Author: Axie Oh
Publication Date: 22 FEB 2022
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Page Count: 336
Reading Method: Digital ARC [Thank you to the publisher!]
Dates Read: FEB 7 – 10
Review
With a stunning cover like that, how could the story inside not be just as beautiful? The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is a story that will pull you into its magical web and not let go until the very end. It’s set in the spirit world and vaguely reminiscent of Spirited Away, full of stories and mythology, dragons, friendships, and unbreakable bonds. I didn’t want it to end!
It all starts with Mina throwing herself into the sea to ensure her brother’s happiness. This selflessness is just one of the traits that endeared Mina to me. She’s brave, smart, and able to make friends in any situation. When she ends up in the Sea God’s spirit world, she quickly makes friends with a couple of mischievous spirits who are definitely my favorite characters in the story. Mina also has to attempt to make friends with the Sea God’s fierce protectors, a trio of friends who will do anything to keep the god safe. As she grows closer to those in the spirit realm, her future becomes more and more uncertain. The only thing Mina knows for sure is that she must do what it takes to protect the ones she loves.
The use of storytelling in The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is one of my favorite elements of the book. The writing was beautiful and whimsical, and oh so easy to get wrapped up in. There is so much going on in this story. The gods are at war, Mina somehow finds herself in the middle of it all, and she must find a way to fix the balance between the spirit world and her own world. There’s plenty of action, a dash of romance, and wonderful friendships formed. Though I really liked the romance, the friendly relationships were by far my favorites. It bothers me when female characters cannot seem to get along with other female characters, and that is not the case with Mina. She pulls so many people into her circle and isn’t afraid to give second chances where they are deserved.
The only reason this wasn’t five star read is because of the ending. I really like how everything wrapped up and thought it was a fitting end to a lovely story; however, there was a bit at the end that seemed a little muddled and I struggled to make it make sense. Mina seems to come to a realization and I couldn’t follow the logic to get to the same conclusion. I feel if it had been fleshed out a little more, or had some more hints dropped throughout the story, it would have made more sense and I would have been more satisfied.
This is a standalone, but I’m looking forward to checking out more of Oh’s work. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea was an absolute delight. I flew right through it and couldn’t get enough!
About the Book
Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.
Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village―and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon―may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.
Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin―as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits―Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.
But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…
About the Author
Axie Oh is a first generation Korean American, born in NYC and raised in New Jersey. She studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California – San Diego and holds an MFA from Lesley University in Writing for Young People. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her puppy, Toro.
