The Floating World is my first book by Axie Oh, and I will admit I went into this without reading the blurb, and I am so glad I did. The cover and the title intrigued me; how do you have a floating world anytime you have encountered that? It has been for a unique reason, and I am always fascinated to see how it is handled. The Floating World is about two characters: one who is hiding from her past and trying to save her found family; she is also hiding a special power that she accidentally put on display for the whole world and has made herself a target. The other character is on a mission to find his brother but can’t remember anything about his past. The floating world reimagines the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens, which I never heard before. It was such a bonus to learn something new about another culture, but I can’t say if I did a good or bad job about that. It is a two-book series, and I am eager to see what happens in the next book.

The only way I can describe this book is a magical tornado of emotions and adventures. There’s Korean mythology, monsters, magical powers, floating worlds, and amazing characters.

What a ride!

This book definitely had me a little all over the map. There was just something about it that didn't quite click for me. It was very up and down. Like I would go from vibing along to feeling confused and lost. This led to it feeling a little too disjointed for my liking.

Overall, I thought the story had a lot of potential. The promise was there. It just felt at times the book didn't know what direction to follow. This book really isn't a romance either. Yes, there are some romantic themes towards the very end, overall the book was not focused on the romance. I personally like my books with a little more romance. Pacing was also a little hard to follow at times. There were also a lot of questions I had regarding the world and the magic that felt like they should've been addressed in this book that weren't.

This book definitely had it's fun and good moments, but overall, it just wasn't my favorite.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 3.5/5

Having loved Axie Oh’s previous fantasy novel, Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, an enchanting adventure in Korean folklore, I was excited for this follow up which sounded inventive and so fun, but ultimately this story feels like a bit of a mess, though it has promise.

This seems quite clearly inspired by Castle in the Sky (I don’t think this is a secret, nor is it a problem for me), and I love the idea of the world itself, the dark mines below and the floating paradise above. It truly has all the elements I should love, but it’s as if none of them truly get the time they need to develop. The mythology is fun, but again, so briefly mentioned. The found family element is heartwarming, but all too brief. I think 3 main characters was also too many because it’s too hard to feel invested in the amount of space devoted here.

The major twist was also fairly obvious which I don’t necessarily mind, but I think because these characters didn’t get enough of an arc, it was hard for me to care deeply.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy!

The Floating World is an Asian-inspired fantasy with everything I look for in YA fantasy: adventure, romance, and the bonds of chosen family.

“Romantasy” books are hard to get right for me. I want a fantasy book with romance elements, but the balance is hard to get right. I’m happy to report that The Floating World strikes the right balance. The quest plot kept things moving, and I appreciated how the stakes grew as the story progressed. The developing relationship between Ren and Sunho had me rooting for them, even if it started off a bit too insta-lovey for my taste—it definitely grew on me by the end.

That said, it did take me a little while to really get into the book. Early on, I found myself wanting more depth—more immersive world-building and more complexity in the characters. Fortunately, both improved as the story went on, and by the second half, I was fully invested.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I’m intrigued to see where Axie Oh takes the story in the sequel
Overall, The Floating World is a promising start to a fantasy series that fans of quests, romance and found family will likely enjoy.

***Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

The Floating World is a fast-paced fantasy novel that indeed does have a strong Final Fantasy feel. In this novel you follow Ren, a girl running from her past, content to live the quiet life as a troupe performer who is thrust back into that which she was running from after her village was attacked and those she loved was injured. While on her journey she joins up with Sunho, a sword for hire that is searching for her to protect her but doesn't know why or even that it's her when their journey begins.

The writing in this book was captivating and incredibly easy to fall into and lose yourself in. The world was developed but definitely could have used a little more world-building and background, but perhaps that is yet to come. The vibes to Final Fantasy, particularly Final Fantasy VII was uncanny and nostalgic to say the least. It read very easy, and the pacing was steady and definitely did not have any sluggish or slow parts. The action kept going but never felt rushed.

The character development was good but seemed to remain very surface level with only a glimpse into the true depth of the individual. Again, that might be yet to come, and I am excited to see how the next book further carries these characters. I loved how the romantic connection between Sunho and Ren was natural and not instant. Their relationship grew together through their trials and tribulations and the attributes that they saw in one another.

