Stunning. That's the first word that came to my mind after I finished reading the Floating World. Axie Oh really has a way with words through her descriptions. Everything from the worldbuilding to the characters felt so delicately and intentionally crafted. Genuinely so beautifully done - it was such a magnificent read with a perfectly woven together blend of fantasy, intrigue, and mystery. I truly could not put this book down. I'm generally not the biggest fan of multiple point of views, but each character's narrative was so interesting and unique and also critical to the plot. The characters all felt very well-rounded and distinct and so hard not to like. The reveal of backstories and information was wonderfully done and had me flying through the pages trying to piece everything together too. Easily one of the best books I've read in 2025 so far.

I’ve read and loved this authors work before so I was very excited to get into this story! This book so was fast paced and kept my attention throughout. I found myself flying through the pages, desperately wanting to know what would happen.

The next fast-paced addictive fantasy that’ll for sure take BookTok by storm!

While this is my first Axie Oh novel, I’ve always heard that her writing is always, in some way, enchanting, and now I can say that ultimately rings true. The Floating World and the Under World dynamic along with Demon and light sorcerer is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, or more so, the forbidden romance trope for those who are fans of it. The settings also reminded me of Arcane which made me so interested in exploring further . . . So much so that I wished Axie Oh expanded upon it.

The worldbuilding feels so vast and exciting, and the detailed descriptions are gorgeously written—I only wish we had gotten a lot more backstory about these locations and history of The Floating World/Under World to elevate the story into an epic scale.

For readers who enjoy light, young protagonists, The Floating World is right up their alley. The two main heroes (and the third being an anti-hero) have a fun relationship with some flirtatious elements, but nothing ever too serious. The ages of these characters were a bit on the younger side than typical of stories I normally read, so personally I had trouble connecting to them the way I would with more mature characters. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed reading about them and loved that Axie Oh made their self-conflicts that drove their motives, thought-process, and actions very clear.

I enjoyed almost everything else, never felt tired, and never felt bored either while reading The Floating World. Honestly, I craved more. This feels like Arcane and Final Fantasy meets K-Drama and Romantasy. So, if even one of these things is something you want more of in a book, The Floating World is the next read for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy). This review is based off of an uncorrected proof.

This book was highly anticipated for me and it did not disappoint!! Axie Oh wrote such a lush, unique world in The Floating World. I was immediate enthralled with the characters, the setting, and the lore of the story. We follow three POV’s throughout the book but focus mainly on Ren and Sunho. Ren is a travelling performer, but must unexpectedly venture away from her troupe in search of a cure for her uncle- who is injured in a sudden attack. As the story unfold we learn lots about both Ren and Sunho’s past, and how their presents intertwine!
I could not put this beautifully fantasy book down, and now I anxiously await book two!! You will be pulled in immediately, and will not regret picking this one up one bit!!

Ren, a troup performer, just wants to live a peaceful life with her adopted family. Sunho will do anything to buy his brother's freedom from the army, even if he can't exactly remember where his brother is....or anything else from his past. When Ren comes face to face with a demon, she accidentally uses the magic she's tried so long to hide, only to draw the attention of the rest of the underworld. Many forces in the underworld want Ren, and Sunho is hired along with many mercenaries to be the first to find her..though not all are hired to keep her alive. Ren and Sunho's paths collide in the "Floating World", a new series by Axie Oh.

This was a really interesting start to a new series! I loved Axie Oh's "Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" and knew I had to try out this new series. I really liked both Rena and Sunho as characters, as well as the friends they made along the way. The story was fast paced and very engaging, and it had me on the edge of my seat being like "what's going to happen next!". I also loved how pure Ren and Sunho's relationship was and how it developed slowly throughout the novel. There's a lot going on in this book, but if you like magic, sweet, slowburn romance, action, and adventure, you'll love this new series! I absolutely cannot wait for the next book, and will be reading it as soon as it's published.

The only thing that led me to rate this 4/5 stars is that I'm very confused by the different political parties. I'm not sure who's fighting who. Hopefully that gets cleared up for me in book 2.

