction. He certainly has some brilliant skills with his sword and he puts them to good use!
Ren has many secrets but her dedication to those she calls family is not one. She has such a big and giving heart that the moment something goes wrong, she blames herself. I can certainly relate to that. She goes on quite the journey here and something I really liked was seeing her confidence in herself grow. She easily could have hidden away and avoided any hardships but she refused to do so. Ren certainly has many redeeming qualities!

I’m a big fan of Oh’s previous books I’ve read. So, I will jump at any opportunity to read an early copy of her works because I know it is going to be good. This plot is fantastic. I think what I loved most was just how rich in culture and backstory it is. Oh always does a brilliant job in creating a world that has a lot to offer without overwhelming the reader. I love that despite there being info dumps, I was still engaged in the story and wanting to know what was going to happen next! Similarly, the characters are always clearly thought out and make an impact on the story. I love that we got to see so many different personalities as well! There was a hint of romance here and initially, it was a bit too insta love for me. Our main duo very quickly comes to rely on each other and whilst I like that, it felt just a little bit too sudden for me. But the connection that blossomed between them over the course of the book was so sweet! The ending had my jaw dropped. So many twists and turns culminated into that and I will need the sequel immediately, please and thank you.

Overall, The Floating World is another stunning fantasy from Axie Oh!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day and is available now on Goodreads

3 stars.
This follows Ren, a troupe performer and Sunho, a amnesiac ex-soldier. Ren is searching for a cure for her uncle after a demon attack and Sunho has been employed to find a girl who has powers.
Axie Oh's writing style in The girl who fell beneath the sea was plot driven but suitable paced for progression without feeling empty. However, the floating world felt fast paced without laying the groundwork for a fleshed out magic system and world building. I liked the short chapters to progress the story quickly, it felt like a quick read.
Unfortunately, the story was heavily similar to canon events in Final Fantasy VII that the numerous similarities felt hard to ignore and consider this its own story and not as fanfiction.
I'm hopeful that the second installment might move away from its "inspiration" and become its own novel with a little bit of originality.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton on NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodderscape for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5⭐️

After a few disappointing reads, and only two other five star reads this year, this book was exactly what I needed to turn my reading year around! I adored Axie Oh's other fantasy book (The Girl Beneath the Sea) when I read it a few years ago, so I was very excited to dive into this new world, and it lived up to my expectations and more.

In many ways, this book was not quite what I was expecting it to be (and know, fellow readers, the vibes and tone of this book align much more with the American covers than the UK covers, though both are beautiful), but I loved what it ended up being. Set against contrasting worlds - a harsh, destitute, dark underworld, with a beautiful, if also suffering, land beyond a wall, and the Floating World itself, a land of opulence, and home to the greedy nobility - this story was dark and gritty at times, but also heartwarmingly soft. Both Ren and Sunho are incredibly compelling protagonists, and what endeared me to them was the fact that, whilst both of them are strong and can hold their own, they are both gentle souls, with a sweet bond that I latched onto from the moment they first met. I adored how kind and truly caring their interactions were, both within their budding relationship and with other characters, and became fully invested in their personal journeys.

Their bond is closely tied to the plot, but even without the sweet romance sub-plot, I was fascinated by the plot right from the start. Ren is searching for a cure for her sick uncle, and Sunho is searching for his brother, and the past he has forgotten, but along they way they both get embroiled in wider mysteries and rebellions, tackling the dangerous demons launching attacks on innocents, and a dangerous plot to overthrow the realm's rulers. I thought foreshadowing was utilised really well in this book, and I enjoyed searching for an picking up on little hints as the story - and truth - started to piece itself together, and found myself so invested that I felt genuine shock, horror, and heartbreak at some of the more heart-wrenching moments.

This book lived up to - and beyond - my expectations in every way possible, and I am so grateful that I was given the chance to read it early. I cannot wait for the sequel to release later this year and will be waiting desperately and very impatiently to get my hands on it! In the mean time, I cannot recommend this book enough and urge readers to pick it up when it releases in the UK next month!

This books was soooo good!!!!
In this story we follow Ren an acrobat, who after a demon attack leaves her family to look for a cure for her uncle. Sunho is a mercenary who gets hired to find the girl who flared her light. They meet halfway without realising who each other are, but soon realising that they might have a lot more in common than it looks.
I loved this story so much, this is my second book from this author and I just have to say that I love her writing style, the entire plot felt so magical and whimsical, while also feeling dark and heavy at points.
Ren and Sunho were such great MCs, but I really enjoyed their love story since it was full of small, but super soft moments between the two. The ending was criminal, but considering this will be a series it makes sense, however I fear I might need book two like…right now?
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - Freya, arc & monthly book box pick reviewer

The Floating World is aother exceptional YA fantasy inspired by Korean mythology and culture, written by the wonderful Axie Oh. As you may know, I love anything Korean, I am learning the language as well as reading about Korea's culture and history. And I absolutely loved the author's The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. Not only does the author's work embrace and weave in Korean culture, but there is also something about the author's writing that sucks me right in. An emotional resonance, like she is speaking to my heart and soul. And The Floating World exceeded all my expectations.

