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The Floating World #2
The Demon and the Light
Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in The Demon and the Light, the hotly anticipated follow-up to Axie Oh's The Floating World.
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.
Also by Axie Oh
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
The Floating World
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.
Also by Axie Oh
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea
The Floating World
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 21, 2025
222 people are currently reading
15267 people want to read
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December 26, 2025ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀・❥・ˏˋ°•*⁀➷
⤿🔮26/12/25
restarting this gem again after putting this on pause for months, I can't wait to see how Sunho & Ren's story unfold here!🥹💜
⤿🔮26/12/25
restarting this gem again after putting this on pause for months, I can't wait to see how Sunho & Ren's story unfold here!🥹💜
April 25, 2025
4.25 stars! ⭐️ Huge thanks to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends & NetGalley for the ARC! 💌
Okay but—feels SO weird reading the sequel when the first book hasn’t even been released yet?! I feel like I’m holding a secret and can’t scream with everyone about it… yet.
The Demon and the Light by Axie Oh is the epic finale to The Floating World duology, and oh my stars, it brings the DRAMA. We pick up right where book one left off — Ren is now a heavenly savior, apparently (no pressure, queen), and Sunho? Yeah, he’s full-on Demon mode now. Feral. Dangerous. Not even recognizing her anymore. My heart? Shattered.
Meanwhile, the Volmarans are causing chaos, a wild war is brewing, and Ren’s getting pulled into royal court politics where everyone’s got an agenda and a fake smile. And all she wants to do is save the boy she loves. Pain.
✦ The VIBES?? Immaculate. It’s fantasy, yes, but it’s also deeply emotional — about grief, hope, and finding your own light when everything feels lost. The character bonding? Top-tier.
✦ Ren’s arc is SO beautifully done. She’s not perfect, but she feels real. She’s grieving and unsure, but still fierce and driven. The way she loves Sunho??? Tender. Stubborn. Heartbreaking.
✦ Sunho, my broken demon boy. I wanted to throw something every time he was on the page because it HURT. He’s battling this monster inside him, and he doesn’t believe he deserves love anymore. Axie Oh, why must you rip my heart out??
✦ Jaeil gets his moment too!! We finally get his POV and it adds so much. He’s messy, sarcastic, loyal to a fault — just the kind of wildcard I love. His character development?? Chef’s kiss.
✦ Found family trope is ALIVE AND WELL. Honestly, I lived for the group dynamics. The banter, the loyalty, the chaotic team-ups. It gave Lunar Chronicles energy in the best way.
Was everything perfect? Not quite. A couple side plotlines felt like they got left hanging and the ending wrapped up a bit quick for my taste — like we were sprinting toward the finish line — but honestly?? It didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride.
This book had me giggling, sobbing, SCREAMING.
It’s lush, emotional, and cinematic as hell.
The way Axie balances mythology, romance, and revolution?? STUNNING.
And the themes?? Power, grief, choice, forgiveness. This book says something without ever feeling preachy.
So yeah.
Was it painful? Yes.
Did I love every second? Also yes.
Would I fight the Volmarans with Ren and squad? You KNOW I would.
Catch me storming the gates with a glowing sword and righteous rage.
Run, don’t walk to add this duology to your TBR.
And when the first book drops, just know the sequel is waiting to emotionally destroy you all over again.
Okay but—feels SO weird reading the sequel when the first book hasn’t even been released yet?! I feel like I’m holding a secret and can’t scream with everyone about it… yet.
The Demon and the Light by Axie Oh is the epic finale to The Floating World duology, and oh my stars, it brings the DRAMA. We pick up right where book one left off — Ren is now a heavenly savior, apparently (no pressure, queen), and Sunho? Yeah, he’s full-on Demon mode now. Feral. Dangerous. Not even recognizing her anymore. My heart? Shattered.
Meanwhile, the Volmarans are causing chaos, a wild war is brewing, and Ren’s getting pulled into royal court politics where everyone’s got an agenda and a fake smile. And all she wants to do is save the boy she loves. Pain.
✦ The VIBES?? Immaculate. It’s fantasy, yes, but it’s also deeply emotional — about grief, hope, and finding your own light when everything feels lost. The character bonding? Top-tier.
✦ Ren’s arc is SO beautifully done. She’s not perfect, but she feels real. She’s grieving and unsure, but still fierce and driven. The way she loves Sunho??? Tender. Stubborn. Heartbreaking.
✦ Sunho, my broken demon boy. I wanted to throw something every time he was on the page because it HURT. He’s battling this monster inside him, and he doesn’t believe he deserves love anymore. Axie Oh, why must you rip my heart out??
✦ Jaeil gets his moment too!! We finally get his POV and it adds so much. He’s messy, sarcastic, loyal to a fault — just the kind of wildcard I love. His character development?? Chef’s kiss.
✦ Found family trope is ALIVE AND WELL. Honestly, I lived for the group dynamics. The banter, the loyalty, the chaotic team-ups. It gave Lunar Chronicles energy in the best way.
Was everything perfect? Not quite. A couple side plotlines felt like they got left hanging and the ending wrapped up a bit quick for my taste — like we were sprinting toward the finish line — but honestly?? It didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the ride.
This book had me giggling, sobbing, SCREAMING.
It’s lush, emotional, and cinematic as hell.
The way Axie balances mythology, romance, and revolution?? STUNNING.
And the themes?? Power, grief, choice, forgiveness. This book says something without ever feeling preachy.
So yeah.
Was it painful? Yes.
Did I love every second? Also yes.
Would I fight the Volmarans with Ren and squad? You KNOW I would.
Catch me storming the gates with a glowing sword and righteous rage.
Run, don’t walk to add this duology to your TBR.
And when the first book drops, just know the sequel is waiting to emotionally destroy you all over again.
Want to read
January 21, 2025Both books coming out in 2025? Miss Axie Oh is spoiling us.
October 28, 2025
“The Demon is a part of me. Just as the Light is a part of you.”
I was anxiously awaiting the sequel to the Floating World for various reasons. I always get apprehensive when an author releases both books in a series within the same year since I have trauma from Ruthless Vows, but I’m happy to say this was a solid follow up and conclusion to the Floating World duology! While I prefer the first book more, there were elements from the sequel that I enjoyed more and vice versa.
This is probably a me problem, but it did take me a few chapters to reacquaint and readjust myself to the world and its characters. I felt a bit disconnected to Ren and Sunho and their love story especially in the beginning since I probably should have reread the first book before this. Unfortunately, I do think that spark between them died out a little bit for me. Don’t get me wrong – I still find them cute and I have no doubt fans will continue to love them – but I don’t think I felt as much as I did with them in book 1, which again is on me for not rereading. I still think they are soulmates and want what they have. I loved the little parallel scenes Axie integrates into the story and am certain die-hard Ren x Sunho shippers will love it too. All in all, I will always find their love wholesome and pure even if I might not have squealed as much as before.
But you know who had me squealing and going feral?? JAEIL!! Oh, Jaeil stepped up BIG TIME. MVP of the book, hands down. That’s not even a debate. I am literally thanking Miss Axie Oh for creating Jaeil because man is easily now my favorite character Axie has ever written. Everything about Jaeil is my type!! I was also not expecting that romance subplot between Jaeil and [redacted], but I would give all the stars to them! Dare I say they were my favorite couple in the book and that I stayed for them?! Anyway, I NEED a spin off. Right now!!
But the main ensemble of characters are still really great, too. I really loved Yurhee, Jaeil, Sana and Wook especially. The banter between them was so funny. It truly feels like a found family between them.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the plot as much as the first book. It felt more political, but not necessarily the most intriguing. Yes, I understood why the Floating World and Underworld were at war, but I feel like I didn’t care so much. The people that made up each world weren't really expanded on or given a lot of depth besides our main characters. Yes, I care for the main characters and therefore want them to succeed and stop the war, but that was it. Maybe that’ll be enough for some people, but personally I wanted a bit more dimension to the war where I could feel greater for the people it affected.
I felt disconnected to Ren’s family personally and the main villain who felt a bit generic and shallow. The ending was also very, very abrupt. It felt like it was building up to something and then just ended there. It felt like I blacked out and missed out on a whole action scene, and it needed a lot of revision, for sure. It felt like Axie was on a deadline and didn’t know how to end it, but I did like the epilogue and absolutely need a spin off to happen!!
pre-read:
I NEED THIS NOW AFTER THE ENDING TO FLOATING WORLD AAA
I was anxiously awaiting the sequel to the Floating World for various reasons. I always get apprehensive when an author releases both books in a series within the same year since I have trauma from Ruthless Vows, but I’m happy to say this was a solid follow up and conclusion to the Floating World duology! While I prefer the first book more, there were elements from the sequel that I enjoyed more and vice versa.
This is probably a me problem, but it did take me a few chapters to reacquaint and readjust myself to the world and its characters. I felt a bit disconnected to Ren and Sunho and their love story especially in the beginning since I probably should have reread the first book before this. Unfortunately, I do think that spark between them died out a little bit for me. Don’t get me wrong – I still find them cute and I have no doubt fans will continue to love them – but I don’t think I felt as much as I did with them in book 1, which again is on me for not rereading. I still think they are soulmates and want what they have. I loved the little parallel scenes Axie integrates into the story and am certain die-hard Ren x Sunho shippers will love it too. All in all, I will always find their love wholesome and pure even if I might not have squealed as much as before.
