Naida never wanted a simple life. After her mother’s passing, the lonely life she lived in her small village of Greymouth barely gave her a glimpse of the life she truly craved. Finally, after years of trying, Naida convinces her father to bring her on his boat…and opens the floodgates on her thirst for something more.
After a visit that shatters everything she once thought was true, she discovers that local legends are more than they appear and she turns to the sea for answers. As Naida’s curiosity grows, the mystery starts to unravel—leading her to her one and only solace, the sea.
When her life gets flipped upside down, Naida has a ignore the call or succumb to the adventure waiting for her, no matter the cost.
Making a Siren: A Cruel Twist of Fate is a dark, immersive story that pulls you beneath the surface and refuses to let go. Cheyenne Dragon delivers a tale filled with pain, transformation, and power, turning a cruel fate into something fierce and unforgettable.
What really stood out to me was the emotional intensity. This book doesn’t shy away from the brutality of change — the loss, the anger, and the struggle to reclaim control. Watching the protagonist evolve into something stronger and more dangerous was deeply satisfying, especially as she learns to embrace her power rather than fear it.
The atmosphere is moody and haunting, with the ocean and siren mythology adding a beautifully dark edge to the story. There’s a constant sense of tension, both internal and external, that keeps the pages turning. The themes of survival, revenge, and self-discovery are woven together in a way that feels raw and compelling.
While a few moments felt a little rushed, the overall impact of the story is strong, and the emotional payoff more than makes up for it. This is a book that leans into its darkness and comes out sharper because of it.
Overall, Making a Siren: A Cruel Twist of Fate is a gripping, atmospheric read — powerful, emotional, and edged with cruelty and strength in equal measure.
First, I will note that I realized this is a pirate book and I don’t like pirate books. I went into this book blind without any expectations but even as I pushed through it was disappointing. I almost dnf’d it around 50% and 70% but thought the ending might redeem itself a little and honestly it annoyed me more.
The prelude really ruined a lot of the story for me since it tells you the ending. I was uninterested in what happened next because I knew what happened next already. I thought there would be at least a chapter and the epilogue to go further past the ending in the prelude but it really didn’t. The epilogue had nothing about the main character and I was mad for not giving up on the book earlier. Maybe if you skip the prelude you would have a better experience. I also felt the storyline was underdeveloped and the character’s actions were so illogical.
This book is a good siren/mermaid and pirate book. I really liked it. The beginning was rocky with the building of the story because it was on the slow side but important for the story. When she was finally able to join a pirate ship it was interesting, and the romance was sweet and nice. The book reminded me of Mulan but with pirates because she is in disguise as a boy to be able to join the ship and start her life. The main character is adventurous and brave and good hearted, and I wanted everything to work out for her from the beginning. I really liked it, 4 out of 5 stars.
-Mermaid -Sirens -Pirates -Disguise
Thank you for the free copy, Voracious Readers Only.
I went into this expecting something a little different but it didn’t disappoint me. I did not expect her to find love where she did but I also just want the next book so I can know what is happening with her and her love.
I did feel at parts that it dragged on a little bit but I also couldn’t stop reading it. I felt like I don’t know quite as much about the characters S I like it I am hoping to learn more in the next book.
I was hoping for more mermaid/siren action but I think we will get that in the next book.
Making a Siren by Cheyenne Dragon is the story of Nadia, who wants to escape her small town life only to find more than she ever imagined.
This book was a really nice surprise. Before I started reading this book, I thought it would be something different, but I enjoyed it a lot. The writing style is great and the worldbuilding is amazing. You get sucked into the world Cheyenne Dragon created. The characters are diverse and well developed.
I can’t wait to read the sequel after the plottwist!
After a tragedy, Naida finds a way to escape her dull life in a small seaside town. But while this escape brings the adventure and excitement she dreamed of, it also comes with many dangers. Pretending to be a man, she gets onboard on a pirate ship where she has to contend with other pirates, lost treasure, an unfriendly crew, and a very hot, very troublesome first mate.
This book was super engaging, I couldn’t stop reading! It moved really fast and had all the action I wanted out of a pirate book. The ending was crazy and I can’t wait for another!
This book took me on a journey! I was hesitant at first as i had never read anything with a pirate vibe before. But once i was into man it sucked me in. Naida’s story was on of my absolutely favorites! It’s been a long time since i read something that had my jaw on the floor. Holy crap! Not to mention that TWIST!!! I was blindsided!! Everyone needs to read this story by this incredible new author!
Love, loss, betrayal, and courage! Pirate loving people will Dive into this story and will never want to come up for Air! It is a romance with spicy scenes! However, not a love story. So if you want romance without at love story this book is for you. I absolutely couldn't put this down until I was actually finished with it.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.
Making a Siren: A Cruel Twist of Fate, book one in the Treacherous Waters Series follows Naida, a young woman looking to get away from her small town life. A new author for me, so I wasn't really sure what to expect really. I really enjoyed this book. This author really knows how to create a world that you can really find yourself getting lost in. I cannot wait to read more by this author!
This was such a phenomenal read. The story is well rounded with very beautifully described scenery. The romance is one that you buy into andnatart to root for!! There are a variety of characters that make the world building intricate and exciting...The ending was...Well I can't give it ALL away. Please don't miss out and give with this book AND this author a chance! You won't be disappointed!
I could not put this book down, and devoured it in one weekend! It captured me right from the start, as a girl who has always had a love of mermaids and pirates. I had not read much about sirens and enjoyed being introduced to them. I loved Nadia’s story, and ohhh the surprise ending! I did not see that coming! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend!!
This book was definitely not what I expected, but I ended up really liking it! It was a really enjoyable read and although it has a slow start the ending had me wanting more!!! I will definitely look forward to the next book😁
This book was definitely not what I was expecting. I picked it up as a "mehhh" as my other book was not available and I'm so glad I did. This is a slow starter but by the end of the book, you will be like oh my goodness, I need the next book now! 😁!
Cheyenne has such a way with words. I was captivated from the very beginning. And Casper.... so much to say about his character! I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
TW: Death, Alcohol, Sexual Content, Violence, Mention of SA
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and Cheyenne Dragon for the free copy!
Making a Siren is a daring tale filled with love, loss, betrayal and, above all, courage. Throw in the (mostly) loveable pirate crew and a world where mermaids and sirens really exist, and you have a book that is absolutely riveting.
Naida yearns to work on the boats with her father, and our story starts as she starts to learn just how much hard labour it really takes to be a fisherman (or fisherwoman). To cut a long story short, Naida's love for the sea leads her to concealing her true identity and joining a feared pirate crew - not as Naida, but as Demi, an 18 year old boy.
The world in Making a Siren is just as vibrant as the characters. If you're anything like me then Casper - the first mate - will become your indisputable favourite as he steals Naida's heart almost as quickly as he steals your own.
Whilst this book is undoubtedly a romance and includes a handful of spicy scenes, it is still worth a read if you're not looking for a love story. Making a Siren is so much more than that.
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Rounded up from 4.5 due to grammatical/punctuation errors.
TW: swearing, sword fighting, mention of blood, death, some sexual content.
First, let me just say OMG! 🤯 This one caught my attention right from the start, and kept it throughout. With twists and turns around every corner, I couldn't/didn't want to put it down. Family secrets, pirates, forbidden romance, Mermaids and Sirens, all make for an incredible story. With a cliffhanger surprise ending, I really hope there's more to this story. I have questions that need answers, lol.
I received a free digital review copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only, in exchange for my honest review. Thank you Cheyenne Dragon for this opportunity.