Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is a retelling of a Korean folktale--one of those where women were sacrificed to appease the Sea God's appetite. Mina finds herself lost in a world of spirits after sacrificing herself for her brother's happiness and discovers there's an ancient curse that needs to be broken. Could she be the one to break it or will she be trapped in the spirit world forever?

Wowza! What a great story, I had so much trouble putting it down. The characters were lively, the setting was artistically painted, and the plot was interesting from start to finish. I really enjoyed the ending in particular--I liked how all the threads were tied up.

Definitely a great story for those who like the movie "Spirited Away"!

I really wish I could just review books with a “SO GOOD. YES READ NOW” because words do not form when I’ve been wowed, and The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea wowed me.

TGWFBTS follows our amazing protagonist Mina, who’s village sacrifices a girl every year to appease the Sea God, however, because of unique circumstances, Mina ends up sacrificing herself to be the bride when it was not her fate. Now she must face the new terrain that is the Spirit Realm. Finding friend and foe all around her, Mina tries to awaken the Sea God in order to save her village, but she may run out of time before that’s possible. This story is a mix of exhilaration, romance, and mystical creatures that’s one of my favorite novels of 2022.

I’ve been so blessed to discover an author like Axie Oh. Everything she writes, I absolutely adore. I never hesitate to pre order or purchase when it comes to her works. Something about her writing style fits into all the genres she’s tackled so far, and I can't wait to see what she takes on next. But on the topic of TGWFBTS, the structure was amazing and it really allowed for easy transitions between present and the different memories and flashbacks that we got to see. It was so easy to get sucked into the character arcs and I was invested in Mina’s story from the start. I flew through this novel and it felt like time didn’t exist whenever I opened the Kindle app to read. Axie Oh is and forever will be an auto-buy author for me.

When I read Axie Oh’s novel, XOXO, I appreciated the amount of individuality that each and every character had, no matter how much page time they had. This is the exact same way I feel about TGWFBTS. Every person who appeared had a unique personality and backstory that the reader got to learn about. And because of this incredible author, the list of characters from this book that I adored is way too long to list in a review.

I think I would kill a man to get this novel adapted into a feature film, but for now, I’ll scream to the entire book community that they absolutely need to read this book. Whether you’ve experienced an Axie Oh novel or not, this is a work that anyone can enjoy.

Thank you to Colored Pages Tours for selecting me as a host, and to Feiwel & Friends for giving me an eARC for this book tour!

This was such a pleasant surprise for me. I am always drawn to books that are retellings of fairytales, folklore and mythology so when I read the synopsis of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and also saw the comparison to Spirited Away (one of my favorite Miyazaki films) I knew that I needed to read this one.

We follow our heroine Mina who lives in a small village by the sea. Her village has been ravished by storms for nearly a 100 years because the mighty Sea God who the village put their faith in has turned a blind eye to their plight. In an effort to appease the assumed angry god her village sacrifices an accomplished, beautiful or smart young woman to the Sea God to be his bride. Mina is distraught when her brother falls for the latest sacrifice and because he is her most beloved sibling, Mina intervenes and sacrifices herself in her brother's love's place. Mina is swept down to the Spirit World where she is greeted by three protectors of the Sea God. Now, she is swept into a mission to save her soul, the Sea God from his curse and the Spirit World itself.

While I can see the comparison to Spirited Away and it is somewhat apt don't go into this book expecting the exact comparison. It is more that we're met with a girl who finds herself in the spirit world and through her wits and steadfast courage she navigates the challenges she is presented with. I do think the opening scene of this book is its weakest moment and there are some pacing issues. A few transitional moments that are jarring and hard to follow.

However, it is the heart of this story that makes it something special. I loved Mina and the characters that she met in the spirit world. While I personally saw the plot twist coming I was alright with it because I was swept away in the journey to this destination. With moments that will put you on the edge of your seat and moments that will break your heart Axie Oh does a wonderful job of bringing you along on an adventure meant to invoke the soul.

I truly think this is not one to be missed. Its refreshing and whimsical. I will definitely be reading more of Axie Oh's works in the future.

I loved this book, loved the way characters interacted and the way subjects are discussed. A book that certainly captivated my heart.

This is a gorgeous YA fantasy, both inside and out (I mean, that cover...!!). The writing is lush and propulsive at the same time, and the character work is deeply fleshed out and realistic, even when we're dealing with minor and major gods and other mythical creatures. Axie Oh's writing is always wonderful, but here she's taking her craft to new heights, and I can't wait to get a physical copy and then see what's next from her!!

