The Demon and the Light (The Floating World, #2) by Axie Oh: A Captivating Rollercoaster of Fantasy
Sometimes, a sequel manages to surpass all expectations, and that’s exactly what The Demon and the Light has done for me! I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group for this ARC. After falling head over heels for the first book in the series, I approached this sequel with a mix of excitement and hopeful anticipation—and oh boy, did it deliver!
Right from the start, I was swept away on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and breathtaking action. Axie Oh’s signature writing style shines through, proving once again that she is a master storyteller. Every plot twist kept me on the edge of my seat, gasping and reaching for the nearest cushion to clamp over my mouth at each revelation! I couldn’t help but think, how does she keep raising the stakes? Just when I thought it couldn’t get more intense, it always did!
Sunho and Ren had me absolutely captivated. Their growth throughout the book was so beautifully crafted; I couldn’t help but root for them, both as individuals and as a couple. Their dynamic brought an incredible energy to the narrative that was as engaging as it was swoon-worthy. And can we talk about Jaeil? Talk about a character arc! His witty comebacks and entertaining POV chapters made even the most intense scenes light up with humor. I could read about him all day long—and can you imagine how any of the side characters could easily carry their own story? That’s the beauty of this world Axie has created: the found family trope is alive and thriving here!
The pacing took a bit to pick up, just like the first book, but once it gained momentum, I was utterly hooked. The world-building is rich, and I loved how the backstory unfolded through character interactions and personal monologues. The way Axie paints vivid imagery of each setting makes the story feel cinematic, allowing me to visualize every moment as if it were a scene unfolding in a film. The dialogue flowed seamlessly, capturing each character’s voice perfectly—something I deeply appreciated as a dialogue snob!
The only minor quibble I had was that the climactic face-off at the end felt a tad rushed. While it wrapped up nicely, a little more struggle wouldn’t have hurt—though the intensity of the preceding scenes more than compensated for this slight pacing hiccup.
Overall, The Demon and the Light has solidified itself as a standout duology in my heart. It’s the perfect blend of a gripping plot, relatable characters, and romance that has me wishing for more! I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy, intricate world-building, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with. If you haven’t read the first book yet, get your hands on it now! Trust me, you don’t want to miss this incredible journey.
Mark your calendars for October 21st when The Demon and the Light releases—you won’t want to miss out on this gem! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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