But you know who had me squealing and going feral?? JAEIL!! Oh, Jaeil stepped up BIG TIME. MVP of the book, hands down. That’s not even a debate. I am literally thanking Miss Axie Oh for creating Jaeil because man is easily now my favorite character Axie has ever written. Everything about Jaeil is my type!! I was also not expecting that romance subplot between Jaeil and [redacted], but I would give all the stars to them! Dare I say they were my favorite couple in the book and that I stayed for them?! Anyway, I NEED a spin off. Right now!!
But the main ensemble of characters are still really great, too. I really loved Yurhee, Jaeil, Sana and Wook especially. The banter between them was so funny. It truly feels like a found family between them.
Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy the plot as much as the first book. It felt more political, but not necessarily the most intriguing. Yes, I understood why the Floating World and Underworld were at war, but I feel like I didn’t care so much. The people that made up each world weren't really expanded on or given a lot of depth besides our main characters. Yes, I care for the main characters and therefore want them to succeed and stop the war, but that was it. Maybe that’ll be enough for some people, but personally I wanted a bit more dimension to the war where I could feel greater for the people it affected.
I felt disconnected to Ren’s family personally and the main villain who felt a bit generic and shallow. The ending was also very, very abrupt. It felt like it was building up to something and then just ended there. It felt like I blacked out and missed out on a whole action scene, and it needed a lot of revision, for sure. It felt like Axie was on a deadline and didn’t know how to end it, but I did like the epilogue and absolutely need a spin off to happen!!
pre-read:
I NEED THIS NOW AFTER THE ENDING TO FLOATING WORLD AAA
January 27, 2026
« Growth doesn’t occur overnight. You can only grow stronger through discipline and hard work, and you need to be strong if you wish to fend off demons. »
The floating world was a 4 stars read for me and I was eager to get into the sequel with how it had ended. Sadly, I think the conflict resolution was mad quick and thus diminished the tension and removed the stakes of the story.
I believe this could’ve been a stand-alone because I didn’t feel like anything was going on in this one 😅 the romance was also very push/pull for a good chunk of it and that ended up irritating me.
In the first novel, I had felt that the characters lacked depth and it was still an issue in this one. There’s also a romance that’s introduced amongst 2 of the side characters that felt forced. The ending was also solved in 2 pages 😅
I didn’t feel that this one was whimsical and/or magical and I was mostly annoyed at how rigid the political system was in the Floating World… and it was sort of brushed under the rug.
The floating world was a 4 stars read for me and I was eager to get into the sequel with how it had ended. Sadly, I think the conflict resolution was mad quick and thus diminished the tension and removed the stakes of the story.
I believe this could’ve been a stand-alone because I didn’t feel like anything was going on in this one 😅 the romance was also very push/pull for a good chunk of it and that ended up irritating me.
In the first novel, I had felt that the characters lacked depth and it was still an issue in this one. There’s also a romance that’s introduced amongst 2 of the side characters that felt forced. The ending was also solved in 2 pages 😅
I didn’t feel that this one was whimsical and/or magical and I was mostly annoyed at how rigid the political system was in the Floating World… and it was sort of brushed under the rug.
June 30, 2025
A pretty good finale! I liked that this one had more action, plot twists, and emotions.
I also really enjoyed the side characters, they were all so sweet! The main characters got more development too, especially Ren. She didn’t feel as young as she did in the first book, she gave orders, wasn’t afraid of anything, and really came into her own.
There was even more magical atmosphere here, and multiple POVs made it even more engaging. Some parts were sad, some made me laugh or smile, and at times I was genuinely scared for the characters.
I love that this is a duology, not too long, but not too short either. Just enough to fully tell the story and explore everything.
And just like I said after book one, I still really enjoy the writing style, it’s so easy and pleasant to read.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for the ARC!
I also really enjoyed the side characters, they were all so sweet! The main characters got more development too, especially Ren. She didn’t feel as young as she did in the first book, she gave orders, wasn’t afraid of anything, and really came into her own.
There was even more magical atmosphere here, and multiple POVs made it even more engaging. Some parts were sad, some made me laugh or smile, and at times I was genuinely scared for the characters.
I love that this is a duology, not too long, but not too short either. Just enough to fully tell the story and explore everything.
And just like I said after book one, I still really enjoy the writing style, it’s so easy and pleasant to read.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for the ARC!
March 7, 2026
.☘︎ ݁˖ “i might not seek revenge on her behalf, but i will seek justice. jaeil is not his father, and I am not my mother.”
her message was clear: ren would not be a puppet. she didn’t return to give legitimacy to her aunt and great-uncle, or to the floating council. she had her own agenda, her own mind.
⋆˙⟡ 4.75 stars ˙⊹
once companions, they won an impossible battle, but war is on the horizon and they’re no longer together. can they save the world and each other?
first off thanks to miss axie, fierce reads and colored pages book tours for sending me an arc through netgalley! this does not affect my thoughts about the book in any way. out now! check out my latest post, to see some cool edits i made for this book :) the demon and the light book edits
i remember finishing book 1 in feb and being so happy that book 2 released this year itself. cause that ending was soo unfair T-T and then bam i get the arc for book 2 as well and ahhhh im soo extremely grateful 🥹🫶
book 2 starts off right where we were left, and ahh the emotions i was in. happy but sad cause whyyyyy???? anyways we see ren return to her rightful place as heir, sunho accepting himself, tag and yurhee being the best chaotic duo ever and jaeil. oh jaeil was my fav person this book, casue boy has LAYERS!! book 1 had me feeling really conflicted about him, but book 2? i need a friend like him fr 🥹🫶 wont say anything more cause ✨spoilers✨
but will say there’s soo many parallels to book 1 that i thoroughly enjoyed (read: screamed my heart out to daphne lol) also you can always count on miss axie to write the most healthiest relationships with them properly communicating!! when sunho said “can i?” I DIED. this is my ghost actually 🤭🙂↕️⭐✨ some very shocking plot twists happened and i was like WHAT 😧
also a moment of appreciation for the worldbuilding as well cause it literally felt like i was walking through the hallways and gardens of the crystal palace, and then through the alleys of the underworld. ahh impeccable!!
but i am soo happy with the ending and epilogue. perfect ending for all of my babies 🥹 now i and daphne have a small petition miss axie: a novella with more wholesome/daily life moments + a spinoff of yurhee x ***** PLS PLS PLS PLS! u can't tease us with a good time and not give us 🥺🥺
⋆˙⟡ — favourite quotes: ˙⊹
˙⊹ “Sunho climbed a world to reach you,” Tag said, and Ren looked up to see he’d lifted his face. He met her gaze as he spoke, his voice clear. “I don’t think anything could stop him from coming back to you.”
˙⊹ "This had been his fate from the beginning, the story that had been written for him, the son of a despot, his inheritance one of darkness and cruelty. He thought of Wook, and that moment of peace, a feeling he’d been chasing his whole life. He regretted not grasping on to that moment a little longer."
⋆˙⟡ — incoherent review ˙⊹
I LOVED THIS SEQUEL SOO MUCH 🥹 full rtc <3
⋆˙⟡ — pre-read thoughts ˙⊹
gods above, thank you for making this release in 2025, cause otherwise you would have a lot of people going insane. and also if it wasn't too much, pls get me an arc when you can! love you <33
December 7, 2025
Ack. Did NOT get the closer I wanted. This book just has all the gay, secular, and cultural ideologies again. The sentences are clunky, and the author made Wook and Jaeil gay. Like, COME ON!!!! Totally unnecessary.
March 23, 2026
While I thought that The Floating World was a solid novel, it didn't really stick with me the way I had hoped it would, so I wasn't sure if I was going to continue the series. But I'm really glad that I did! The Demon and the Light has Axie Oh's signature style, but it also feels so distinct from The Floating World. It made that book seem like a mere prologue. The Demon and the Light is full of whimsical magic, courtly politics, and an angsty romance. All around, I really enjoyed it. This story has such a unique charm to it, and that really reminded me how much I love this author. Between this, and The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, she's created some really enchanting worlds. Overall, I'm really glad I decided to finish this duology and I'll definitely be reading whatever fantasy she puts out next.
Thank you toDreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you toDreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 21, 2025
5⭐️
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“The Demon is a part of me,” he said, “just as the Light is a part of you.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
...
Happy pub day!!!
Thank you to Macmillan Publishing for the gifted copy, as well as NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the additional advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
The Demon and the Light was a stunning conclusion to The Floating World duology! Axie Oh picks up right where we left off and does an immaculate job of organically immersing you back into this world. Within the first chapter, you are reminded of our major plot points and just the right amount of details to feel as though you never left. And not only that, I found that I enjoyed this even more than the first book, as it only dives deeper into the world-building and character growth and development!
The Floating World duology pulls inspiration from the classic Korean folktale, The Woodcutter and the Heavenly Maiden. This is a tale in short about the marriage between a human woodcutter and a heavenly nymph, whom he forces to be his wife after stealing her clothes. This is woven throughout each of the two books, but comes to a head in how it will be interpreted near the end of The Demon and the Light.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“He would never take Ren’s wings.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
I love that this theme remains present throughout the series and the way that Axie Oh weaves it into her world.
...
While I know that this also pulls inspiration from Final Fantasy, I cannot say I am familiar with that universe. However, there were times I could feel that video game storytelling familiarity. If you are a Zelda fan like me, I think you will see what I mean with games like BOTW and Skyward Sword. If you live for the cut scenes that treat you with more lore, this is like a whole book of just that!