I very much enjoyed this book. I would not place this in adult fantasy, but perhaps in YA as the writing felt simpler and directed more towards that. It by no means hindered my enjoyment of this novel and I am very excited that the next one comes out later this year.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author and publisher for this early copy for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was so adventurous and the fantasy worldbuilding felt so lush and surreal. Absolutely loved every bit of this book and am so excited to recommend it to friends! I've been a huge fan of Axie Oh's books since "The Girl Who Fell Into the Sea" and I loved the play on Korean mythology and Final Fantasy-esque aesthetics in this book, combining two of my favorite things. Can't wait for the sequel to this one!

The Floating World fits well within the YA fantasy genre, potentially a little too well for my personal tastes. While Axie Oh has demonstrated their ability to create fantastic worlds and tales with The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, this novel feels a little flat in comparison. I didn't feel that same lush atmospheric writing and the characters felt like others we've experienced plenty of times already.
While there is nothing adherently wrong with Floating World, it also didn't do enough for me to call it a unique stand out.

✨ A Dazzling Blend of Romance, Magic, and High-Stakes Adventure ✨

The Floating World went far beyond my expectations. It was such a riveting and compelling read that I kept kicking myself for not devouring it sooner. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you've finished it, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

The story follows Ren, a performer in a traveling troupe, who unexpectedly crosses paths with Sunho, a for-hire assassin and thief. These two completely opposite individuals find themselves traveling together toward the same destination, though their goals are far from aligned. As their journey unfolds, they slowly grow emotionally connected in ways they never expected.

I was instantly attached to Ren, her desire to protect the ones she loves, her struggle to control her hidden powers, and her loyalty to those who helped her when she was lost. And then there’s Sunho, who’s lost his memory but is desperately searching for someone he remembers as important in his life. With his swordsmanship, mysterious abilities, and quiet intensity, Sunho absolutely stole my heart. I just cannot rave about him enough. The chemistry between Ren and Sunho is off the charts, and I loved every minute of it.

Reading this felt like watching The Hunger Games meets a K-drama meets anime. It was a perfect blend of romantasy, dystopia, and action. I loved the setting, where society is divided by wealth and royalty. Axie Oh is an incredible writer who made the world and emotions so vivid I could feel everything alongside the characters. This was my first Axie Oh book, and it absolutely won’t be my last.

The Floating World is a unique mix of dystopia, royalty, celestial maidens, demons, and angels, wrapped in explosive twists that had my jaw on the floor, high-stakes action, and heart-stopping romance. It made me cry, squeal, and reread certain parts just to feel them again because it was just really, really good. If you love romantasy, dystopian worlds, and stories that make you cry and squeal with excitement, I highly recommend this book.

A huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for giving me the opportunity to experience this beautifully written, powerful story of Ren and Sunho.

✨WHAT I LIKED:
📌 Ren's protectiveness toward the people she loves
📌 Ren's soft heart as she still tries to save others despite her trauma and struggles
📌 The mysterious identities of Junho and Sunho
📌 Celestial maidens and demons?! OMG, I loved this!
📌 Sunho's character development as he spends more time with Ren
📌 Ren and Sunho's overflowing chemistry
📌 Jaeil's secret admiration for Ren, even after all these years


✨TROPES:
📌 Enemies to Lovers
📌 Slow – Burn Romance
📌 Forced Proximity
📌 Opposites Attract
📌 Amnesia
📌 Magical World
📌 Found Family
📌 Hidden Identity
📌 Repressed Powers
📌 No Spice

Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone🙂‍↕️

A mysterious orphaned girl who can conjure the light, a sword-for-hire boy with a demon inside him, a corrupt government, an illegal occupation and never-ending war to annex nearby cities... What else do we need?! (Maybe "there's just one blanket..." type of situation *wink*)

The story follows Ren, who is traveling with her adoptive family as troupe performers, when suddenly, a human-shaped demon attacks the village when they're performing. In a moment of fear and rage, she calls upon the light inside her to kill the demon. But her uncle is severely injured, and nothing can save him—not even her power. Therefore, she has to travel to find the cure. And that's when she crosses path with Sunho, a sword-for-hire boy who is sent to capture her...

Beautiful story telling, as expected from Axie Oh. Wondrous world, reminds me so much of Avatar: The Last Air Bender world; a beautiful, heavenly floating world with its corrupt government and a tyrant General, a dark, never-see-the-sun under world where the dangerous mithril factories are operated, bounty hunters and mercenaries racing to capture the girl with the silver light power...

