This book was SO AMAZING!! I'm a big fan of the movie 'Spirited Away' and a big fan of Axie's book so I was really excited to read this! It is safe to say I loved this book a lot. I loved all the characters - Mina, Shin, Namgi, Kirin, Mask, Dai & Miki. I really enjoyed how this book was mainly set in the spirit realm and had a deep focus on bonds, relationships and family! Speaking of relationships, Shin and Mina!!! AAAA!!! They were both so amazing and I loved them together. I will definitely recommend this book to everyone </3

I will post a longer review on my socials closer to the publishing date! Thank you so much Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers Hodder & Stoughton for this arc.
I loved this book so much. It has become one of my favourite books that I have read this year and I cannot wait to have the final copy when it is out next year. The relationship that Mina had with her family was beautiful to read and I teared up quite a few times whilst reading this. There was not one character that I didn't like, Shin and Mina were just adorable, the writing was amazing and I could really picture everything in great detail as if I was actually there! I also loved the Korean culture and mythology that was in this book. I highly recommend this book!

Oh my gosh I adored this book. As soon as I saw the cover I knew I wanted to read it and then when I read it is a retake on a Korean legend/myth I knew I needed it even more, so I was so excited to be given the chance to read it.
I loved it, the writing was amazing, the setting was stunning and the characters were so well developed and endearing. I loved the relationships within the book also, which really brought extra depth to the emotions of the story.
I really enjoyed it and will definitely reread it over and over.

I loved The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea so much!
It was such an easy read and I couldn't put it down and finished it in a day.
Also the comparison to Spritited Away is definitely accurate as this book had quite a few scenes that reminded me of the movie.
I think the only negative about this book is that I guessed the twist from the very beginning but it didn't bother me at all as it was just written so beautifully.
Also the cover of this book is absolutely stunning!
Thank you netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I received this ARC thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

"Don't chase fate, Mina. Let fate chase you"
Meet Mina, 16 year old living in a world where people fear the sea god's wrath this much, to send him a new bride every year by sacrificing a young woman, with throwing her into the sea. She's never indifferent to the poor brides, but when it happens that the one to be thrown to the sea next is her brother's beloved she takes fate into her own hands.
description
"How can you save the Sea God, yet not save yourself?"
Arriving at the spirit world, Mina meets a bunch of people who at first she neither sees as friends or foes, but with time she realises each of us is less or more connected by destiny, and a string of fate.
description
"And what would the sea god's bride do, once she's found him?"
"She would show him her heart."
Her story started with a simple wish to save her borther's happiness sacrificing her own, but ambition grew with passing days and befriending her new encounters she realised there is a world to save and a greater curse to break. What I truly loved about this story, is even with Mina leaving her birth family in the very beginning, she found her very own one by her selfless act. And who says one has to choose between your blood and found kindred?
description
"Be angry at the goddess, Mina. But never"—she grabs my trembling shoulders—"never lose your faith in her."
Saving the world by becoming ones true love sounds simple and straightforward, but Axie Oh gave this plot so many twists and turns, I felt captivated from the beginning till the very end. Nothing is quite what it seems, and reader can unravel all the secrets following Mina on her journey.
description
"You have to believe in something to be the god of it."
If you're a fan of The Wrath and the Dawn, Beauty and the Beast or Your name please consider falling beneath the sea along Mina when the book comes out, my heart craving fantasy overflown with asian folklore and curse to be broken by love felt very content and would gladly stay in the spirit world for another adventure.

Thank you Hodderscope, Axie Oh and Netgalley for giving me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book. This beautiful book. The imagery, the language, the flow, the characters, all of it was just *chefs kiss*. I am obsessed. It had a few twists, loveable characters (here's looking at you, Mina!) and let's not forget its beautiful cover.

I'm really looking forward to getting a physical copy of this book, Oh is definitely becoming an instant buy author for me.

Thank you to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author, Axie Oh for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Mina, a girl who sacrifices herself in place of her brother's beloved as the Sea God's bride. Finding herself in the spirit realm, a magical city, Mina seeks out the Sea God only to find him in an enchanted sleep. With help from people she meets in the spirit realm, Mina sets out to wake the Sea God.
This book is absolutely brilliant. What originally drew me to this book was the cover and the book did not disappoint. From page one, I was instantly drawn into the story and invested in the characters. The book doesn't wait around and jumps straight into the action, which makes for a well-paced book.
The writing style is beautiful. The author has a way of capturing wonder and intrigue and telling the reader in such a stunning way. I couldn't stop reading and ended up reading this book very quickly.
What really impresses me about Mina is that she is a well-developed, strong female lead who also has her vulnerabilities. I loved seeing the story through Mina's eyes and come to understand things as she does.
This book is stunning, heart-wrenchingly beautiful and touches on topics like grief, family and love. It made me feel every emotion and brought me close to tears.
The ending (no spoilers) is gorgeous and ties everything up perfectly.
I will be waiting to hold a physical copy of this book to admire and read it once more.

A fresh and exciting fairytale based on a Korean myth. This was deep (no pun intended) nuanced and exquisitely wrought. A charming piece of fantasy whimsy about family, duty and love. Read in two sittings.

Happy Wednesday Friends🎉❤️

Today we're going to talk about the absolute magic that is The girl who fell beneath the sea!!🌊

This was such a wonderful read! Trust me when I say the story starts with a bang and does not disappoint 😂💖

The book follows Mina our main character who sacrifices herself as the Sea Gods Bride in order to save her brothers beloved from the very same fate. (and let me tell you friends, Mina was such a delightful character to read about!!)

The writing in this book is so beautifully poetic I found myself being swept away just as Mina was.