4.5, rounded up. I wish all YA fantasy retellings has such lush world-building and heart-warming supporting characters; this was such a beautiful read. Mina is extremely relatable (well, as relatable as a heroine in a fantasy retelling can be), and her relationship with Shin was a treat.

I can only fault Oh for rushing the romantic conclusion at the end; otherwise, I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a solid folk tale retelling who wants the story to fly by.

Beautiful. I need more stories like this, please.

This is one of those stories where the setting is essentially a character of its own right. The world-building and mythology were so beautifully and magically done. Comparing this to Spirited Away is very accurate.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was so fun to read, and throws the reader right into the middle of the action. I never wanted to put this book down!

Although this book most definitely had YA fantasy tropes including the staple hero’s journey, the breadth and depth of the themes in this book on fate, faith, memory, family, and self-sacrifice very pleasantly surprised me! Overall, I just had an amazingly fun time reading this book, and I enjoyed all of the nods to the original Korean folktale!

The setting was definitely reminiscent of Spirited Away; however, I was actually reminded of Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson due to similar character relationships and themes. Therefore, if you are a fan of either of the above and like reading fairytale or foklore inspired books that fall squarely within the YA genre, I would ver highly recommend this book for you! (And if you enjoyed this book, I would recommend that you check out the above.)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

I love retellings of myths and legends, and MIna is such a relatable character. The writing style is absolutely beautiful. A good pace, interesting characters, and a heroine worth emulating.

ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.

4 GORGEOUS STARS

Three Minute Thoughts:
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea was a gorgeous, lyrical reimagining of the classic Korean folktale “The Tale of Shim Cheong”, and I loved every moment of it! This had everything I anticipated and more: a strong heroine with loyal dedication to her family, stunning world-building combined with Spirited Away vibes, some gorgeous soft romance, and even some adorable platonic relationships. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Axie Oh’s writing style, and each of the characters was so realistic and unique that they all stood out in my mind and I couldn’t choose favourites! Highly recommended.

The Extended, Long, and Very-Probably-Messy Review:
This story was so easy to fly through, I loved every moment of it! Mina was such a wonderful protagonist – she was tenacious, brave but not foolhardy, and incredibly kind-hearted on top of it all. I loved her character development and her growth throughout the book, and her relationship with her family was incredibly sweet and wholesome. I’m a sucker for a good platonic relationship and Axie Oh fed it to me in droves with this novel, and the loyalty that Mina showed to both the friends she made and the family she protected was touching to read about.

“Because Joon, knowing you followed, always walked a little slower.”
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)

The world-building was also incredibly stunning, with the Spirit Realm described in exceptional detail and full of exquisite imagery, and the above-world of ancient Korea similarly beautifully depicted. Axie Oh’s writing throughout the entire story was gorgeous to enough to have me add every one of her books to my TBR list after I finished this, and I’m so excited to see what else the author produces – I’m sure it will be phenomenal, much like this. And the mythology in this book! I absolutely love Korean mythology, and creatures like kirins and water dragons are such fun to read about, so I absolutely loved that aspect of the book, and I almost wish we’d gotten more of it!

“I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. I’ve never seen anything more terrifying.
The wonders of this city reveal an undeniable truth: I have entered a new world – a world of dragons, of gods with unfathomable powers, of assassins who move unseen through the shadows, where your voice can be transformed into a bird and then stolen, and where no one I love can ever reach me.”
(This quote may not be in the published version of this novel, it was copied from the advanced reader’s copy.)

The romance was also spectacular, despite the mild love triangle-ish thing going on! The side characters had enough development and personality to stand on their own – a true achievement – turning the romance subplot into something that just added a little flavour to the story, and didn’t try to overtake the fantasy aspects of Mina’s story. In addition to the romance, some of the other side characters (such as Namgi, an absolute cutie!) were such precious friends and allies, and I couldn’t help love them dearly and hope that every page would hold a sentence with their name.

Overall, I really loved this book! I’m so glad I decided to read it and I can’t wait to read more of Axie Oh’s other books, plus look at those gorgeous covers, why would you not want to give this a try! Definitely recommended to all lovers of SE Asian mythology (or any mythology), and to anyone looking for a splendid feminist story of a girl willing to risk it all for her family. Thank you so much to author, published and Colored Pages Tours for the free copy provided in exchange for an honest review❤.

I absolutely loved this book! It gave me everything that I could've possibly needed in a mythology inspired book...funny characters, witty banter, drama and a love story. I laughed so much and was so rapt that I didn't want to put my tablet down. I completely ate this book up in such a short time. Axie did an amazing job with this book and I hope she does more retellings!

