As usual, Axie Oh is writing wonderful worlds with intricate plots and so much imagination. And as usual - sadly - I fail to connect with them.

I hate to admit that it took me forever to get through this book, and I wasn't able to really feel for any of the characters.

As I am sure that it's a me problem, not a book problem, I will leave the review like this. And still encourage you to give it a try, because I think there is much to be discovered.

3,5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @hodderbooks for the eARC!

#FloatingWorld #Netgalley #Bookstagram

my 2025 started discovering the books of axie oh and i have to say that they were a very pleasant surprise even refreshing if i must admit and the floating world didn’t disappoint!

this story’s combines a lot of various and interesting aspects such as romance, adventure,fantasy (as u can sense by seeing both of the beautiful covers) with the most unique that’s the korean mythology!
these aspects are amazingly well portrayed through the story development and i could imagine myself being captured and taken in this unique story with the characters ready for the adventure! for this it’s easily to say that if u are in the need for an unexpected escape from our world to a floating one just go for it because it was truly an experience and i can’t wait to read book n.2 soon!!

this book’s a truly great one for teens and ya but it’s also worth one for all ages in the end trust me because I’m not exactly a teen since i’m in my 20s but i’m just a very passionate reader and this one it’s one of the most original books i’ve read this year!

a lot of thanks to netgalley,hodder & stoughton for giving the opportunity to read this story in exchange for my honest opinion!

The floating world is an original book, with interesting characters, an action-packed storyline and a rich and complex universe even if i could definitely see how the plot would play out. Nevertheless i really appreciated the relationship between the characters, especially between Ren and Sunho, I thought their romance to be absolutely the cutest and it was nice to see their relationship evolve.
I hope we’ll get to see more from jaeil in the sequel!

Thank you to Hodderscape and Netgalley for a free arc, all opinions are my own.

4.5 stars rounded up

The Floating World is the fantastic first book in a duology. I absolutely must get my hands on the second book because this one completely gripped me! I fell in love with Ren and Sunho as they went on their journey across this world and uncovered mysteries along the way.

The first thing I noticed was the gorgeous writing style. Axie Oh created a vivid world, helped along with great world-building, that I could imagine clearly while reading. The atmosphere was reminiscent of my favourite Ghibli movies.

The pacing was also perfect. Most of the time, the plot was moving at an enjoyably fast speed, with pockets of time carved out for the slower moments. This meant that the sweet character interactions were not at the expense of the wider plot progression. As always, I loved the found family aspects, too. There were a few plot twists throughout, and I actually gasped out loud in shock a few times! I can't wait to see how things unravel in the second book because the ending of this one had me wanting to keep reading. I am so glad that Axie Oh decided to publish both halves in one year.

The only reason this was 4.5 stars and not 5 for me was because I had some questions about the motivations of some side characters. Perhaps this will be cleared up in the next book, and it was intentional. I'll have to see. Overall, I loved this story. It was a blend of fantasy and romance that worked very well for me. Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton | Hodderscape for providing this e-ARC for an honest review.

Ren and her family, performers and acrobats, are in the middle of a village performance when they are attacked by a demon, leaving her uncle gravely injured. Frightened Ren releases a power that she has tried to keep hidden for the last 10 years. In the aftermath she is determined to do everything in her power to save her uncle, so she sets out to travel to the place she swore to never return to. Along the way she meets Sunho, a former soldier from the Under World, who was hired to track down and safely bring back a girl who can wield light magic. The story follows these two as their paths intertwine and they navigate their journey, each with their own goals and secrets.

Having already read a book by the author I was really looking forward to diving into this one and I’m happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
The story was very fast paced and the writing style straight forward and easy to understand, though it at times seemed a bit dry.
However, the action-packed plot made it impossible to be bored and the worldbuilding, inspired by Korean folklore, was original and immersive. There were also some well-executed twists and turns that kept me hooked.
Sunho and Ren are lovable protagonists, and I felt for them and cheered them on throughout their journey. Minor characters, such as Yurhee, Tag, Jaeil and Rens found family also added depth and were valuable additions to the story.
My only complaint is that the book could have been longer. I feel like that way there would have been more room for certain elements to be elaborated and explored in greater depth which would have benefited the overall clarity, suspense and engagement, thus enhancing its overall impact.
Nonetheless this was a beautiful first installment in a planned duology and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!

3.5 stars rounded up.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7180527812
StoryGraph https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/6aaf2dd4-5e60-443f-b989-96f029adba83

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 5 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

I am a massive Axie Oh fan, so when I started reading The Floating World , I knew for a fact that I would adore this book. Filled with that classic charming Axie Oh writing, I loved everything about this book, it is perfection.

