Rating: 4 for fromance and duology fans
My Thoughts:
This Asian YA is touted as Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone. I can see Shadow and Bone, but, in my opinion, Final Fantasy is not the right book to attach to book two from The Floating World. I think Axie Oh is already established enough to stand on her own. There are also many Asian fantasy writers to tie this book to like books from Sue Lynn Tan, Kylie Lee Baker, and Amber Chen. I did not like the nod to Final Fantasy by creating a cover that looks like a game with white anime looking androgynous characters. The first book cover on The Floating World is beautiful in the way the characters, looking more Asian are in the front with the floating world and its castles in the background.
As for the story, it was exciting. Like Heart of the Sun Warrior, the characters, both males and females are often found saving each other. We have gotten away from the "prince" always saving the damsel, thanks to Frozen. What makes this story so worthwhile is that Ren, celestial maiden and queen of Sareniya, is self confident and her loyalty, love and faith are strong. She knows where she needs to do things alone, and she knows where she needs help.
The only negative, however, is that the major showdowns at the end with Teacher and the original Sareniya was anticlimactic. However, I did enjoy Ren's journey to gathering her light power. This was the perfect duology. Any longer would have been too much.
Final note: this could be tagged at LGBTQIA+ but I am not going to. In Indigenous cultures, like native Hawaiians, males with males, especially warriors, was not an issue. We had a name for it, ʻaikane, but it was not unusual. In this story, it is also not hidden or even scoffed at by the other male and female warriors. I think mentioning it will only link it to a heteronormative world, which I do not live in. Unless a book is specifically for the LGBTQIA+ reader, I will stop labeling is as such.
From the Publisher:
The battle is over, but the war is just beginning...
With the help of her friends and allies, Ren managed to topple the General's insurrection, but the Floating World and its territories are still under threat of attack from the rival Volmaran Empire. And far worse, she was powerless to save Sunho from being overcome by the monstrous power in his blood. Now he's gone, transformed into a feral, deadly creature that doesn't even recognize her anymore, and her heart aches for the sweet boy she's grown to love.
But the escalating war will not pause for her grief. Seen by some as a heavenly savior and others merely a figurehead to be manipulated, Ren must use all her courage and cunning to survive the royal court's game long enough to find Sunho and bring him home before he loses himself to the Demon forever.
With the help of her friends and allies, Ren managed to topple the General's insurrection, but the Floating World and its territories are still under threat of attack from the rival Volmaran Empire. And far worse, she was powerless to save Sunho from being overcome by the monstrous power in his blood. Now he's gone, transformed into a feral, deadly creature that doesn't even recognize her anymore, and her heart aches for the sweet boy she's grown to love.
But the escalating war will not pause for her grief. Seen by some as a heavenly savior and others merely a figurehead to be manipulated, Ren must use all her courage and cunning to survive the royal court's game long enough to find Sunho and bring him home before he loses himself to the Demon forever.
Publication Information:
Author: Axie Oh
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends (October 21, 2025)
Print length: 400 pages
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