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A review by luxthepenguin
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
3.0
3.75 stars
I didn't know this was by Axie Oh at first. I read XOXO before this book and enjoyed it, but it's fair to say this is a complete 180 in terms of tone and plot.
Generally, this book is inoffensive. Not bad by any means, but not particularly innovative or fun. It does sprinkle in different aspects of mythology with folktales and a vague afterlife system, making the world feel whimsical. The main character was bland-not beautiful and not skilled, but passionate, outspoken, and loyal to her family... just like 80% of other YA protagonists nowadays. Her soul is literally a magpie fluttering around, and when her soul is stolen upon entering "the underworld," she appropriately loses her voice. Very smooth and not at all an on-the-nose characterization.
Shin is a great love interest and very endearing. Unfortunately, I don't think the other side characters, including Shin's brothers/guards and receive enough characterization. Maybe it's just the length of the book, which felt quite short. That's... generally a good sign. I mean, by the third chapter, Mina's has already sacrificed herself in place of her sister-in-law. The book is gripping, but the ending just feels rushed. The climax and resolution happen in the last 10% of the book. Absolutely, I can see how this would be suitable for a younger audience. Fast-paced with a love interest, chatty protagonist, and dragons!! :o It just didn't feel like anything special to me, especially since I've grown used to more fleshed out worlds, deep characters with different motivations, and complicated plots.
anyway, give it a read if you want. it'll probably only take an hour or two of your time
I didn't know this was by Axie Oh at first. I read XOXO before this book and enjoyed it, but it's fair to say this is a complete 180 in terms of tone and plot.
Generally, this book is inoffensive. Not bad by any means, but not particularly innovative or fun. It does sprinkle in different aspects of mythology with folktales and a vague afterlife system, making the world feel whimsical. The main character was bland-not beautiful and not skilled, but passionate, outspoken, and loyal to her family... just like 80% of other YA protagonists nowadays. Her soul is literally a magpie fluttering around, and when her soul is stolen upon entering "the underworld," she appropriately loses her voice. Very smooth and not at all an on-the-nose characterization.
Shin is a great love interest and very endearing. Unfortunately, I don't think the other side characters, including Shin's brothers/guards and
Spoiler
Mina's familyanyway, give it a read if you want. it'll probably only take an hour or two of your time