Something that I really appreciated was the theme of family in this story, it was so intricately done weaving in such important themes of love, loss and hope.💖

I was absolutely obsessed with the descriptions of the spirit realm, the mythical creatures and the beautiful festivals, it was all so incredibly atmospheric!! 🌊

The girl who fell beneath the sea releases on 22 February 2022 (everyone mark your calenders😂❤️)

Also can we all please take a moment to appreciate this beautiful cover 😭

I am in love.

It takes a lot for me to love a book. I give out 2-starred-reviews like popcorn because I am incredibly picky, especially when it comes to YA Historical Fantasy like this. I read this ARC blind, only have read the description briefly, and have stared at the cover for 24h, because I truly didn't have any expectations. I requested this ARC solely for the cover, so I started this book with a "meh whatever". Instead of a mediocre sandwich I had expected, I got a whole feast with everything I have ever wanted.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a story about Mina Song, a sixteen-year-old girl from a small village that had been ravaged by natural catastrophes. People believed that the suffering comes from the wrath of the Sea God. Every year a beautiful girl will be thrown into the ocean as a sacrifice to the Sea God. Mina has thrown herself in the ocean to save her beloved brother's wife. As a human in the Spirit Realm, Mina is determined to save her people before it's too late.

I cannot begin to describe how stunning the writing is. I have heard good things about Axie Oh's writing, but nothing could have prepared me for this. The prose is incredibly elegant, and it embraces the dreamy side of Asian mythology/fairytales. There are a lot of Asian myths in the book, which embellish the original story even more.

I adore every single character. They are lovely individuals, with the real motives that justify their actions. I adore Shin, Namgi, and Mask. Every character has depth, and I think that's why I love the romance so much. The soulmate trope in this book killed me and there was one passage so painful (featuring an unconscious Mina and Shin - if you know you know) that I ended up crying in the train.

Overall The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea has become one of my all-time favorites. I am glad that I have discovered it because the ride was just a magnificent experience.

Big regards to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with this digital ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I received a copy of the book from netgalley.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea by Axie Oh foolows Mina, who's homeland has been ravaged by deadly storms, lost villages to floods and the few remaining resources are fought over in bloody wars. Her people believe this is the Sea God's doing and to appease him, they send a beautiful maiden into the sea each year to serve as his bride hoping that one day the true bride will be sent in and end their suffering. It's believed that Shim Cheong is the true bride but on the night she is to be sacrificed, Mina takes her place as Cheong is the beloved of her brother. In the spirit realm, Mina finds the Sea God in an enchanted sleep and sets out to wake him. But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…

This book was incredible, there was a big focus on family and some moments brought tears to my eyes. It explored loss, love and hope which made for a beautiful story. Mina was a great protagonist, she's determined, caring and focused on achieving her goals. There are a lot of side characters who were very sweet and I loved them all by the end. And the slow-burn romance between Mina and Shin was perfect.

The spirit realm was enchanting, I loved the descriptions of the houses, the festivals and the different mythical creatures. The plot took us on a captivating journey with many lovely moments and interactions. The twists felt natural and the action scenes were well written.

Overall, I think everyone would enjoy this, it's a beautiful book and I definitely recommend it!

Wow this story is so charming! Mina a girl who saves everyone but herself, a beautifully written tale with characters you will fall in love with and will be cheering on till the end. A tale of the sea god and the emperor, of sacrifices, young love and destiny all wrapped in a beautiful package. 5 stars you will not want to read this in one sitting!

•~Book Review~•
🍃
"Your people suffer not because of any great will of the gods,but because of their own violent acts. They wage the war that burn the forests and fields. They spill the blood that pollutes the rivers and streams. To blame the gods is to blame the land itself. Look upor your reflection to find the enemy.
🍃

The girl who fell beneath the Sea is not just a fantasy fiction that transports you to some.magival world of adventures. On thr contrary, it grounds you down with the turmoil going around in this world, compelling you to think. In thr garb of a magical fantasy, it speaks of the underlying issues and most importantly raise the questions : Has god truly abandoned us to face such hostility? Or Is it our lack of belief, love and understanding on them and on ourselves that has brought us to war, famine and such issues that plague us.
🍃
The story begins with Mina Song who jumps into the ocean, this readily sacrificing herself to calm the wrath of the sea god, who has abandoned her village every since their emperor was killed by a conqueror, whom he loved more than anything.
Every year a bride is chosen and sacrificed on the day of the unearthly storm to appease the sea god so that the land regains its glory and to put an end to their misery. Shim Cheong, the love of Mina's brother Joon was selected as the sea god's bride. Seeing their perils, Mina sacrifices herself, only to find herself intact with a red glistening ribbon attached to her wrist and connected to something or someone she doesn't know.
Where is she? What is she going to do? Can she as the sea god's bride calm the sea god down and bring back the long lost prosperity of her land?
Read the book to know more.
This book is very much recommended by me and Thank you to Axie Oh and Netgalley for the e-ARC.
🍃

" Beneath the sea, the dragon sleeps
What is he dreaming of?
Beneath the sea, the dragon sleeps
When will he wake?
On a dragon's pearl, your wish will leap.
On a dragon's pearl, your wish will leap. "

What a fantastic book! The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a wonderful journey which will keep you guessing and reading until the end.

The book follows Mina, a young girl from a village by the sea…but it isn’t a nice place to live when the storms start. Mina’s people believe that the Sea God is angry and he is punishing them by sending vicious storms so they decide to send a young maiden to the sea to marry the God and stop the storms.
This particular year it’s the turn of Shim Cheong, a girl from the same village as Mina and also the sweetheart of Mina’s brother Joon. When Mina sees Shim hesitate to jump, she knows how upset Joon will be so she jumps into the water instead. Mina gets swept down to the Spirit Realm where she finds the Sea God in a deep sleep in which he cannot wake from. Mina must try to waken him with the help of lesser Gods and the spirits that live in the realm.
But it’s never as easy as it sounds and there are those that want the Sea God to stay as he is and will do anything to keep him as he is.