The world-building feels like a mix of steampunk, filled with vibes similar to Studio Ghibli, but also rife with danger as you would see in Shadow & Bone (which is a very apt comp!). I love the concept of floating cities, how they work, and how they could exist (if they could). The way they were written about in this book, by showing us what material it relied on to function, made it feel so real that you could easily see yourself walking the streets. And in general, the world-building was so immersive, I loved everything about it.

Ren has quickly made her way into becoming one of my favourite protagonists that I have read about so far this year. She is determined and brave, and at the same, has a good sense of humour. And although she has lost a lot, and is in constant danger due to mercenaries catching up to her, she stays compassionate and kind, and is kinda funny too. She is very quick on her feet, and her intelligence shines through. Although coming from an entirely different background then Ren, Sunho shares some similarities with her. Though he has to fight to survive in a cruel world, he is compassionate too. He is brave and willing to rush into danger to save anyone. He is honestly so endearing.

Their paths don't cross for a while, and that allows us to see how their characters are without each other. And once they meet, it is so so easy to love their relationship. They have their own individual yet, at the same time, deeply intertwined arcs. Some people might think that their friendship happens a little quicker, but honestly, considering their character arcs and everything else that happens in the story, makes perfect sense.

Let's talk about the last quarter of the book because it is action-packed fast-paced. The revelations that have come out throughout the book slowly culminate into highly intense scenes. Even then there's things we don't know about yet, which makes even more excited for book 2! The climax and the subsequent ending is hopeful, but also leaves you with an inkling of the dangers to come.

The Floating World was an absolutely incredible read and I am so so glad that book 2 is coming out this year because I desperately need more of these characters! (i hope i get an arc for that one too!!)

🌟 "He could taste her magic, like drinking starlight."🌟
Just finished the Arc of this INCREDIBLE book by @axieoh.
Everyone who knows me knows that the girl who fell beneath the sea is one of my favorite books and that after reading it I also devoured Axie's books X.O.X.O and ASAP. As this was marketed as having final fantasy vibes too (which if you also know me you'll know I have poured ungodly amounts of hours into ffxiv) I just HAD to have an arc of this book from @netgalley (tysm I love you netgalley!)

The entire premise of the book, to me, was simply incredible. This book captures everything I love to read and mixes my love of books and gaming together with the epic world building and final fantasy vibes that eminate from within the writing and the tone that Axie uses.
The characters are beautifully fleshed out, including the side characters which I hope we get to see much much more of in the next book!
I loved the chemistry between the two main characters Ren and Sunho but not only them but the family and friendship bonds that they have with others such as Ren with Auntie, Hwi, and Little and Big uncle and then Sunho with Tag and Yurhee. The found family within both of these sets of bonds as so different but both so beautifully written.
I also loved the mix of science and magic within the book and that the demons within the book are essentially man made through genetic remodelling using mithril.
I cannot wait for book 2 and to dive back into their world again!
Another 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 book from the wonderful Axie Oh who never dissapoints with her epic writing skills.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

That story was perfection.

Omg I lived the parallels with dark and light and the demons and how cosy it was but gory?!!

It felt whimsical at times and heartbreaking in others???

Axie has done a beautiful job with this story and I am OBSESSED.

Please consider me for book 2 arc when it is available. This has been my TOP READ IN 2025 and I am in awe that I got to read it early.

I've heard of Axie Oh before now, but I never read anything before this
I might have to go back and read her other books now

This was so so good!!

Very atmospheric
Very tense
Very cosy

To me, The Floating World felt very Ghibli-esque:

The found family was incredible, I love it when people decide they're friends because they've all been through the shit.

The subtle romance of "hey, what's this new feeling I'm feeling?" and them just fumbling around trying to save each other was perfection!

The ending is so exciting and I absolutely can't wait for book 2: The Demon and the Light!!

The Floating World was amazing!! I had a teaser sample from YALC which completely captivated me so was so happy when I was approved on here. There was SO much that happened in this book I don't know where to begin but despite that it was still easy to keep track and follow the plot line. It was packed full of action, so many twists and turns, Ren and Sunho were fantastic characters that were so likeable and I was truly so invested in their journeys (individually and as a team later on in the book). I enjoyed it being from 3 different POVs (Sunho, Ren and Jaeil) which really added so many levels to the story and kept you reading faster to find out what happens to each one. Ren is fab, despite everything shes been through she is still positive and happy and hasn't lost her gentler side, even though it would have been easy to just create a hard exterior to protect herself. Sunho is such an intriguing character and so perfect for Ren that they really balance each other out and I loved seeing how they feelings for each other developed throughout. I enjoyed learning about different folklore and culture and how it was interweaved throughout the story with the added fantasy elements. I felt so much for Jaeil as he was so conflicted with what to do. THAT ENDING though!! Please I need book two!!

First of all, thank you so much NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This was my first Axie Oh book and now I know it's not going to be the last. This book was so immersive and beautifully written, I simply could not put it down.

