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The Leruna Sea
When the Wicked Sing
Addictive and enchanting, When the Wicked Sing is a sirens-vs-fae, enemies-to-lovers romantasy full of spellbinding adventure, dangerous desire, and ruthless twists that will leave you breathless.
FROM THE DARKNESS, THEY WILL RISE.
Banished from the fae realm and hunted to the edge of extinction by their ruthless enemies, the last surviving sirens have been forced into hiding beneath the waves of the Leruna Sea. As heir to the siren throne, Mariana has spent her life watching her people suffer, their fragile sense of safety slowly unraveling under the shadow of growing darkness in the underwater city of Salus.
When her sister, Astra, vanishes during a peace mission to the fae kingdom, Mariana faces a brutal obey her queen and do nothing or risk everything to bring Astra home.
To save her sister and the future of all sirens, Mariana must recover a powerful amulet capable of restoring their forsaken homeland, Sirenia, before it falls into the hands of the fae king. Her plan takes a turn when she is captured by Dax, a mysterious fae warrior with secrets as deep as the sea. Mariana is sworn to hate him, but as he drags her to the heart of enemy territory, a dangerous desire grows between them, blurring the line between duty and temptation.
As Mariana and Dax are drawn deeper into a perilous web of fae politics, long-buried truths, and heartbreaking betrayal, they uncover dark forces threatening not only her people but the entire realm.
In a world where loyalty is fragile, love is dangerous, and truth is deceptive, Mariana must stop the wicked forces rising in the shadows before they can sing their final, deadly song.
When the Wicked Sing dives into an epic fantasy world where sirens are threatened with extinction against their ruthless enemies, the fae. Perfect for fans of the dark siren lore and sharp wit in To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo, the fae politics and dangerous romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and the high-stakes alliances of The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen. It is book one in the Leruna Sea Series and ends on a cliff-hanger.
This book explores themes of death, grief, and trauma. While these elements are integral to the story, they may be emotionally challenging for some readers. Please proceed with care and prioritize your well-being.
FROM THE DARKNESS, THEY WILL RISE.
Banished from the fae realm and hunted to the edge of extinction by their ruthless enemies, the last surviving sirens have been forced into hiding beneath the waves of the Leruna Sea. As heir to the siren throne, Mariana has spent her life watching her people suffer, their fragile sense of safety slowly unraveling under the shadow of growing darkness in the underwater city of Salus.
When her sister, Astra, vanishes during a peace mission to the fae kingdom, Mariana faces a brutal obey her queen and do nothing or risk everything to bring Astra home.
To save her sister and the future of all sirens, Mariana must recover a powerful amulet capable of restoring their forsaken homeland, Sirenia, before it falls into the hands of the fae king. Her plan takes a turn when she is captured by Dax, a mysterious fae warrior with secrets as deep as the sea. Mariana is sworn to hate him, but as he drags her to the heart of enemy territory, a dangerous desire grows between them, blurring the line between duty and temptation.
As Mariana and Dax are drawn deeper into a perilous web of fae politics, long-buried truths, and heartbreaking betrayal, they uncover dark forces threatening not only her people but the entire realm.
In a world where loyalty is fragile, love is dangerous, and truth is deceptive, Mariana must stop the wicked forces rising in the shadows before they can sing their final, deadly song.
When the Wicked Sing dives into an epic fantasy world where sirens are threatened with extinction against their ruthless enemies, the fae. Perfect for fans of the dark siren lore and sharp wit in To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo, the fae politics and dangerous romance of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and the high-stakes alliances of The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen. It is book one in the Leruna Sea Series and ends on a cliff-hanger.
This book explores themes of death, grief, and trauma. While these elements are integral to the story, they may be emotionally challenging for some readers. Please proceed with care and prioritize your well-being.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2025
17 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
S.L. DeBois
1 book27 followersS.L. DeBois grew up immersed in mysteries, believing in heroes, villains, dragons, mermaids, and fairies. A lifelong dreamer, she often escaped into the wilds of her imagination, discovering endless stories. Now, she’s sharing some snippets of those cherished adventures with readers, inviting them to journey alongside her.
When she’s not writing adventurous fantasy and getting lost in the wilds of her mind, she’s usually drawing, reading, hiking, or spending time with her family.
Keep up with S.L. DeBois on social media and visit her website for exclusive content. Join her newsletter to stay up to date with what’s next in The Leruna Sea Series!
When she’s not writing adventurous fantasy and getting lost in the wilds of her mind, she’s usually drawing, reading, hiking, or spending time with her family.