I loved the story of Mina and how she is determined to save everyone but herself. A magical blend of fantasy, adventure and romance all written with a beautifully elegant touch.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars
The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea is a captivatingly lush and utterly compelling, feminist retelling of Korean legend Shim Cheong. YA fantasy fans are going to love this, it’s absolutely stunning!

For generations deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland. Her people believe the Sea God who once protected their land has now cursed them with death and despair.

To appease him, each year a girl is chosen to be thrown into the sea, in hopes that one day a ‘true bride’ will be chosen and end all their suffering. But the chosen ‘bride’ is the girl Joon (mina’s brother) loves and his plan to interfere with the sacrifice is a death sentence. To save her brother Mina takes Cheong’s place.

Swept away to the spirit realm (a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts), Mina finds the Sea God trapped in an enchanted sleep. With help from the mysterious Shin and a motley group of demons, gods and spirits, Mina plans to wake him and finally end the storms once and for all.

This was absolutely amazing! Axie Oh’s writing is exquisite and the world building was utterly breathtaking, I loved how vividly detailed and otherworldly it felt not to mention the slowburn (and emotionally intense) romance which was utterly divine!

Mina was a remarkable protagonist: strong, compassionate, willing to sacrifice herself to save the one’s she loves—and it’s that selfless and empathetic nature that made her one of my fave characters (alongside Shin, Mask,Dai, baby Miki, Kirin and Namgi-trust me your gonna love them all.)

I did figure out the identities of a few characters about halfway through the book but, the reveal was so well crafted (I literally cried happy tears) that working it out beforehand didn’t lessen my enjoyment at all.

I’m also impressed with just how effortlessly Axie Oh has reimagined a story that heavily involves sacrifice into an empowering and heartwarming tale love and family that just I didn’t want to end.

Overall, this masterfully written retelling is full of love,perseverance, friendship and above all, hope. If you loved Studio Ghibli’s Spirited away then you’re gonna absolutely love this—it’s soo good!

Also thanks to Hodder&Stoughton and Netgalley for the e-arc.

An absolutely beautiful retelling of a Korean myth with enchanting world building and a gutsy heroine. The story builds slowly, pulling you in to the magical world of gods and monsters and introducing a cast of characters both good and evil. There's a loving family with a wise grandmother whose stories are peppered throughout the plot, deep friendship, loyalty and love. Altogether an excellent, enthralling read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an e-ARC of this book for an honest review! All comments and thoughts are my own.

"The Sea God isn't angry, Mina. He's lost. He's waiting, in his palace far beyond this world, for someone brave enough to find him."

Has Axie Oh fast become one of my favourite authors? That would be a resounding yes! She is what I like to call a genre-chameleon, who can skip from action-packed dystopian to fluffy romance to lush fantasy seemingly effortlessly.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea is a beautiful story based on the Korean folktale Shim Cheong, the girl who jumped into the sea. But this novel turns it on it's head - what would happen if someone took Shim Cheong's place, and she never sacrificed herself to the the Sea God to stop the annual storms that plague her people? What would happen if instead of the beautiful Shim Cheong, raised to be the Sea God's bride, it is Mina who falls beneath the sea and ends up in the otherworldly land of the gods?

"In another life, you might have found a more welcome shore than this. As it is, the sea is dark and the Sea God sleeps, and the shore is too far to reach."

Not only does this book spin a wonderful new version of a cherished and beloved story, there are other familiar Korean folktales woven in as Mina's stories, which she tells throughout the book. The descriptions of the city of the gods, inhabited by hundreds of spirits, are so vivid I really felt I was there with Mina.

There will no doubt be comparisons to Spirited Away - a human girl in a city of spirits and gods, the imminent danger of her fading away, beautiful dragons and curses to break. But this is in no way a copy of that beloved film - it is it's own fantastic tale with action, friendships, love and the red string of fate.

"I was angry at the fate I'd been given. Because I realised that in order for you to have what you want, I'd have to lose the only thing I've ever wanted."

This book had a whole host of characters you can't help but love, from stoic and serious Kirin, to flirty and witty Namgi and the trio of spirits who help Mina on her journey - Mask, Dai and Miki. And then there are Lord Shin and the Sea God himself, both handsome and mysterious, and Mina finds herself strangely drawn to the two of them.

I read this book in 24 hours and I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the physical copy when it releases - both the US and UK covers are so incredibly beautiful, it's hard to decide which I love the most!

AHHHH I LOVE IT. Man, it’s been forever since I finished a book in a day— that’s how good this book is. Highly recommend it for anyone who likes Elizabeth Lim's writing (The Blood of the Stars duology, Six Crimson Cranes duology).

The story wastes no time plunging Mina into the Spirit Realm, immediately pulling you in at a pace that never faltered throughout the whole story. I ended up racing through the book without realizing it!

The story is tight and consistent with the way it applies the idea of storytelling. Mina grew up with a storytelling grandmother, and these stories give us a richer idea of the mythologies and beliefs in Mina's world. Additionally, her grandmother influenced Mina to be a storyteller herself, and it came in handy while overcoming her obstacles.

Now for some quickfire compliments: Mina is amazing; the Studio Ghibli reference is excellent; the romance, though slow to build up (which is good!), was cute; the supporting cast is fantastic and nuanced; and the ending, while bittersweet, is satisfying.

Overall, this is a beautiful fantastical retelling of Shim Cheong that places storytelling at its core.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for providing me with the e-ARC.

