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A review by katherineshawwrites
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Wow, what an enchanting and delightful story. Knowing nothing of Korean myth or legend, I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it blew me away.
Axie Oh's writing is simple but lovely, drawing you into Mina's story from the very beginning, and creating a world of spirits and magic unlike anything I've read before. I really enjoyed being introduced to the different spirits, creatures and gods/goddesses, and watching the mystery of the Sea God's Curse unravel as the plot progressed.
The romance was sweet but felt very authentic and organic, paced perfectly and thoroughly believable. Even more so, I loved the developing friendships - especially between Mina and Namgi, who I have a soft spot for.
It was refreshing and interesting to read an Eastern fairytale, and I enjoyed all the cultural details which really brought both the setting and the story to life.
I loved all of the little twists and turns that kept me guessing, right up until the very end when I thought Mina might make the wrong choice (but, of course, she didn't!). Axie Oh wove a delightful tale that kept me gripped throughout, but also ended in a feel-good and entirely satisfactory way.
My only criticism is that - at least, in the first half or so of the story - Mina reads as very young, and almost childish. It makes it a little jarring when the romance starts to develop, and I had to keep reminding myself she was sixteen, not eleven or twelve.
Nevertheless, this is one of those rare books that I would gladly reread almost immediately, to immerse myself back in the world and be reunited with these wonderful characters.
Axie Oh's writing is simple but lovely, drawing you into Mina's story from the very beginning, and creating a world of spirits and magic unlike anything I've read before. I really enjoyed being introduced to the different spirits, creatures and gods/goddesses, and watching the mystery of the Sea God's Curse unravel as the plot progressed.
The romance was sweet but felt very authentic and organic, paced perfectly and thoroughly believable. Even more so, I loved the developing friendships - especially between Mina and Namgi, who I have a soft spot for.
It was refreshing and interesting to read an Eastern fairytale, and I enjoyed all the cultural details which really brought both the setting and the story to life.
I loved all of the little twists and turns that kept me guessing, right up until the very end when I thought Mina might make the wrong choice (but, of course, she didn't!). Axie Oh wove a delightful tale that kept me gripped throughout, but also ended in a feel-good and entirely satisfactory way.
My only criticism is that - at least, in the first half or so of the story - Mina reads as very young, and almost childish. It makes it a little jarring when the romance starts to develop, and I had to keep reminding myself she was sixteen, not eleven or twelve.
Nevertheless, this is one of those rare books that I would gladly reread almost immediately, to immerse myself back in the world and be reunited with these wonderful characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Child death, and Death of parent