"[M]uch of storytelling is embedded in the land and its people, a consciousness that we all believe in and share." Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea drew me in with its beautiful cover, and the promise of a fantastical underwater spirit realm. The novel retells the Korean folktale of the Sea God and Shim Cheong, a tale I had zero familiarity with prior, through a feminist lense. Author @axieoh paints a magnificent picture with her illustrious writing, part of me wished I could visit this underwater realm. I imagined much of the story in the styling of a Studio Ghibli film, the Spirited Away vibes were so strong in this novel! The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea comes out 2/22/22, and for lovers of YA fantasy and myth retellings this is a must read!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

I’m all for the growing trend of YA fantasy debuts that take a hard turn from the Ye Olden Fantasy worlds that dominated the market for so long. The upcoming release The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea takes Korean mythology and drops its main character Mina into the Spirit Realm in a journey to save her people from the Sea God’s wrath. It’s a retelling that is immediately familiar, if not in the world building itself, at least in the way it takes a selfless main character who surrenders her own life to become the Sea God’s bride and gives her a second chance at a happy ending. There’s romance, and beautiful fantasy landscape, and an unshakeable sense that this story has been told before.

Adaptations or re-tellings always toe the tricky line of being too close to their source material to tell a unique, compelling story or too far in that it seems like a marketing trick to corner an eager audience. This book most definitely leans into the first here, with each character beat and decision feeling entirely expected. I think this is something some readers could love - even take comfort in this sense of an impending happy ending that won’t deviate from what was expected from page one. Without getting into spoiler territory, I made an immediate assumption about a character as soon as he was introduced that ended up being the final, big reveal. And while I still enjoyed the journey getting to this point well enough, it made everything working to get there a bit anticlimactic.

And while the writing and plotting here was technically sound, I also never felt like I got enough growth from the main characters in the story to get attached to them. Or even enough time with the loved ones Mina left behind to really get invested in her return to the human world. There’s something to be said about a book that drops you directly into the action, and The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea does that exactly. But when we don’t even get to see her interact with the brother or future sister-in-law before she literally throws herself into the sea to save them, it’s hard to really appreciate the full sense of what she’s losing by doing so.

However, I will say that I truly loved the reveal of the true identity of Mina’s travelling companions Mask and her gang of spirits. This was a moment that did briefly take me by surprise. Besides being a thoughtful way to tie together some of the disconnect I felt with Mina and the human world, it also added to the sense of displaced time that I love to see in an Underworld or Spirit World environment. And I absolutely loved the landscape of this world itself and all of the touches of Korean culture the author imbued in it.

Overall, the predictability of the narrative did hinder my enjoyment of this novel somewhat, but I would absolutely still recommend it for a generation of YA readers that want to read about a world that is distinctive in the genre. I don’t think either the romance or characters are where this novel shines the most, but it’s instead the sense of fairytale otherworldliness the author brought to the landscape that I feel will really capture readers in the end.

Thank you to the publisher Feiwel and Friends for providing an e-ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

I really enjoyed another of Axie Oh's books, XOXO, so I was excited to learn about The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. This book fits among my favorite kind of fantasy stories: a mythology retelling presented on an epic scale. The story wastes no time launching into the plot, which is compulsively page-turning, and Oh balances this captivating story with vibrant world-building and rich characterizations. I reveled in the tenderness of the love that undergirds Mina's journey to wake the Sea God and restore peace to her home. The story offers moving considerations of fate versus choice, courage and sacrifice, storytelling as truth-seeking, and the power of hope. Gorgeous and compelling.

Mina, a girl who loves her home and her family more than anything, has jumped into the sea to sacrifice herself to the Sea God after decades of seasonal storms ravaging the human world. 97 girls have gone before her, but none seem to have appeased the god, so she pledges herself to the waves. She is swept beneath the waves to the Spirit World, where she finds the Sea God has been cursed to an enchanted sleep. Now, Mina must find a way to break the curse and save her world, with a little bit of help from some spirits, demons, and gods along her way. The catch? Mina only has 30 days in the Spirit World before she becomes one herself.