This would be the perfect series for teens and up! It's very wholesome and the romance was super cute, exactly what I would have loved to read as a teen.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

As soon as I saw this book described as a cross between Final Fantasy and Shadow and Bone, I knew I needed to read it asap! But man, was that a mistake because I have to wait how long for the second book?

This book was action packed with never a dull moment. I find the world to be quite immersive without the author overexplaining. Though I did have a bit of a hard time picturing how some parts of the world connected. Though, I assume the final book will include a map as most fantasy books do.

I am leaving myself a note to check out the second book when it releases because I need to see more of Jaeil!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for review!

Axie Oh does it again by crafting this masterpiece with ‘The Floating World’, a breathtaking blend of romance, mythology, and adventure.

We meet Sunho and Ren’s, bother incredibly determined and driven characters who go on a journey unfolding a richly imaged world where fate, memory, and hidden power collide.

The novel’s lyrical prose and cinematic action scenes make it impossible to not want to turn the page. And although this book is far from being a romantasy, it still has a slow-burn romance as subplot that adds depth to this already compelling tale.

This book is truly one in the making that everyone is going to absolutely love!

Final Fantasy meets Korean mythology. Ren and Sunho are literally my new faves; their story is full of action, romance, and mystery. I loved how Oh weaves together mythology and fantasy, but sometimes the pacing felt a bit rushed. Still, I’m hooked and can’t wait for the next book! If you love fantasy and adventure, this is a must-read!

I quite like this one!

The world building is unique with the floating world and under world like i can imagine the vibes from asian fantasy dramas also the ghiblis movie

Starting off strong with 2 main character with different motivation. Ren is looking for a cure and Sunho looking for his brother that makes them cross paths.

It's very quick pace and straightforward which i think lead the two MC kinda rush romance but it ruin much of the plot to me

There's also politics in The Floating World with reveals of characters deaths which i like

But the cliffhanger ending sure made me wanting to know more!

dnf’ing this one at the moment- it was marketed as a shadow and bone type of book but i may just not be in the mood for a ya currently…i would think about giving it another shot at another time and for now would still recommend to those who liked fantasy’s from the 2010s!!!

Thank you to Axie Oh, Feiwel and Friends Publishing, and NetGalley for the e-book ARC!

Age rating: 12+

Ren is a girl who wants to forget her past. Sunho is a boy who has forgotten his, and wants nothing more than to remember. One is a troupe performer; the other is a sword-for-hire. Both end up embarking on perilous journeys that lead them to each other, where they must decide what is really important to them, and what they are willing to leave behind.
This book was practically dripping with potential. The world was intriguing, the cover art was gorgeous, and the synopsis was memorable.
Unfortunately, it ended up being (as the kids say these days) “mid”. There were few remarkable characters, minimal amounts of world-building that left me with unanswered questions even after I finished, and not nearly enough meaningful interactions between any of our cast. Was it a bad book? No, it wasn’t. The writing was fairly steady, the story flowed naturally—I just couldn’t find it in me to care a whole lot about what happened to either Sunho or Ren. I don’t regret reading it, but I also wouldn’t re-read it.
However, I sincerely hope whoever else gets their hands on this book loves it, and I wish it the best.
Happy reading!

gorgeously written fantasy work with some awesome feels and vibes and characters. i would definitely recommend it! 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Okay this was so good!! I was a big fan of Axie Oh’s writing in “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea” so this book was a must read for me and it definitely did not disappoint.

This story was a reimagining of the celestial maidens tale from Korean folklore and as a huge lover of myths/folktales, this was amazing! Immediately, I was drawn to the main character, Ren, who is a traveling acrobat performer with her family. And Sunho, who is an ex soldier with no recollection of his memories.

The two cross paths on separate journeys in the floating world and decide to travel together with similar goals. However, Ren has been keeping a secret, and if Sunho knew, it would change everything for his journey.