This book provided a stunning and magical atmosphere with a well-balanced cast of characters. It was filled with found family and romance that was done so beautifully. I was even pleasantly surprised with an unexpected secondary romance that was the perfect addition!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“His final thought was of Ren, how she’d looked standing on the rocks beneath the waterfall, the darkness revealing a sight only he could see, a precious light, the face of his beloved.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“They were like two halves of a whole.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“She filled every one of her kisses with her Light, her love. She felt his echo back to her, the darkness striated with sparks of blue. She gasped as it swirled around her, the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
I was lucky enough to receive a completed copy in advance, along with the audiobook! So I decided to do immersion reading so I could experience both formats. I have to say that Eden Jun did a beautiful job bringing this story to life with their narration. Even balancing multiple characters, each still had their own personality and depth that came through via Axie's writing. Both formats are well worth your time, and I would highly recommend this duology!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“The Demon is a part of me,” he said, “just as the Light is a part of you.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
...
Happy pub day!!!
Thank you to Macmillan Publishing for the gifted copy, as well as NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the additional advanced audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
The Demon and the Light was a stunning conclusion to The Floating World duology! Axie Oh picks up right where we left off and does an immaculate job of organically immersing you back into this world. Within the first chapter, you are reminded of our major plot points and just the right amount of details to feel as though you never left. And not only that, I found that I enjoyed this even more than the first book, as it only dives deeper into the world-building and character growth and development!
The Floating World duology pulls inspiration from the classic Korean folktale, The Woodcutter and the Heavenly Maiden. This is a tale in short about the marriage between a human woodcutter and a heavenly nymph, whom he forces to be his wife after stealing her clothes. This is woven throughout each of the two books, but comes to a head in how it will be interpreted near the end of The Demon and the Light.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“He would never take Ren’s wings.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
I love that this theme remains present throughout the series and the way that Axie Oh weaves it into her world.
...
While I know that this also pulls inspiration from Final Fantasy, I cannot say I am familiar with that universe. However, there were times I could feel that video game storytelling familiarity. If you are a Zelda fan like me, I think you will see what I mean with games like BOTW and Skyward Sword. If you live for the cut scenes that treat you with more lore, this is like a whole book of just that!
This book provided a stunning and magical atmosphere with a well-balanced cast of characters. It was filled with found family and romance that was done so beautifully. I was even pleasantly surprised with an unexpected secondary romance that was the perfect addition!
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“His final thought was of Ren, how she’d looked standing on the rocks beneath the waterfall, the darkness revealing a sight only he could see, a precious light, the face of his beloved.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“They were like two halves of a whole.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・“She filled every one of her kisses with her Light, her love. She felt his echo back to her, the darkness striated with sparks of blue. She gasped as it swirled around her, the most beautiful sight she’d ever seen.”ˏˋ°•*⁀➷・❥・
I was lucky enough to receive a completed copy in advance, along with the audiobook! So I decided to do immersion reading so I could experience both formats. I have to say that Eden Jun did a beautiful job bringing this story to life with their narration. Even balancing multiple characters, each still had their own personality and depth that came through via Axie's writing. Both formats are well worth your time, and I would highly recommend this duology!
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November 10, 2025
I'm just gonna fill it up quotes just so u wait
January 23, 2023
I can't wait to read more books from Axie Oh...
But my only wish is a second book for Xoxo ㅠㅠ
But my only wish is a second book for Xoxo ㅠㅠ
November 5, 2025
Thank you Dreamscape Media, Netgalley and Axie Oh for providing me an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
After the cliffhanger ending of book 1 of this duology, I confess I was excited to start book 2 and see where the story would go next. I wasn't obsessed or in love with the first book, but I felt that the setup for book 2 would make me appreciate it a lot more. Alas, that did not really pan out.
While I enjoyed the expansion of the world and getting to see the politics of the Floating World, I don't necessarily think that they always made sense to me. This is a common feeling I had with character decisions within and outside of a court system that promised tension but failed to deliver.
The only saving grace of this book for me was the vibes. I think there were moments of brilliance with carefully crafted myth-like scenes, and that definitely pulled this book onto the mid-tier ranking for me--I could see the potential, and ultimately it just didn't work for me. The romance was also easy to root for (just like in book 1), but I wish there had been more tension keeping the two apart from one another, since the provided reasons were just not very compelling as to why they could not be together.
The audio narration was amazing, though, and I felt transported into a world that very much pulls from FF. Would definitely recommend listening to this story!
After the cliffhanger ending of book 1 of this duology, I confess I was excited to start book 2 and see where the story would go next. I wasn't obsessed or in love with the first book, but I felt that the setup for book 2 would make me appreciate it a lot more. Alas, that did not really pan out.
While I enjoyed the expansion of the world and getting to see the politics of the Floating World, I don't necessarily think that they always made sense to me. This is a common feeling I had with character decisions within and outside of a court system that promised tension but failed to deliver.
The only saving grace of this book for me was the vibes. I think there were moments of brilliance with carefully crafted myth-like scenes, and that definitely pulled this book onto the mid-tier ranking for me--I could see the potential, and ultimately it just didn't work for me. The romance was also easy to root for (just like in book 1), but I wish there had been more tension keeping the two apart from one another, since the provided reasons were just not very compelling as to why they could not be together.
The audio narration was amazing, though, and I felt transported into a world that very much pulls from FF. Would definitely recommend listening to this story!
November 1, 2025
this was good but lacking in the charm and sense of whimsy i feel like the first one had. Ren just felt so detached as a main character and i felt like she had no growth in this. solid enough conclusion.
July 31, 2025
5 stars!!!
first of all, thank you so so much to netgalley and macmillan children’s publishing group for this ARC!!
this book was the most fun i’ve had reading in a long time. i have to say that it was a rollercoaster, but i loved every second of it!!
i absolutely loved the first book, so going into this one, i honestly knew that it was going to slap. axie oh has yet to let me down, and she eats up a sequel (asap fans unite)
•the writing•
axie did everything and more in this book. the plot twists. the characters. the action scenes!! everything was done so well and her writing, as always, was spot on
what i was most impressed with in both books was the way she writes action scenes! they flow so nicely and she makes them so visual and cinematic
her dialogue is also AMAZING. i am kinda a dialogue snob and i can be pretty picky, but axie makes me want to write just like her. all of the dialogue feels so natural and each characters voices definitely stand out
her descriptions of the setting and her characters inner monologue was just amazing too. i never got bored with her writing style at all
•the characters•
sunho and ren —
i’m obsessed with them. another thing axie is amazing at: writing believable, swoon worthy couples! i love each of them by themselves and i love them together too. their dynamic is incredible. ren and sunho grow so much in this book, separately and together, and it was inspiring to read as a writer! these characters will stay with me for a long time
jaeil —
this man. i loved him in the floating world, but omg he is most definitely my favorite character now. he has the wittiest comebacks and narrative and his pov chapters are so entertaining! he’s such a mess but a contained, authoritative way. genuinely love him so much. he really had an amazing character arc as well. jaeil’s development is expertly crafted, and i could read about him all day and that’s a fact
it’s amazing because side characters should think that the story is revolving around them, and i can see this story being told from any of the side characters!!
i loved that we got to see tag and yurhee again, they are SUCH an iconic duo.
getting time with each side character was great. the found family trope is alive and well in this universe, and i adore the fact that everyone has a great dynamic with each other. the jokes and banter was everything to me
•the plot•
obviously there was a lot left to be wrapped up after book one. i knew things were gonna get serious, but man things got REAL serious.
like the first book, i think that it takes a few chapters to really get rolling. after that tho, the pacing is much steadier
axie put me through it in this book! it was plot twist after plot twist. i don’t know how many times i had to slap a hand over my mouth. i was floored by the amount of things that happen in this book and get revealed. when i didn’t think it could get crazier, it always did!
i was fearing for everyone’s life at some point and i think i held my breath for the entire ending chapters.
the end was satisfying and i liked how she wrapped things up, but if i had one complaint, i would say that the big face off at the end seemed a little rushed and easily resolved. but to be completely honest, there were so many great intense scenes that the easy wrap up didn’t bother me that much! although a little bit more struggle would’ve been good, i’m not mad at the ending at all
all in all, the plot was engaging and everything that was revealed and shared about the world building, history, and characters was super enjoyable and well thought out.
overall, this duology is EVERYTHING i could ask for in a fantasy. the world building, characters, and plot are cohesive and original. the romances are perfect. if you haven’t read the first book, go read it right now!!
the demon and the light releases on october 21st ♡
RATINGS ↓
overall rating - 5 stars
writing - 5 stars
characters - 5 stars
plot - 4.75 stars
•pre-review•
five stars i’m unwell that was amazing review to come oh my gosh
first of all, thank you so so much to netgalley and macmillan children’s publishing group for this ARC!!
this book was the most fun i’ve had reading in a long time. i have to say that it was a rollercoaster, but i loved every second of it!!
i absolutely loved the first book, so going into this one, i honestly knew that it was going to slap. axie oh has yet to let me down, and she eats up a sequel (asap fans unite)
•the writing•
axie did everything and more in this book. the plot twists. the characters. the action scenes!! everything was done so well and her writing, as always, was spot on
what i was most impressed with in both books was the way she writes action scenes! they flow so nicely and she makes them so visual and cinematic
her dialogue is also AMAZING. i am kinda a dialogue snob and i can be pretty picky, but axie makes me want to write just like her. all of the dialogue feels so natural and each characters voices definitely stand out
her descriptions of the setting and her characters inner monologue was just amazing too. i never got bored with her writing style at all
•the characters•
sunho and ren —
i’m obsessed with them. another thing axie is amazing at: writing believable, swoon worthy couples! i love each of them by themselves and i love them together too. their dynamic is incredible. ren and sunho grow so much in this book, separately and together, and it was inspiring to read as a writer! these characters will stay with me for a long time
jaeil —
this man. i loved him in the floating world, but omg he is most definitely my favorite character now. he has the wittiest comebacks and narrative and his pov chapters are so entertaining! he’s such a mess but a contained, authoritative way. genuinely love him so much. he really had an amazing character arc as well. jaeil’s development is expertly crafted, and i could read about him all day and that’s a fact
it’s amazing because side characters should think that the story is revolving around them, and i can see this story being told from any of the side characters!!