Keep up with S.L. DeBois on social media and visit her website for exclusive content. Join her newsletter to stay up to date with what’s next in The Leruna Sea Series!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
June 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My heart was torn out on page one. And it didn’t get any easier from there. This is a story about a siren, Mariana, who must save her people from the impending darkness. The entire book is absolutely heartbreaking and I could not stop reading. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Although you may think you have some idea of what may be going on or who is behind everything, I guarantee that you don’t! There were so many twists and shocking revelations. I loved every minute and cannot wait until book 2!
My heart was torn out on page one. And it didn’t get any easier from there. This is a story about a siren, Mariana, who must save her people from the impending darkness. The entire book is absolutely heartbreaking and I could not stop reading. I was on the edge of my seat until the very last page. Although you may think you have some idea of what may be going on or who is behind everything, I guarantee that you don’t! There were so many twists and shocking revelations. I loved every minute and cannot wait until book 2!
April 17, 2025
Thank you to SL DeBois for allowing be to be an ARC reader for this book.
This is a multi POV story packed full of adventure and plot twists that I didn’t see coming. There is an underlying theme of romance and a little spice. But this is not the main theme of this book and was very much a side plot.
The Sirens and Fae are at war together. The Siren’s are dying out because they need to mate with the fae to continue their line.
The Heir to the siren throne is desperate to find her missing sister but she’s kidnapped by a fae warrior before she gets to go find her and she has no idea where he’s taking her.
Mariana is a strong FMC. Stubborn but a likeable character. No damsel in distress here! You empathise with her situation as she realises her life isn’t quite what it seems.
I developed a big soft spot for Dax, the bad ass MMC. We learn that he has a rocky background making him relatable and very lovable. Everything he does is to protect the people he loves.
It didn’t grab me as much as similar books. I feel like there was lots going on and it could be split into 2 books. Getting to learn about DAX’s background developed my love for the character but was it essential to the overall plot? Probably not. It felt like there were multiple plot twists and became a little confusing by the end because they felt rushed and squeezed in. The relationship development between Mariana and Dax real quick. They didn’t stay enemies very long. Their attraction was pretty instant. I personally like a bit more suspense.
That being said, I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the next in the series to see how the story continues
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of fae fantasy worlds with a sprinkle of romance and spice. A solid 4 stars.
This is a multi POV story packed full of adventure and plot twists that I didn’t see coming. There is an underlying theme of romance and a little spice. But this is not the main theme of this book and was very much a side plot.
The Sirens and Fae are at war together. The Siren’s are dying out because they need to mate with the fae to continue their line.
The Heir to the siren throne is desperate to find her missing sister but she’s kidnapped by a fae warrior before she gets to go find her and she has no idea where he’s taking her.
Mariana is a strong FMC. Stubborn but a likeable character. No damsel in distress here! You empathise with her situation as she realises her life isn’t quite what it seems.
I developed a big soft spot for Dax, the bad ass MMC. We learn that he has a rocky background making him relatable and very lovable. Everything he does is to protect the people he loves.
It didn’t grab me as much as similar books. I feel like there was lots going on and it could be split into 2 books. Getting to learn about DAX’s background developed my love for the character but was it essential to the overall plot? Probably not. It felt like there were multiple plot twists and became a little confusing by the end because they felt rushed and squeezed in. The relationship development between Mariana and Dax real quick. They didn’t stay enemies very long. Their attraction was pretty instant. I personally like a bit more suspense.
That being said, I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading the next in the series to see how the story continues
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of fae fantasy worlds with a sprinkle of romance and spice. A solid 4 stars.
June 6, 2025
When the Wicked Sing
Epic! This was the start of what promises to be an epic new series! With tons of twists and turns along the way that had me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
I enjoyed the fast paced and the various POVs. There was a lot of mystery and suspense along that way as well that left me wondering what was what.
Mariana was a fierce determined siren. I enjoyed her character and loved how she grew throughout the story.
Dax was warrior fae who was trying to do the right thing. I admired how loyal he was to those he cared for.
I loved the slow burn between them and so ready for more!! There wasn’t much spice in this one but I’m hoping it gets there in the next one!!
There was a ton of tropes in there to enjoy like; enemies to lovers, slow burn, fierce FMC, cinnamon roll warrior FMC, touch them and xx vibes, one bed, chosen one vibes, high stakes, loose Little Mermaid vibes, quest, family loyalty, she saves him, captor/captive, he paints her, betrayal, pining, tension, and so much more!!
