Oh my!!! There better be a book 2 with that ending!!! I need more!

I'm so invested in Ren and Sunho's story now. This book gripped me from the first chapter and it was hard to put down every night! The first few chapters help you connect to Ren and Sunho and then the action starts! In fact, The action never stops!

I recommend this book who wants action, romance and mythology.

AXIE OH WHEN I GET YOU!!

My first 5 star read of the year!! Going into this blind was the best thing ever. I went into this with no expectations but came out a different person. A billion things happened in this book, it was so fast paced I was FLYING through the pages. Yes to everything about this book. I genuinely was captivated from start to finish from the non stop action, characters who were all so likable and the crazy twists and turns.

Without going into spoilers, the Floating World is a very immersive experience. Both Ren and Sunho have mysteries they need to uncover about their past and I really enjoyed following their journey and uncovering these mysteries with these characters, who were both great, really likable people. I just kept gasping as each reveal was dropped and the last 10%?? What a BOMB. I have never been more glad the sequel to this is dropping in the same year. Can I PLEASE get the ARC to that too??

Sunho and Ren’s paths don’t collide until later on in the story, but I was already so invested in both their stories and how it entwined together as the novel progressed. I think it was a great decision giving Sunho and Ren their own POVs as it enhanced the experience and allowed deeper insight into the way they think and also to learn more about their past. I was surprised there was a third POV as well – who I won’t say – but I thought it was very integral to the story and added more intrigue and complexity and I am interested in seeing it all come together in the sequel.

There is a lot of mystery and intrigue that sustained my interest throughout the novel, I just wanted to keep reading and reading. I was never bored and thought the novel kept getting better as it went on. The stakes are high from the beginning and never once slowed down. Sometimes I wish the pacing slowed down a little to develop certain relationships between characters, but I think it can be overlooked because of how great the storytelling and characters were. There’s a lot of familiar themes seen in other novels that are incorporated here, but also a lot of fresh and unique ones that give Floating World its own originality and bring to the table something special. For instance, Ren! Making her an acrobat was a cool, creative decision and I loved that it came in handy when it came down to it! I’ve also never heard about the tale of the Celestial Maiden, so this was really interesting and how it linked to the story.

I LOVED Ren. What a breath of fresh air and ray of sunshine. Axie shows that just because a FMC goes through so much trauma doesn’t mean they need to become battle hardened and cynical! They can still be compassionate and kind and I loved that aspect of Ren the most – how she can still laugh and be funny and adorable makes her stand out. I, too, would fall for her like Sunho did. She admits to being vulnerable and I think that is her greatest strength. Ren made absolutely all the right decisions in this book and I was so proud of her. Without saying too much, the ending was so amazing! And Sunho! He’s so cool. Sunho brings a lot of intrigue into the story with his missing memories and secret powers and I absolutely loved it. Ren and Sunho are a force of nature together. The romance between them was so wholesome. I eat up the outgoing x shy trope all day everyday.

I feel like so much happened in this book, but it’s only just begun. I will definitely have my eyes on Sunho in the second book because that ending is criminal.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, this was so fun!

First of all, thank you so much NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This was my first Axie Oh book and now I know it's not going to be the last. This book was so immersive and beautifully written, I simply could not put it down.

Without giving any spoilers, I can say that the dynamic between the main characters is what I liked the most. The mysteries about themselves they need to uncover will make you fall in love with them little by little. The setting reminded me a lot of a Ghibli film (Castle in the Sky maybe?) and I loved it. The way all the landscapes and worlds are described was just delightful to read and really easy to imagine without the descriptions becoming boring or too much.

What I will say is that even though I know this book is not out yet, I really need book 2 - that ending?! We need more!

After falling in love with Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, I was eager to dive into The Floating World—and it did not disappoint. This mesmerizing fantasy blends adventure, romance, and mythology into a beautifully crafted tale that feels both intimate and epic.

Set in a world of perpetual darkness, the story follows Sunho, a mysterious ex-soldier with no memory beyond his name and sword, and Ren, a daring acrobat who harbors a powerful secret. Their paths intertwine in a journey filled with secrets, peril, and fate-defying choices. Oh’s storytelling is both lyrical and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the richly detailed setting inspired by Korean mythology.

