My glowing review of The Floating World

Having written The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea I was highly anticipating The Floating World, Axie Oh's start to a new series and I am so pleased to say I adored it. Read my 5-star review.

Out: Now

Ren is a performer in her family's traveling troupe. She has the power of silver light, something that she must hide. Due to a demon attack, she is forced to use it to save her uncle. But he becomes deathly sick. Sunho, the amnesiac sword-for-hire, who lives in the ever-dark Under World, could gain a chest of coins if he finds the girl with the silver light. He also has a secret of his own. Their paths cross as Ren searches to find a cure, but he doesn't know who she is. As they travel together, they have no idea that they will ultimately alter each other's lives and the worlds they know.

The narrative presents poetically infused with beautiful wording, a cool breeze caressing our imagination, not boxing it in, but letting it roam. In addition to being inviting, we feel like we have always been there, at the side of our heroes. We breathe their story. Masterful setting of scenes, even the busy, exhilarating, action-filled ones are uncomplicated to follow, with distinct details.

A fantastical world enhanced by East Asian influence and industrial accents — factories & swords, lanterns & grapple guns — mishmashing into a unique setting. Its well-structured foundation is built with obvious fondness and creativity. The gradual unveiling, part of the ongoing adventure, piques and firmly holds our interest. I genuinely enjoyed the feeling of discovery.

Each POV is of a different but equally strong personality, engrossing, almost cinematic in how 'alive' their depiction is, the interchanges between them amplifying the anticipation. Sunho's sense of displacement due to not remembering his life prior to 2 years ago is portrayed admirably, the loneliness and sorrow following him. Ren, on the other hand is warmth, a song to his quietness. Although determination leads them both. Their situation is entertaining, though dangerous, and inevitably soul-squeezing. A surprising 3rd POV changes the game and adds more texture to the winding storyline for this well-conceived plot.

The antithesis of the Under World and the Floating World is a play on light and dark, as is the essence of our heroes. The impact of privilege and criminality, kindness and greed, the existence of haves and have-nots. Whether we want it to or not, the past can define us and nothing is truer for both protagonists as one has left it behind and the other seeks to uncover it. This tale is about the family we choose, identity and justice. About changing the world, or in this instance the worlds.

Full of wonderfully fleshed out characters you will love or relish hating, an enchanting mythology and a beautiful budding love, it is beyond exciting. It gifts us with enticing intrigue and scheme-acrobatics that will make you want to scream. Embellished with smile-provoking, heart-tugging moments, but I must warn you this is not a leisurely read. With so much craziness happening — make sure to pay close attention — your adrenaline and emotions will spike and you will love every second of it.