emreads0's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don't know the story this retelling is based off of, but this book was beautiful. I loved the artistic and soft descriptions, they felt so wonderful to get wrapped in. I am not normally a plot driven reader, but this had the plot and the vibes. It reminded me of a video game I love called Gris as the main character blindly discovers herself and the world around her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Blood, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Grief and Violence
morellomel's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death of parent
nimeneth's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was actually pleasantly surprised by this one, especially after having to switch to an audiobook version after I struggled to read by chapter 3 or 3. Having a pleasant narrator uppedy enjoyment a lot.
The plot was pretty predictable, and I was only surprised by a few details of the Big Reveal (and the smaller one involving Mask) at the end. I'd usually get bored, but the stories and memories Mina shared, the mythical creatures, and the general flavor of Korean folklore were excellent, brain-catching details. I also appreciated that Axie Oh spent a little time discussing the clothing, which normally I wouldn't care that much about, but it added life to the book.
I also really enjoyed the characters. They were all well-crafted, strong in some ways and vulnerable in others. Mina especially seemed to shine with her storyteller heritage, using words and the feelings they evoked to guide the people around her to other ways of thinking and acting. I also liked how this skill guided a vengeful goddess to a happier existence and brought back memories to a couple of lost boys.
The plot was pretty predictable, and I was only surprised by a few details of the Big Reveal (and the smaller one involving Mask) at the end. I'd usually get bored, but the stories and memories Mina shared, the mythical creatures, and the general flavor of Korean folklore were excellent, brain-catching details. I also appreciated that Axie Oh spent a little time discussing the clothing, which normally I wouldn't care that much about, but it added life to the book.
I also really enjoyed the characters. They were all well-crafted, strong in some ways and vulnerable in others. Mina especially seemed to shine with her storyteller heritage, using words and the feelings they evoked to guide the people around her to other ways of thinking and acting. I also liked how this skill guided a vengeful goddess to a happier existence and brought back memories to a couple of lost boys.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death
sarahweyand's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I seem to be in the minority here, but this book really didn't do it for me. I felt the writing style skewed more middlegrade YA than adult YA, which is fine, but didn't necessarily match up to the content and themes of the story. I bought this book initially because I loved the cover, and the premise of gods under the sea and hints at mythical creatures were intriguing to me. But unfortunately that's where the positives end for me, mostly.
I feel like the plot pacing was off - too slow and fast in the opposite places. The characters seemed flat and underdeveloped and not particularly likeable. I didn't dislike them per se, but I didn't feel any connection to them. I wish the worldbuilding was better, because I really did enjoy the vague concept of the what little we were given - especially some of the types of gods, the river of souls, and the paper boat prayers. There just wasn't enough. The plot contrivances and coincidences paired with a lackluster romance (boo instalove!) just topped it off for me.
I feel like the plot pacing was off - too slow and fast in the opposite places. The characters seemed flat and underdeveloped and not particularly likeable. I didn't dislike them per se, but I didn't feel any connection to them. I wish the worldbuilding was better, because I really did enjoy the vague concept of the what little we were given - especially some of the types of gods, the river of souls, and the paper boat prayers. There just wasn't enough. The plot contrivances and coincidences paired with a lackluster romance (boo instalove!) just topped it off for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
squinnittowinit's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
4.25
A very charming read, about a girl who chooses her own destiny. A high-stakes cozy fantasy that remains fairly relaxed despite the many dangers woven into the plot and delivers a satisfying ending.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death
Minor: Death of parent, Violence, Murder, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
doodeedoda's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Pregnancy, Grief, Death, Child death, and Death of parent
xapoptosisx's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.75
This was a really lovely sweet fantasy book. It is a great story told beautifully about gods, girls, mythical beasts and fate. I love it and it's characters, a really nice read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Grief
Minor: Death and Child death
mandkips's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Child death
Moderate: Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: War and Death of parent
theladymadrid's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
dame_samara's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Did you love Spirited Away? Did you also desperately need Chihiro and Haku to be reunited at the end of the Movie?
Well then this book is the book for you!
Mina is so incredibly tenacious while also being so incredibly caring towards those around her. I loved her so much.
Shin and his friends have a really interesting dynamic, in how they treat and respect each other but also how they respect Mina and her choices. *chefs kiss*
Then there are Mask, Dai and Miki whose storyline brought me to tears.
This book also has some really gorgeous scenery descriptions, that do honestly feel like they could be something out of a Miyazaki Movie.
TLDR I will be shoving this book down everyone's throat for the foreseeable future, and is likely one of my favorite books ever.
Well then this book is the book for you!
Mina is so incredibly tenacious while also being so incredibly caring towards those around her. I loved her so much.
Shin and his friends have a really interesting dynamic, in how they treat and respect each other but also how they respect Mina and her choices. *chefs kiss*
Then there are Mask, Dai and Miki whose storyline brought me to tears.
This book also has some really gorgeous scenery descriptions, that do honestly feel like they could be something out of a Miyazaki Movie.
TLDR I will be shoving this book down everyone's throat for the foreseeable future, and is likely one of my favorite books ever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Alcohol and Blood