Much like The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, this novel delivers a breathtaking sense of wonder, with themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the search for identity woven throughout. The dynamic between Sunho and Ren is compelling, filled with tension and slow-burning chemistry that keeps the pages turning.

With stunning world-building, heart-pounding action, and an emotional core that lingers long after the final chapter, The Floating World is a must-read for fans of sweeping fantasy adventures. If you loved The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, this book will sweep you away once again!

4.5 stars rounded up

The Floating World is the fantastic first book in a duology. I absolutely must get my hands on the second book because this one completely gripped me! I fell in love with Ren and Sunho as they went on their journey across this world and uncovered mysteries along the way.

The first thing I noticed was the gorgeous writing style. Axie Oh created a vivid world, helped along with great world-building, that I could imagine clearly while reading. The atmosphere was reminiscent of my favourite Ghibli movies.

The pacing was also perfect. Most of the time, the plot was moving at an enjoyably fast speed, with pockets of time carved out for the slower moments. This meant that the sweet character interactions were not at the expense of the wider plot progression. As always, I loved the found family aspects, too. There were a few plot twists throughout, and I actually gasped out loud in shock a few times! I can't wait to see how things unravel in the second book because the ending of this one had me wanting to keep reading. I am so glad that Axie Oh decided to publish both halves in one year.

The only reason this was 4.5 stars and not 5 for me was because I had some questions about the motivations of some side characters. Perhaps this will be cleared up in the next book, and it was intentional. I'll have to see. Overall, I loved this story. It was a blend of fantasy and romance that worked very well for me. Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton | Hodderscape for providing this e-ARC for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 5 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

I am a massive Axie Oh fan, so when I started reading The Floating World , I knew for a fact that I would adore this book. Filled with that classic charming Axie Oh writing, I loved everything about this book, it is perfection.

The world-building feels like a mix of steampunk, filled with vibes similar to Studio Ghibli, but also rife with danger as you would see in Shadow & Bone (which is a very apt comp!). I love the concept of floating cities, how they work, and how they could exist (if they could). The way they were written about in this book, by showing us what material it relied on to function, made it feel so real that you could easily see yourself walking the streets. And in general, the world-building was so immersive, I loved everything about it.

Ren has quickly made her way into becoming one of my favourite protagonists that I have read about so far this year. She is determined and brave, and at the same, has a good sense of humour. And although she has lost a lot, and is in constant danger due to mercenaries catching up to her, she stays compassionate and kind, and is kinda funny too. She is very quick on her feet, and her intelligence shines through. Although coming from an entirely different background then Ren, Sunho shares some similarities with her. Though he has to fight to survive in a cruel world, he is compassionate too. He is brave and willing to rush into danger to save anyone. He is honestly so endearing.

Their paths don't cross for a while, and that allows us to see how their characters are without each other. And once they meet, it is so so easy to love their relationship. They have their own individual yet, at the same time, deeply intertwined arcs. Some people might think that their friendship happens a little quicker, but honestly, considering their character arcs and everything else that happens in the story, makes perfect sense.

Let's talk about the last quarter of the book because it is action-packed fast-paced. The revelations that have come out throughout the book slowly culminate into highly intense scenes. Even then there's things we don't know about yet, which makes even more excited for book 2! The climax and the subsequent ending is hopeful, but also leaves you with an inkling of the dangers to come.

The Floating World was an absolutely incredible read and I am so so glad that book 2 is coming out this year because I desperately need more of these characters! (i hope i get an arc for that one too!!)

🌟 "He could taste her magic, like drinking starlight."🌟
Just finished the Arc of this INCREDIBLE book by @axieoh.
Everyone who knows me knows that the girl who fell beneath the sea is one of my favorite books and that after reading it I also devoured Axie's books X.O.X.O and ASAP. As this was marketed as having final fantasy vibes too (which if you also know me you'll know I have poured ungodly amounts of hours into ffxiv) I just HAD to have an arc of this book from @netgalley (tysm I love you netgalley!)

The entire premise of the book, to me, was simply incredible. This book captures everything I love to read and mixes my love of books and gaming together with the epic world building and final fantasy vibes that eminate from within the writing and the tone that Axie uses.
The characters are beautifully fleshed out, including the side characters which I hope we get to see much much more of in the next book!
I loved the chemistry between the two main characters Ren and Sunho but not only them but the family and friendship bonds that they have with others such as Ren with Auntie, Hwi, and Little and Big uncle and then Sunho with Tag and Yurhee. The found family within both of these sets of bonds as so different but both so beautifully written.
I also loved the mix of science and magic within the book and that the demons within the book are essentially man made through genetic remodelling using mithril.
I cannot wait for book 2 and to dive back into their world again!
Another 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 book from the wonderful Axie Oh who never dissapoints with her epic writing skills.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

That story was perfection.

Omg I lived the parallels with dark and light and the demons and how cosy it was but gory?!!

It felt whimsical at times and heartbreaking in others???

Axie has done a beautiful job with this story and I am OBSESSED.

Please consider me for book 2 arc when it is available. This has been my TOP READ IN 2025 and I am in awe that I got to read it early.

The Floating World was amazing!! I had a teaser sample from YALC which completely captivated me so was so happy when I was approved on here. There was SO much that happened in this book I don't know where to begin but despite that it was still easy to keep track and follow the plot line. It was packed full of action, so many twists and turns, Ren and Sunho were fantastic characters that were so likeable and I was truly so invested in their journeys (individually and as a team later on in the book). I enjoyed it being from 3 different POVs (Sunho, Ren and Jaeil) which really added so many levels to the story and kept you reading faster to find out what happens to each one. Ren is fab, despite everything shes been through she is still positive and happy and hasn't lost her gentler side, even though it would have been easy to just create a hard exterior to protect herself. Sunho is such an intriguing character and so perfect for Ren that they really balance each other out and I loved seeing how they feelings for each other developed throughout. I enjoyed learning about different folklore and culture and how it was interweaved throughout the story with the added fantasy elements. I felt so much for Jaeil as he was so conflicted with what to do. THAT ENDING though!! Please I need book two!!

5⭐

This was my first Axie Oh book but it won't be my last, so beautifully written... I'm so glad that book two is coming out this year too cause I need to know how this ends!!!!

This book took hold of me from the very beginning. I would have devoured it if not cause I was so busy this past week... but I couldn't stop thinking about it.

The pace was immaculate. Really liked that Ren and Sunho got their own POVs, it made me understand them better and feel more attached to the characters. The way we were learning about their past was so well done. The whole story was captivating and heartbreaking at times. ( I did shed a few tears here and there...😢)

I'm sure fans of Studio Ghibli will love this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will never get tired of AXIE OH’S beautiful world building, mesmerizing creatures, swoony romance and perfectly crafted characters! Her fantasy world is brimming with new to me lore, beautifully integrating Korean mythology and culture into it.
Just so absolutely enjoyable, kept me turning page after page! Cannot wait for book 2!

Another fantastic book by Axie Oh!
I loved it so much 😍
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is one of my favourite books, so of course I had to read The Floating World! It did not disappoint in the slightest. It has joined TGWFBTS as one of my favourite books, and I think it may even have inched ahead of it.
I feel like there is so much to love with this book, the writing is beautiful, the interactions between characters is brilliant and the chemistry is superb!
I cannot wait for more people to read and enjoy this one 💜

I am incredibly grateful to both NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read and review The Floating World. Being selected to explore this captivating story before its official release has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to the teams at NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for their generosity and for making this advanced reading experience possible.

I just need to touch on what an honour it has been to read this book. Axie Oh is one of my favourite authors and getting to read a copy of her new book ahead of it being published is just such a dream come through.

The Floating World was such a dream to read. It was fast paced but slowed down at just the right moments and just had things going on left, right and centre.

It was impossible not to fall in love with almost every single character. Ren was just so strong and I found it touching what she was filling to go to for the ones she loves. And as for Sunho, he went through so much personal development and came out all the better for it.

The Floating World is nothing short of being a page turner, I couldn't put it down. Axie Oh really does have a way with words. For context, I am not super into fantasy. Some books I like, some I like a little less but this was perfection. I came across this author through their contemporary young adult novels and just fell in love immediately. I will forever pick up a book if Axie Oh's name is on it.

This book is extremely well written and just keeps you engaged from the very first page. I found the dual point of view really great for this story and you were just waiting for those points of view to start crossing over. Overall, I loved this book so so much!

