The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea - Axie Oh (Review)

Date of Reading: 26/11/2021

Author: Axie Oh

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: February 22, 2022

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

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…

Review:

        I have seen some reviews of Axie Oh's 'Xoxo' (yet to read that one) and so the moment I saw the author's name, my fingers involuntarily moved to the request button. If there was any hesitation that was spirited away by that gorgeous cover (you will probably get a headache choosing the US and UK editions). Really hard to resist a mythological retelling wrapped in such a charming cover.

        I can't say that the story is unique; seasoned fantasy readers might guess the plot from the very beginning. Well, it didn't really go the way I thought, except for the mystery surrounding the Sea God (spot-on on that one). What makes this such an enchanting read is the remarkable prose that pulls you into this world and the courageous girl willing to fight her fate. Away from home, she builds a new family of kindred spirits supporting every step of her way.

    Shin and his companions is another unforgettable bunch providing an equal mix of hilarity and severity. Wouldn't mind seeing Namgi and Kirin again in another adventure in their own separate stories. A wonderful story about family and fighting for what you love. Five glowing stars without a doubt!

Meet 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.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan

Date of Reading: 13/11/2021

Author: Sue Lynn Tan

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Publication Date: January 11, 2022

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology that weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honour, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

Review:

        I spent half of this book mentally composing a letter to the author. How can she do this? Splitting such a beautiful story into two! That is not something I could accept. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Leaving Xingyin's fate hanging at the end . . . I can never be ready for this. Well, like-minded readers can rest assured; there is no cliffhanger as such. Certainly there are loose ends to be tied, more secrets to unravel but the present plot wraps up perfectly.

        Obsessed as I am with all the C dramas, the Mid-autumn festival is not an unfamiliar one. But I was a stranger to the story of the moon goddess in whose honour it is celebrated. This came as an eye opener adding another version to the stories which either condemn or empathise with her. And what a story it is! From the very beginning till the last page there is not even a single dull moment. A warrior woman, a celestial prince, dragons and magic . . . that is an ideal recipe to a cosy evening if there is one.

        Sue Lynn Tan's polished and beautiful writing immerses you completely and the world-building will definitely strike a chord with any ardent C drama fan. Action scenes are so vivid and even the love triangle is handled quite smoothly (got conflicted on that one). All in all, a spectacular debut without a doubt! Waiting eagerly for the sequel.

Meet the author:

Sue Lynn Tan writes fantasy inspired by the myths and legends she fell in love with as a child. Born in Malaysia, she studied in London and France, before settling in Hong Kong with her family.

Her love for stories began with a gift from her father, her first compilation of fairytales from around the world. After devouring every fable she could find in the library, she discovered fantasy books – spending much of her childhood lost in magical worlds. When not writing or reading, she enjoys exploring the hills and reservoirs of Hong Kong, the temples, beaches and narrow winding streets here.

Sue Lynn can be reached on Instagram @SuelynnTan, or on her website www.suelynntan.com.