4.5⭐
Oh man, was this an experience.

I definitely picked this up because of the Final Fantasy shout-out in the blurb - I've been looking for a book that hits the same spot as FF7 for years - but I'm used to those comp reviews being more money-grabbing than accurate. "Perfect for fans of George R. R. Martin!" because there's a single dragon in it. You know?

Not the case with The Floating World. I spent several hours with my eyes popping out further and further from my head, thinking, "Was that on purpose? Is this fanfiction? Is this legal?" I mean, I was loving it - again, FF7 is my Roman Empire - but I was not expecting a full-on Clerith experience.

But then I got to this zinger: "And he had reached his limit."

Everything snapped into place for me. Yes, this is absolutely definitely on purpose. And I was finally immersed and had a blast with the rest of the book.

Don't get me wrong: the plot isn't identical. But Oh has made a beautiful hybrid of the Korean folktale and the FF7 world ideas, working them into a new shape but in the same gray-and-neon color scheme. I had so, so much fun. I will have even more fun when I buy the hard copy and reread it with that mindset from the get-go.

The prose style isn't my favorite. I don't love having characters' emotions and realizations explained to me word-by-word. It felt overbearing at times, awkward at others. I'd be more upset about it if the book were advertised as adult fantasy, but Oh is writing for her YA audience after all. The imagery (and my sweet baby CloudIMeanSunho) was so worth it. The characters are vibrant, the romance is heartwarmingly healthy, the world is insanely beautiful, and the plot got more interesting with every chapter. (That is not hyperbole.)

Finally: Curse you, Axie, for that 94% "Oh shit this isn't a standalone" moment. Please, please, please pick me to be an ARC reader for book 2 as well? Please?

Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. An ex-soldier, he can remember little of his life from before two years ago, when he woke up alone with only his name and his sword. Now he does odd-jobs to scrape by.

Ren is a cheerful and spirited acrobat traveling with her adoptive family and performing in
villages. There is an attack by a horrific
humanlike demon during one of their festival performances. Ren releases a blast of silver light, a power she has kept hidden since childhood, and kills the monster. Still her uncle is gravely wounded so Ren sets out to find a cure. The journey may take her back to where she fled from 10 years ago. Along the way she meets up with Sunho who has his own past and is, unbeknownst to Ren, one of the many people looking for her.

There is a lot that can be said about The Floating World as this is a fully developed setting and story. The most important thing though is that I loved it! It's a fantastic read.

Reading The Floating World you are transported to a place of darkness and fear, yet there is also hope and light. This is due, in large part, to the main characters Ren and Sunho. They are strong, brave, and kind. It's easy to root for them and they do not disappoint. Other characters, like Yurhee and Tag, are great as well.

We get chapters from both Ren and Sunho's perspective as well as a few from a different character. All viewpoints are interesting and really help to get to understand the characters.

There is never a dull moment. Quite the opposite. The reader sits on pins and needles while our beloved characters move from one perilous situation to the next. Somehow throughout all of this the characters find moments of beauty and wonder, creating balance and hope.

The book is described as Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone. I don't know about Shadow and Bone but I can see similarities with Final Fantasy. Either I hadn't previously read that description or I forgot, but there were a lot of moments where I found myself thinking there were video game vibes. It's a lot of fun and different from other fantasies I've read.

There is romance but it's not the entire focus. The relationship is very good and will cause moments of heartbreak for the reader. Some scenes are just so perfect that you don't want the story to end. Speaking of the ending.... I was left with the need to read the next book immediately!

Although this wasn't as beloved for me as The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, it was still quite good. The world was absolutely compelling, feeling both a fairy tale and a fantasy world at once. I loved the characters, especially Ren but Sunho, and all his intense rigidness, has my heart as well- like a beloved anime character! Going into this one, I knew it had a sequel, but I was so caught up in the story that it took me by surprise at the end. I will definitely read the next one.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillian Children's Publishing Group for the arc.

Axie Oh's The Floating World is a breathtaking journey into a world both magical and deeply resonant with our own. This isn't just a fantasy; it's a story woven with threads of friendship, trust, and unwavering commitment, set against a backdrop of stunning beauty and stark inequality.

The "Floating World" itself is a marvel, a place of ethereal beauty and wonder. Oh's descriptions paint vivid pictures of its landscapes, its people, and its unique magic. It’s a world you'll instantly want to escape to. But this beauty is juxtaposed against the harsh realities of the "Underground," a place where people are oppressed and controlled by a militaristic force. This contrast isn't just a plot device; it's a powerful commentary on the inequalities that exist in our own world, highlighting the struggles of those living under oppressive regimes.