I do believe that there is a sequel to follow and I cannot wait!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE AXIE AND ALL HER BOOKS !!
the setting was so fun, the pacing incredible and both the main characters had my heart right from the beginning. can't wait for the second book

I’ve now read 4 Axie Oh novels and THIS one might be my new favourite👀.

It felt like reading a Studio Ghibli film but in book form! I think the steampunk atmosphere was done well. I could vividly picture some scenes in this book that reminded me of Studio Ghibli films, especially Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away.

The character interactions always had me smiling from ear to ear from the wholesomeness🥹. I constantly had a hand over my heart like I was being shot with a Cupid’s arrow multiple times throughout the book😩😩 because Ren and Sunho are SO adorable‼️They literally give me cuteness aggression every time they interact😞🫶🏻. I felt like I was witnessing young, innocent love blooming between Ren and Sunho and it was so refreshing to see in a YA fantasy novel.

I liked that the 3 pov chapters helped to give deeper insight into the world building. The plot was fast-paced with each chapter including action-packed scenes. It’s not often that I feel a pit in my stomach😰 whenever I feel dread or anticipation in a book BUT this book made me feel that SOOO many times which meant I was that invested in the characters🙂‍↕️.

Overall, I’m excited for the sequel because I really liked how this one ended!!🤗

When Axie announced that this book would be a mixture between Final Fantasy x Castle In The Sky, as a fan of both of these, i just knew i had to read it! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I was flying through those pages. Especially, the second half. There's something about Axie's books that just give the best vibes and like i'm being transported to somewhere really magical. It's not something i can explain but i feel it within. If you know, you know.

I was captivated by the plot, the characters, the action, the world and so on. It felt fresh and i'm so glad not everything was predictable. I have a few theories about book two but i'll have to wait until it comes out or if i'm blessed with an arc of it to see if i'm correct. I'm so glad Axie had a few pov's in there so we could get better insight into the characters. She decided to not only do Ren's pov but Sunho's aswell and this just really tied the story together. It helped us understand the characters choices and emotions more. There was one more pov in there but i won't say who as i don't want to give anything away.

Our fmc was a ray of sunshine. It was nice to see her still be herself even after the trauma she has been through. Sunho is our shy boy who would not hesitate to protect those he loves. I love that about him and together the two were so cute. There was never a dull moment between them.

The book was filled with twists that sometimes i failed to predict. I love it when a book directs me one way but at the last second takes a different turn. Like i said earlier, i have my theories about book two. I just know the stakes are going to be high and that there'll be more heartbreak. I can't wait to see what happens next. You did it again, Axie. I'm completely hooked to your story.

Thank you to netgalley and hodder & stoughton for allowing me to read an e-arc for an honest review.

many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

i added this book so fast to the tbr when it was announced. i've read every other book by Axie Oh, and while XOXO and ASAP are always at the forefront of my mind when i think of her works, sometimes i forget she also penned The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and Rebel Seoul, stories set in a different world that ultimately dug out my heart in the best way possible.

when i started The Floating World, my first impression was that this reminds me a little of Arcane, such that the Floating World = Piltover, the Under World = Zaun and mithril = shimmer. the class disparity is well crafted in this book, and you can see how different it is not just in the way you can experience real weather and sunshine in the Floating World, but the poverty and crime that runs rampant in the Under World speaks for itself. i like how this is dealt with in a nuanced way, it's not the story but a part of it that has been accepted.

i really liked Sunho and Ren's story. yes it is a love story in the end but it isn't just that. i liked that (spoilers ahead!!) Ren is possibly the only one who sees Sunho's demon as a soothing presence rather than one to be feared, and Sunho eventually helps her get over her fear of heights from the day she lost her mother. they are so much more than just a love interest for each other and it shows. i normally dislike the amnesia trope, but i enjoyed slowly unravelling Sunho's past.

and Ren's troupe.... i know the found family is with Tag and Yurhee, but her with Hwi, Auntie, Big Uncle and Little Uncle... god the whole start of the story shattered my heart into PIECES i tell you.

okay i also have to admit Oh's lyrical writing did A Lot to bring their romance to life as well.