This was such an enchanting story, while also being extremely compelling. I thought the pacing was very well-done; I was invested and eager to keep reading to find out what happened next. The final third of the book was a little quick (two years passed in about twenty pages, which was disorienting), but I was satisfied with the closure. I did feel like there were a lot of unnecessary plotlines, but overall it didn't impede my process at all.

The characters were a delight, especially the side characters. Namgi was my personal favorite because I love some good light-hearted comedic relief. I am also a sucker for the "I want to be better than my fate dictates me to be" trope. But Shin, Kirin, and Dai were also wonderful. Mina herself is the perfect compassionate heroine, while also not being insufferably fragile.

Overall, this story was a light, albeit a bit predictable (I say this as someone unfamiliar with the original story) read. It was not my usual preferred read, but I found it to be a pleasant break from that.

I'm completely blown away.

For anyone who likes Miyazaki movies, this is mandatory.

The world, the characters, and the way and pace we moved through the story felt exactly like a Miyazaki movie. So much so that for the first time ever I pictured an animated world in my head while reading this. It was so magical.

In The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea we're following Ming, who gives herself as sacrifice to the Sea God in place of her brother's betrothed. She enters the underwater spirit world of the gods and has to work to break the Sea God's curse that has plagued her home for years.

I read this SO SLOW because I didn't want it to finish, but this is by no means a slow book. There is ALWAYS something happening, and we are dashing from one scene to the next. And like Miyazaki movies, I wanted to jump right back in and experience this world again the second I finished.

This is top tier fantasy storytelling, and it is not to be missed.

" The wonders of the 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 is one of the first Korean folk tale retellings I've ever read, and I found it interesting, but not always the most easy to follow. It was so action packed that at times I struggled to keep up with the characters and events; there was a dreamlike quality to so many scenes that I was often questioning whether something was really happening, or was it an actual dream. A plethora of characters and world-building are thrown at the reader early on, without much time to absorb.

Things that I did enjoy:
- Mina is such a great character to root for and support.
- the writing was gorgeous. Everything was easy to picture and lush, and the pages just flew by
- Shin's companions Namgi and Kirin were excellent complements to him
- while the plot twists and reveals did not surprise me, they were pleasing to the reader
- Mask, Dai, and Miki are fabulous side characters

Other compelling quotations:

"The memories of spirits in gods might be hazy, but not the memories of books. Stories are eternal."

"Sometimes, only through a story can a truth be heard."

"Nothing extraordinary is ever done out of reason or logic, but because it's the only way for your soul to breathe."

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

First, I want to take a minute to appreciate that absolutely beautiful cover! Wow, she is absolutely stunning!

As for the story, it's simply wonderful. The writing is beautiful and flows so wonderfully. Reading it felt like I was being carried through a magical dream with everything happening right in front of me. It was so easy to get lost in. The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea is the type of story that I had to savor because I didn't want it to end. I could have stayed in that world forever.

This is my first experience with Axie Oh and I can't wait to dive into another one of her worlds.

I’m sure everyone has a few books where they just wish they could live in themselves, and “The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea” was definitely one of them for me. I’m a big fan of retellings, and this was no exception. Oh’s world building is so gradual and immersive, and I never once felt that the plot was really too slow moving. And at the same time, I still felt that I was given enough time to sink into the magic, and absorb it along with the story. When I tell someone I’m looking for an escape, this is what I mean. Honestly, it could have been a studio Ghibli movie(i just found out it was partially inspired by spirited away so that makes sense lol)! There were lots of characters introduced, all of which were dynamic and lovable, and even if I felt some of the bigger twists were a bit predictable, I felt like it didn’t take anything away from the story. I adore books that really pull me into the mystery/adventure, and the fairytale romance was a perfect cherry on top! I completely reccommend this book to others looking for a needed escape into an absolutely magical world!

