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staceyinthesticks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Miscarriage, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and War
indigo_fox's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-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? No
5.0
This book is always hard for me to put down! This story follows Mina on her journey into the spirit realm as she tries to unravel the mysteries surrounding the sea god. Each new discovery leads to another adventure and it feels like the events pile on quickly. The fast pace makes sense though since Mina is on a bit of a time crunch.
It is so easy to fall in love with these characters, even the one who is supposed to be the villain. The side characters don't get fleshed out much but you still get enough about them to get a solid understanding of their personality. Although, I wish I had more time to learn about these characters.
The story itself was fun. This is my second time reading the story but I remember being surprised at various points in the story, even when I had my suspicions about what was going on. It was just as fun to watch the mystery unravel on my reread. Things weren't any less suspenseful as I was anxious to get to the reveals I knew were just around the corner.
Overall the story was great! I always enjoy a good folklore retelling!
It is so easy to fall in love with these characters, even the one who is supposed to be the villain. The side characters don't get fleshed out much but you still get enough about them to get a solid understanding of their personality. Although, I wish I had more time to learn about these characters.
The story itself was fun. This is my second time reading the story but I remember being surprised at various points in the story, even when I had my suspicions about what was going on. It was just as fun to watch the mystery unravel on my reread. Things weren't any less suspenseful as I was anxious to get to the reveals I knew were just around the corner.
Overall the story was great! I always enjoy a good folklore retelling!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Grief, Death of parent, and War
bree_h_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
I was really looking forward to this book and what story it could tell. And it had a pretty strong start to backup this hope. Unfortunately it fell a bit short by the halfway point.
As mentioned the start was pretty strong. I felt like it established action and motivation really well. Not to mention a strong setting of scene and tone. I thought Mina losing her voice was really interesting and I liked how it changed her communication and how others understood her. I also thought the introduction to the main cast was interesting and got me interested in them.
But once Mina got her voice back I just felt like the book took a dip in quality. The feeling of inconsistency in Mina’s character seemed highlighted and relationships with other characters felt rushed. It felt like it was trying to mimic ACOTAR, but wasn’t executed very well. Not to mention the grossness around a romance between a 16-year-old minor and an ancient immortal. It’s not realistic, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth in regards to the love interest. By the end it really just felt like the book was a checklist of tropes.
Overall it wasn’t super great, but I think people that like ACOTAR might enjoy it more than me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, and Blood
Minor: Death of parent and War
morininung's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
a romance tied by an invisible string of fate woven by gods of old & a second family as loving and forgiving and understanding as the first
though the pacing left a lot to be desired, TGWFBTS made up for it with its rich worldbuilding and awe-inspiring characters. more than once, i found myself in tears and on the edge of my seat. through the journey mina took, she found love in all its forms, each more true and beautiful than the last, shown and reciprocated through compassion and laughter and truth.
dialogue lines that tore my heart out of my chest, shattered it against the ground, and then laughed at me
"Really, I don't need this torch, but you do, so I'll hold it for you."
"There is no place you can go so far away from forgiveness. Not from someone who loves you."
"I apologize for many things, but mostly I apologize for making the weight you carry a little heavier."
"When I look at Kirin, I see only him, a bright light in the darkness. When he looks at me, he sees only the darkness."
"Sometimes, you don't find family in your own blood, but elsewhere."
"This room was empty before," Namgi says. "And then you filled it with all these things. Is that a good metaphor for how you've filled all our lives?"
"I wanted to be wise and good. I wanted to be whole."
Kirin's grip tightens. "You are, Namgi."
"I will miss you, Mina, my favorite sister."
I scoff. "You only have one sister."
"Yes, and she is the bravest person I know."
"With everyone and everything pushing you toward the Sea God and a fate not of your choosing, you looked back to what you wanted. And because of that, to me, you are the Sea God's bride. The girl who, by saving herself, saves the world."
dialogue lines that made me gasp and giggle and squeal
"She is my bride."
"As for the Red String of Fate we share, he said—"
"You're wrong," Shin interrupts. "I think I have a fever."
"I don't need a Red String of Fate to tell me that if you should die, so will I."
I take in the dark circles beneath his eyes, his lips red against the pallor of his skin. "You look awful—when was the last time you slept?" At the same time, he says, "You look beautiful."
"I would tie my life to yours, if you'll have me."
He releases me, placing his body between the dragon and me. "I won't let you hurt her."
"I may be soulless and haven't a Red String of Fate, but I don't need either to tell me that I love you."
"Will you wait here? Do you trust me?"
He doesn't answer me at first, watching me with his sea-dark eyes. Then he smiles, a small quirk of the lips. "With my soul."
I love you. Wait for me, where the land meets the sea.
His arms tighten around me. "Wherever you are, I'll find you."
"I'll make it easy for you. Because I'll be right here. With you."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Misogyny, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
katherineshawwrites's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Wow, what an enchanting and delightful story. Knowing nothing of Korean myth or legend, I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it blew me away.
Axie Oh's writing is simple but lovely, drawing you into Mina's story from the very beginning, and creating a world of spirits and magic unlike anything I've read before. I really enjoyed being introduced to the different spirits, creatures and gods/goddesses, and watching the mystery of the Sea God's Curse unravel as the plot progressed.
The romance was sweet but felt very authentic and organic, paced perfectly and thoroughly believable. Even more so, I loved the developing friendships - especially between Mina and Namgi, who I have a soft spot for.
It was refreshing and interesting to read an Eastern fairytale, and I enjoyed all the cultural details which really brought both the setting and the story to life.
I loved all of the little twists and turns that kept me guessing, right up until the very end when I thought Mina might make the wrong choice (but, of course, she didn't!). Axie Oh wove a delightful tale that kept me gripped throughout, but also ended in a feel-good and entirely satisfactory way.
