The Floating World
by Axie Oh
Reviewed by BroMantasy on March 31, 2025
Quick Info
Author: Axie Oh
Series: The Floating World (Book 1)
Published: April 29, 2025
Rating:
ISBN-13: 9781250853080
The Floating World by Axie Oh
ARC Disclosure: This book was received free of charge from Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
At a Glance: Mystical forces and hidden dangers define a fractured world of light and shadow.
The world of Sunho and Ren exists as two distinct realms - the luminous Floating World on top and the endless darkness of the Under World below. Ren maintains a concealed silver light while traveling with her caravan family as a joyful acrobat. Sunho serves as an amnesiac mercenary from the Under World while struggling with an internal demonic presence. After her village suffers an assault from a monstrous creature and her uncle sustains serious injuries Ren begins a quest to find a remedy that leads her into the Under World. Sunho begins his quest to locate a girl with silver light capabilities while remaining oblivious to the destined encounter that will transform their understanding of themselves and their world.
New York Times bestselling author Axie Oh presents an absorbing fantasy narrative that transforms the Korean tale of celestial maidens into a story influenced by Final Fantasy elements centered around identity exploration and power dynamics alongside the formation of deep connections during dire situations.
A World of Light and Shadow
Oh builds an imaginative fantasy world that showcases strong Korean influences while presenting familiar elements in surprisingly innovative ways. The juxtaposition of The Floating World with its beauty and political intrigue against the Under World’s perpetual darkness and mithril mining establishes powerful narrative tension from the start.
Through Ren and Sunho’s dual perspectives the worldbuilding emerges organically which helps readers learn about the complex political and magical systems with the protagonists instead of through exposition dumps. Readers need to invest some patience with this method because it eventually leads to separate storylines merging together to create satisfying results.
The most distinctive feature of this world lies in the intriguing connection between these two realms. Massive scaffold Towers serve as connections between The Floating World above and the Under World below. The architectural connection between the Upper World and Under World illustrates the power imbalance between the elite Sareniyans above and the subjugated dwellers below which delivers an insightful examination of social hierarchy and exploitation without becoming overly dramatic.
The intricate history of the celestial maidens alongside the malevolent general and mithril’s corruptive power enriches the depth of this captivating setting. Oh masterfully provides readers with selective glimpses into the backstory which keeps their curiosity alive while preserving the enigmatic elements fueling the plot.
Character Journeys Across Divided Realms
The novel’s storytelling alternates between Ren’s and Sunho’s perspectives with some chapters from other characters to create deep bonds with both protagonists and reveal multiple facets of their world.
Ren starts her life as a lively performer who travels with her caravan family while concealing her magical powers and living a simple existence. Ren’s transition from a carefree lifestyle to facing her true roots appears genuine because every new truth compels her to rethink who she is. She starts her journey with a strong desire to rescue her uncle but gradually discovers her deeper motivations through learning about her past.
The amnesia that Sunho suffers from might have been clichéd but Oh turns it into a tool for building suspense and enigma. The battle Sunho faces with his inner “Demon” evokes reader sympathy and suspense while his slow regaining of memories creates some of the novel’s most intense moments. The emotional stakes emerge from his mission conflict paired with his growing feelings for Ren.
The supporting characters receive equal attention from the author in their development with Little Uncle standing out for his vibrant personality despite short appearances and Yurhee alongside Tag who function as both sources of humor and unexpected complexity.
The novel’s character development occasionally shows weaknesses in the antagonists because they feel more like simple barriers rather than complete characters. The intricate dynamic between Jaeil and Ren suggests their characters will be further developed in upcoming stories.
A Plot of Converging Destinies
From beginning to end The Floating World maintains a steady pace that builds momentum while delivering revelations at strategic moments. The narrative technique of merging distinct storylines into one cohesive journey excels at building suspense for when the main characters finally meet.
The story reaches its peak when it flips audience expectations upside down. Oh continuously surprises you by adding fresh narrative components which transform prior occurrences into new contexts without seeming forced. The discoveries about Sunho’s background and Ren’s lineage dramatically transform both our perception of the characters and our understanding of the entire world.
The plot developments sometimes appear overly convenient but they do not take away from the immersive experience. Readers experience a compelling rhythm throughout the story because it successfully combines personal character interactions with intense action sequences.
The story reaches its climax with brilliantly executed convergences and confrontations which feel justified after preceding meticulous groundwork. The ending establishes the foundation for future stories but still delivers enough closure to satisfy readers while sparking their curiosity for more content.
Evocative Prose and Magical Imagery
Oh creates a harmonious writing style which blends poetic description with direct storytelling. The writing reaches its peak excellence during action-packed scenes and when magical revelations occur because it produces imagery that instantly forms visual pictures in the reader’s mind.
Oh’s descriptions of Ren’s Light magic and mithril’s corrupting influence generate tangible feelings of wonder and dread. The narrative maintains its pace because these descriptions amplify the emotional resonance of important scenes.
Each character exchanges natural sounding dialogue which vividly expresses their unique personalities and histories. The humorous exchanges between Yurhee and Tag deliver needed breaks from the darkening plot.