Epic! This was the start of what promises to be an epic new series! With tons of twists and turns along the way that had me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
I enjoyed the fast paced and the various POVs. There was a lot of mystery and suspense along that way as well that left me wondering what was what.
Mariana was a fierce determined siren. I enjoyed her character and loved how she grew throughout the story.
Dax was warrior fae who was trying to do the right thing. I admired how loyal he was to those he cared for.
I loved the slow burn between them and so ready for more!! There wasn’t much spice in this one but I’m hoping it gets there in the next one!!
There was a ton of tropes in there to enjoy like; enemies to lovers, slow burn, fierce FMC, cinnamon roll warrior FMC, touch them and xx vibes, one bed, chosen one vibes, high stakes, loose Little Mermaid vibes, quest, family loyalty, she saves him, captor/captive, he paints her, betrayal, pining, tension, and so much more!!
July 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When the Wicked Sing dragged me straight into its dark depths—and I loved every minute of it. With cursed sirens, fae, a Sea Witch, a missing heir, murder, banishment, betrayal, and political intrigue, this book truly has it all. The atmosphere is dripping with shadow and danger, and the magic system—especially what our FMC wields—is utterly captivating.
This is the kind of dark fantasy I’ve been craving. I had a feeling it wouldn’t let me down, and I was right. The writing style immediately pulled me in—it’s vivid, immersive, and made the world easy to picture.
My only (minor) gripe—and the reason for 4.5 stars—is purely personal: there was a moment where the two main characters were headed toward a spicy scene... and then it just cut to the next chapter. It felt abrupt and kind of jarring. I’ve read and loved everything from no spice at all to full-on smut, but that transition just didn’t work for me.
Still, that small issue didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed this book. Dark fantasy fans, especially those who love morally gray characters and immersive worldbuilding, will want to keep an eye on this one!
Thank you, BookSirens, for the ARC copy!
When the Wicked Sing dragged me straight into its dark depths—and I loved every minute of it. With cursed sirens, fae, a Sea Witch, a missing heir, murder, banishment, betrayal, and political intrigue, this book truly has it all. The atmosphere is dripping with shadow and danger, and the magic system—especially what our FMC wields—is utterly captivating.
This is the kind of dark fantasy I’ve been craving. I had a feeling it wouldn’t let me down, and I was right. The writing style immediately pulled me in—it’s vivid, immersive, and made the world easy to picture.
My only (minor) gripe—and the reason for 4.5 stars—is purely personal: there was a moment where the two main characters were headed toward a spicy scene... and then it just cut to the next chapter. It felt abrupt and kind of jarring. I’ve read and loved everything from no spice at all to full-on smut, but that transition just didn’t work for me.
Still, that small issue didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed this book. Dark fantasy fans, especially those who love morally gray characters and immersive worldbuilding, will want to keep an eye on this one!
Thank you, BookSirens, for the ARC copy!
May 27, 2025
ARC Review: It’s was a 3 1/2 ⭐️ read technically— but I’m rounding up because I think there’s tons of potential here💜 Let’s get into it…
When the Wicked Sing is a dark, emotional tale of sirens, fae, family secrets, forbidden love, and unraveling truths. The writing is lyrical and haunting—there’s a quiet beauty in the author’s voice that hints at immense potential and a rich, expanding world.
The story immediately pulls you in with a brutal siren genocide and a desperate search for a missing sister. Marianna, our siren FMC, leaves her underwater home in search of answers among the fae—a journey that becomes far more tangled than expected. The emotional stakes are high, and the mystery woven throughout kept me invested from the very first page.
I adored the concept and emotional core of this book, but I craved more depth in the world-building. I wanted vivid imagery—how do the sirens shift (describe the process and feeling?) What does their underwater realm look like in detail? Tails, texture, bioluminescence, clothing, culture… there’s so much imaginative potential that could’ve taken this to the next level.
The romance read more like a tender, forbidden love than enemies-to-lovers (which worked beautifully for me). Dax’s loyalty and gentle strength were the perfect balance to Marianna’s grief and drive. Their connection felt genuine and healing, not forced. And the side characters? Full of promise. I’m especially intrigued by what’s still to come—particularly with Dax’s past and the darkened sirens. Those layers added complexity and raised the stakes in the best way.
If you’re drawn to dark fae worlds, soft-yet-dangerous romances, and stories laced with mystery and heartbreak, When the Wicked Sing is a promising start to what could be an unforgettable series. It may have lacked a bit in immersive detail, but it more than made up for it in atmosphere, emotion, and intrigue.