At the heart of this story are the characters, whose bonds of friendship are tested and ultimately strengthened by the challenges they face. The development of trust is a central theme, explored through the evolving relationships between the protagonists. These aren't just superficial friendships; they are deep, meaningful connections that provide strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The characters' commitment to each other, to their cause, and to their dreams forms the emotional core of the novel. They learn to rely on each other, to believe in each other, and to fight for what they believe in, even when the odds are stacked against them.

The Floating World isn't just a thrilling adventure; it's a story about hope, about the power of friendship, and about the importance of fighting for justice. It's a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting you to reflect on the beauty of the world around you and the importance of standing up for what's right. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fantasy with a heart and a message.
M.Roberts
with the help of AI

I have to admit that I have never read anything quite like Axie Oh's, The Floating World. And I loved it! Everything from the setting to the characters to the twists in the plot- I was mesmerized. Even though this is being marketed as YA, I can think of so many adult readers who will love reading The Floating World.

Axie Oh simply doesn't know how to write a bad book. Her creativity and distinct voice make this one to devour!

The Floating World is a YA combination of fantasy and science fiction with a dash of romance. We get the story told from several POVs, but mostly from our two main characters', Ren and Sunho. It was fun to follow along and slowly find out how the different characters are connected and see forgotten secrets get unearthed. There was a twist near the end that I didn't see coming and left me so sad. I do feel like I had trouble connecting with some characters and think that some could have used more depth, so the reader feels more emotionally connected to their fate. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

Just as a disclaimer, I planned to be purposefully vague about my thoughts on The Floating World. I don't trust myself to not share spoilers so hopefully my 5 star rating will speak for itself.

All I have to say is this: book people, do not sleep on The Floating World. There's something special about an author's ability to maintain teenage innocence while writing about serious topics. I am in awe of Axie Oh's writing. The worldbuilding is impeccable; every element is so well thought through. I am typically the first person to call for the addition of a map, but in this case, I truly didn't need one. I could picture this world so vividly. It was as if I had been there myself.

I loved seeing the mystery gradually pulling back, revealing just how interconnected these characters are. I read this on the edge of my seat.

Axie Oh and her team were smart to set both books release dates for the same year. This series is going to be everyone's new obsession.

Bottom line: I just found my new favorite author!

An eye-catching cover caught my eye, an interesting premise caught my interest, and I got snared in this delightful YA fantasy. The tale of Ren and Sunho opens up slowly, giving us a taste of their lives before they are plunged into the adventure. Then suddenly we find that Ren can wield a magical silver light and must set off to find a cure for her injured uncle while every mercenary that can be found is hired to hunt her. Sunho is just one of those hired swords, but doesn't realize that he has come across his quarry when he meets Ren. Together they start an adventure with a side of romance. Their path leads them to discover a shared history, and the dangers that are in pursuit of Ren. Tensions build, confrontations occur, and more magic comes to light right up until the cliff-hanger at the end of the book. I can't wait to continue this story when the sequel comes out later this year.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

I must say the first thing that attracted me to this book is the gorgeous cover.

Ren is an energetic and outgoing acrobat who is not allowed to use her magical powers while working with her adopted family's trope. One day they are attacked by a demon and she releases a blinding white light to save her uncle and it's discovered that she may be the lost celestial maiden and ruler of the Floating World. She sets out to find a cure for the demon illness inflicting her uncle.

Sunho lives in the Under World doing sword for hire jobs while looking for his brother and hist lost memories. He has a "demon" inside him that gives him special powers and he's one of many who is hired to hunt Ren down and bring her back alive.

The two meet by chance and agree to help each other out to find their goals.

This is the ultimate grumpy/sunshine. This is an extremely slow burn but it's adorable how the two pine for each other and all the blushing. Sunho and Ren are both very protective of each other and you get so see them both grow and change as the story progresses.

There is also a collection of interesting and well written side characters. And the world building is amazing, you can see and feel what the characters do.

This story ends on a huge cliffhanger and I'm excited to read more. If you love fantasy with a touch of romance I highly recommend this story.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

his was an interesting read. It started off a little slow but then BAM all action all the time with a dash of romance. The characters and the world were so interesting it kept me reading. Thanks Netgalley for the arc.