We follow Ren's and Sunho's perspectives. Ren is a troupe performer as in she and her troupe tell stories through their performances. It's been a way to convey and express stories throughout Korean history. Dance, the use of fans and swords to tell a story speak to the heart of Korean storytelling, and the author's way to portray it was stunning! She was taken into the care of this troupe family, but a demon attack killed one of her family members and injured another. Ren decided to embark on a quest to find a cure so she travels alone and stumbles upon Sunho.

Sunho is a closed-off swordsman, who has no memories. He only knows he has had a brother, Junho, and he is desperate to find him. He takes on jobs here and there, but he hasn't taken a life. He is a swordman but not an assassin. He isn't keen on attachments and getting close to others because of the risk of been discovered. He may have a secret or two, you see, like his blood is blue, and he has superior strength and speed. What I loved about him was that he didn't want to use it, he wanted to win and do things using his skills. He is also obtuse and so endearing that he'll make your heart contrict.

I really loved the worldbuilding. It's truly complex. We have the floating city, we have the "regular human" part of the world where the story begins, and we have the underworld city that is divided into wards with the outer ring being where the poorest people live. Korean culture permeates every corner of the worldbuilding, from the teahouse to the mention of doenjang right off the bat. At some point, the author weaves in warfare and experimentation in warfare, which reminded me so much of brutal experimentation on Korean people during the Japanese invasion.

This book tells so much about Korean culture and history that I almost want to cry. It has so many scenes, elements, and tropes widely used in Korean storytelling that I feel like this would make an incredible k-drama. The plot was wonderful, and I loved how we had plot twists, suspense, mystery, action, but at the same time, character development was never hindered or sacrificed.

I loved that the author stayed true to Korean storytelling and didn't adhere to Western storytelling methods and characterization, and I hope you -the reader- also realize it and embrace it.

Axie Oh is an auto-buy author for me, and I am so grateful to her and her publishers for bringing Korean storytelling out to the world.

Mix the undercity & shimmer of Arcane, the world and characters of Final Fantasy and a dash of magic from Shadow & Bone and you'll get The Floating World.

I loved this one! This felt like it was for a bit of an older audience than The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea and closer to a traditional fantasy book but with Oh's knack for creating absolutely vivid worlds elevating this to amazing heights.

We follow three povs -

Ren
A troupe performer with a loveable family, hidden magic and a fantastic with a knack for improv. How she manages to defuse a situation with outlaws is hilarious.


Sunho -
A mysterious amnesiac, searching for his lost brother and a hidden secret.

Jaeil -
A member of the military who provides insight into what's happening behind the scenes....

These three are absolutely fantastic, well written characters. I adored Ren, she's up there as one of my favourite protagonists. Our main focus is on this trio, though there's a couple supporting characters who have a bit of an expanded role, I suspect we'll see more of them in the sequel.

The world though! So many locations and such a variety of sceneries. The city itself has a multitude within it (portions kept in the dark!) and we're not just situated in the city, we see different towns, rolling valleys, hidden caves and a whole lot more. Oh's descriptions make all of these places come alive and paint a wonderful picture of this world.

As we delve deeper into our protagonists pasts, we uncover the complexities in this world and how things aren't what they seem which propels us towards a rather painful finale as many questions are answered. Ren & Sunho are really put through the ringer!

I absolutely cannot wait to read the sequel and see what happens next. Maybe more sealing of promises?

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton + Netgalley for this arc.

This did not disappoint at all !
I already loved The Girl that fell beneath the sea, now this art!
I am so very grateful for Axie and Netgalley, what a roller coaster what an adventure! I am so looking forward for the second book ! Please please read it.

I knew I’d love it the second I read that it would be for those who enjoyed Castle In The Sky. Which is my favorite Gibhli. This is a gem and definitely goes to my favorite 3 books

Ahh I wanted to love this one so badly 😭

The idea of this book, the premise, all sounded so good and I really did like the relationships created between our characters, but I was left feeling so lost throughout pretty much the whole book. It was like parts of the plot were missing, or skipping ahead, and I thought maybe it was me but I tried rereading multiple sections and I don’t think it was.

The characters felt very young, much younger than intended, which then made the book feel less high-stakes and less complex, which is a shame because the world and story could have been so vivid and intricate.

I enjoyed this author’s other book but didn’t love it, so maybe I should have known, but unfortunately this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.