A sumptuous fairy-tale world to dive into full of whimsy and heart. Perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli!

Thanks Netgalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
It was AMAZING and truly magical experience even though the first person narrative will always be something I don't prefer, but the book deserves the 5 star rate, even with this issue. The beginning starts a little slow, but the moment Mina meets Shin, Namgi and Kirin the gears start to turn and from there on you're more and more engrossed by the story with every single page. The spirit world is described beautifully and makes you long to be there with Mina herself. The characters are mysterious, intriguing, deep, complex and totally win your heart over the course of the story. The story involves themes like the true meaning of fate and the importance of family love and bonds. We have rich magical world filled with complex gods and mythical creatures and slow-burn, bittersweet romance. The entire book is magnificent magical experience which I recommend to everyone!

Spirited Away is my favorite Studio Ghibli film and so I was really excited to read The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea . Having been a fan of Axie Oh's writing since reading her YA contemporary earlier this year, I knew I would love this book. And I did. One of my favourite parts about this book was the worldbuilding; the way the locations in the book were described was so beautiful.

Mina was a wonderful character; brave and courageous and so full of love for her family, that I knew she would become my favourite. The development she undergoes, as she traverses across the spirit realm and faces many difficult tasks and truths, was amazing to see. Another one of my favourite things about this book was Mina's relationship with Shin; it was full of tension and angst and I loved how things turned out for them. Shin was also an amazing, complex and well-written character with a great arc in the story. Mina also had, on her side, an incredible supporting cast of characters, all of whom played a part in making this book so awesome to read.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is the perfect, short and fast paced standalone fantasy that you can finish really quickly! I highly recommend this one and I cannot wait to hold a physical copy in my hands!

Absolutely stunning , every single word that Axie oh wrote for this book was so beautiful I will be talking about it for life .
Mina is not the sea God's bride until she jumps in place of the person who is and then her fate is tied to something or rather someone she never thought of.
The girl who fell beneath the sea is a retelling of a Korean folklore, of a God that has been curse , of people who are suffering for it and only the true bride of the sea god can mend it .
Mina was a strong , lovable main character, you find yourself rooting for her from the very beginning. Lord shin is the ever so charming love interest who was totally able to swoon me over with his beautiful dialogs and heartwarming character . The found family , one bed , caring for the hurt one , enemies to lovers all the tropes worked so well with one another making it a 5 star read and one of my favorite books ever . Even the plots twists left me shook and wanting to read more .
Even though the start was a bit slow , it gains pace and doesn't let your attention wander around .
I love Axie oh's books and this one was no different, thank you so much netgalley and hodder & stoughton for providing me an arc , will review it on all my socials closer to the release date .

I was so excited to be able to access this book early and it didn’t disappoint! Huge thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book early!

Axie Oh has done it once more!

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the opportunity to review this amazing book!
This was such an intriguing read that kept my heart beating throughout the whole book. The plot and it's premise, the characters, the relationships were all amazing! I absolutely loved it. This is certainly a great book to read and wrap my year with!
The chemistry and relationships between the characters was so sweet and cute, and the way that the romance built up along with the plot kept me hooked on. I absolutely love Mina and Shin! They are amazing, and so cute.
The plot was also well built and I loved how Axie laid it out and wrote it. The writing was very calming to me and it made me enjoy the book even more!
You should definitely read this book soon! It is amazing!!

I really loved this! This book has definite Spirited Away vibes which I LOVE. The settings and characters were unique and intriguing and from the very first page I was hooked! throughout the whole book I had to battle with whizzing through it because I just had to find out what happened next, and wanting to take my time to enjoy every little detail of the characters and the world that the author has created. I loved it and will definitely be buying a copy when it comes out, as well as recommending it in the library.

Axie Oh does it again! She creates wonderful (+ diverse) characters from scratch and makes them more human than ever. In THE GIRL WHO FELL BENEATH THE SEA, she manipulates a well-known Chinese folktale and bend the world of fantasy to her will. My favourite part of this book would be the fact that the Gods (playing love interests at least) weren't millions of years older but rather the same age. Full review to come on my blog soon!

Truly spectacularly beautiful read. It is the perfect book for fans of Spirited Away and authors like Elizabeth Lim. It was just so scenic, atmospheric, and truly swept me away to another world, which we all need right now. Stunning.

I love a retelling so when I read the synopsis for this I knew it was one I wanted to read and I am so glad I did as I loved it.

Everything about this book from the cover to the characters was brilliant. I loved following Mina's journey and getting an insight into Korean mythology. The tale was fast paced and full of emotion and I cant wait to see what the author brings us next.

in Book Reviews · December 19, 2021

Book Review | The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
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A while ago I heard about a story that was similar to Studio Ghibli creator Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, and really that was all I needed to be very excited about this gorgeous book, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, by Axie Oh.

Huge thank you to Kate from Hodder for providing me with a physical proof (it came in such an adorable little package) and… I fell in love with this story.

Full review below!




About the Book
Title: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
Series: Standalone
Author: Axie Oh
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Release Date: February 22nd 2022
Pages: 336
Source: Proof copy gifted by the publisher (this in no way affects my review which is honest and unbiased)
Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis
‘Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.

Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…‘


Review
I guess I’ll start off this review by saying that if you’re after a book that will 100% have you in tears, this is a very very good choice. Happy tears at the end! And then sad tears when you realise it’s the end… I had to double check for more pages. It had a perfect ending for a standalone, I just wanted more of the beautiful story!


