Shim Jung takes the Dive

Author: Julia Riew

Interest age: from c 9 years

Published on 7 May 2026 by HarperCollins Publishers (HarperCollins) in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 320 pages
129 x 197 x 24 | 216g

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.