i loved that we got to see tag and yurhee again, they are SUCH an iconic duo.
getting time with each side character was great. the found family trope is alive and well in this universe, and i adore the fact that everyone has a great dynamic with each other. the jokes and banter was everything to me
•the plot•
obviously there was a lot left to be wrapped up after book one. i knew things were gonna get serious, but man things got REAL serious.
like the first book, i think that it takes a few chapters to really get rolling. after that tho, the pacing is much steadier
axie put me through it in this book! it was plot twist after plot twist. i don’t know how many times i had to slap a hand over my mouth. i was floored by the amount of things that happen in this book and get revealed. when i didn’t think it could get crazier, it always did!
i was fearing for everyone’s life at some point and i think i held my breath for the entire ending chapters.
the end was satisfying and i liked how she wrapped things up, but if i had one complaint, i would say that the big face off at the end seemed a little rushed and easily resolved. but to be completely honest, there were so many great intense scenes that the easy wrap up didn’t bother me that much! although a little bit more struggle would’ve been good, i’m not mad at the ending at all
all in all, the plot was engaging and everything that was revealed and shared about the world building, history, and characters was super enjoyable and well thought out.
overall, this duology is EVERYTHING i could ask for in a fantasy. the world building, characters, and plot are cohesive and original. the romances are perfect. if you haven’t read the first book, go read it right now!!
the demon and the light releases on october 21st ♡
RATINGS ↓
overall rating - 5 stars
writing - 5 stars
characters - 5 stars
plot - 4.75 stars
•pre-review•
five stars i’m unwell that was amazing review to come oh my gosh
October 17, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
DNF@51%. 2.5 stars rounded up. I really wanted to get through this one but it just feels like more of the same issues I had with the first book, which makes sense since the duology was originally one book. To be honest, I feel like the publisher made a mistake asking the author to rewrite and split the books; you can really tell from the wonky pacing. Nothing really happens for a good chunk of both books, yet scenes feel like they're sped through too quickly. I also thought this while reading the first book, but I feel like the author has a habit of skipping over potentially impactful/emotional moments by switching to or writing from a different character;s perspective. For example, in this book, there's a moment during Ren's POV where Sunho emerges from a long, dark tunnel and she just speculates that it must have been terrifying and excruciating for him because of his prior trauma, when it would've hit a lot harder if we could've seen that panic and fear through Sunho's eyes. There's also another instance where there's this big announcement that should devastate Sunho but since we're in Jaeil's head, we get none of Sunho's thoughts at that instance; Jaeil doesn't even really notice that it affects Sunho that much. This all results in the story feeling kind of flat and boring to get through.
I will say that while I still think the majority of characters are one-dimensional (with Ren and Sunho's characterizations perhaps worsening because of how their romantic woes overtake everything else), the increased focus on Jaeil was refreshing. I liked him in the first book because of his more complex motives and methods, but he shines a bit more here; I enjoyed his dry, pragmatic nature a lot, and I liked the direction his story seemed to be going, but alas, I don't have the energy to finish just for him. If you liked the first book, you're probably going to love this; I'm just not the right audience for the series.
DNF@51%. 2.5 stars rounded up. I really wanted to get through this one but it just feels like more of the same issues I had with the first book, which makes sense since the duology was originally one book. To be honest, I feel like the publisher made a mistake asking the author to rewrite and split the books; you can really tell from the wonky pacing. Nothing really happens for a good chunk of both books, yet scenes feel like they're sped through too quickly. I also thought this while reading the first book, but I feel like the author has a habit of skipping over potentially impactful/emotional moments by switching to or writing from a different character;s perspective. For example, in this book, there's a moment during Ren's POV where Sunho emerges from a long, dark tunnel and she just speculates that it must have been terrifying and excruciating for him because of his prior trauma, when it would've hit a lot harder if we could've seen that panic and fear through Sunho's eyes. There's also another instance where there's this big announcement that should devastate Sunho but since we're in Jaeil's head, we get none of Sunho's thoughts at that instance; Jaeil doesn't even really notice that it affects Sunho that much. This all results in the story feeling kind of flat and boring to get through.
I will say that while I still think the majority of characters are one-dimensional (with Ren and Sunho's characterizations perhaps worsening because of how their romantic woes overtake everything else), the increased focus on Jaeil was refreshing. I liked him in the first book because of his more complex motives and methods, but he shines a bit more here; I enjoyed his dry, pragmatic nature a lot, and I liked the direction his story seemed to be going, but alas, I don't have the energy to finish just for him. If you liked the first book, you're probably going to love this; I'm just not the right audience for the series.
November 17, 2025
4 🌟
I fell in love with The Floating World when I first read it, so I assumed that that love would extend to its sequel, The Demon and the Light. What I didn't know, is that I would fall even deeper in love with the story and the characters that envelop it. Ren, Sunho, and Jaeil's journey is something that I could most definitely reread over and over. They are so special to me and own my heart.
I will say, however, that it felt as though a good chunk of the middle portion of the book felt like we were at a standstill. To me, it didn't feel like much was happening. I now know that it was set up for a perfect ending, but it did seem hard to get through in the moment.
That being said, I still completely adore this duology. I have been recommending it to just about anyone that will listen. The characters are multi-layered, original, and have actual depth. I could feel Ren and Sunho's love for each other, I could feel their anger, their sorrow, and their joy as well. Not to mention, Jaeil and Wook!!!! I did not see that coming, but I am so happy that it happened!
Thank you Axie Oh and Macmillan Publishers for this e-ARC! 🌟🤍🫂
I fell in love with The Floating World when I first read it, so I assumed that that love would extend to its sequel, The Demon and the Light. What I didn't know, is that I would fall even deeper in love with the story and the characters that envelop it. Ren, Sunho, and Jaeil's journey is something that I could most definitely reread over and over. They are so special to me and own my heart.
I will say, however, that it felt as though a good chunk of the middle portion of the book felt like we were at a standstill. To me, it didn't feel like much was happening. I now know that it was set up for a perfect ending, but it did seem hard to get through in the moment.
That being said, I still completely adore this duology. I have been recommending it to just about anyone that will listen. The characters are multi-layered, original, and have actual depth. I could feel Ren and Sunho's love for each other, I could feel their anger, their sorrow, and their joy as well. Not to mention, Jaeil and Wook!!!! I did not see that coming, but I am so happy that it happened!
Thank you Axie Oh and Macmillan Publishers for this e-ARC! 🌟🤍🫂
March 14, 2026
This ended so perfectly and I loved this duology, kind of want a third novel and never really say that often but it was such a perfect series!! Loved this one more than book 1 if that's even possible!!! Five stars
March 10, 2026
Rating: 1.5 Stars
Now Playing: Back to the Dust by Song Jae Kyeong
Favorite Quote: “And yet, as he watched Ren walk away, he had the fleeting thought that he might try to save the world for her.”
My Thoughts:
Well, it’s safe to say I did not enjoy this book.
I really enjoyed the first one and had been excited to jump into the sequel. However, almost as soon as I began, I found myself bored. I have quite a few problems with this book, but my main issue is that it felt unnecessary. The Floating World should have been a standalone. As I was reading The Demon and the Light, I kept hoping it would add something meaningful to the story—something that would justify why the series became a duology—but it really didn’t. Because this book didn’t add much to the overall story, especially in terms of character development, it ended up feeling redundant and full of filler.
My second issue I had was the number of times the characters re-explain scenes from The Floating World. The Demon and the Light was released only six months after the first book, so if you read them close together, most readers probably wouldn’t have forgotten what happened. Yet the story repeatedly pauses to give detailed explanations of past events. Sometimes these explanations appear in dialogue with characters who weren’t present before, which would make sense, but other times they show up as internal thoughts that rehash entire scenes. One example is the lab scene from the first book, when Sun-oh finally remembers what happened to his brother. We are reminded of that moment multiple times through conversations or internal reflections. The first few times it happened I didn’t mind, but as it kept repeating, it began to feel disruptive. Each time, the story would pause for a long explanation before abruptly returning to the present scene.
My third issue is with the characters themselves. It felt like many of them did a complete 180 from who they were in the first book. In The Floating World, I genuinely enjoyed many of the characters—especially Ren. I thought she was a strong female lead, but in this book I found her frustrating and, at times, annoying. I’m not entirely sure what changed, but whenever she appeared in a scene I often found myself rolling my eyes.
Another character I liked in the first book but not in this one was Wook (Little Uncle). Even though he didn’t appear much previously, I still liked him and was excited to see how his character would develop. Unfortunately, he ended up becoming one of my least favorite characters. In some ways, I think this is because there was no real need for him in the story. When he travels with Ren, I expected to see them bond and for him to become someone she could rely on. Instead, the opposite happens. In the first book he was someone who jumped into action to protect his family, but here he mostly plays the role of a damsel in distress for Jae-il to rescue. Ultimately, he had very little importance to the plot. You could replace him—in every scene he appears in—with another character and the story would likely remain the same.