Everyone is right to say that Axie Oh's The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli movie. We are transported into an underwater realm imagery straight out of the vision of Miyazaki with vibrant market places to factioned houses to spirits who are more than meets the eye. Woven with a retelling of Shim Cheong, Oh crafted a beautiful story of bravery and whimsy.

Imagery and folklore is where Oh excelled with The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. Pacing fluctuates throughout the book with a rushed exposition that juxatposed the slower middle and end of the story. I do wish we were shown more of Mina's character motivations (rather than told) before getting into the bulk of the story to better understand her actions. I also feel like the romance is underdeveloped -- especially with its fairytale-esque ending which felt unfitting with how how the love interests interacted -- and is better suited as a friendship. Regardless of my two major qualms, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea put me in the same mood I am always in when watching Studio Ghibli movies -- wonder-filled and just down-to-earth wholesome.

This was a beautiful story that I absolutely loved! The plot was well written and all as the characters were so well developed. The theme of deciding your own fate was approached in a way that would appeal to both teens and adults. This is a book that I can’t wait to start recommending!

*Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Feiwel & Friends for providing me with this Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!*

Sum It Up:
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh follows the epic mythical adventure of Mina as she navigates the spiritual realm in hopes of saving her people from the deadly storms of the Sea God. As the legend goes, the deadly storms can only be quelled when the Sea God finds his “true bride,” but will Mina be the savior of her homeland?

This story effortlessly immerses the reader in a charming, whimsical, and mystical world reminiscent of Miyazaki movies like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Ponyo. Oh shows their expert writing abilities with seamless transitions between action, drama, humor and introspection. It’s clear they are a master of their craft, creating dynamic exchanges and memorable scenes that are a joy to experience. I rated this read five stars!

Why It Stands Out:
I started The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan at the same time. Both are myth and folklore retellings, but Axie Oh’s clever writing, beautiful world building and endearing characters hooked me right away! I read the first 50% in one sitting, finding it impossible to step away from the immersive world of whimsical spirits, mythical adventures and the perseverance of love.

This story explored so many themes and symbols that brought a richness and depth that inspired me time after time. Mina is our fearless guide through the spirit world and leads us to ask the questions “What is love?” and “What can it be?” With a beautiful homage to the power of storytelling, song, family, and tradition, this story touches both hearts and minds in powerful ways that transcend generations.


My Favorite Quotes:
I highlighted so many quotes for this book that it’s quite hard to choose, but I’ve narrowed it down to a few of my favorites here!

“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.”
“In this moment, I don’t feel beautiful. Nor do I feel very brave, my hands trembling. But there’s a warmth in my chest that nothing and no one can take from me. This is the strength I call upon now, because even if I am afraid, I know I’ve chosen this. I am the maker of my own destiny.”

“Something about him makes me feel braver, like I can be the person he believes me to be.”

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

Who Should Read This:
Fans of Spirited Away (or any Miyazaki film), folks who love fantasy, folklore and myth, graphic novel lovers, tea drinkers, people who enjoyed The Handmaiden and Memoirs of a Geisha, people who believe in the power of whimsy, weebs and uwuu cuties

To save her brother's beloved, a girl offers herself as a sacrifice to the Sea God only to discover herself at the heart of political upheaval in the world of spirits under the sea.

This feminist reimagining of Korean folklore is immersive with soaring emotions and a swoon-worthy romance. The world had its hooks in me from the earliest pages, and the story was captivating. One of the highlights for me was Mina's wrestling with her faith as the gods disappoint her and her ultimate realization that she can forge her own fate. I highly recommend this novel to fans of YA fantasy and fairytale retellings!

This book is not what I generally read, but I majored in Korean Culture in college and Shimcheongga is my favorite pansori so when I heard about this book, based on Shim Cheong's folklore I knew I had to read it! The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea was absolutely beautiful story! I absolutely loved the more feminist take and making this story about deciding your own fate. I honestly wish the book was longer because there were so many interesting side characters that I came to care about so much! If you love Studio Ghibli and Spirited Away, you're going to enjoy this book. I'll definitely be buying myself a copy and probably getting one as a gift to my old Korean Women's Studies professor as a gift!