I really enjoyed this story and following the two of them as they search for a cure for Ren’s uncle and to find Sunho’s brother. Their chemistry felt so easy and right, I just loved everything about them together. The side characters, Yurhee and Tag, were also interesting and I look forward to reading more about them in the next book of this series.

I mean seriously I will need the next book asap after that ending! So yes beware of a cliffhanger and be ready for the chaos haha!

I would 100% recommend this book if you are a fan of Korean folklore, final fantasy, shadow and bone, action, romance, and adventure!! ✨

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the eARC copy! 💖

When I saw this was Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone- scratch that. As soon as I saw this cover alone, it had me hooked. This was such a fun book! Sunho is an ex soldier turned mercenary living in the underworld. He has a dark secret, mysterious amnesia, and all he wants is to find his older brother. Enter Ren, our cheerful acrobat living in the country with her adoptive family... and secret powers. A demon attacks, her power explodes, and then suddenly there are a hundred assassins and mercenaries sent after her... SUNHO INCLUDED!🤭 This set up just made me want to scream with giddiness. There's a lot of mystery mixed in which I loved as well, from murders to Sunho's past and the whole underworld and mithril mine setting, but one of my favorite things about the book that I didn't necessarily expect was the side characters. I mean, Jaeil?! I love him. He's so complex, I honestly needed more of his chapters too. The only things letting this book down for me is that the romance isn't enemies-to-lovers and I so wish it was with a set up like that! Then again that's probably a me thing, lol. The main thing though was that the story was too fast paced for me to fully immerse in it. I'd have loved for things to slow down a little, to harp on the tension and drama more. I saw so much potential in the story itself though, so fingers crossed this is improved on in finished copies!

5 stars!!! ☆
⤿ spoiler-free review
thank you to net galley for this GROGEOUS arc!!

ೃ⁀➷“If I had wings, would you steal them?”
“If you had wings, I'd want to see you fly.”

★│ The Woodcutter and the Celestial Maiden (aka the plot)│

╰┈➤ "Perhaps that is the truth that can be gleaned from this story, like the woodcutter who stole the wings of the maiden: The general stole her world."

Sunho and Ren live in two different sides of the same coin. Sunho is a swordsman for hire, taking random jobs - usually involving some semblance of criminal activity - to get by in his life in the Under World. Meanwhile, Ren is content with her life as a troupe performer, living in a valley after her caravan is done touring the villages they wish to perform at.
Sunho is hired for a job to capture Ren, and bring her alive, the reason unkown.
Ren is determined to find a cure for her uncles fatal illness.
The rest is history ( please read this. )

★│ The Under World, The Floating World│

╰┈➤ "The other nobles thought him a glutton for punishment, choosing to live in the darkness and the filth. They were wrong. The true filth was found in the light."

This world building omg!! It was so good. I will admit, at some parts I was confused but Axie Oh always made sure to smooth that over, replacing perplexity with fascination. I was in awe of how invested I was in this world, and how well I could picture everything.

★│ The Caravan │

╰┈➤ "She was accustomed to Big Uncle's booming laugh and Little Uncle's teasing chatter. Though it was Auntie who'd brought Ren to the caravan all those years ago, they were the ones who'd smuggled her into this family like expert thieves, stealing her heart until it was entirely her own."

Auntie, Hwi, Big Uncle, Little Uncle, and Ren. They go around each village, performing stories for the residents, collecting money but more importantly, memories. Their love for one another feels like a tangible thing, and not some words on a page. I love love love them all with my whole heart.

★│ Ren │

╰┈➤ "Her eyes widened, then she laughed. That sound again. Was it the quiet of the Under World that made it sound so bright? No, it had been bright from the beginning."

Where do I begin? Ren is such a beautiful character. Her love for the family that raised her, and the appreciation she has for the little moments makes my heart ache. I find it hard to connect with main characters in fantasy books sometimes, but this time, with Ren, I knew she would grow on me since the very first chapter. The way she embraces her life as a troupe performer makes me so happy. The way she constantly sacrifices herself for others... I just love her so much.