Without giving any spoilers, I can say that the dynamic between the main characters is what I liked the most. The mysteries about themselves they need to uncover will make you fall in love with them little by little. The setting reminded me a lot of a Ghibli film (Castle in the Sky maybe?) and I loved it. The way all the landscapes and worlds are described was just delightful to read and really easy to imagine without the descriptions becoming boring or too much.

What I will say is that even though I know this book is not out yet, I really need book 2 - that ending?! We need more!

After falling in love with Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, I was eager to dive into The Floating World—and it did not disappoint. This mesmerizing fantasy blends adventure, romance, and mythology into a beautifully crafted tale that feels both intimate and epic.

Set in a world of perpetual darkness, the story follows Sunho, a mysterious ex-soldier with no memory beyond his name and sword, and Ren, a daring acrobat who harbors a powerful secret. Their paths intertwine in a journey filled with secrets, peril, and fate-defying choices. Oh’s storytelling is both lyrical and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in the richly detailed setting inspired by Korean mythology.

Much like The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, this novel delivers a breathtaking sense of wonder, with themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the search for identity woven throughout. The dynamic between Sunho and Ren is compelling, filled with tension and slow-burning chemistry that keeps the pages turning.

With stunning world-building, heart-pounding action, and an emotional core that lingers long after the final chapter, The Floating World is a must-read for fans of sweeping fantasy adventures. If you loved The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, this book will sweep you away once again!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc.

I really wanted to love this book but sadly did not. I’ve read from Axie Oh before and I know I like her writing style which is very whimsical and flows on page.

An interesting world filled with mysteries and plot twists that had me guessing.
The e-arc was not the best edited but still the story felt muddled and confusing at times. I really wish I enjoyed this more.

Oh my!!! There better be a book 2 with that ending!!! I need more!

I'm so invested in Ren and Sunho's story now. This book gripped me from the first chapter and it was hard to put down every night! The first few chapters help you connect to Ren and Sunho and then the action starts! In fact, The action never stops!

I recommend this book who wants action, romance and mythology.

AXIE OH WHEN I GET YOU!!

My first 5 star read of the year!! Going into this blind was the best thing ever. I went into this with no expectations but came out a different person. A billion things happened in this book, it was so fast paced I was FLYING through the pages. Yes to everything about this book. I genuinely was captivated from start to finish from the non stop action, characters who were all so likable and the crazy twists and turns.

Without going into spoilers, the Floating World is a very immersive experience. Both Ren and Sunho have mysteries they need to uncover about their past and I really enjoyed following their journey and uncovering these mysteries with these characters, who were both great, really likable people. I just kept gasping as each reveal was dropped and the last 10%?? What a BOMB. I have never been more glad the sequel to this is dropping in the same year. Can I PLEASE get the ARC to that too??

Sunho and Ren’s paths don’t collide until later on in the story, but I was already so invested in both their stories and how it entwined together as the novel progressed. I think it was a great decision giving Sunho and Ren their own POVs as it enhanced the experience and allowed deeper insight into the way they think and also to learn more about their past. I was surprised there was a third POV as well – who I won’t say – but I thought it was very integral to the story and added more intrigue and complexity and I am interested in seeing it all come together in the sequel.

There is a lot of mystery and intrigue that sustained my interest throughout the novel, I just wanted to keep reading and reading. I was never bored and thought the novel kept getting better as it went on. The stakes are high from the beginning and never once slowed down. Sometimes I wish the pacing slowed down a little to develop certain relationships between characters, but I think it can be overlooked because of how great the storytelling and characters were. There’s a lot of familiar themes seen in other novels that are incorporated here, but also a lot of fresh and unique ones that give Floating World its own originality and bring to the table something special. For instance, Ren! Making her an acrobat was a cool, creative decision and I loved that it came in handy when it came down to it! I’ve also never heard about the tale of the Celestial Maiden, so this was really interesting and how it linked to the story.

I LOVED Ren. What a breath of fresh air and ray of sunshine. Axie shows that just because a FMC goes through so much trauma doesn’t mean they need to become battle hardened and cynical! They can still be compassionate and kind and I loved that aspect of Ren the most – how she can still laugh and be funny and adorable makes her stand out. I, too, would fall for her like Sunho did. She admits to being vulnerable and I think that is her greatest strength. Ren made absolutely all the right decisions in this book and I was so proud of her. Without saying too much, the ending was so amazing! And Sunho! He’s so cool. Sunho brings a lot of intrigue into the story with his missing memories and secret powers and I absolutely loved it. Ren and Sunho are a force of nature together. The romance between them was so wholesome. I eat up the outgoing x shy trope all day everyday.

I feel like so much happened in this book, but it’s only just begun. I will definitely have my eyes on Sunho in the second book because that ending is criminal.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review, this was so fun!