US Cover Illustrated by Kuri Huang
Also, this is another book where you’re very likely to be struggling between the gorgeous UK cover, as illustrated by
Karl James Mountford (featured above) and the US cover which can be found to the right. Honestly, both of them are perfect for the story. Get both if you can :’)

SO! The story. Our main character, Mina, knows that her brother Joon is unbelievably in love with Shim Cheong, and she him. But, Shim Cheong is the most beautiful girl in the village, and so she’s believed to be the girl fated to end the curse of the Sea God, which would be from being sacrificed to him to become the Sea God’s bride. Mina knows that Joon is trying to stop it from happening, and to keep both him and Shim Cheong safe she intervenes and sacrifices herself instead. (Being taken to the Sea God’s spirit realm by a DRAGON, no less.)

Once Mina is in the spirit realm, she finds that the beloved Sea God is no more than a mere boy, stuck in a very long sleep. Here is where she also meet Lord Shin… who tasks himself with protecting the Sea God, and so separates Mina’s fate from that of the Sea God’s, to keep him safe. In doing so, Mina is separated from her own spirit, which is then stolen by Shin.

Things don’t exactly go to plan… and Mina ends up with her fate tied to Shin’s. This happens within the first third of the book and everything gets so much more eventful after that (which is saying something, because even before then so much happens).

Mina has a love for stories, thanks to her Grandmother, and this results in us hearing a lot of them throughout which just add to magical elements of the story itself. At one point, she actually tells the Tale of Shim Cheong itself.

When I went to write up this review, it was actually the first time I looked into ‘The Tale of Shim Cheong‘, the Korean folktale the story is a retelling of. So… in the folktale, Shim Cheong sacrifices herself to “cure” her father’s blindness, and ends up marrying the emperor as a reward whilst her father regains his eyesight. I love how Axie turned the tale into such a beautiful story, and I really love how there’s no change to Shim Cheong’s father. I don’t know if it was intended to be that way, but to me it seems like Axie’s way of saying Shim Cheong’s father’s blindness never needed to be “cured”, and I love that.

In terms of the world-building, it is genuinely beautiful. The idea of a world under the sea with floating fish, dragons and other mythical creatures… although it sounds dangerous, it would also be gorgeous to see. Axie Oh writes it in such a way you can picture it all perfectly.

Characters, obviously Mina is a remarkable girl. She doesn’t take long to decide to sacrifice everything she has to save her brother and throughout the story she’s determined to break the Sea God’s curse and save the living people, no matter what sacrifices she has to give up along the way to achieve this. She goes through heartbreak and is hurt physically, but even still she persists throughout to help as many as she can.

Shin is one of those secret cinnamon rolls. He appears mysterious and heartless but you quickly find out that there is a lot more to him, and he’d do anything for his friends. Including Namgi and Kirin, who basically act like two brothers who squabble consistently but they are equally lovely people. Mina also meets three mysterious spirits in the world, who help her from their very first encounter, Dai, Mask and baby Miki. Every time they popped up in the story, I couldn’t help but smile. They’re forever cute and these six characters definitely end up fulfilling the ‘found family’ trope (a personal favourite).

The world may be beautiful, but it’s also deadly. And Mina finds out that there a lot who are hoping to destroy the Sea God once and for all. Her faith in the gods and goddesses is tested also, as she finds out they aren’t all she had hoped for.

Of course, the biggest comparison is that of to Spirited Away… but I will admit at times I was also reminded of Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle. So, basically, if you love Ghibli in general you’ll love this story. You’ll laugh, you’ll probably cry and you’ll smile a lot reading this story. It’s one that you 100% need to get your preorders in for!

I devoured this book. It is the kind that will keep you turning the page as the clock strikes 4am, and that’s exactly what I did.

I cannot rate this book highly enough. The world created by the author is so complex, and yet it is told to the reader so simply that you don’t have to try hard to find yourself immersed in it. Before reading this book. I had seen a small section of a review comparing the novel to spirited away, and it definitely has that feel about it.

The author is able to balance the mortal world with the otherworldliness of the sea gods kingdom, and makes you the reader feel as though we could find ourselves there one day, just beneath the waves.

The characters were written really well, I felt as though I could connect to every one of them, and Mina as the heroine is someone that you are rooting for the entire way through the book.

There are a few twists and turns, and the author doesn’t give much away. There are a few hints to some of the plot lines which are easily noticed in hindsight, once we are told the truth. But the reason I could not put this book down was that I genuinely did not know how it would turn out, how Mina would save her people, if she would be able to leave the sea. The plot is so well constructed, every tiny detail is necessary for some reason or other, that is not immediately clear.

I would recommend this book, and I will be re-reading again in the future. I would love a sequel!

I have seen some reviews of Axie Oh's 'Xoxo' (yet to read that one) and so the moment I saw the author's name, my fingers involuntarily moved to the request button. If there was any hesitation that was spirited away by that gorgeous cover (you will probably get a headache choosing the US and UK editions). Really hard to resist a mythological retelling wrapped in such a charming cover.
I can't say that the story is unique; seasoned fantasy readers might guess the plot from the very beginning. Well, it didn't really go the way I thought, except for the mystery surrounding the Sea God (spot-on on that one). What makes this such an enchanting read is the remarkable prose that pulls you into this world and the courageous girl willing to fight her fate. Away from home, she builds a new family of kindred spirits supporting every step of her way.
Shin and his companions is another unforgettable bunch providing an equal mix of hilarity and severity. Wouldn't mind seeing Namgi and Kirin again in another adventure in their own separate stories. A wonderful story about family and fighting for what you love. Five glowing stars without a doubt!

Okay, so since Spirited Away is my favorite movie of all times this was a clear must-read for me from the get-go and I am so happy it actually managed to deliver.

It's a beautifully written retelling of a classic korean tale and I was completely enchanted by it. I don't know much about korean mythology, but it felt a lot like reading one of the Ghibli movies I love.