★│ Sunho │

╰┈➤ "He was strong because he'd made himself that way. Because he'd chosen to be. For his friends. For his brother. For himself."

If hes not like this, I dont want him. I would leave it at that but I have so much more I want to say about Sunho. He puts others before himself, making sure their safe before he worries about himself. He notices the little things, and makes sure they dont go unnoticed. He is wary to accept love, even though he is always giving it. Sunho is such a sweet soul, even if he is guarded, and seems cold from the outside.

★│ Ren & Sunho │★

╰┈➤ "He'd been alone for so long, he'd forgotten what it felt like to have someone who cared about him; he'd forgotten about how much comfort it could bring, how much strength it could give."

If the plot dosent do it for you, if the fantasy dosent do it for you, if the politics dosent do it for you, and if the world dosent do it for you; the romance will. Thats all I have to say.

Reading The Floating World was an incredible journey, filled with breathtaking action, deep emotional moments, and an atmosphere that completely immerses you in its world. The novel seamlessly blends mystery, adventure, and slow-burn character development, making every chapter feel meaningful and layered. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its immersive setting. The contrast between the Under World’s perpetual gloom and the vibrant festival life Ren experiences before tragedy strikes adds richness to the atmosphere. The author masterfully builds tension, especially in Sunho’s internal struggles as he unknowingly hunts the very girl he’s coming to care for. The romance is subtle and slow-building, allowing space for trust and understanding to develop naturally amid the dangers they face.
The Floating World is more than just a fantasy novel—it’s an emotional, immersive experience that lingers long after the last page. The tension, the breathtaking battles, the slow-building romance, and the weight of fate and memory all come together to create something truly unforgettable. It’s the kind of book that leaves you both satisfied and yearning for more, making it an absolute must-read for fantasy lovers.

This was 4-4.5 stars for me!

OH. MY! When I saw this gave Final Fantasy and Castle in the Sky vibes, I was sold. I will be the first to say that this absolutely SLAYED. I loved the fantasy build of this story and all of the plot twists we were thrown as the story progressed. I love Axie Oh and her absolute talent in creating these beautiful worlds and characters.

This story was a retelling of the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens. I was uneducated on the legend, so I did some light reading to understand the story and wow. This was such a beautiful reimagining of this legend in its own way. I really loved the creativity in demons and the world building.

I don't want to ruin anything, so do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR!

I've been noticing a pattern with Axie Oh writing main characters full of spunk and temperament. It is fitting for Ren's age to be easy to anger and react impulsively, and I believe it is a personal problem as I may have outgrown the young adult genre. This was not the book for me, but I'm sure many young readers would enjoy this as the lush worldbuilding and Korean mythology is fascinating and well-fleshed out.

Axie Oh you will always be famous. I love that she writes a variety of genres and is able to adapt her writing to each one while still remaining true to her own style. As much as I love XOXO and ASAP, I think my favorite Axie Oh books are her fantasy ones. This one almost seemed a bit more sci-fi to me though?? Anyway, LOVED IT. It felt like a mix between Cinder, Castle In The Sky, Demon Slayer, and The City of Ember. This was so good. Absolutely stellar world building, impeccable characters, and excitement throughout the entire novel. Also, the romance legit gave me full body chills multiple times. Like from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes I was TINGLING. There's something so special about fantasy/sci-fi romance that's not the focus of the story. It makes it all the more special when we get crumbs.
Also loved the dichotomy between Sunho and Ren. I don't want to spoil anything, but it kind of reminded me of Amandla Stenberg's characters in The Acolyte. Do with that what you will.
Axie Oh is an auto-read author for me at this point. I'm so psyched for The Demon and the Light and I will be living in a state of anxious anticipation until it is released.

*Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for an honest review*

This was a bit of a rough read, personally. I felt like the world building was a bit rushed and since it wasn’t a long book it felt like too many pieces tried to come together too quickly. I liked the premise, but I just think it was a bit flat overall and by the time something happened it was over and we were already moving on to something else.