🌟3.5 stars !! this fantasy story reads like a fairytale !! the plot was amazing and the characters were all so lovable. the world-building, fight scenes, dialogue—all so well written. if you loved Six Crimson Cranes, you'll love this one too !!

"I realized that in order for you to have what you want, I'd have to lose the only thing I ever wanted...I would tie my life to yours, if you'll have me"

SHUT UP THAT WAS SO ROMANTIC😭 the Red String of Fate always, ALWAYS has my heart. I love reading it in books. WE LOVE A STRONG MC WHO KNOWS HOW TO USE A DAGGER <333

the pacing between the mc and love interest was great up until the very end where I thought it was a bit rushed. i personally like books that have a bit more conflict and character development which is the only reason why it isn't rated higher !! otherwise, this was the loveliest fantasy read I've read this year so far :)

I adore historical fiction, and this is such an interesting premise. I recommend because of the story itself, writing style, and its ability to transport you into a different world/time period.

This book was full of palace intrigue, love, and tension. I was obsessed with it till the very end! Axie Oh crafts a story so immersive that it felt like I was walking the streets of the Spirit Realm with Mina, fighting the Imugi with Shin, and wishing on paper boats with her village. An excellent read.

Twitter thread: https://twitter.com/bookdragonbooks/status/1494447492414558208?s=20&t=sijWTVug0G7iK_UOKZdyDg

Every year a girl is sacrificed to the Sea God to bring peace to the storms that are plaguing the land. Mina in an act of love sacrifices herself in her brothers girlfriends stead. Instead of drowning Mina is taken to the land of sprits where she is swept up in an seemingly impossible journey to awaken the Sea God and bring peace once more to her people. In a world where no one and nothing is as it seems will Mina be able to be true to herself and break a curse that has lasted for 100 years?

I loved this book so much. I really can't say enough good about this story. Everyone should read this book. The myth and characters meld so well together. Mina is just the right amount of daring and sassy, which allows her to overcome so many obstacles. You can not read this book and not fall in love with the story and characters. Is it predictable yes, but does it matter no. One is so easily swept up in this world that you will find it super hard to put down. I don't want to say to much because I don't want to give anything away. However I can't wait to recommend this book to every age that is looking for a mythology based book. Please read this book you will not be disappointed.

Thank you so much to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book.

All Reviews posted Feb. 18, 2022

This book started off a little slow and choppy, but after the 25% mark the flow and and pacing was much better. By the end of this book I was in tears and smiling at the same time.

The plot and characters seemed to have a hard time getting any footing, and I had a hard time figuring out everything and where the story was going. The first quarter of the book jumped from on plot point to another, and I just wanted to experience each event on the beginning a little longer. After things started to have a better pace, I got invested fast and didn’t want to put the book down. The messages about family and love really hit close to home in this book and I was bawling like a baby for a lot of the last half.

The love story honestly surprised me, I just wasn’t expecting to love it so much. By the end of the book I was rooting for them, and part of me wishes there was more interactions with just he two love interests. Mina the main character was very refreshing to read about as well. She was strong, but also wasn’t perfect and I never felt annoyed or embarrassed by her decisions.

The plot had me on the edge of my seat and I can say I defiantly did not see the twist coming in the end. I mean the foreshadowing was there, but I was so caught up in the world that I wasn’t thinking that far ahead.

I was also unfamiliar with the fairytale that this was based on, so it was a lot of fun to do more research into that.

Overall this book now has me in a choke hold and I probably won’t stop thinking about it for a few days.

Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is one of the lushest YA fantasy novels I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

First, the characters. Oh immediately introduces Mina’s bravery and selflessness as the first scene is of Mina taking the place of Shim Cheong, her brother’s beloved and the seemingly “perfect” Sea God bride. Throughout the story, Mina demonstrates her strength. Although she is thrust into an entire world beyond her control, Mina determines her own fate while never losing sight of the greater good. I also loved her relationships with other characters—with Shim, of course, and the sibling-like bickering between her, Mask, Dai, Kirin, and Namgi (Kirin and Namgi have my heart!). Another element that stood out to me was the compassion between Mina, Cheong, and the previous brides. It’s always nice to see multiple strong female characters interacting without any animosity.

The real selling point, however, was the atmospheric setting. Oh’s writing in The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is simply gorgeous. Despite being unfamiliar with this particular Korean folktale, I could picture the Spirit World with clarity; it felt just as alive as the human realm. At the same time, the story was very readable. The language flows, and the worldbuilding, despite being so extensive, never feels confusing or overwhelming.