I was immediately taken in by the adorable characters in the whimsical, imaginitive spirit realm it was set in. The story focuses on bonds between friends and family next to the sweetest love story.
It was a really quick read and easy read for me that I couldn't put down.

The ending is rather predictable, but I really didn't mind. It's an absolute feel-good story to me and I adored it so much. I will definitely buy the book when it comes out, so I can re-read in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Each year a maiden is sacrificed to the Sea God to hold back his storms for another year. This year the Sea God’s Bride is the girl that Joon loves and his sister will not let them be separated. Minna is not the prettiest girl in the village, or the most graceful, or the most talented, but she will not let this stop her taking the place of the Sea God’s Bride and jumping into the sea herself. When she arrives in the spirit realm, it is not as she expected. The Sea God is asleep and her red string of fate seems confused about which way to lead her. After a series of emotional events, Minna must end things exactly how she began: by choosing her own fate.

The red string of fate is a continuing motif throughout this book and, whilst it might seem a cheesy concept, it is beautifully done. Bringing an outdated trope to life in physical form worked to reinvent it into a powerful tool of love and sacrifice and choice. The time-old battle between love and duty was also given new life in this book as Minna approaches the issue with minimal fuss and a simplicity that highlights the true strength of her character. It is these choices that shape the book, creating a hugely inspiring overarching theme of free will.

Even the unique setting of the book works to assert free will as the river that runs through the spirit realm offers a choice and most of the characters are present only through their own choices to free themselves from the river and live a second life a spirits in this realm. From the brash and loyal Namgi to the unassuming Dai and baby Mikki, each and every character steals your heart in their own way. Minna, of course, steals the show with her generously given heart, her quiet confidence, and her unwavering determination. The characters of Shin and the Sea God are woven out of mystery and watching Minna work to unravel both their mysteries is a real treat.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a YA retelling of the Korean folktale, The Tale of Shim Cheong. It is a standalone fantasy story that follows Mina, a sixteen year old girl, who becomes the Sea God's Bride to save her brother and his loved one. This book contains a compelling story, a vivid world and wonderfully written characters. I loved seeing the character development throughout and there are so many wonderful characters within this story. This was so enjoyable to read and I definitely recommend checking this one out. I highly recommend.

I couldn't resist this book. First off, the cover is absolutely breathtaking, secondly, the characters and the storyline were so magically crafted I couldn't put it down.
I normally can predict the way a book will go based on the tropes it features but this kept tripping me up and changing my mind! I gasped, laughed and even cried at this book.
The main character had such a fantastic development, at first, I thought she was quite silly and brash but then I began to understand her.
I was really worried about how this would end as well considering it's standalone but Axie Oh did not disappoint at all. Her other work XOXO is now top of my TBR.
Highly recommend if you enjoy KDramas, Mythology, The Little Mermaid and Studio Ghibli movies.

This books is just so whimsical and romantic and made my heart feel so full! The writing is truly beautiful and just made me fall completely in love with the world. I honestly can’t sing this books praises enough, it’s been a new all time favourite of mine, and I can not wait for my physical copy to arrive and to reread it straight away.

I loved Mina so much, she wasn’t afraid to be scared and just kept trying to do everything she possibly could to save her village. The romance between her and Shin was just so cute but I think my favourite relationship of this book is the one Mina has with herself.

I can not recommend this book enough and will be shooting about it for a long time. I highly recommend this book to readers who are fans of Stephanie Garber’s books, they share the same beautiful fairytale-esque vibes.

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

Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering. Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead. Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all. But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…

Mina is a brilliant character. She’s fearless, willing to sacrifice herself to ensure another’s happiness, and so determined to see her goals come to fruition that she simply refuses to give up - on anything, or anyone. Her selflessness really drew me in and I remained in awe of her character throughout the book as she seemed to only flourish in her kindness. Her interactions with other characters - namely the Sea God and Shin - really brought the story to life and had me hook, line and sinker.
All other characters were also expertly crafted to bring their essence forth into the story and liven it up further. Mask, Dai and baby Miki were an absolute treat to read and the likes of Kirin and Namgi brought a smile to my face.

Oh’s writing is genius. This is the first of Oh’s works that I’ve read and you bet your tush I need more immediately. There’s something so easy about the writing that draws me in and keeps me there. The world building is flawless in my opinion and everything flowed just as it needed to. Not once did I feel bored of what I was reading, we jump straight in from the offset and we keep going until the end. The slow-burn, almost love triangle, romance was brilliant. I’m not normally a fan of a loooong slow-burn but this had me eager to see what was going to happen and who would be chosen. Well done Axie Oh for this masterpiece!

Overall, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a brilliant story full of hope and wonderment that makes you desperate for more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on 21st February.

i previously had read XOXO by the same author which I enjoyed but didn't love as much as I thought I would, so I was hesitant on whether I'll love this one or not. I'm so glad that I did. Axie Oh's writing in this was just so magical and idyllic, and I loved the world she had created in this. This reads so so much like a fairy tale and it definitely has that Ghibli vibes I love so much in a fantasy book. If you previously have read and liked Elizabeth Lim's Six Crimson Cranes, this one has almost the same vibes.

I love Mina so much, and I think using her perspective to view the story was a great choice on Oh's part. It made me love her character even more by seeing her internal conflict and turmoil. I also love the friendship she struck with the women characters in this story and how they support each other, the friendship with Namgi (my softest boy I love him), the friendship with the spirits, and also of course the romance. I didn't think I was going to like this book for the romance as much so I was surprised by how much I root for them at the end, and I grew to love the love interest as well.

I will definitely read more of Axie Oh's writing in the future, especially if she makes more fantasy because oh this was good. If you like magical writing, Ghibli vibes in a book, softhearted yet fierce main character, dark brooding but turns out he's a softie love interest, I would definitely recommend this to you.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for the arc.