Speaking of Jae-il (my favorite character), this book is a prime example of why I dislike love triangles. In the first book it’s obvious that Jae-il is in love with Ren, so how does the author resolve that? By having him suddenly fall in love with her uncle—a character he has barely interacted with. I wouldn’t have minded this outcome if we had actually seen the relationship develop, but every scene they shared lacked romantic tension. I didn’t feel any real connection between them. The relationship felt far too much like insta-love. It would have worked better as a slow burn, with the book ending on something like, “I think you’re interesting and I want to get to know you better.” Instead, we get a dramatic declaration of love after a near-death moment, even though they’ve barely spoken to each other.
This is also coming from a character who repeatedly says he isn’t even sure he understands what love really is. If Jae-il absolutely needed a romantic partner by the end of the book—which I don’t think was necessary—there were other options that would have made more sense. One possibility would have been someone he already had an established connection with, like Sana, his second-in-command. They have history, clear chemistry, and repeatedly risk their lives for each other. Another person Jae-il could have ended up with is, Jun-ho (Sun-oh’s brother). We know Jae-il knew Jun-oh in the first book, so it wouldn’t have been difficult to establish that they had been past lovers.
My other solution to the love triangle is a bit more controversial and probably wouldn’t work for everyone, but I honestly think it could have been a fun direction: letting Ren, Sun-oh, and Jae-il all end up together. The banter between Sun-oh and Jae-il is genuinely entertaining, and the three of them have far more chemistry as a group than Jae-il does with Wook. While it might not have satisfied everyone, it would at least have felt emotionally believable.
The last thing I want to mention is the choice of point of view during important moments. Several major events are told from perspectives that feel oddly disconnected from the situation. For example, when the enemy kingdom proposes a marriage alliance, the scene is told from Jae-il’s perspective—even though he isn’t the main love interest. That moment would have carried much more emotional weight if we had seen it from Ren’s or Sun-oh’s point of view. Instead, the impact is minimized because we never fully experience their internal conflict. This happens multiple times throughout the book, and each time it lessens the emotional intensity of what should have been important scenes.
Unfortunately, this book ultimately fell into the category of an unnecessary sequel. It felt less like a natural continuation of the story and more like an extension that didn’t add much. With confusing plot elements and characters who no longer felt like themselves, it ended up being a very unsatisfying conclusion to what had originally been a beautiful story about found family and learning to love yourself—even the darker, damaged parts.
Now Playing: Back to the Dust by Song Jae Kyeong
Favorite Quote: “And yet, as he watched Ren walk away, he had the fleeting thought that he might try to save the world for her.”
My Thoughts:
Well, it’s safe to say I did not enjoy this book.
I really enjoyed the first one and had been excited to jump into the sequel. However, almost as soon as I began, I found myself bored. I have quite a few problems with this book, but my main issue is that it felt unnecessary. The Floating World should have been a standalone. As I was reading The Demon and the Light, I kept hoping it would add something meaningful to the story—something that would justify why the series became a duology—but it really didn’t. Because this book didn’t add much to the overall story, especially in terms of character development, it ended up feeling redundant and full of filler.
My second issue I had was the number of times the characters re-explain scenes from The Floating World. The Demon and the Light was released only six months after the first book, so if you read them close together, most readers probably wouldn’t have forgotten what happened. Yet the story repeatedly pauses to give detailed explanations of past events. Sometimes these explanations appear in dialogue with characters who weren’t present before, which would make sense, but other times they show up as internal thoughts that rehash entire scenes. One example is the lab scene from the first book, when Sun-oh finally remembers what happened to his brother. We are reminded of that moment multiple times through conversations or internal reflections. The first few times it happened I didn’t mind, but as it kept repeating, it began to feel disruptive. Each time, the story would pause for a long explanation before abruptly returning to the present scene.
My third issue is with the characters themselves. It felt like many of them did a complete 180 from who they were in the first book. In The Floating World, I genuinely enjoyed many of the characters—especially Ren. I thought she was a strong female lead, but in this book I found her frustrating and, at times, annoying. I’m not entirely sure what changed, but whenever she appeared in a scene I often found myself rolling my eyes.
Another character I liked in the first book but not in this one was Wook (Little Uncle). Even though he didn’t appear much previously, I still liked him and was excited to see how his character would develop. Unfortunately, he ended up becoming one of my least favorite characters. In some ways, I think this is because there was no real need for him in the story. When he travels with Ren, I expected to see them bond and for him to become someone she could rely on. Instead, the opposite happens. In the first book he was someone who jumped into action to protect his family, but here he mostly plays the role of a damsel in distress for Jae-il to rescue. Ultimately, he had very little importance to the plot. You could replace him—in every scene he appears in—with another character and the story would likely remain the same.
Speaking of Jae-il (my favorite character), this book is a prime example of why I dislike love triangles. In the first book it’s obvious that Jae-il is in love with Ren, so how does the author resolve that? By having him suddenly fall in love with her uncle—a character he has barely interacted with. I wouldn’t have minded this outcome if we had actually seen the relationship develop, but every scene they shared lacked romantic tension. I didn’t feel any real connection between them. The relationship felt far too much like insta-love. It would have worked better as a slow burn, with the book ending on something like, “I think you’re interesting and I want to get to know you better.” Instead, we get a dramatic declaration of love after a near-death moment, even though they’ve barely spoken to each other.
This is also coming from a character who repeatedly says he isn’t even sure he understands what love really is. If Jae-il absolutely needed a romantic partner by the end of the book—which I don’t think was necessary—there were other options that would have made more sense. One possibility would have been someone he already had an established connection with, like Sana, his second-in-command. They have history, clear chemistry, and repeatedly risk their lives for each other. Another person Jae-il could have ended up with is, Jun-ho (Sun-oh’s brother). We know Jae-il knew Jun-oh in the first book, so it wouldn’t have been difficult to establish that they had been past lovers.
My other solution to the love triangle is a bit more controversial and probably wouldn’t work for everyone, but I honestly think it could have been a fun direction: letting Ren, Sun-oh, and Jae-il all end up together. The banter between Sun-oh and Jae-il is genuinely entertaining, and the three of them have far more chemistry as a group than Jae-il does with Wook. While it might not have satisfied everyone, it would at least have felt emotionally believable.
The last thing I want to mention is the choice of point of view during important moments. Several major events are told from perspectives that feel oddly disconnected from the situation. For example, when the enemy kingdom proposes a marriage alliance, the scene is told from Jae-il’s perspective—even though he isn’t the main love interest. That moment would have carried much more emotional weight if we had seen it from Ren’s or Sun-oh’s point of view. Instead, the impact is minimized because we never fully experience their internal conflict. This happens multiple times throughout the book, and each time it lessens the emotional intensity of what should have been important scenes.
Unfortunately, this book ultimately fell into the category of an unnecessary sequel. It felt less like a natural continuation of the story and more like an extension that didn’t add much. With confusing plot elements and characters who no longer felt like themselves, it ended up being a very unsatisfying conclusion to what had originally been a beautiful story about found family and learning to love yourself—even the darker, damaged parts.
October 23, 2025
The Demon and the Light was an epic, fast-paced conclusion to an otherwise highly original and brilliant duology.
Picking up where we left off from The Floating World, Ren has decided to embrace her powers over the Light and accept her destiny (and legacy) of being a celestial maiden/queen. Sunho is, meanwhile, now a full on demon, feral and monstrous with deadly claws and teeth and razor-sharp feathers who barely recognizes her...As he fights for control over the demon part of him, there is a dangerous new adversary even more powerful than the human-transformed-demons...and a brewing war with the Volmarans--all of which Ren must face as she comes into her new role and fights to gain her place in the world who may see her as weak and young and foolish.
I loved Ren's character ARC and thought she showed great maturity and character growth from the young and naive and vulnerable girl she was in the first book. She’s grieving and unsure, but still fierce and driven. Her love for Sunho is tender and yet heartbreaking as is his determination to protect her--even staying away from her in fear of hurting her. It was all so heartwrenching.
Some of our other side characters also demonstrated incredible character growth and development especially Jaeil. I loved seeing him transform from a cold and aloof, battle-hardened captain desperate for his cruel father's approval to someone who really takes control of his own life (and happiness). I loved seeing his developing cute romance with Wook (Ren's "Little Uncle").
There were some additional appearances by some very surprising characters.
Overall, the sequel to Axie Oh's Floating World duology was a whirlwind epic conclusion to the duology filled with the most perfect found family trope, themes dealing with power, grief, choice and forgiveness, two adorable and profound romances (one gay) amidst a backdrop of a truly evocative and well crafted world.
It’s lush, emotional, and cinematic as hell, with a careful balance of Korean-inspired mythology, romance and war. 4.5 stars.
Picking up where we left off from The Floating World, Ren has decided to embrace her powers over the Light and accept her destiny (and legacy) of being a celestial maiden/queen. Sunho is, meanwhile, now a full on demon, feral and monstrous with deadly claws and teeth and razor-sharp feathers who barely recognizes her...As he fights for control over the demon part of him, there is a dangerous new adversary even more powerful than the human-transformed-demons...and a brewing war with the Volmarans--all of which Ren must face as she comes into her new role and fights to gain her place in the world who may see her as weak and young and foolish.
I loved Ren's character ARC and thought she showed great maturity and character growth from the young and naive and vulnerable girl she was in the first book. She’s grieving and unsure, but still fierce and driven. Her love for Sunho is tender and yet heartbreaking as is his determination to protect her--even staying away from her in fear of hurting her. It was all so heartwrenching.
Some of our other side characters also demonstrated incredible character growth and development especially Jaeil. I loved seeing him transform from a cold and aloof, battle-hardened captain desperate for his cruel father's approval to someone who really takes control of his own life (and happiness). I loved seeing his developing cute romance with Wook (Ren's "Little Uncle").
There were some additional appearances by some very surprising characters.