This was a lot of fun. I loved the world building - super unique - and the characters were great. The romance was lovely as well. I think the ending was kind of abrupt but I can't wait for the second book of the duology - if it's handled well I think this may go up in my estimation. Axie Oh is one of my favorite Asian-inspired fantasy writers at the moment and this one certainly doesn't disappoint. Can't wait for book two!

4.5 stars! Thank you to NetGalley, Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Fierce Reads for bequeathing me with an advanced copy at YALLfest! You can pick up The Floating World on April 29, 2025.

Axie Oh's done it again. She's crafted an original, fascinating world full of incredible characters and an action-packed storyline. I absolutely breezed through this book because Ren and Sunho were compelling characters with clear motivations that somehow became intertwined. While I think the romance could have been a bit stronger, I appreciated how they opened up about their pasts and allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other.

Also, if you're like me and looking to fill the hole in your chest from the Arcane series finale, this is your book! The dynamics of the Floating World and Under World are just like Piltover and Zaun, and there are even rabid "Demons" who are injected with a toxic serum! What fun!

I can't wait to see where Book 2 goes next, and I hope you all pick this one up come April!

Another beautiful and whimsical romantasy from Axie Oh. I adored Oh's debut and was not disappointed by The Floating World. Lush and romantic with a wonderful atmosphere and beautiful world-building. Amazing!

The Floating World by Axie Oh is the first book in a new young adult fantasy series.

The story mostly follows Ren and Sunho who start off as strangers, but fate brings them together in unexpected ways. Ren is a troupe performer with a secret past that she keeps buried in her own mind. Sunho lost most of his memories, except that his older brother and him were sold off to the military. Now, he’s on a mission to find his brother no matter what.

When a demon suddenly attacks Ren’s home, Ren uses her powers to save those closest to her. But her powers were seen from all over putting a target on her back. Now Ren sets off to find a cure for her injured uncle and to stop more harm from coming to them.

Sunho, an ex-soldier, has been working as a sword for hire while he tries to track down his brother. He receives a tip about a job that pays well. A job to find a girl and bring her back alive. Sunho doesn’t seem interested until the client mentions that he looks just like his brother…
These two strangers cross paths and decide to travel together – the closer they become, the more it seems their fates are entwined with one another. But who is Ren? And will Sunho ever find his brother?

I am a big fan of fantasy, and this story was not disappointing. The target audience is definitely more YA, but that leaves me with a fast, fun read. The world building is subtle but still enjoyable. I do wish there was a picture of a map so I can envision their journeys better. Each perspective was exciting, and you can see the growth within the characters. If you’re a fan of Shadow and Bone, you’ll definitely love this.

I chose this book because I loved The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Oh and am thrilled by the consistency. I will definitely be recommending this book and am looking forward to the next book!

One thing Axie Oh is going to do is make an immersive world that you want to get lost in, no matter what genre she's writing in. The Floating World is a beautiful work of fantasy. Whenever I have someone who loves Studio Ghibli, I always recommend Axie Oh. Her writing always invokes the same feeling I get when I watch those movies and this book is no different. Just a 10/10, no notes.

Sunho is an amnesiac sword-wielding tattooed ex-soldier, searching a brother he can’t remember. When he is offered a huge score, and information about his brother, to find a mysterious girl who wields silver light, he can’t say no.
Ren is a happy acrobat and actress performing and traveling across the land. She keeps her silver light hidden until her performance is attacked by a terrible demon. Blasting the demon sets off a hunt for her.
A great adventure love story about two young people trying to find the truth about their past and how it will affect their future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this DRC.
#TheFloatingWorld #NetGalley

Axie Oh is brilliant. She is truly the Miyazaki of books. The world she has created in this novel is beautiful and dangerous and believable. I just wanted to dive into this story. I essentially did, as I read it in a very short two sittings. Sunho and Ren are such compelling characters that you can't help but root for. I agree that this is a great flavor comparison to Princess Mononoke, the movie. I just love it and it's got such phenomenal depth.

The Floating World has a unique and intriguing world, where the wealthy population literally floats above the .have-nots in the dark below. In this world, main characters Ren and Sunho are strong characters that are easy to root for as they both battle for their futures — Ren in the aftermath of a demon attack in her village that forces her to confront her past and secrets, and Sunho's struggle to survive in the Under World and find his brother.

