The Floating World
The epic fantasy romance about destiny, and the power of light in a world of darkness
Published on 7. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-1-3997-1877-6 (ISBN)
Description
Lower your gaze. The light is not for you.
Ex-soldier Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. Possessing just his name and sword, he comes across the score of a lifetime - a chest of coins for hunting down the girl who wields silver light.
Ren is a spirited acrobat travelling with her family. But everything changes when they are attacked by a demon. Desperate, Ren releases a blast of silver light and kills the monster - but cannot save her beloved uncle from grievous injury.
Determined to save him from succumbing to the poisoned wound, Ren sets off for the mountains, where the creature came from - where Ren herself fled from ten years ago. Her path collides with Sunho's, but he doesn't realize who she is. As the two grow closer, it becomes clear their pasts - and destinies - are more entwined than they could possibly have imagined . . .
Ex-soldier Sunho lives in the Under World, a land of perpetual darkness. Possessing just his name and sword, he comes across the score of a lifetime - a chest of coins for hunting down the girl who wields silver light.
Ren is a spirited acrobat travelling with her family. But everything changes when they are attacked by a demon. Desperate, Ren releases a blast of silver light and kills the monster - but cannot save her beloved uncle from grievous injury.
Determined to save him from succumbing to the poisoned wound, Ren sets off for the mountains, where the creature came from - where Ren herself fled from ten years ago. Her path collides with Sunho's, but he doesn't realize who she is. As the two grow closer, it becomes clear their pasts - and destinies - are more entwined than they could possibly have imagined . . .
Reviews / Votes
A stunning story! In The Floating World, Axie Oh has crafted an exquisite tale filled with mythology, heart, romance and magic, set in a remarkable and intricate world that entralled me. The secrets, intrigue and beautiful prose swept me away, and the compelling characters stayed in my mind long after the end. Am already excited for the sequel! * Sue Lynn Tan, Sunday Times bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess * The Floating World has everything I love in a fantasy story: A grand adventure that perfectly balances romance and humor, set in a uniquely magical world. I laughed and I cried alongside Ren and Sunho on their journey to self-discovery. An enthralling read to the very last page * Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison * Entirely enchanting * Stephanie Garber, Sunday Times bestselling author of Once Upon a Broken Heart on The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea * A tale brimming with love. The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea will whisk you away on an entrancing journey through the most magical realm. Axie Oh's characters own my whole heart * Chloe Gong, New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights on The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea * The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea captivated me with its depiction of a spirit realm rooted in Korean myth and moved me with the power of love and family in its story. A beautiful new favourite of mine! * Xiran Jay Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of Iron Widow on The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Hodder & Stoughton
Target group
Young adult
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Illustrations
None
Dimensions
Height: 193 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 29 mm
Weight
260 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3997-1877-6 (9781399718776)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Axie Oh
The Floating World
The epic fantasy romance about destiny, and the power of light in a world of darkness
E-Book
05/2025
Hodderscape
€5.49
Available for download
Person
Axie Oh is the New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, XOXO and ASAP, and the Rebel Seoul series. Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, she studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California San Diego and holds an MFA in Writing for Young People from Lesley University. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea, and she currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her dogs, Toro and Leila.