Overall, the sequel to Axie Oh's Floating World duology was a whirlwind epic conclusion to the duology filled with the most perfect found family trope, themes dealing with power, grief, choice and forgiveness, two adorable and profound romances (one gay) amidst a backdrop of a truly evocative and well crafted world.
It’s lush, emotional, and cinematic as hell, with a careful balance of Korean-inspired mythology, romance and war. 4.5 stars.
October 29, 2025
Current rating: 4.25 stars
Overall, this was a nice conclusion to The Floating World duology! The action scenes were a highlight for me, and I loved the emotional scenes as well. I did feel like something was missing from the plot, though, maybe more depth, but I still enjoyed my read and was rooting for Ren, Sunho, and their allies throughout.
The romance between Ren and Sunho was very sweet, but I didn't care for that as much I wanted to, which is ok!! It was still cute, and I find them very lovable, so all the POV chapters were enjoyable to me (I think my fav character is Jaeil though).
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Overall, this was a nice conclusion to The Floating World duology! The action scenes were a highlight for me, and I loved the emotional scenes as well. I did feel like something was missing from the plot, though, maybe more depth, but I still enjoyed my read and was rooting for Ren, Sunho, and their allies throughout.
The romance between Ren and Sunho was very sweet, but I didn't care for that as much I wanted to, which is ok!! It was still cute, and I find them very lovable, so all the POV chapters were enjoyable to me (I think my fav character is Jaeil though).
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 7, 2025
3.5 stars ⋆ story felt a little bit rushed at times, but i love this crew!
October 20, 2025
The Demon and the Light concludes The Floating World series and it becomes the latest addition to my list of favorite duologies! Because WOW, what a finish! What a way to end this series on a high after beginning it on a high. Magnificent.
I was so engaged, so invested, and so impressed by how expertly Axie Oh weaved an enthralling world-building and high stakes action against hopeful and heartfelt romancing. It's all beautifully balanced in a way that no matter what was occurring on page: lore backstory, demonic battles, or swoonfuls of romance, my eyes were attentive, unwilling to part with the page. I was locked in, and I love when books captivate me in such a way.
I was locked in!
We follow three POVs in this continuing journey: Ren, Sunho, and Jaeil. And just in case you aren't familiar with the first book, no this is most certainly not a love triangle! Which makes for a very refreshing change in YA fantasy. Let's take a look at each POV, starting with my girl Ren!
Ren's arc is a wonder to behold. So many paths and potential truths lay in front of her. It's a daunting task to navigate as she reacclimatizes to a world long left behind, but one she readily takes, even if there's fear involved. Fear that perhaps her mother regretted her. In many ways, her arc is about reconnecting with the memory and ghost of her mother. Reconnecting with that past (not just of her own, but of her mother's own past) and understanding better her mother's actions and how it may reflect her own. It's less about coming into power, and more about coming in terms of the legacy to embrace...or to leave behind. I felt so proud of how Ren cleverly maneuvered politics of the courts while also ensuring time to be a supporting friend and something far more special to Sunho. To show up, even as he tries to run away.
Sunho's arc continues to be one that leads him to retreat within himself. He isolates himself out of fear of the danger he may place his loved ones. His arc could have easily gone in that direction of continuous isolation but something I loved is how friend after friend showed up for him, most of all Ren. They fought for him, they believed in him, and in turn, he began to believe in himself. If Ren's path is about reclaiming legacy and agency, then Sunho's path is about self-acceptance. Is the monster within him one to kill or one to tame? Can the two sides of him co-exist as one?
And oh the romance! The sweet romance between Ren and Sunho is the stuff of he starry eyes and dreamily sighing hearts. It's a romance built through the strength of friendship. And that emotional connection betters the romance that follows. They truly and deeply care for one another, willing to put all else aside for the other. I believed in their love and so dearly hoped they would find a happily ever after. They so wholly deserve one.
Lastly, but certainly not least: Jaeil's POV. Wow, what an arc! Much like Ren and Sunho, we see him come into his own, to forge his own path, and finally make choices of his own desire, not out of duty. We also get a love story for Jaeil! It's not one I saw coming at all but it's one I loved so very much! It was brilliant! It's a queer love story, and his love interest is a young man we are very familiar with but whose page-time is far more than in the first book. I shan't spoil the name but let me just quickly expand why I loved their romance. I was kicking my feet and giggling over the tenderness born between the two. Jaeil is stoic and sharp edges but he softens more and more with every interaction with his promising beau. A beau who's all sunshine and hope to his dreary grumpiness. grumpiness that lightens more and more as Jaeil basks in that sunshine. With all he has gone thorugh, Jaeil deserves a love that lightens the burden he carries, and his beau does just that. The young men simply and truly complete one another. One grounds the other, the other allows dreams to become a tangible wish again.
I am someone who is very romance-forward in my reading, and I loved how we ended up with two love stories in this journey! A journey, an epic adventure, that leaves me with hope, with love, and so much happiness. I leave this journey with a full and glad heart.
Thank you Fierce Reads, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5
I was so engaged, so invested, and so impressed by how expertly Axie Oh weaved an enthralling world-building and high stakes action against hopeful and heartfelt romancing. It's all beautifully balanced in a way that no matter what was occurring on page: lore backstory, demonic battles, or swoonfuls of romance, my eyes were attentive, unwilling to part with the page. I was locked in, and I love when books captivate me in such a way.
I was locked in!
We follow three POVs in this continuing journey: Ren, Sunho, and Jaeil. And just in case you aren't familiar with the first book, no this is most certainly not a love triangle! Which makes for a very refreshing change in YA fantasy. Let's take a look at each POV, starting with my girl Ren!
Ren's arc is a wonder to behold. So many paths and potential truths lay in front of her. It's a daunting task to navigate as she reacclimatizes to a world long left behind, but one she readily takes, even if there's fear involved. Fear that perhaps her mother regretted her. In many ways, her arc is about reconnecting with the memory and ghost of her mother. Reconnecting with that past (not just of her own, but of her mother's own past) and understanding better her mother's actions and how it may reflect her own. It's less about coming into power, and more about coming in terms of the legacy to embrace...or to leave behind. I felt so proud of how Ren cleverly maneuvered politics of the courts while also ensuring time to be a supporting friend and something far more special to Sunho. To show up, even as he tries to run away.
Sunho's arc continues to be one that leads him to retreat within himself. He isolates himself out of fear of the danger he may place his loved ones. His arc could have easily gone in that direction of continuous isolation but something I loved is how friend after friend showed up for him, most of all Ren. They fought for him, they believed in him, and in turn, he began to believe in himself. If Ren's path is about reclaiming legacy and agency, then Sunho's path is about self-acceptance. Is the monster within him one to kill or one to tame? Can the two sides of him co-exist as one?
And oh the romance! The sweet romance between Ren and Sunho is the stuff of he starry eyes and dreamily sighing hearts. It's a romance built through the strength of friendship. And that emotional connection betters the romance that follows. They truly and deeply care for one another, willing to put all else aside for the other. I believed in their love and so dearly hoped they would find a happily ever after. They so wholly deserve one.
Lastly, but certainly not least: Jaeil's POV. Wow, what an arc! Much like Ren and Sunho, we see him come into his own, to forge his own path, and finally make choices of his own desire, not out of duty. We also get a love story for Jaeil! It's not one I saw coming at all but it's one I loved so very much! It was brilliant! It's a queer love story, and his love interest is a young man we are very familiar with but whose page-time is far more than in the first book. I shan't spoil the name but let me just quickly expand why I loved their romance. I was kicking my feet and giggling over the tenderness born between the two. Jaeil is stoic and sharp edges but he softens more and more with every interaction with his promising beau. A beau who's all sunshine and hope to his dreary grumpiness. grumpiness that lightens more and more as Jaeil basks in that sunshine. With all he has gone thorugh, Jaeil deserves a love that lightens the burden he carries, and his beau does just that. The young men simply and truly complete one another. One grounds the other, the other allows dreams to become a tangible wish again.
I am someone who is very romance-forward in my reading, and I loved how we ended up with two love stories in this journey! A journey, an epic adventure, that leaves me with hope, with love, and so much happiness. I leave this journey with a full and glad heart.
Thank you Fierce Reads, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and NetGalley for this complimentary eARC, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5
October 20, 2025
eARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley
Rating - 4.75⭐️
I can confirm that I finished this conclusion to the duology with a smile reaching from ear to ear. I need this duology animated right now!!! It’s got the perfect studio ghibli vibes from the setting to the characters. The plot is once again fast-paced and you can expect some court intrigue within the floating world that Ren must grapple with.
Ren and Sunho are STILL adorable as hell, they literally give me cuteness aggression. Their love and devotion to each other is unmatched, they make me crave a love like theirs 🥹🫶🏻. Despite the cuteness, you can expect more emotional depth to both of them in this sequel. Let’s just say they really go through it in this one 😭.
You can expect more character development from Ren, Sunho and even other characters👀. I especially really liked how some side characters that were less present in the first book got their time to shine in this one!
I think my favourite aspect was the found family dynamic between all the characters. They really carried this book for me 🥰. I always looked forward to their interactions because those particular scenes never disappoint with how sweet and entertaining they can be which either had me going “aww” or laughing out loud.
Rating - 4.75⭐️
I can confirm that I finished this conclusion to the duology with a smile reaching from ear to ear. I need this duology animated right now!!! It’s got the perfect studio ghibli vibes from the setting to the characters. The plot is once again fast-paced and you can expect some court intrigue within the floating world that Ren must grapple with.