I feel so lucky to have received an ARC of this book and can’t wait until everyone else is able to enjoy it too. I thought the description sounded so interesting, and it didn’t disappoint at all.

There is so much to love about this book. The characterisation is strong, the world building is detailed without feeling out of control, and the writing is beautiful yet very accessible.

The story was whimsical and lovely, with a whole host of interesting characters. It’s hard to pick out my favourite characters as they were all filled with such life and had unique personalities, but I particularly loved the spirits, Mask, Dai and Miki, who Mina meets after arriving in the Sea God’s city. These three seem to know Mina, and go out of their way to help her, even when it means they must risk their own safety. That is a thread that runs throughout the story, people doing things not because they have to, but because they want to help someone else, whether that person is a family member or a friend.

In the realm of the gods Mina meets Shin, who may or may not be an ally. He is however undoubtedly connected with her, and they must work together if they’re to help the sea God, though they have different motivations for doing so. They have a complicated relationship which develops over the weeks Mina is in the city and ultimately forces Mina to make further difficult choices.

Mina must go on a journey. Partly because she is somewhere new and she has to discover the mysteries of this place, but also to understand why the Sea God sleeps and what she can do to help him which seems to be the only way she will be able to help all of the people she loves. Through Mina we discover a world where spirits walk and gods fight to hold power. In many ways, it’s a reflection of our own world.

I loved the blending of folklore and myth with new characters. I didn’t know the myth this book is based on, but it really doesn’t matter. Readers who are unfamiliar with it can still enjoy it very much and the original story is woven throughout, often appearing in clever ways.

I was a bit unsure if this book would involve a Mina, sea God, and Shin love triangle. But considering the Sea God spends much of the book asleep this wasn’t really possible and I’m very happy about that. Even though there was an opportunity for it to head that way, it was very clear that rather than being about love for two men or Gods or whoever, this was a choice Mina had to make about what she was willing to sacrifice for the love of her family. The way this potential plot was resolved really brought me to tears and I don’t think there was a better way the author could have handled it.

Perhaps I don’t have the words to express the beauty in this book. I hope that others will read it and love it as I have.

This is a story about love, family, sacrifice, self-discovery, and making the hard choices. I highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing this eARC.
Ohhh how should I describe my feelings? I'm completely in love with this book.
It's the story of Mina, who sacrifices herself and becomes the Sea Gods bride in order to save him from his curse. Because of her sacrifice, she lands in a world full of gods, mystical beings and the dead. With the help of Lord Shin, she wants to free the Sea God from his curse and save her homeland. But not everybody in the realm of gods wants the Sea God to return and they try to get rid of Mina.
This is a beautiful tale about family (found and bound by blood), fate, loss and friendship. I loved the slow pacing. You get time to get to know the characters.
I also loved the stories Mina retold in the book and the resurfaced memories of her family. Another thing I adored was the bond she started to form with the unlikely characters, especially with Shin. I really love his character (and Mina's).
And maybe you'll even shed a tear or two. Because this tale is just breathtaking.

The beautiful cover made me want to read this book and I’m so glad I did. Reading this felt like reading an amazing fairytale. It was incredible! I feel like I’ve never read a book like this before. The setting was incredible, and following Mina as she went on her journey was amazing. I enjoyed all of the characters and the relationships as well. I can't wait to own a physical copy of this!

Oh, what a beautiful book this was. I was captivated from the very beginning. I'd never read any of Axie Oh's work before but this one intrigued me as I love books that are steeped in mythology and this did not disappoint with all it's nods to Korean folklore.

The characters were all wonderful and I particularly liked Mina, our main protagonist. However, what really set this book apart was the wonderful setting, vivid descriptions and the beautiful spirit world that was created.

Also, I cannot wait to own a physical copy of this book as the artwork is simply stunning.

Thank you netgalley and hodder for the eArc.

I want to start by thanking Hodder & Soughton, Netgalley and Axie Oh for giving me an ARC of this title to review. I was incredibly excited as soon as I heard about this book, loving anything to do with oriental folklore and myth and being a big fan of Miyazaki’s work, especially Spirited Away which this book has been likened to. A few reviews I have seen have said the characters seem lacking but personally I didn’t feel that way at all. I admit a few secondary characters I would have liked to know more about, have them take centre stage but the book would have been too long and after all this is a retelling of a Korean myth so it couldn’t deviate too far besides I can live in hope that Oh maybe brings back a few characters in another book! A girl can dream!

So we know this is retelling of a Korean legend with a feminist twist but what exactly can you expect? Well for a start off you can expect action, intrigue, rich folklore and a touch of romance. I have to say the latter I was not sure I would enjoy but I actually became a little too invested!

We follow Mina whose homeland has been ravaged by deadly storms for generations. The people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them to despair and death. Believing nothing else could work they try to appease him by sending a maiden into the sea in hopes that his ‘true bride’ will be found and chosen, and the cycle of destruction will end. So far it never has.

This year the fate falls to Shim Cheong – the most beautiful girl in the village and Mina’s brother’s beloved. Surely, she must be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is due to be sacrificed, Mina’s brother follows her, despite knowing only death will await for daring to interfere. Only her brother wasn’t the only one breaking the rules and to save her brother Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Finding herself in the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina finds the Sea God, but he is trapped in an enchanted sleep. Determined to finally end the cycle and with a growing group of rag-tag demons, gods and spirits as well as a mysterious young man Mina sets out to wake the Sea God. But a human cannot live long in the land of the spirits and some will do anything to keep the Sea God from awakening.