Oh demonstrates exceptional ability in depicting sensory experiences across both worlds through specific details like sunlight warming Ren’s face and Sunho finding solace in darkness while feeling uneasy in light. The novel provides an engaging reading experience through its details which reinforce thematic contrasts.
Between the Sheets: Character-Driven Connections
The Floating World features a spice level of 🌶️ (1.0) but prioritizes fantasy adventure elements while permitting natural romantic development through character growth. Shared experiences and mutual protection allow Ren and Sunho to develop their emotional connection gradually which results in their moments of intimacy feeling earned instead of forced.
The narrative becomes more engaging because the romantic elements increase personal stakes together with epic stakes. Characters who develop a deep care for each other cause their decisions to have more impact which enhances the emotional depth of the main conflicts.
Fantasy fans who prefer romance to play a supporting role instead of taking center stage will find value in Oh’s approach because she focuses on genuine character growth rather than fast-tracked romantic conclusions.
Bro Reading Comfort: Minimal Concerns
The Floating World maintains a public reading suitability level at 😳😳 (2.0) despite its uncomfortable exposure. The book includes intense moments of violence and transformation but handles them in a way that supports the story without resorting to unnecessary graphic content.
The rare body horror elements that concern demons could cause surprise if someone looks over your shoulder at the wrong time but these moments happen only briefly and seldom.
This book is suitable for reading when traveling or sitting in a café because it poses no issues for public consumption.
Darkness With Consequence
The perpetual presence of corruption and identity loss alongside oppressive elements is what justifies The Floating World’s darkness level rating of 💀💀💀 (3.0). The juxtaposition of the idealized Floating World against the unending darkness of the Under World serves as a strong metaphor expressing class inequality and exploitation.
The demonic transformations contain the story’s most disturbing aspects because characters battle to preserve their humanity. Sunho’s fight against his “Demon” builds authentic suspense as readers question his ability to stay in control.
The unveiling of political schemes and historical truths uncovers deeper shadows which expose a reality founded on deception and exploitation. Oh manages to maintain balance by weaving threads of hope along with friendship and light that keep the story from becoming overwhelming.
Book Battlefield: Standing Among Peers
Readers will naturally compare The Floating World to Final Fantasy and especially FFVII because of its exploration of identity and memory loss issues as well as its depiction of a divided society where those above live in luxury and those below face oppression. The mithril element in the narrative mirrors Mako energy from the game series through its examination of resource exploitation and corruption.
Oh’s novel joins the ranks of Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone series in YA fantasy by successfully combining strong character development with detailed worldbuilding. The inclusion of Korean-inspired elements presents a fresh alternative to traditional European-based fantasy settings.
This book shares Rebecca Kim Wells’ Shatter the Sky through its multi-POV structure and identity themes while it reflects Elizabeth Lim’s Six Crimson Cranes through its detailed mythology and political systems that feature darker elements.
The Floating World stands out from other works through its flawless combination of Eastern mythological themes with fantasy elements inspired by gaming which generates a unique blend that evokes nostalgia while remaining fresh.
Should You Bother?
For Final Fantasy Fans: The Floating World brings Final Fantasy enthusiasts into its pages with an experience that mirrors FFVII’s magic through its depiction of anti-corruption battles and identity mysteries alongside bonds between unexpected companions.
For Korean Mythology Enthusiasts: Oh has transformed the celestial maiden legend into a unique Korean folklore tale that combines traditional motifs with innovative fantasy ideas while maintaining authenticity and respect.
For Character-Driven Fantasy Readers: Through its dual POV structure readers develop strong attachments to both protagonists whose personal growth and discoveries advance the story parallel to external conflicts.
For Fantasy Worldbuilding Aficionados: The juxtaposition of The Floating World and Under World generates a detailed backdrop featuring evolving political, religious and magical systems in the narrative.
Final BroMantasy Verdict
The Floating World serves as an outstanding entry point into a fantasy series that looks to continue captivating readers. Oh has created a universe that feels both new and recognizable while featuring characters who face challenges that touch readers on intimate and grand levels.
The book weaves distinct storylines together before they merge to deliver an enjoyable reading experience where every revelation moves toward stunning moments of discovery and conflict. Occasional convenience in plot elements exists but it doesn’t negatively impact the storytelling quality.
What sets this novel apart is how Oh manages to blend fantastical elements with real emotional stakes. Through Ren and Sunho’s self-discovery and world exploration readers embark on a journey that examines identity and power themes and deep connections with both subtlety and emotion.
The Floating World presents a full story that leaves readers satisfied while establishing groundwork for upcoming sequels. Fantasy enthusiasts who appreciate Korean mythology and gaming-inspired settings will find this character-driven novel to be an adventure that delivers value.
The magic system begins with intentional obscurity which could be bothersome to certain readers yet ultimately proves rewarding since Light magic and mithril corruption become clear through natural storytelling developments instead of direct exposition. The narrative technique used here reflects the protagonists’ path to understanding their world which enhances reader immersion.
The Floating World establishes a captivating universe and introduces multifaceted characters while resolving sufficient plot elements to satisfy readers and build anticipation for upcoming books in the series. Oh has created a strong base for what will likely develop into an exciting fantasy series.
