A review by annorabrady
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing 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? Yes

5.0

I appreciate that, despite the high stakes of the premise, this book is treated more like a cozy fantasy. It gives room to enjoy the world, the characters, and the conflict equally. <Spoiler>I also love that the characters allow themselves to have space away from each other before deciding their future together, so that they could better understand themselves and how the events had changed them. It's a refreshing change from "I was in a harrowing situation and you made me feel safe so now we will be married" sentiments seen in other stories.

There are elements of this story that remind me of both Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid (not just in the voice plot but also in the limited time to win the sea god's heart before she lost her life) but with more agency, resourcefulness, and purpose on the part of the main character. 

I also like the idea that the chosen one must choose herself instead of being the victim of the choices of others. 
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