An interesting start to the series. AO certainly has a lyrical writing style that helps the plot to flow along nicely. I did find my attention wandering in parts but it was soon pulled back by the next section of action

The Floating World is an amazing, emotional story that had me hooked from the start. Axie Oh creates a beautiful world that mixes Japanese culture, mythology, and futuristic technology in a way that feels both magical and real.

The characters are so well-developed, and I found myself really caring about them as they go through tough times. The connection between the main characters is deep and full of emotion, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. The struggles they face made their story feel very real.

The writing is smooth and draws you in, making it easy to get lost in the book. The pacing is just right, keeping you interested but also giving moments to pause and reflect.

If you love stories about love, destiny, and finding yourself, The Floating World is a must-read. It’s a beautifully told story that stays with you after you finish. Highly recommend it!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

3.5 rounded up for goodreads and netgalley.
Though the first few chapters were a bit slow for me, I ended up having a really good time with this book. The plot is easy to follow, and the worldbuilding is ethereal and grim and the same time. I really liked that. The characters are charming even though they’re not the most developed characters ever. But they’re developed enough for me to appreciate some relationship dynamics. The romance is quite fluffy and cosy, again not my favorite but still fine. The writing kept me invested and I only put this book down once, it is very easy to read and compelling. I liked the ending and can definitely see myself reading the sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

firstly, I want to say thank you to netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

another five star from my fav axie oh!! this was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint! I’m so grateful to have had the chance to read it early!

I loved being in a new whimsical fantasy world of axie oh’s! her writing style is just my favourite, everything is so beautifully written and is super immersive. it really adds to the magical atmosphere created and I could just read her writing forever!!!

the characters are always soooo well developed and ones that you learn to love (or not for the villains!!!) and care for along the way. this was no different! the found family that’s beginning to develop in this was so lovely and I can’t wait to see how that builds in the next book! also THE ROMANCE AHHHH, so so sweet and lovable, I really love these characters together and again can’t wait to see where it goes!

the plot as always was incredible! so gripping and interesting, with a fast-paced style. I flew through this as it was so engaging and I need the second one immediately AHHH! the twists and plot points throughout this were sooooo good and there was always something happening which I loved

I really enjoyed the three POVs we got and am intrigued to see what is going to happen in the next book with these characters and how their storylines will continue…

lastly I just want to say again…I love ren & sunho and cannot wait for the demon and the light!!!

this book wasn’t for me, I hadn’t read anything by Axie Oh before so I was curious to see if I’d like her writing (considering I had a couple of her books in my TBR to begin with). I feel a book slump coming on so that could be a factor too.

The characters had seemed pretty promising but the connection between them was too quick, when I had seen so many reviews saying that it would be a slow burn. The two characters meet (with the MMC not even knowing what the FMC really looks like) and they suddenly have a romantic connection? I’m really not a fan of the instalove trope so this pretty much ruined my experience.

The concept of a floating world, the underworld and a normal world had sounded cool, but it just stayed a concept as there wasn’t much world building for it to hold up as anymore than just a concept

I absolutely loved this! I was gripped the whole way through, fell in love with the characters and want to know what happens next!

Sci-Fi meets fantasy in this gorgeous Korean mythology retelling.

The story follows Ren, a troop performer with magical powers that she has to hide in case someone from her past finds her. But when she accidentally uses her magic to kill a demon that attacks her village, her life is changed forever, especially when she sets out on a mission to save her family. Then there is Sunho, a soldier who woke up without his memories and with only the knowledge that he has a brother somewhere. When Sunho is hired to find the source of the light, along with a hundred other mercenaries. If he can find her and bring her back alive, the person who hired him will tell him what happened to his brother. Ren and Sunho’s worlds collide. But as the two grow closer, their secrets threaten to wrench them apart.

If you liked The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea as much as I did (which is a lot), you will love this book. But don’t expect the same lyrical romance. Oh’s writing is gorgeous still, but this book is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy that took me entirely by surprise — and I am here for it. I’m not normally a sci-fi fan, but Oh does some incredible things to create a world that is as dark as it is amazing. The story is full of hope, and it packs one hell of an emotional punch. I was absolutely devastated for Sunho when he learned what happened to his brother (I was not expecting it) and cheering on Ren as she reclaimed her destiny. These are two incredible characters that you can’t help but fall in love with.

This is the first part of a duology, but it does have a satisfying ending.

I really wanted to love this one. Oh's debut became a 5* read for me, unfortunately I DNF'd this at around 50%. There was way too much telling and not enough showing, like wayyyy too much. I also didn't love how the characters seemed like they fell in love 2.5 seconds after meeting. The world building was confusing in places, and I don't think certain parts were very well explained, especially when it came to the MC and where her power came from etc.