Book Review | The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea

A wonderful fantasy that also counts as a catch up for one of the June RWDC challenge prompts.

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The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea
Axie Oh

Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.

Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…

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I must admit I first picked up this book because of the cover, I mean look at it who could resist something so bright and happy, thankfully I was also drawn in by the description and knew that this was a book I had to read.

The story was captivating filled with myth, legend, and magic and so much love which is a winning combination. I love stories that involve tales that are passed down, I love feeling that kind of historical connection, but I loved that in this one the myth came to life and was more enchanting than I expected. It could be a little predictable at points, I had guessed a few of the reveals before they happened but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book.

The imagery was fantastic, I felt transported to the spirit realm, which was fascinating, especially the politics between the houses, They all had their own agenda and Mina was just caught up in it whilst trying to save herself and the sea god. I also loved the differences between the spirits Mask, Dai, and Miki, who are a little mischievous but loyal and always at the right place at the right time and Shin, Kirin, and Namgi, who are part of the houses and as protectors of the sea god are the show of strength.

Mina was incredible, she didn’t think she was special she was just so determined to do what she thought was the right thing to save her loved ones from heartbreak. I liked that she wasn’t going to play by the rules and was willing to try anything to help the sea god and herself. There is a little romance in the book too it was cute and I quite liked its build up but I was pleased that it didn’t change Mina’s overall plan.

There were some emotional moments in this story, as I mentioned before the strength of love shown in this book was outstanding and I was very moved by it. I also loved the idea of the line “don’t chase fate late fate chase you” and how Mina manages to change the fate of so many people just by following her heart.

This is my first Axie Oh book and I have a feeling it will not be my last.