Thank you to Netgalley, Axie Oh, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group (Feiwel & Friends) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh is beautiful inside and out. This is a farmable cover! Absolutely, gorgeous. The story is also phenomenal. Gorgeous writing, enthralling story, engaging characters. I loved everything about this!

The girl who fell beneath the sea was one of my anticipated releases of 2022 and did not disappoint. Everything in this book is described beautifully. It is full of Korean mythology. The spirit realm is magical and easy to get lost in. We start off pretty fast-paced. Her brother's lover is chosen to be the sea god's bride that year and instead of letting that happen the main character sacrifices herself instead. I was confused by the presence of a few characters but one of the plot twists explained why and had me crying. I like the romance for the most part although I was really scared of a love triangle happening. One of my favorite characters was the goddess of moon and memories, she was so conflicting. This book reminded me a lot of the dark tide or six crimson cranes.

This was a wonderful story! The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a story about love - love for family, gods, and friends - and what you do to save and protect the ones you love. It's a story about fate, whether chosen for us or the ones we choose for ourselves. I wish the book had been longer to spend more time with each of these characters and to spend more time in each wonderful location! Also, difficult as it is to believe, the "teen love triangle" wasn't overbearing or even annoying to read! I really did read it imagining it like a Hayao Miyazaki movie! I know culturally and stylistically there are a lot of differences between Korea and Japan, but even so Axie Oh's story had the same feel of beauty, wonder, bravery, and adventure I look for in Studio Ghibli heroines.

Language: Mild
Violence: Mild
Drugs: None
Sex: None

This book had me so emotionally attached I found my self wanting to flip it over and reread, ignoring all my life’s responsibilities. The Spirited Away inspiration comes through in such a whimsical and reminiscent way that it made me all mushy and weepy. The world building wasn’t overwhelming despite the abundance of characters. The mystery was intriguing and hooked me the second it was introduced. And most of all I loved the romance and the friendship, two potent forms of love that are given equal amounts of care throughout!

I AM so happy I received an ARC because the book is just stunning - from worldbuilding and characters to the conflicts and climaxes of the book.
It is a beautiful story about making your destiny/fate yours, spirits and magic, love, and other themes that are so universal.
I could gush on and on but worried I'll give things away. Honestly, I felt that it was a fantastic retelling of the classic Korean folktale,"The Tale of Shim Cheong' - one of my favorites! The cover is also stunning!

One thing is I kind of felt that the budding romance was a bit more of a friendship than a love story. But, that's just my opinion. The lore was wonderful, but I wish we had more (but as a folklore nerd I can never get enough, so don't listen to me).

Thank you so much Netgalley, Axie Oh, and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group (Feiwel & Friends) for the ebook for an honest review!


I just reviewed The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh. #NetGalley

I loved this book. I loved Axie's XOXO, which made THE GIRL WHO FELL BENEATH THE SEA one of my most anticipated reads and it didn't disappoint. 5/5 stars

This was an enjoyable story with endearing side characters, and beautiful setting and world in general, and a gripping storyline. The world building is where the book shined for me, as every description of the spirit realm was utterly gorgeous, and everything felt so vivid and well thought out. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and the pacing of every chapter, for the most part, felt very natural. Where I had issues with the pacing was with the conflicts and climaxes in the story, as they would always come out of nowhere for shock factor, would always be over far too quickly and would overall feel very repetitive. In the end, the conclusion twists were not the MOST shocking things, but they didn't need to be, seeing as they made sense with the story. What disappointed me most with this book, though, was the romance. It lacked any chemistry at all, felt like it came out of nowhere, and was the most unnecessary thing ever, in my opinion. The story could have benefited so much more with a platonic or familial relationship for that sublopt, and the story would have been one of my favorites if that romance had not existed, as it didn't just feel unnecessary, but made both the main character and the love interest very two-dimensional characters. In the end, though, still a very solid read that I would recommend.