At times, the pacing was a bit off. For instance, I wish there had been a bit more exposition at the beginning of the novel. Although Mina being so quickly thrown underwater and into the Spirit World ensnared my attention, I expected a bit more establishment of Mina and her family. The love between all of them was evident nonetheless, but most of it was shown through flashbacks instead of Mina’s current perspective.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is an immersive, surprisingly easy read with passionate, caring main and side characters.

“Don’t chase fate, Mina. Let fate chase you.”

thank you to Feiwel & Friends, Fierce Reads & Colored Pages Tours for the gifted eARC! #partner #coloredpagestours #TheGirlWhoFellBeneaththeSea #TheGirlWhoFellBeneaththeSeaTour

★★★★★

i’ve been anticipating TGWFBTS for a long time, and knowing it was inspired by Korean mythology (The Tale of Shim Cheong) and sprinkled with Spirited Away-like elements just got me more excited 🐉

i was immediately drawn to this story as our MC Mina gets transported to a magical spirit realm. she explores this unfamiliar, vibrant world and gets faced with a string of high-stake challenges. along the way she gets to meet some amazing characters, including her love interest Shin (whom i’ve really grown a soft spot for)

this fantasy is so enchanting and moves at a pretty steady pace, with enough action-packed scenes to keep me on my toes. i loved Mina’s fierceness and the exploration of love, family bonds, and friendship (found family!) all topics which are right up my street

Axie Oh makes her stories too addicting; the way so many chapters end in a suspenseful cliffhanger had me turning the pages non-stop. coupled with her vivid descriptions, i really felt like i was being transported into this wonderful universe myself 🎐

this story leaves you with a delightful impression, so be sure to pick up this gorgeous YA feminist mythology retelling 🌊

➳ find me on instagram for bookish content: @chaptersofeve

Title: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
Author: Axie Oh
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: February 22nd, 2022
Genres: Young Adult, fantasy
Rating-⭐⭐⭐.5/ 5

QOTD- Your favourite fairytale

Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire
villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources.
For the appeasement of the Sea God, the protector of the village every year a young girl is sacrificed in the sea so she would become the sea god's bride and break the curse.
Mina decides to sacrifice herself in place of Shim Cheong, her elder brother's true love.
Is she able to break the curse on Sea God and bring respite for her village?

🌊🌊🌊
Fairytales have immense importance in our growing up years. They mold our character and we look upto our favourite heroines and heros, always in pursuit of equalling them.
And in all these stories sacrifices of the protagonist takes the centre stage.
To save her brother's love interest, brave and selfless Mina offers herself as the Sea god's bride.
But every sacrifice comes with a price.

🌊🌊🌊
Axie Oh's proses are exquisite and lavish. Her world building is so intricate that you are transported to the majestic kingdom under the sea.
The visual imagery is breathtaking.
Over the entire length of the novel, many Korean folktales are included in the conversations between the character. It was so refreshing to read these as this was my first ever novel based in Korea.
All these stories celebrates true love, friendship and family.

🌊🌊🌊
Over the time, humans have exploited natural resources that made path for greater natural disasters. But in between all, they turn to God for mercy. But have you imagined, what if the gods too turn their backs on us?
Mina tries to solve the mystery behind Sea God's apathy and in this dangerous journey finds her true self and her soul mate.
All the characters in the novel have amazing character arc. The big reveal towards the end was really unexpected. So gear up for an adventure!

Recommended if you are a fan of fairytales and folklores.

An heartwarming retelling of the Korean folktale, "The Tale of Shim Cheong."

To appease the Sea God, each year a maiden is chosen as a sacrifice for the village, in return for protection from enemies and natural disasters. When Shim Cheong is chosen as the maiden, Mina decides to take her place so that Shim Cheong can stay and be with her one true love, Joon, who is Mina's brother.

As Mina falls into the sea, she lands in the spirit realm of the Sea God, however, the Sea God is trapped in a deep slumber and this world is nothing like she expected. The guard of the realm, Lord Shin, cuts the Red String of Fate binding Mina to the Sea God, claiming it is the only way to protect the Sea God and keep peace in the realm. In doing this, Mina loses her soul and her voice. Mina must then find a way to wake the Sea God and bring peace to her village and the spirit realm. A fast-paced, engrossing read with engaging characters and vibrant world building. A must read for fans of folktales, retellings, and k-dramas.

Thank you to Axie Oh, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for an advanced eBook in exchange for my honest review.