When the Wicked Sing is a dark, emotional tale of sirens, fae, family secrets, forbidden love, and unraveling truths. The writing is lyrical and haunting—there’s a quiet beauty in the author’s voice that hints at immense potential and a rich, expanding world.
The story immediately pulls you in with a brutal siren genocide and a desperate search for a missing sister. Marianna, our siren FMC, leaves her underwater home in search of answers among the fae—a journey that becomes far more tangled than expected. The emotional stakes are high, and the mystery woven throughout kept me invested from the very first page.
I adored the concept and emotional core of this book, but I craved more depth in the world-building. I wanted vivid imagery—how do the sirens shift (describe the process and feeling?) What does their underwater realm look like in detail? Tails, texture, bioluminescence, clothing, culture… there’s so much imaginative potential that could’ve taken this to the next level.
The romance read more like a tender, forbidden love than enemies-to-lovers (which worked beautifully for me). Dax’s loyalty and gentle strength were the perfect balance to Marianna’s grief and drive. Their connection felt genuine and healing, not forced. And the side characters? Full of promise. I’m especially intrigued by what’s still to come—particularly with Dax’s past and the darkened sirens. Those layers added complexity and raised the stakes in the best way.
If you’re drawn to dark fae worlds, soft-yet-dangerous romances, and stories laced with mystery and heartbreak, When the Wicked Sing is a promising start to what could be an unforgettable series. It may have lacked a bit in immersive detail, but it more than made up for it in atmosphere, emotion, and intrigue.
May 28, 2025
If you love sirens and fast-paced plots, then this book is definitely for you! I had an absolutely wonderful time reading this, completely absorbed into Mariana's story. I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the yearning romance - which admittedly happened fast, as there was almost instant attraction between the Dax and Mari, however, because of the circumstances, it took much longer for then to actually allow for something to happen between them. And while the romance aspect was great, it wasn't at all the main focus of the story. Instead, we got one of the best novels I've ever read with a Siren vs. Fae conflict, many amazing characters, and a great journey for Mariana - both physical and mental. The whole plot came together nicely towards the end, answering some questions but leaving us with a cliffhanger and a need for book 2.
One thing that, admittedly is probably only my issue, but it constantly took me out of the story, was that the names of the places and sirens are all very similar (in particular Aurora, Astra and Aurelia) and I had to take a few seconds each to remember what's what.
Honorary mention: Please give us more of Kosta and Aurora!
I received this book as an ARC. All opinions are honest and my own.
One thing that, admittedly is probably only my issue, but it constantly took me out of the story, was that the names of the places and sirens are all very similar (in particular Aurora, Astra and Aurelia) and I had to take a few seconds each to remember what's what.
Honorary mention: Please give us more of Kosta and Aurora!
I received this book as an ARC. All opinions are honest and my own.
April 30, 2025
Sirens? Yes, please!—I'm always drawn to stories with sirens or mermaids. When the Wicked Sing delivers a great story with that twist of danger and intrigue. Loved Mariana, the future siren queen, she was a strong, determined character. No damsel in distress here—she’s fierce, loyal, and ready to defy everything to find her sister.
The dynamic between Mariana and Dax was great. Total enemies-to-lovers tension with rivaling species forced to work together. The romance is a slow burn (and closed door, so heads up if you prefer steamier scenes), but I still enjoyed their partnership and how it developed over time. There’s something about that mutual grudging respect that slowly shifts into something deeper.
There were times in the first half of the book that the pace for me was slower. I think that was just due to world-building and background setup. Once things started to unfold, though, I was all in.
Also, I had my suspicions about certain characters, so the betrayal didn’t completely catch me off guard, but it was still satisfying and added to the stakes. If you're into YA fantasy with sirens, fae politics, and hidden agendas, give this one a shot. I'm really looking forward to where the Leruna Sea series goes from here!
The dynamic between Mariana and Dax was great. Total enemies-to-lovers tension with rivaling species forced to work together. The romance is a slow burn (and closed door, so heads up if you prefer steamier scenes), but I still enjoyed their partnership and how it developed over time. There’s something about that mutual grudging respect that slowly shifts into something deeper.
There were times in the first half of the book that the pace for me was slower. I think that was just due to world-building and background setup. Once things started to unfold, though, I was all in.
Also, I had my suspicions about certain characters, so the betrayal didn’t completely catch me off guard, but it was still satisfying and added to the stakes. If you're into YA fantasy with sirens, fae politics, and hidden agendas, give this one a shot. I'm really looking forward to where the Leruna Sea series goes from here!
May 3, 2025
4.5 stars
What a great book! This was so fun to arc read. Also, that cliffhanger! I can't wait to see what the author does next.