The proses are quite simple and straightforward. Sometimes it's dull esp. in the beginning.

The characterization is okay, although some characters are lacking depth. Ren is a very stubborn girl, the type who gets shits done, but sometimes she's just insufferable. Sunho—a boy who lost his memories of two years ago, doesn't want to get too attached to people, yet too easy to trust Ren. Jaeil–our Prince Zuko, son of the Tyrant General, the one who hires Sunho to capture Ren for him, with a very clear instruction; to bring her back *alive*. I must say I get the 2nd ML syndrome from this book (please give Jaeil more scenes on the next book please). Also, Yurhee and Tag, this duo sure need their own show🙂‍↕️

The pacing is a little bit too slow in the beginning, too many info dumping and lack of maps (it takes a while for me to imagine each locations due to my poor spatial ability). I really hope the published version will have a map in it (like, pretty please???). And some scenes are difficult to imagine, probably due to its unclear description (or it could be just me problem, did I pay attention?!). Also, I think we need longer fighting scenes. They're too brief and abrupt, less action in my opinion, but well, it's YA so I guess it's fine??

The romance gets me giggling and kicking feet because it's cute?! Although I'd prefer it to be more slow burn. I guess I don't read many romantasy because it tends to make me cringe, but Axie Oh writing style makes me adore this couple!

I'm looking forward to what will happen to everyone, especially after the torturing cliff-hanger ending.

I ADORED this. It had basically everything I love all wrapped up into a whimsical YA book: a folklore inspired silkpunk fantasy; political intrigue; a sad boy that was made into a weapon; found family; and a slow burn romance to top it off. I couldn’t get enough of Ren and Sunho and that ending? Axie, you are cruel for that. 🥲

The book follows three POVs: Ren, a troupe performer with a past she’d rather leave buried; Sunho, a sword-for-hire who desperately wants to find his brother; and Jaeil, a mysterious captain who provides the reader with the world’s political background. I loved Ren and Sunho’s POVs and how they are inexplicably drawn to one another despite the odds. They’re dynamic characters because while they have wonderfully good qualities in them, they put their goals and dreams above that of say “morally good choices.” Jaeil was an interesting third POV who provide the reader with much needed clarity as to what is happening in the world, but I’m really interested to see how his character will interact with the other two in the upcoming sequel. 🗡️

The story inspired and reimagines the Korean folktale of The Woodcutter and the Celestial Maiden, and Oh does a great job weaving the tale throughout Ren and Sunho’s adventures while Jaeil provides context as to why the Celestial Maidens are important to the world. I’m very excited to see where the story goes in The Demon and the Light. ✨

All in all, this rose quickly into my all time favorites list. An IMMENSE thank you goes out to Feiwel & Friends and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review (can I pretty please get an eARC of the sequel? 👉🏼👈🏼) and to the author, Oh, for writing such a wonderfully whimsy silkpunk reimagining of this Korean folktale. I’m already thinking of tattoo ideas. 😂

Publication day: April 29, so go preorder it!!

Overall: 5/5 ⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars

This story took the reader on a breathtaking journey. From traveling through tunnels beneath mountains to sprawling forests amongst lush mountain ranges to densely populated underbelly cityscapes to ethereal islands & temples - the author does a wonderful job of transporting us across the land by train, boat and even aircraft.

The dark, demonic components of this story created intriguing conflict to the plot, and kept me cheering on the MCs as they tried to unravel mysteries & go through individual self-discovery.

The magic/supernatural powers we got to get glimpses of were STUNNING! I cannot wait to see more of these elements explored in book 2.

And y'all... this romance had me giggling and blushing. Young love! Side-glances! It was so sweet & innocent... and after that ending I need to know what happens to Ren & Sunho!? See my favorite quote below:

“If I had wings, would you steal them?” “If you had wings,” he said, with all the sincerity he possessed, “I’d want to see you fly.”

The only reason I didn't rate this higher was the fact that the ending felt a tad rushed. After so much build-up, I was surprised by how much happened in such a short span of time. I think it could have been fleshed out further & more pages would have helped emphasize impact at the end!

Ill be honest that I forgot to write a review right after reading this so this wont be real in depth. What has stuck with me was that it was a good story and the characters were enjoyable. For the moment I was reading it at least. Now that its been a bit thats really all I remember - liking the story and being interested in any continuation just for the sake of it. So I will definitely need to give this a reread because it is worth that.

