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kaitrates's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I mostly enjoyed this gorgeous novel. As a retelling—based on what I read about the original story—it reminds me of what Rosalind is to Romeo and Juliet. It takes the known story and adds an entirely new layer to the story, one that’s plausible enough but changes a core of the tekr—in this case, that the hero of the story isn’t actually Sim Cheong.
The writing is ethereal and lyrical as we join our main character Mina on her journey through the Spirit Realm. There are plot twists and battles, romance and secret identities, evil gods and shapeshifting creatures, and much more.
I loved both the family and the found family, the gorgeous writing, and the new-to-me setting and lore.
Unfortunately, the romance felt rushed and underdeveloped to me as did some other parts of the plot, including the ending to a degree.
Overall, this was a great fantasy to start my year off with and I’d definitely read from this author again.
The writing is ethereal and lyrical as we join our main character Mina on her journey through the Spirit Realm. There are plot twists and battles, romance and secret identities, evil gods and shapeshifting creatures, and much more.
I loved both the family and the found family, the gorgeous writing, and the new-to-me setting and lore.
Unfortunately, the romance felt rushed and underdeveloped to me as did some other parts of the plot, including the ending to a degree.
Overall, this was a great fantasy to start my year off with and I’d definitely read from this author again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death of parent, Child death, and War
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
“Nothing extraordinary is ever done out of reason or logic, but because it’s the only way for your soul to breathe.”
I had quite a high expectation towards it since I never read a retelling of a Korean folk story before so I was very excited.
There are some things that I love here but there are some that I wished for more.
First of all, I really like the whimsical and magical world building of the Spirit Realm that comes with magical creatures such as Imugi and dragons.
I also enjoy getting to know the loveable characters such as the brave and selfless FMC – Mina, mischievous characters like Dai and Namgi as well as mysterious characters such as Mask and the Sea God himself.
There’s very little romance in this one so the romantic relationship between the main characters appears instant which is something I’m not a huge fan of.
It took me quite a while to get hooked into the story with the uneven pacing, fortunately things started become more interesting in the second half part of the book. There are some unexpected twists along the way piqued my interest once more and I feel quite satisfied with the ending.
Overall, it’s a pretty good read even though it started out slow at the beginning but the twists near the ending bump up the stars I’m giving this book.
I do enjoy reading this book and will look forward to read more books from this author in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and War
emmieanna's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I run a YA bookclub and this was a book that they chose almost unanimously to read next. What a beautifully written, folktale infused story with so much heart.
I have wanted to read this book for a long time and it has sat on my shelf for almost a year. The descriptions are so lyrical and vivid and Axie really made me believe in Mina’s story. The only thing stopping me from giving the full 5 stars is the fact I wish it were a duology. I want to know more about this world and Mina’s aspirations, as well as perhaps Shin’s POV and more internal struggle from both of the characters. A lot of the time they changed their minds rather quickly and the plot is so fast paced that we don’t have time to dwell on details.
Overall, I could not recommend this book enough. It is a gorgeous folklore fantasy that has strong Ghibli and fairytale threads.
I have wanted to read this book for a long time and it has sat on my shelf for almost a year. The descriptions are so lyrical and vivid and Axie really made me believe in Mina’s story. The only thing stopping me from giving the full 5 stars is the fact I wish it were a duology. I want to know more about this world and Mina’s aspirations, as well as perhaps Shin’s POV and more internal struggle from both of the characters. A lot of the time they changed their minds rather quickly and the plot is so fast paced that we don’t have time to dwell on details.
Overall, I could not recommend this book enough. It is a gorgeous folklore fantasy that has strong Ghibli and fairytale threads.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent, Violence, Miscarriage, Grief, Death, Injury/Injury detail, War, Kidnapping, Child death, Blood, and Adult/minor relationship
lillieb130's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Death, Death of parent, Violence, and Child death
Minor: Pregnancy and War
katievallin's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Child death
Minor: Alcohol and Classism
dragonantlers's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, and Death of parent
sea_sea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book was an absolutely mesmerizing and epic tale of a girl and her pursuit of her own fate. It was a retelling of a korean legend. I absolutely loved the story and how beautifully it described everything. It was like I was right there and could see the vibrant colors and smell the sea salt. The characters were all so interesting and made me even more invested in the story. It is one of my favorite books now. 💗🌊🐋
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Grief, and Death
Minor: Death of parent, Violence, War, Murder, Child death, and Death
hello_lovely13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Blood, Grief, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War and Death of parent
kiwij96's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A remarkably easy read filled with advernture, love, loss, and self-discovery. A story of a young girl wanting women to have the right to choose who they love, how they live and die, and allowing herself and her peers to experience that.
Grief amd loss paired with strength, love and friendship. Effectively told through the eyes of a brave 16-year old girl.
"Don't chase fate. Let fate chase you."
Grief amd loss paired with strength, love and friendship. Effectively told through the eyes of a brave 16-year old girl.
"Don't chase fate. Let fate chase you."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Child death
kassidyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent