This is such a beautifully told story, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. And the mythology was fab - always good to see more from different places, as so much of popular fiction is euro centric.

My rating was mostly based on the fact that every time I put it down, I'd sort of forget to pick it back up. I don't think that's on the book, but my brain, but I struggle to give a book a higher rating if I'm doing that! So 3.5 stars for me, but I think I may reread it in future and rate it higher!

I will not be reading this one unfortunately as I have unhauled the physical copy! Apologies, catching up on old ARCs to clear off my list.

I had tried reading this book before and didn't get past the second chapter. I found the beginning quite slow, but there's nothing like an audiobook at 2.5x speed to help out, haha.

Overall, I thought it was an okay book with a cute romance. I agree with most of the reviews. There wasn't much depth to it. There were several touches on various elements but little development. It's not meant to be a feminist book, but at the same time, it does show a strong character who is in control of her own destiny and all that.

And yes, I can definitely see this book as an animation. It would work very well. Anyway, the author writes in a more contemporary style, and I think that really shows here. The fantasy world isn't all that fantastic; I think it lacked a bit of boldness on her part.

An okay book, worth the distraction, and great if you want something light to pass the time between reading slumps and if you want a cute romance, something without crazy plot twists and impactful moments.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh. I've voluntarily read and reviewed this copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was simply perfect. A magical, captivating and whimsical story set in a beautifully crafted universe. I'm blown away by how hooked I was. It's so refreshing to read a standalone fantasy with layered characters, an interesting premise and beautiful writing. I loved reading about Mina and Shin's story. Definitely recommend to anyone who loves a magical fantasy.

I really enjoyed this beautiful fantasy novel. The main character was full of heart and felt strong and vibrant. The story was beautifully unique and felt really visual (I could picture this strange otherworldy kingdom vividly). It also had it had some interesting and compelling side characters that I actually wanted more of. The central romance, for me, was lacking something (but I think pupils will enjoy it). I actually went out and bought the book to share with teachers and forgot I had it here too, hence the lateness of this review, sorry.

Thank you to Netgalley for the review copy, I also bought my own copy.

I don’t know why this took me so long to read. It’s all the things I love but maybe I was worried that my expectation wouldn’t be met. I was wrong, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea delivered. I absolutely loved the world building, and I can completely see the Spirited Away aesthetics comparisons I’ve read in reviews.

I was not prepared for how much I would love this. Thank you for the early copy to review. I was not prepared for how much I would love this. Thank you for the early copy to review.

This is a lovely YA-themed fairytale based on the Korean mythology. Young girl Mina sacrifices herself for her brother and his beloved one’s happiness by throwing herself to the sea to become the Sea God’s wife. She finds herself in the spirit and gods realm - where, accompanied by the help from various friends and sources, she goes on a quest to solve the mysteries of the Sea God, to save her (human) world and to realize her heart’s true pullings. Because there is Shin, seemingly an angry and unpleasant young man - but what is his true nature?

If you like the works of the Ghibli studios (especially the movie Spirited Away!), you would like this. The mythology-based world is charming, the Korean-drama themed tensions between the main characters are working like a clockwork, the story is lovely. Bur you need to remember that this is a fairytale - to get immersed into the story, one should accept the uneven plotting, the occasional lack of inner logic and just go with the flow. You will be rewarded with the warm feelings.

If I could describe this book in one word, it would be: Ethereal. This book has an effortless beauty. An everlasting quality of a story that was once a legend transposed onto the pages of a book for us to read. From the sweeping romance to the fantastical elements, every single page of this book was an utter delight to read. I'd never read anything by Axie Oh before, but this delicious taste was more than enough to cement them as a must-read author for the future. This book was absolutely wonderful.

Beautiful description and writing with excellent characters. Really great enjoyable read. I will be recommending this to everyone.

This book has since been archived so I don't believe my future review will be helpful. I have heard wonderful things about this novel and have read the author's other work so I will still look forward to reading it.

This YA fantasy is inspired by Korean mythology and is absolutely magical. The spirit realm was beautifully ethereal and this book is a perfect cosy fantasy.

I did feel as though the plot was rushed in some places and the characters could have had more depth.

That being said, this book felt like a warm hug and I would definitely recommend if you’re looking to diversify your bookshelf and want a light-hearted read.