Ren and Sunho are STILL adorable as hell, they literally give me cuteness aggression. Their love and devotion to each other is unmatched, they make me crave a love like theirs 🥹🫶🏻. Despite the cuteness, you can expect more emotional depth to both of them in this sequel. Let’s just say they really go through it in this one 😭.
You can expect more character development from Ren, Sunho and even other characters👀. I especially really liked how some side characters that were less present in the first book got their time to shine in this one!
I think my favourite aspect was the found family dynamic between all the characters. They really carried this book for me 🥰. I always looked forward to their interactions because those particular scenes never disappoint with how sweet and entertaining they can be which either had me going “aww” or laughing out loud.
October 26, 2025
“For you, my love, I’d forsake heaven.” (167)
So, this is some BEAUTIFUL storytelling. I absolutely LOVE this series.
The first book was so propulsive and captivating that I was concerned about how this book could possibly follow—though, turns out, I need not have been????
This sequel carries all the momentum from the first book—and then some! It’s the kind of conclusion you want for such an epic, magical and romantic story.
This book does an excellent job of balancing both the needs of the plot and the development of several characters and their relationships—especially on that latter point.
THIS is a master class in how you write meaningful, compelling relationships. (Stacking ten tropes on top of each other in the vaguest shape of a relationship in hopes that readers just “go with it” is just not it.)
Watching Sunho and Ren grow as not just characters but as partners in a relationship is TOP TIER here. And, they’re breaking generational curses along the way? Take my money. It’s so healing to watch.
Also, Wook and Jaeil??? Excuse me??? Truly an inspired choice. Here’s ALL my money.
I love it when an author says with their full throat that their story has queer characters who matter and who are loved and who are integral to the plot. F*ck you. I love that energy. It’s in full force here. More of THIS energy please.
Anyway.
This is a great series.
If you have been on the fence about picking it up, this is your sign to try it. Especially if you are a fan of fantasy romances or stories inspired by Asian folklore with inclusive casts of characters, this is so worth your time~
So, this is some BEAUTIFUL storytelling. I absolutely LOVE this series.
The first book was so propulsive and captivating that I was concerned about how this book could possibly follow—though, turns out, I need not have been????
This sequel carries all the momentum from the first book—and then some! It’s the kind of conclusion you want for such an epic, magical and romantic story.
This book does an excellent job of balancing both the needs of the plot and the development of several characters and their relationships—especially on that latter point.
THIS is a master class in how you write meaningful, compelling relationships. (Stacking ten tropes on top of each other in the vaguest shape of a relationship in hopes that readers just “go with it” is just not it.)
Watching Sunho and Ren grow as not just characters but as partners in a relationship is TOP TIER here. And, they’re breaking generational curses along the way? Take my money. It’s so healing to watch.
Also, Wook and Jaeil??? Excuse me??? Truly an inspired choice. Here’s ALL my money.
I love it when an author says with their full throat that their story has queer characters who matter and who are loved and who are integral to the plot. F*ck you. I love that energy. It’s in full force here. More of THIS energy please.
Anyway.
This is a great series.
If you have been on the fence about picking it up, this is your sign to try it. Especially if you are a fan of fantasy romances or stories inspired by Asian folklore with inclusive casts of characters, this is so worth your time~
October 16, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for sending me the ARC. However, all reviews are my own.
This book just didn't do for me. I like the first one a lot better and this one is a let down. Too formulaic and somehow Ren turned to be irritating (for me). I just can't stand her in this book. She was a fierce fighter and turned into helpless princess for more than 60% of the book just to figure out her power? Ugh. And Jaeil's relationship with Wook is like a queerbait for me. DNF at 70% because I couldn't care anymore. I realize it's just that the book doesn't suit my taste. It might be for you, but not for me.
This book just didn't do for me. I like the first one a lot better and this one is a let down. Too formulaic and somehow Ren turned to be irritating (for me). I just can't stand her in this book. She was a fierce fighter and turned into helpless princess for more than 60% of the book just to figure out her power? Ugh. And Jaeil's relationship with Wook is like a queerbait for me. DNF at 70% because I couldn't care anymore. I realize it's just that the book doesn't suit my taste. It might be for you, but not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2026
„Der Junge aus dem Reich der Schatten“ von Axie Oh ist der Abschluss der „Floating World“-Dilogie. Eine Adaption des koreanischen Märchens „Der Holzfäller und die Himmelsfee“ vermischt mit Elementen aus dem RPG „Final Fantasy VII“.
Die Handlung setzt relativ nahtlos dort an, wo „Das Mädchen aus der Schwebenden Welt“ endet. Im ersten Kapitel gibt es ein kleines Resümee der vergangenen Ereignisse; die Charaktere, die vor Ort sind, werden noch einmal grob vorgestellt und es wird ein Plan für die Zukunft gefasst. Dies ist Axie Oh unheimlich gut in ihrer Narration gelungen. Ab dem zweiten Kapitel geht es dann so richtig los.
Die Action lässt nicht lange auf sich warten und so werden wir Leser gleich mitgerissen. Hingegen erstaunt hat mich, dass wir Sunho nach dem Cliffhanger zuvor doch so schnell wiederfinden. Allerdings ist das tatsächlich eine positive Überraschung.
So steht dieses Mal dieses Liebesgeschichte ein bisschen mehr im Fokus, obwohl Ren und Sunho immer wieder voneinander getrennt werden. Dafür erhalten wir die „Boyband“, denn ausgerechnet Jaeil, Wook, Sunho und später auch Tag schließen sich zusammen, um den Hintergrund der Dämonen weiter zu erforschen. Diese investigativen Kapitel mochte ich persönlich sehr!
Ich weiß allerdings nicht, was ich von der Wahl der Perspektiven in gewissen Situationen halten soll. Es gibt einige emotional prägende Momente innerhalb der Handlung, die wir Leser aber aus der Perspektive eines Unbeteiligten erleben. Beispiel: Um den Krieg zu beenden, wird die Option, den Prinzen des verfeindeten Reiches zu heiraten, in den Raum gestellt. Diese Szene ist aus Jaeils Sicht geschrieben, der sich darauf nur schnell Sunho schnappt und mit ihm die Szenerie verlässt. Normalerweise wäre es ja relevant, was Ren oder Sunho in dem Moment gespürt haben. Da ich jederzeit die spannende Handlung einem emotionalen inneren Monolog vorziehe, ist dies eher eine Erleichterung für mich. Trotzdem ist es definitiv eine ausgesprochen interessante Entscheidung der Autorin.
Das Ende gestaltet sich etwas übereilt, schließt aber nahezu perfekt mit allen Handlungssträngen ab. Es wird kein namentlicher Nebencharakter vergessen und für alles findet sich eine Lösung. Die paar offenen Fragen, die mir geblieben sind, hätten am Ausgang nichts geändert.
Ich hoffe also sehr, dass Axie Oh noch weitere koreanische Sagen und Legenden erkundet. Ich würde jede einzelne davon blind kaufen: 4,5/5 Sterne!
Die Handlung setzt relativ nahtlos dort an, wo „Das Mädchen aus der Schwebenden Welt“ endet. Im ersten Kapitel gibt es ein kleines Resümee der vergangenen Ereignisse; die Charaktere, die vor Ort sind, werden noch einmal grob vorgestellt und es wird ein Plan für die Zukunft gefasst. Dies ist Axie Oh unheimlich gut in ihrer Narration gelungen. Ab dem zweiten Kapitel geht es dann so richtig los.
Die Action lässt nicht lange auf sich warten und so werden wir Leser gleich mitgerissen. Hingegen erstaunt hat mich, dass wir Sunho nach dem Cliffhanger zuvor doch so schnell wiederfinden. Allerdings ist das tatsächlich eine positive Überraschung.
So steht dieses Mal dieses Liebesgeschichte ein bisschen mehr im Fokus, obwohl Ren und Sunho immer wieder voneinander getrennt werden. Dafür erhalten wir die „Boyband“, denn ausgerechnet Jaeil, Wook, Sunho und später auch Tag schließen sich zusammen, um den Hintergrund der Dämonen weiter zu erforschen. Diese investigativen Kapitel mochte ich persönlich sehr!
Ich weiß allerdings nicht, was ich von der Wahl der Perspektiven in gewissen Situationen halten soll. Es gibt einige emotional prägende Momente innerhalb der Handlung, die wir Leser aber aus der Perspektive eines Unbeteiligten erleben. Beispiel: Um den Krieg zu beenden, wird die Option, den Prinzen des verfeindeten Reiches zu heiraten, in den Raum gestellt. Diese Szene ist aus Jaeils Sicht geschrieben, der sich darauf nur schnell Sunho schnappt und mit ihm die Szenerie verlässt. Normalerweise wäre es ja relevant, was Ren oder Sunho in dem Moment gespürt haben. Da ich jederzeit die spannende Handlung einem emotionalen inneren Monolog vorziehe, ist dies eher eine Erleichterung für mich. Trotzdem ist es definitiv eine ausgesprochen interessante Entscheidung der Autorin.
Das Ende gestaltet sich etwas übereilt, schließt aber nahezu perfekt mit allen Handlungssträngen ab. Es wird kein namentlicher Nebencharakter vergessen und für alles findet sich eine Lösung. Die paar offenen Fragen, die mir geblieben sind, hätten am Ausgang nichts geändert.
Ich hoffe also sehr, dass Axie Oh noch weitere koreanische Sagen und Legenden erkundet. Ich würde jede einzelne davon blind kaufen: 4,5/5 Sterne!