My only criticism is that - at least, in the first half or so of the story - Mina reads as very young, and almost childish. It makes it a little jarring when the romance starts to develop, and I had to keep reminding myself she was sixteen, not eleven or twelve.
Nevertheless, this is one of those rare books that I would gladly reread almost immediately, to immerse myself back in the world and be reunited with these wonderful characters.
Axie Oh's writing is simple but lovely, drawing you into Mina's story from the very beginning, and creating a world of spirits and magic unlike anything I've read before. I really enjoyed being introduced to the different spirits, creatures and gods/goddesses, and watching the mystery of the Sea God's Curse unravel as the plot progressed.
The romance was sweet but felt very authentic and organic, paced perfectly and thoroughly believable. Even more so, I loved the developing friendships - especially between Mina and Namgi, who I have a soft spot for.
It was refreshing and interesting to read an Eastern fairytale, and I enjoyed all the cultural details which really brought both the setting and the story to life.
I loved all of the little twists and turns that kept me guessing, right up until the very end when I thought Mina might make the wrong choice (but, of course, she didn't!). Axie Oh wove a delightful tale that kept me gripped throughout, but also ended in a feel-good and entirely satisfactory way.
My only criticism is that - at least, in the first half or so of the story - Mina reads as very young, and almost childish. It makes it a little jarring when the romance starts to develop, and I had to keep reminding myself she was sixteen, not eleven or twelve.
Nevertheless, this is one of those rare books that I would gladly reread almost immediately, to immerse myself back in the world and be reunited with these wonderful characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
annslittlelibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Rounded up to 3.5 stars- I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to someone who loves YA mythology/folklore retellings. That being said, the pacing of the plot felt off to me and stopped me from rating it higher. Some parts felt rushed while others dragged, and some of the plot points felt a little muddled or under explained. What worked best for me in this book was definitely the beautiful world building of Sea God City and how the story addresses themes of death and grief.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
kaitrates's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I mostly enjoyed this gorgeous novel. As a retelling—based on what I read about the original story—it reminds me of what Rosalind is to Romeo and Juliet. It takes the known story and adds an entirely new layer to the story, one that’s plausible enough but changes a core of the tekr—in this case, that the hero of the story isn’t actually Sim Cheong.
The writing is ethereal and lyrical as we join our main character Mina on her journey through the Spirit Realm. There are plot twists and battles, romance and secret identities, evil gods and shapeshifting creatures, and much more.
I loved both the family and the found family, the gorgeous writing, and the new-to-me setting and lore.
Unfortunately, the romance felt rushed and underdeveloped to me as did some other parts of the plot, including the ending to a degree.
Overall, this was a great fantasy to start my year off with and I’d definitely read from this author again.
The writing is ethereal and lyrical as we join our main character Mina on her journey through the Spirit Realm. There are plot twists and battles, romance and secret identities, evil gods and shapeshifting creatures, and much more.
I loved both the family and the found family, the gorgeous writing, and the new-to-me setting and lore.
Unfortunately, the romance felt rushed and underdeveloped to me as did some other parts of the plot, including the ending to a degree.
Overall, this was a great fantasy to start my year off with and I’d definitely read from this author again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Child death, Death of parent, and War
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.5
“Nothing extraordinary is ever done out of reason or logic, but because it’s the only way for your soul to breathe.”
I had quite a high expectation towards it since I never read a retelling of a Korean folk story before so I was very excited.
There are some things that I love here but there are some that I wished for more.
First of all, I really like the whimsical and magical world building of the Spirit Realm that comes with magical creatures such as Imugi and dragons.
I also enjoy getting to know the loveable characters such as the brave and selfless FMC – Mina, mischievous characters like Dai and Namgi as well as mysterious characters such as Mask and the Sea God himself.
There’s very little romance in this one so the romantic relationship between the main characters appears instant which is something I’m not a huge fan of.
It took me quite a while to get hooked into the story with the uneven pacing, fortunately things started become more interesting in the second half part of the book. There are some unexpected twists along the way piqued my interest once more and I feel quite satisfied with the ending.
Overall, it’s a pretty good read even though it started out slow at the beginning but the twists near the ending bump up the stars I’m giving this book.
I do enjoy reading this book and will look forward to read more books from this author in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death
Moderate: Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent and War
emmieanna's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I run a YA bookclub and this was a book that they chose almost unanimously to read next. What a beautifully written, folktale infused story with so much heart.
I have wanted to read this book for a long time and it has sat on my shelf for almost a year. The descriptions are so lyrical and vivid and Axie really made me believe in Mina’s story. The only thing stopping me from giving the full 5 stars is the fact I wish it were a duology. I want to know more about this world and Mina’s aspirations, as well as perhaps Shin’s POV and more internal struggle from both of the characters. A lot of the time they changed their minds rather quickly and the plot is so fast paced that we don’t have time to dwell on details.
Overall, I could not recommend this book enough. It is a gorgeous folklore fantasy that has strong Ghibli and fairytale threads.
I have wanted to read this book for a long time and it has sat on my shelf for almost a year. The descriptions are so lyrical and vivid and Axie really made me believe in Mina’s story. The only thing stopping me from giving the full 5 stars is the fact I wish it were a duology. I want to know more about this world and Mina’s aspirations, as well as perhaps Shin’s POV and more internal struggle from both of the characters. A lot of the time they changed their minds rather quickly and the plot is so fast paced that we don’t have time to dwell on details.
Overall, I could not recommend this book enough. It is a gorgeous folklore fantasy that has strong Ghibli and fairytale threads.
Content Warnings
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
lillieb130's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy and War