While I enjoyed getting to know the characters, unfortunately, the execution was a little lacking for me for such a great concept. I was most excited to read this novel because of the Floating World setting, but I felt this backdrop was severely underdeveloped. I had no sense of what the Under World looked like and how it was positioned in space compared to the Floating World, and I was confused as to why the Under World had no light (because it was blocked by the Floating World? This wasn't clear.)

There were also some writing choices that made it hard for me to stay engaged. To me, there was no distinctive dialogue, as most of the characters sounded the same. In one scene, when Ren and Sunho are leaving a group of outlaws they've met, two of them, one young and one old, say “maybe we’ll meet again one day." We also learn the name of the outlaws' horse, but not their leader, who is referenced several times. Small details like this made the writing feel more juvenile.

Finally, there were a few plot points that seemed too convenient and brought me out of the story (no spoilers) — characters that were too trusting of each other upon first meeting, Sunho on a mission to find a young girl around Ren's age and not even bothering to see what she looks like when he meets her. Overall, I think this premise had a lot of promise and I wish this author a lot of success with future books in what I'm guessing will be a series.

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Children’s Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Axie Oh’s “The Floating World” is an ambitious and imaginative fantasy that immerses you in a breathtakingly complex universe while weaving together mythology, romance, and social commentary. This first installment of a duology offers a rich exploration of class division, personal destiny, and the cost of survival. Before going into this book, I do want to provide a small content warning for some blood/death throughout the book.

The story is set in a world divided by stark physical and social hierarchies: the wealthy and powerful reside in the radiant Floating World above, while the oppressed lower classes struggle to survive in the sunless Underworld below. This duality is central to the book's world-building, which combines elements of Korean folklore and urban fantasy; the book reminded me of steampunk with some of the scientific elements, like the development of mithril. Oh takes inspiration from the Korean folktale “The Woodcutter and the Celestial Maidens,” using it to craft a story that is both fresh and steeped in tradition. You don’t need to be familiar with the folktale to understand this story as Oh makes the inspiration clear throughout the story.

At the heart of the story are Ren, a resilient and compassionate heroine on a desperate quest to save her ailing uncle, and Sunho, a stoic swordsman with a tragic past. Their journey through this divided world introduces readers to its many facets, from the industrial grit of the Underworld to the serene beauty of the Floating World. Along the way, the two must navigate personal traumas, political intrigue, and their growing attraction to one another.

The romance between Ren and Sunho is sweet and wholesome, but its rapid development did feel a bit rushed to me. Meeting nearly a third of the way into the book, their relationship is marked by an "insta-love" quality, lacking the tension or slow-burn dynamic that might have added depth to their connection. However, their complementary personalities—Ren's effervescent optimism against Sunho's quiet intensity—are endearing, and their bond serves as an emotional anchor in the story.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its world-building. The Floating World and Underworld are richly imagined, with vivid descriptions and thoughtful details that bring these places to life. The incorporation of mithril, a mysterious element with technological and supernatural applications, adds a unique, almost sci-fi flavor to the story. However, the complexity of the world can also feel overwhelming at first, with terminology and concepts that take time to grasp. You want to take your time diving into this book to fully understand the world that Oh created. The pacing exacerbates this issue; the fast-moving plot often leaves little room to fully absorb the intricacies of the setting or the stakes of certain events.

The story shifts between the perspectives of Ren, Sunho, and Jaeil, Ren’s childhood friend and the captain of the guard. While this multi-POV approach adds depth, I did want more time spent with Jaeil, whose internal conflict and moral ambiguity are compelling. His shifting loyalties and obsession with Ren's celestial heritage hint at a larger role in the sequel, potentially setting the stage for a redemptive arc.

Though the book succeeds in many ways, it sometimes falters in balancing its ambitious scope. The plot juggles numerous elements—mythology, romance, political intrigue, and social commentary—and at times feels overstuffed. Significant moments, such as scenes of violence or betrayal, are resolved too quickly, lessening their emotional impact. Similarly, the broader stakes of Ren’s quest and the power struggles within the Floating World lack the suspense they deserve, as the story often prioritizes the romance over the central conflict. The twist involving Ren’s past was pretty predictable, though I liked seeing Ren’s growth and her purpose develop as more of her secrets were revealed.

Overall, “The Floating World” is a captivating start to Axie Oh’s new duology, brimming with creativity and emotional depth. While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as Oh’s “The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea,” the lush world-building and intriguing characters make it a worthwhile read. Fans of mythology-infused fantasy and character-driven stories will find much to love, and the setup for the sequel promises even greater stakes and revelations to come.