November 5, 2025
Axie Oh has a glowing talent for transporting her readers to new worlds and stories. This was such an immersive, vivid and transportive read. It threw you right back into the action after the ending of book one in a way that felt like I’d never left these characters behind. I did find the ending a little rushed and the epilogue too short but I think that’s a lot to do with the fact that I didn’t want to say goodbye this world and its inhabitants. This was an epic finale to such a fun, emotive and action packed duology and one I’d happily return to.
October 9, 2025
4.25⭐
I loved diving back into Axie Oh’s world—The Demon and the Light picks up perfectly after The Floating World. Ren and Sunho’s growth, the lore expansion, and that ending!!, made this such a satisfying wrap-up. A solid YA duology with heart, action, and real emotional depth.
Eden Jun did such a great job bringing this story to life; I was hooked from the first chapter.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved diving back into Axie Oh’s world—The Demon and the Light picks up perfectly after The Floating World. Ren and Sunho’s growth, the lore expansion, and that ending!!, made this such a satisfying wrap-up. A solid YA duology with heart, action, and real emotional depth.
Eden Jun did such a great job bringing this story to life; I was hooked from the first chapter.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2025
“We didn’t have much control of our lives, did we? But we still made choices, to stay together, to watch out for each other. I’m proud of that. I’m proud of my life.”
OH MY GOD. Most anticipated sequel because of that evil cliffhanger. Miss Axie Oh when I catch you. 😩
“Your gift to me was war and bloodshed,” Jaeil said, and he didn’t try to hide the pain in his voice, as he might have a month ago. “Her gift to me was peace.”
Ren - I absolutely love her character development as the new ruler of The Floating World, even though she is deemed as inexperienced just because she’s a child, she is highly aware of her own power and strength as the descendant of Sareniya. Even with that power, she remains humble and realize what she truly needs as a leader. She will choose kindness and gentleness over everything and I find that very comforting of her as a character.
“Thank you, Sunho,” his brother said quietly. “For being strong.”
Sunho - I’m sad when he’s in his ‘emo’ era a.k.a when he got taken over by the demon. I know he did it to protect Ren because he’s scared that he will hurt her even with all the things he has been through, his first instinct will always be to protect Ren 😞. He is truly a kind hearted person that always protect people he loves and I’m so glad that the people around him helped him to be more open. His development truly is beautiful.
“I only had one regret. That I hadn’t had more time, with you.”
Jaeil - MY FAV LOWKEY MORALLY GREY CHARACTER AND MY BISEXUAL KING. The epitome of you are not your father. He always sides with what he thinks is right, he values logic. With his calm demeanor and lowkey dangerous behavior, he is truly a really caring person and really gentle because he wants to protect Wook’s innocence and peace UGH. What really gets me was when in the time of death, he unravel this deep revelation that he still wants to live with Wook and stuff AAAAA.
Tag - oh my god. The epitome of softness and tenderness. The most empathetic person that really is thoughtful about another person’s feeling like Sunho, he can offer the most comforting words and truly is understanding. I want to have him in my life.
Yurhee - I LOVE HERRRR, she’s so goofy and funny 😭 she always value her friends and is loyal. No matter how risky, she will always be there for the others and drive her airship even though it’s dangerous. I can smell her going somewhere with Junho 👀
Wook - I LOVE HIS SHYNESS and the fact that he can also be the light especially for Jaeil. His skill in archery also really charming because he is just a troupe dancer, not a fighter. But he can also fight demons, I love his determination and willingness to always protect Ren wherever she is.
⋆. 𐙚˚࿔ Thoughts 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
We started off pretty chill, with Ren preparing herself to dive into the world of royalty as the Queen of the Floating World with Little Uncle a.k.a Wook. BUT THEN BAM Sunho came out of nowhere 🤯
I am so glad that how Ren can counter Sunho’s power almost immediately like she’s the cure literally and metaphorically. But to be honest, I feel like the story came out a little bit messy with problems surfacing from everywhere and I’m just a little bit overwhelmed.
They’re searching for the mithril laboratories and stuff but they somehow never met Juwon, the real mastermind behind this that wants to destroy Sareniya. During her proposal ceremony with the Prince of Volmaran, it was chaos and it was revealed that he was able to resurrect the original Celestial Maiden, the real Sareniya. And THAT will be the biggest problem. It was all chaos and suddenly Ren’s aunt came out of nowhere which I found really random.
I fully understand Juwon’s motive because the previous government of The Floating World is not the kindest one, resulting in the death of his brother who was in love with Ren’s mother. Just because of status, people do not deserve to die just because they love someone who unfortunately doesn’t have the same status. I’m glad that Ren might alleviate that kinda problem because there’s a moment where she openly being lovey dovey with Sunho when he already showed his demon ability. AAAA she completely obliterated that kind of standard and she was just a kid, she deserved to live a peaceful life.
“it was awful. But it’s not like Ren doesn’t transform into her own winged form. It’s poetic, really. You two are well-matched.”
I’m so glad they are able to heal each other’s feelings wound, the test where Sunho is willing to always let Ren fly literally and metaphorically. The way Sunho can’t resist her and always find his way back to her and Ren always trying to bring him back. Sunho’s effort to find his brother, Junho, is not in vain too because he finally found him. He deserves it after all of those awful things. Ren also finally flee from the shadow of her mother’s love.
╭──────────.★.. ─────────────╮
pre-read
I’m so glad that I got the ARC! 😭 I love the first book so I will dive into this book right away because we will get our man back yall 💪 thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for approving my request <3!
╰──────────────..★.──────────╯
OH MY GOD. Most anticipated sequel because of that evil cliffhanger. Miss Axie Oh when I catch you. 😩
“Your gift to me was war and bloodshed,” Jaeil said, and he didn’t try to hide the pain in his voice, as he might have a month ago. “Her gift to me was peace.”
Ren - I absolutely love her character development as the new ruler of The Floating World, even though she is deemed as inexperienced just because she’s a child, she is highly aware of her own power and strength as the descendant of Sareniya. Even with that power, she remains humble and realize what she truly needs as a leader. She will choose kindness and gentleness over everything and I find that very comforting of her as a character.
“Thank you, Sunho,” his brother said quietly. “For being strong.”
Sunho - I’m sad when he’s in his ‘emo’ era a.k.a when he got taken over by the demon. I know he did it to protect Ren because he’s scared that he will hurt her even with all the things he has been through, his first instinct will always be to protect Ren 😞. He is truly a kind hearted person that always protect people he loves and I’m so glad that the people around him helped him to be more open. His development truly is beautiful.
“I only had one regret. That I hadn’t had more time, with you.”
Jaeil - MY FAV LOWKEY MORALLY GREY CHARACTER AND MY BISEXUAL KING. The epitome of you are not your father. He always sides with what he thinks is right, he values logic. With his calm demeanor and lowkey dangerous behavior, he is truly a really caring person and really gentle because he wants to protect Wook’s innocence and peace UGH. What really gets me was when in the time of death, he unravel this deep revelation that he still wants to live with Wook and stuff AAAAA.
Tag - oh my god. The epitome of softness and tenderness. The most empathetic person that really is thoughtful about another person’s feeling like Sunho, he can offer the most comforting words and truly is understanding. I want to have him in my life.
Yurhee - I LOVE HERRRR, she’s so goofy and funny 😭 she always value her friends and is loyal. No matter how risky, she will always be there for the others and drive her airship even though it’s dangerous. I can smell her going somewhere with Junho 👀
Wook - I LOVE HIS SHYNESS and the fact that he can also be the light especially for Jaeil. His skill in archery also really charming because he is just a troupe dancer, not a fighter. But he can also fight demons, I love his determination and willingness to always protect Ren wherever she is.
⋆. 𐙚˚࿔ Thoughts 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
We started off pretty chill, with Ren preparing herself to dive into the world of royalty as the Queen of the Floating World with Little Uncle a.k.a Wook. BUT THEN BAM Sunho came out of nowhere 🤯
I am so glad that how Ren can counter Sunho’s power almost immediately like she’s the cure literally and metaphorically. But to be honest, I feel like the story came out a little bit messy with problems surfacing from everywhere and I’m just a little bit overwhelmed.
They’re searching for the mithril laboratories and stuff but they somehow never met Juwon, the real mastermind behind this that wants to destroy Sareniya. During her proposal ceremony with the Prince of Volmaran, it was chaos and it was revealed that he was able to resurrect the original Celestial Maiden, the real Sareniya. And THAT will be the biggest problem. It was all chaos and suddenly Ren’s aunt came out of nowhere which I found really random.
I fully understand Juwon’s motive because the previous government of The Floating World is not the kindest one, resulting in the death of his brother who was in love with Ren’s mother. Just because of status, people do not deserve to die just because they love someone who unfortunately doesn’t have the same status. I’m glad that Ren might alleviate that kinda problem because there’s a moment where she openly being lovey dovey with Sunho when he already showed his demon ability. AAAA she completely obliterated that kind of standard and she was just a kid, she deserved to live a peaceful life.
“it was awful. But it’s not like Ren doesn’t transform into her own winged form. It’s poetic, really. You two are well-matched.”
I’m so glad they are able to heal each other’s feelings wound, the test where Sunho is willing to always let Ren fly literally and metaphorically. The way Sunho can’t resist her and always find his way back to her and Ren always trying to bring him back. Sunho’s effort to find his brother, Junho, is not in vain too because he finally found him. He deserves it after all of those awful things. Ren also finally flee from the shadow of her mother’s love.
╭──────────.★.. ─────────────╮
pre-read
I’m so glad that I got the ARC! 😭 I love the first book so I will dive into this book right away because we will get our man back yall 💪 thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for approving my request <3!
╰──────────────..★.──────────╯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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