I loved Axie Oh’s writing in The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, so I was super excited for another YA romance from her. I liked the Final Fantasy 7 mixed with The Celestial Maidens folklore, as it provides a potentially unique premise with interesting mythology and characters. Unfortunately, I found the Final Fantasy 7 “inspiration” more close to a copy and paste. Oh could’ve built a similar world with characters as references to the original work, but it mostly felt like I was playing through the game again. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely ADORE Final Fantasy in almost any format, but I went into this expecting an original story, and it felt like a gutted version of a journey and characters I love. Essentially, it was almost the exact same story as FF7, but anything that made it special was ripped away. There wasn’t enough of the folklore aspect to make up for it either. I rated this three stars because I did mostly enjoy the romance and the ending. I probably won’t pick up the sequel. If you’re someone who doesn’t have a deep connection to the original game or already know the FF7 story, you’d probably love this! Basically, if you’ve a fantasy lover who’s never played Final Fantasy 7 (remake or original), this book is right up your alley.

Thanks to Feiwel & Friends, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!

The world building in this book is very creative, and everything Axie Oh writes is truly truly truly magic.

I so enjoyed following along with our main characters as they uncovered the mysteries shouding their past, and they were both very likeable. The intrigue definitely kept me hooked throughout the book.

I do feel that the romance and development between characters was a little rushed, and wish the pace slowed down just a teeny bit to understand them better.

I definitely think this book leans more towards the younger side of YA, and I would defiinitely recommend this book to anyone who is OK with that.

The Floating World was a refreshing and enjoyable fantasy romance told from three different perspectives. I particularly adored Ren and Sunho’s perspectives and their budding romance. Ren has a drive and confidence that really helps her shine on the page. Her ability to put her acrobatic skills and performance charisma to good use felt unique for a heroine. Sunho played off Ren’s personality really well and I appreciated that he wasn’t simply the broody hero. Their interactions and support for each other were my favorite part of the book. And although the ending felt predictable, I’m interested to see where the story will go in the sequel.
However, Jaeil’s perspective and the politics were two areas that felt lacking for me. Jaeil’s perspective would’ve been the perfect place to build up more of the political world-building that I felt was lacking. I’m hoping to see both more developed in the next book.
Overall, The Floating World was a sweet and quick read and would be a great starting point for younger readers looking to get into Asian fantasy reimaginings. I look forward to reading the sequel later this year.

I loved the girl who fell beneath the sea and was exacted to get to this one.
And really, it doesn't disappoint.

The writing, the characters and more particularly the world building were incredible. It's literally magical, vivid and never falls into a bunch of info dumps.
The characters were endearing, the romance both slow burn yet fast, natural and a little awkward, from strangers to allies to friends to lovers and definitely worth rooting for. Ren was a breath of fresh air and Sunho absolutely precious.

It would have been perfect but i found the pacing a little too slow and the emotional connection weak; it felt younger YA than I expected and didn't hold my interest enough to read it in one sitting -which is rather unlike me.

It might not have been the perfect read but I'm looking forward book two and the conclusion and what i wouldn't do to get a manhwa version of it!

Don’t miss this super fun romantic fantasy starring a feisty female acrobat with secret powers and a tortured male with a mysterious past. The magic is unique and the story is a page-turner, with excellent characters and details based on Korean legend. Readers will fly through this and wait anxiously for the next installment.

I have been waiting for so long to get my hands on a copy of The Floating World and I was so excited when NetGally gave me that opportunity.
First off… the cover art for this book is absolutely beautiful! Without even knowing anything about this book the cover alone would convince me to read it.
Axie Oh has such a magical way of writing. Her world building is so vivid and immersive that I was honestly taken back to watching my husband play Final Fantasy while reading this book. Just like with The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, I found myself completely enchanted by her writing. The way she brings her world and characters to life is something special. Her storytelling feels like stepping into a beautifully animated dream and I loved every moment of it. I can’t wait to see where Ren and Sunho’s story takes us in book two.

The Floating World is the beginning of a duology by Axie Oh. This fantasy reimagining of the Korean tale of the Celestial Maiden is a fast paced mystery romance. You slowly learn the story through the perspectives of three characters, Ren, Sundho, and Jaeil. I felt that the characters were well written, did things that made sense according to their values and beliefs, and made you care about them. Jaeil was the least fleshed out “main” character but perhaps his time to shine is coming in the sequel.

Overall, a good read for young adults and adults!