Dive into The Floating World: A Mixed Journey
I’m always on the lookout for my next great read, and when I heard that Axie Oh was releasing a new book, excitement bubbled up within me like a well-shaken soda! As a long-time fan of hers, particularly enamored with The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, my expectations for The Floating World were sky-high. But as the pages turned, I found myself grappling with a whirlwind of emotions, ultimately landing at a rating of 3.25/5—a rating that stings a bit more than I’d like to admit.
The Floating World seamlessly intertwines classic Korean folklore with fantasy, centering on a war-torn kingdom and an amnesiac soldier. Our protagonists, Ren, a runaway princess in search of a cure for her ailing uncle, and Sunho, the soldier shrouded in mystery, embark on a journey propelled by destiny and a fateful encounter with a demon. The rich tapestry of ideas here is undeniably captivating, making it a promising start to a new duology.
However, while I adored the world-building—complete with the ethereal “Floating World” overhead—the pacing left much to be desired. The slow build-up caused me to feel somewhat detached from the characters in the beginning. Ren and Sunho were intriguing individuals, and their individual arcs were compelling, yet their love story felt like it rushed in like a tide rather than developed gradually. Oh usually crafts relationships I cheer for, but this one seemed to fall into the trap of "insta-love," which didn’t quite resonate with me.
That said, the book came alive in its closing chapters. Axie Oh’s imaginative writing style shone brilliantly as the narrative picked up momentum. The sensory descriptions, vibrant imagery, and cultural nuances drew me in deeper, almost like I could taste and feel the world she conjured. At last, it felt like the story was claiming its magic, teasing a thrilling sequel, The Demon and The Light, that has me counting down the days until release.
Although it hurt to feel this sense of emptiness while reading—a sharp contrast to the heart-stirring magic of Oh’s previous work—I still hold hope for the next book. I couldn’t help but think that perhaps the first part of this duology was merely laying the groundwork for something larger and more robust. As I reflect on my experience, I feel a blend of disappointment mixed with anticipation—a feeling that fellow fans of fantasy with rich cultural roots may also share.
In conclusion, The Floating World is a book that may find a special home among fans of Axie Oh’s earlier works, but it might not fully satisfy first-time readers. It’s an intriguing beginning, even if it lacks some heart. Nonetheless, I’m optimistic about the direction the sequel will take, and I’m eagerly looking forward to what lies ahead for Ren and Sunho. If you’re a reader who enjoys world-building steeped in folklore and can appreciate a slow burn leading to a potential explosion of excitement, I encourage you to give this book a try. Happy reading!
Discover more about The Floating World (The Floating World, #1) on GoodReads >>