The book starts off so confusing … from the title, to the historical note, to the author’s note, the prologue and then the opening scene … It really sets the tone for how messy the rest of the book will be.

I was eager to read the ARC of Hart’s new book because I loved her debut novel, Weyward.

The Sirens starts off absolutely confusing with Lucy having a traumatic experience and running off to her estranged sister’s house in the middle of nowhere. It doesn’t make sense. And that set the tone for the rest of the book.

I never connected with any of the characters, past or present. Characters from past or present had the same voice. You could tell the author was trying to mirror the pair of sisters. There was really no distinction between the two. I wasn’t sure as a reader, what I should have been looking for.

The ‘hook’ was completely missing.

I was missing the point, what was the urgency we should read on for? What were we, as readers, looking to discover along with the characters? It felt some plot lines were added, then forgotten about. Mostly it felt as if the book is 50% of Lucy’s ramblings, which were tiring.

And finally, this is a fantasy book … why was the historical note needed? I’m not knocking it… When I read the historical note, I was excited. Along with the acknowledgment section and The Ocean quote suggested how deep this book was going to go. The desired story that followed was not expected.

I’m left feeling sad. I really, really, really wanted to love this book. I was looking forward to this author’s next novel. I squealed when I got the email I would get a copy of the ARC. The anticipation was there, the delivery, was not.

Amazon Link – The Sirens By: Emilia Hart

Stats: 352 pages – Expected publication February 13, 2025

**Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.