Shim Jung takes the Dive
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:7th May '26
Should be back in stock very soon
New for 2026, an epic underwater adventure for middle-grade readers
A magical underwater fantasy adventure inspired by Korean folklore – perfect for fans of KPop Demon Hunters!
A magical underwater fantasy adventure inspired by Korean folklore – perfect for fans of KPop Demon Hunters!
If you had pulled me aside and told me I’d soon be known as the hero who saved my people from total destruction, I probably would’ve laughed in your face …
Every year, the girls on Jung’s island take the Dive – leaping into the depths of the ocean to bring back a treasure which predicts their fate. Some girls find pearls for good luck, or shells for strong foundations. But when Jung takes the Dive, she finds magic.
Now trapped in an underwater kingdom ruled by a vengeful queen, Jung’s only chance to escape is to find the lost dragons and harness their powerful magic. Jung and her unlikely ally Jae must set off on a dangerous quest, but can they uncover the truth about the Dragon Queendom, before it’s too late to save both their worlds?
Inspired by the Korean folktale Shim Jung, this is an epic adventure about friendship, belonging and finding the courage to take the leap.
"A super imaginative, warm-hearted story … and the dragons immediately stole my heart" Philippa Leathley, bestselling author of the Inkbound series
“A super imaginative, warm-hearted story inspired by a famous Korean folktale … I really liked the main character, Jung, and her playful narrative throughout the book, and the dragons in the story immediately stole my heart (especially Ruby). A lovely read that I will definitely pass along to the small people in my life.” Philippa Leathley, bestselling author of the Inkbound series
"Riew deploys vivid worldbuilding to flesh out a setting that the preface describes as “somewhere between” Korea and America. Artfully intertwined mystical adventure and grounded depictions of grief and bravery coalesce in a heartening offering." Publisher's Weekly
"Skillfully and sincerely balances themes of family and facing fears as Jung continues to follow the mysterious voice and finds her courage." Kirkus Reviews
ISBN: 9780008826789
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 22mm
Weight: 220g
320 pages