Obviously since this is an ARC I won’t spoil the plot much further but I will say that for a short while I was worried for a somewhat bittersweet ending, thankfully it wasn’t fully the case and that the last chapter did really get to me. It was so beautiful and yet so simple. The perfect closure to this wonderful retelling that didn’t lose any of the strength or will of the protagonist as can sometimes be the case in tales that end somewhat happily ever after.

The characters are all memorable and as I said above while I would like a bit more flesh added to some of the secondary ones but this is only one book and you can’t expect that. The world building itself was quick but well thought out and beautifully brought to life. We are quite literally thrown into the Spirit Realm with Mina and we learn about the world along with her which was refreshing and something I really enjoyed within the book.

Mina herself was a bit of a dream protagonist particularly for a YA book. I do love YA but sometimes the protagonists can be a bit too perfect or seem to be. Mina was different. She is scared, she cries, she feels confused and concerned but through it all she remains determined. For the first time in a long time I actually ended up liking Mina within the first few pages.

All in all this book is a wonderful Fantasy, one that I will definitely re-read and recommend to my fellow YA and Fantasy lovers and those who love re-tellings of legends and myths. I can definitely see why some would liken this in it’s enchanting style to Miyazaki’s Spirited Away and I think it does actually deserve that comment but it also deserves to be seen as its own wonderful and magical tale of a girl who fell beneath the sea.

A captivating plot set in a richly detailed fantasy world with a brilliantly determined protagonist- what’s not to love!

I loved this book so much!!! From the very first page it jumps right into this magical story. The world Axie Oh created was beautiful and lush, and I couldn’t stop reading! Mina was such a great main character, even from the very beginning she shows her true colors! She was brave, selfless, loyal, smart and caring. She did everything she could to save her family and her people, even at the risk of her own life and happiness. The other characters were great as well…Shin, Namgi, Kirin, Nari, Mask, sweet Dai & Mikki will all have a special place in my heart! This story was so well written, I honestly was sad when it ended! When you come across a magical, beautiful world like this..it is often hard to leave! I would love more books to take place in this incredible world..If Axie Oh should decide to write more, I will 100% read them!

A big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book, which was one of my most anticipated releases, not only because of this gorgeous cover but also because I was excited to read this Korean fairytale that sounds and indeed IS magical.

I have to say that I adored ALL of the characters and realised how well written they all are(this doesn’t happen often in books I’ve read). The main character was very relatable and I loved following her journey and the decisions she made. She has clearly gone through a lot and cares about her family and her people and I loved how she tried to do her best no matter what. Shin, Namgi and Kirin were also very likeable and I found myself simping over every single one of them the whole time. In addition other side characters such as the Mask and other members of the MC’s family were a nice insertion to the story.

The world and the ‘magic system’ was incredible, and I loved the author’s writing and descriptions of the place or specific scenes that made the reading experience magical. As a standalone, the book was fast paced, with every chapter ending in a cliffhanger and making me want to read more ( I literally finished the book in two sittings). I didn’t exactly guess the plot twist but I had some similar ideas and so it was still enjoyable.

Finally there is a bit of romance in this book, which was the cutest and most adorable thing and it also made me cry. The whole ending itself was emotional, but Mina’s and Shin’s story made everything even more touching and beautiful. I would recommend this book for everyone as it is a very quick read but at the same time magical and emotional. This book also reminded me of the “Six Crimson Cranes”, so if you liked that book I believe that you will love this one too.

A massive thank you to Netgalley for breaking my heart by providing me with an advanced copy of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh!

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is the story of a girl who's country is plagued by constant storms and weather anomalies, all of which are attributed to an irate Sea God. The people believe that the only way to appease this god is by sacrificing a girl each year to be the bride to this god. They believe that once the one true bride is sacrificed these storms will stop.

The story starts off with the main character, Mina, trying to find and follow her brother on one of these sacrificial nights. A few things don't go as planned and Mina ends up in the ocean and is taken as the intended bride. But when she wakes up in the spirit realm things are very different than what was believed. Although she was not the one that was meant to be sacrificed she still thinks she might have a way of fixing things for the human world - to bring back order.

This book was devoured in two days (it would have been one sitting if I did not have to work as well!). I've always loved Korean culture, but this book was the biggest warm embrace of a YA fantasy book that exists. If you love historical K-dramas, Ghibli or books like Julie Kagawa's Shadow of the Fox, then this is definitely the book for you. The characters are amazing and the small truths that are revealed in the last half are so heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time that I am not lying when I say I cried my eyes out.

I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for their next Asian inspired fantasy read. It truly is a masterpiece!

This story and author blew me away with a magical world and a mani character who won my heart. A refreshing read with great world building, fairytales and cultural ties.

A human girl living in a world of the spirits , imugi, gods and dragons. Such an interesting tangled world. I had to keep reading to find out what happens to the MC Mina. The story as it plays out is full of intrigue, twists and turns.

Giant forests, gods, priestesses and the red string of fate. Mina is working to appease the sea god and save her people.

A beautiful book with lessons on life, family, love and faith.

I’d recommend this to people who enjoy a more fairytale style of story. A beautiful heartfelt message intertwined through the sorry of family and fate. Excited to read more form this author.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughten for sharing with me the e-ARC.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh is a beautifully written novel with characters that are impossible not to fall in love with. I was hooked from the very first chapter and not only because of the fast-paced action but also Axie Oh's exquisite writing that made for a wonderfully whimsical reading experience. I loved this book so much that I immediately started reading XOXO which is another one of her novels.

Wow! A fantastical, young adult read to stir the imagination and captivate your mind. This was so cinematic I’ll be surprised if it’s not a film in the next couple of years.
I absolutely loved it and fell in love with the mysterious world.
This is oddly enough the second book I’ve read this year in which young women are thrown into the sea (The Seawomen) but while both amazing the two are completely different.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my feedback.