Note: This copy of The Floating World was provided by NetGalley.
The Floating World by Axie Oh is a romantic fantasy that hits just the right notes. It is said to be the reimagining of the Korean Legend of Celestial Maidens involving a human who tricks a nymph into marriage. Our protagonists are Sunho, an ex-soldier turned mercenary with gaps in his memory, who is looking for his brother, and Ren, a spirited travelling acrobat. When a demonic monster attacks Ren’s travelling troupe and injures one of her adoptive family, Ren is forced to unleash something within her she had locked away as a child and all but forced herself to forget. This sets off a chain of events, and a large target on her back. While Ren leaves the troupe in search of aid for her family, unbeknownst to her, a large band of mercenaries, Sunho included, have been dispatched to find Ren.
The story starts off slow and takes a little bit of time to get into it. The first third of the book sets a relatively slow pace, intent on setting the scene and giving some backstory to the characters and their situations. The remaining two-thirds of the book was a much more happening and engrossing read, so much so that I found it hard to put down. Throughout the book the plot was very easy to follow and the slowly blossoming relationship between Sunho and Ren was oh-so-charming and comforting to see. The depth of characters and their stories, while not fully explored, have made me even more curious about this world the author has created.
I enjoyed this book to the extent that I was surprised when it ended. I’m really looking forward to the sequel to know more about this world, and of course about Ren and Sunho. Ideal for romantasy fans who would also like something a bit cosier than the genre usually provides. Definitely recommended.
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