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a whimsical and lyrical read that will whisk you away into a world filled with fantastical elements leaving you with awe and wonder. Humanity, sacrifice, choice, and love are central elements to this breathtaking story.

𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐇:
• A quick and easy yet atmospheric read with an enchanting world where there is action and adventure as well as mystery and romance.
• Determined and brave yet also soft and emotional protagonist you can’t help but cheer for. I loved how devoted Mina was to her family and to her beliefs and I enjoyed following Mina on her journey.
• I loved the side characters and found that they were a lovely and fun addition to the mix.

𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐄:
• I would’ve loved more development between Mina and her love interest as certain aspects felt rushed and I wasn’t completely sold on the romance. I don’t know whether it’s due to the pacing (as there is a lot happening in this book), however, I just wished the book allowed readers to ruminate on certain scenes allowing us to feel more invested and attached to characters and their dynamics thereby packing more of an emotional punch when reaching certain conclusions.

Despite my gripe, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would recommend it. (I am already a fan of this author so I’m excited to read her works).

𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
✔ Stand-alone YA fantasy
✔ Spirited Away aesthetics
✔ Inspired by Korean folktale “The Tale of Shim Cheong”
✔Magical world, mythical creatures, and fascinating folk lores


𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬: fate and choice, love (familial and romantic)

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫: fans of Six Crimson Cranes, XOXO, Spirited Away feels, fans

𝐂𝐖: violence, death, human sacrifice, grief

Thank you to @NetGalley and the publisher (@) for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 𝐌𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠: 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐣𝐨𝐲.𝐜𝐨𝐦

I absolutely ADORED this book and had a fantastic time reading it. It's easily one of my favourites of 2022 and one of the best YA fantasy books I've ever read. I writing was gorgeous, I loved the main cast of characters, and the world building was just so clever and unique. Phenomenal.

A beautiful fantasy novel based on Korean folklore. The writing and storytelling was stunning, I couldn't help but be hooked!

Avie oh's "the Girl who fell beneath the sea" is such a beautiful read and if you are a Studio Ghibli film - especially Spirited Away- then you will certainly enjoy this book a lot! Can I also just mention how stunning this cover is!!

This was such a sweet and charming read full of strong imagination, magic, Korean mythology & love, all that definitely kept me engaged throughout the whole story. From the beautifully writing and characters to the world building and romance "The Girl who fell beneath the sea" certainly became an instant favourite for me and I cannot want to see what else Axle oh brings us with her next book!

"The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" by Axie Oh tells the story of a young woman named Victoria who discovers she has a special ability to communicate with sea creatures. Set in a fantastical world inspired by Korean mythology, the book is an interesting blend of magic, mythology, and romance.

While the premise of the story is unique, the execution falls short in several aspects. The pacing is uneven, with slow and plodding sections that drag on for too long, followed by rushed action scenes that feel underdeveloped. Additionally, the characters are not very well developed, and their motivations and actions often feel forced or implausible.

That said, the worldbuilding is perhaps the book's strongest aspect. Oh does a good job of creating a rich and detailed world, filled with fascinating creatures and cultures that draw on the author's Korean heritage. The descriptions of the underwater landscapes are particularly vivid and beautiful.

Overall, "The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea" is a decent read for fans of fantasy and mythology, but it falls short of being a truly compelling and memorable book.

I really liked the world building of this book, I think it was immersive and obviously well throughout. I also like Mina as a main character who was determined and brave. And for most of the story, I was enjoying the plot. But at some point it all seemed a little all over the place/going in all directions without any real plan and it lost me a bit. It ended up feeling quite rushed while I was also waiting for something important to happened. I also found the romance element a bit too insta-love for my liking. However, overall it was a good read.

Overall this was a very sweet retelling which was a stand-alone. At times I found the writing to be a little too removed and not in the characters head enough, but that is a common trait of Asian fantasy retellings so clearly a stylistic mirror I can’t complain too much about. The prose is lyrical and the characters are sweet, I enjoyed how the plot was quite straight forward but intellectually stimulating for ya readers and wasn’t just a random guess. I really enjoyed this honestly and I will be read more axie oh for sure!

this was fun. a nice YA fantasy if you're looking for one, but i think i expected a little too much more from it.

- thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the free e-ARC.