" since donning her mask, this was the closest she'd ever come to taking it off, if only to feel the steady beating of his heart. "

" 'if you had wings,' he said with all the sincerity he possessed, 'i'd want to see you fly.' "

" she sheltered him with his wings. and before then with her paper umbrella. under her shelter, he had never felt so safe. "

personally i don't really know how to feel about Jaeil as a character. there are three povs in this story, and there is always one that bores you and makes you want to skip. unfortunately it was Jaeil's for me. i didn't much care for his politicking with his father and Commander Su and Sana. but his intentions were always to save Ren, his childhood friend, even after ten years had passed and they both changed.

" but when he looked up at the sky, he thought only of the meadow— and the girl he'd met there— as he stood alone in the square, drenched in blood and starlight. "

that ending though. grrrrr. they finally kissed and the moment he felt her magic, of course he would get back the one memory that would shatter on— that he was the one who killed the brother he had been looking for. god he has gone full demon and i need to know what happens next!!

I absolutely loved this book. When I got sucked into it, I found it impossible to put down. I can't wait to read book 2 and find out what happens to Ren and Sunho! It was a great combination of action, adventure, romantic love, platonic love and familial relationships. Honestly, this book had it all. Highly recommend.

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*

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!!!

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.

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.

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!

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

Axie Oh is another author I had been meaning to read for years and with this first dip into her works, I can say she's met and exceeded all expectations. I've seen people compare her works to Ghibli, and I can kind of see that. I wouldn't liken it the studio in broader terms, but this definitely felt like Castle in the Sky paired with the darkness and gore of The Twelve Kingdoms but wrapped in a Korean inspired setting and it just worked to incredibly well.

From the beginning, this tale scores already by featuring my favourite narration of multiple point of view. We largely follow Ren, a travelling performer in search of a cure for her uncle who has fallen ill after a demon-like creature attacks them, and Sunho, a sword for hire with memory loss who is in search of his brother. I loved how both point of views started far from eachother and gradually merged. This gave us the chance to get to know both Ren and Sunho on their own terms and I think it truly added to caring about these characters.

Beyond similarities of the basic plot, the worldbuilding and character relationships is what felt remincent to Castle in the Sky. Both Sunho and Ren form bonds with characters along the way which does give a bit of a found family feeling. The relationship between them is built so nicely over the narrative and has such a strong foundation through their shared adventures and trust. Then the worldbuilding felt a bit like steampunk with its mechanics and especially the aircrafs (nothing screams Ghibli like aircrafts in a fantasy setting). Despite the high stakes and mysteries to unravel, I do think this was a rather light hearted read - largely due to the immensly likeable characters and the positivy they have towards eachother - with picturesque scenery which once gives a feeling of whimsy such as seen in several works of Ghibli.

Nevertheless, there are some darker elements which, while not overly graphic, defintely also lean into a bit of gore. Demon-like creatures appear throughout the plot and we don't even come close to unraveling the mysteries around it by the end of this instalment which leaves room for anticipation for the sequel. I almost want to say I found myself more invested in this plotline than the center one revolving around Ren's heritage and the different powers both she and Sunho possess. The different plotlines seamlessly next to eachother though and make this a really well balanced story.

I adored the cast from the main characters down to ones we only spend a chapter or two with. I admit, I think this book would have greatly benifitted of a map as during the first chapters it was a little hard to picture how exactly the Floating World and the Underworld function and in which location they sit. That aside, it was a really interesting world to read about and I look forward to seeing more of it in the sequel. This was also my first novel inspired by Korean culture which I also really enjoyed. My comparrisons to Ghibli and for the darker parts The Twelve Kingdoms is not to indicate that this isn't a wonderful and unique tale in its own right - I meann the comparrison in the best way possible and if Axie Oh's earlier works are anything like The Floating World, I have no doubt I will love them too.

I read and loved The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh and I found The Floating World to be the same kind of YA fantasy book.
I don't read many YA books anymore, cause most don't work for me . Which, you know, wrong target, it's fine!
But Axie Oh makes YA that works for me.
The characters are fully fleshed and not black and white, the world is harsh and brutal but the relationships the characters develop are super sweet.
You don't get everything dumped on you directly but discover the past of the characters as you go (and as they do too partly) which I really like.

I'm excited for book 2 coming end of this year.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Holder & Stoughton for access to the ebook against an honest review.*

Read by my teen granddaughter who was absolutely transfixed by the story and the characters. She is desperate for it to be made into a movie.