This was action-packed. It kept me interested the whole time.
I loved the growth that the FMC went through over the span of the book. My suspicions about a certain character in the story were correct.
You will find love , betrayal, growth, heartbreak, and strength throughout this book.
What a great book! This was so fun to arc read. Also, that cliffhanger! I can't wait to see what the author does next.
This was action-packed. It kept me interested the whole time.
I loved the growth that the FMC went through over the span of the book. My suspicions about a certain character in the story were correct.
You will find love , betrayal, growth, heartbreak, and strength throughout this book.
April 28, 2025
What an absolutely stunning little siren call moment for me!
What did we love? We loved the lore. We loved the lovers moments. We loved the sea queen energy, goddess of the moon. This ARC was good vibes all around and I might need to sort some more mermaid readings for myself now.
What did we love? We loved the lore. We loved the lovers moments. We loved the sea queen energy, goddess of the moon. This ARC was good vibes all around and I might need to sort some more mermaid readings for myself now.
September 11, 2025
This book drew me in because how BEAUTIFUL is this cover? 😍 I haven’t read a lot of mermaid/siren books so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I loved it! ❤️
We follow Mariana (the last Siren born in 100 years), the Heir to the Siren Queendom, who is forced on a journey to find one of her missing sisters and restore their realm. We also follow Dax, a Fae who is also trying to protect his home while simultaneously growing feelings for Mari; forbidden love anyone? Mari’s inner struggle about her past and wanting to do right by her sisters, which she does until she doesn’t.
It was refreshing to read something that was out of the norm for me: mermaids/sirens. That whole world (Sirens, Fae, humans) and magic system was fascinating to read about and I can’t wait to fill in the missing pieces. Plus that ending… 😳
The 2 main characters and side characters were all equally interesting. Dax and his long and complicated history with the Fae kingdom, Aurora as a bada** siren warrior🧜♀️, Queen Cybele and King Stavros’ fallout, Princess Halia’s thirst for power, Ophelia (open your eyes!), The Sea Witch and all the dark siren sisters… so many intriguing characters, I need to know more about them!
Thank you to @sldebois for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! I can’t wait for book 2 😊
We follow Mariana (the last Siren born in 100 years), the Heir to the Siren Queendom, who is forced on a journey to find one of her missing sisters and restore their realm. We also follow Dax, a Fae who is also trying to protect his home while simultaneously growing feelings for Mari; forbidden love anyone? Mari’s inner struggle about her past and wanting to do right by her sisters, which she does until she doesn’t.
It was refreshing to read something that was out of the norm for me: mermaids/sirens. That whole world (Sirens, Fae, humans) and magic system was fascinating to read about and I can’t wait to fill in the missing pieces. Plus that ending… 😳
The 2 main characters and side characters were all equally interesting. Dax and his long and complicated history with the Fae kingdom, Aurora as a bada** siren warrior🧜♀️, Queen Cybele and King Stavros’ fallout, Princess Halia’s thirst for power, Ophelia (open your eyes!), The Sea Witch and all the dark siren sisters… so many intriguing characters, I need to know more about them!
Thank you to @sldebois for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! I can’t wait for book 2 😊
May 28, 2025
Cover:
Beautifully simplistic, great colour combinations of teal, white and gold, which is what drew me in straight away. I love the intricacy of the font–its stunning and easy to read, and that subtle glow effect enhances its mystique. Overall, the cover hooked me in immediately and was not visually overwhelming. It is clear everything is placed there for a reason. Love the siren silhouette, makes it clear that this is a siren fantasy book, no room for miscommunication. In short: love.
Title:
Nowadays, there is a clear template for fantasy titles, which can often be tedious to read, but I love that WTWS does not follow this template. It ties in with the cover and premise well. Short, effective and encapsulating!
Marketing:
DeBois has been marketing her creative baby to death, and it has indeed paid off! She is adept at giving her audience just the right amount of teasing to draw us in without giving too much away. She has a strong social media presence and uses it well, offering teasers, character art, release countdowns, ARC/Street team signups and more. This has been a fantastic way of keeping both herself and WTWS in the spotlight, as her posts and reels pop up continuously on platforms, keeping WTWS in your forefront. Check out her official website and Instagram to keep up with the latest.
Map:
Love the style, and that it is in colour. Interesting take on the separation between fae and mortal realm, but I am totally here for it. Huge expanse of sea, which makes sense since this is a book on sirens. Absolutely obsessed with the tentacle shell design in the bottom right-hand corner, I want it on all my stationery. I referenced to it several times during my read when I needed to remind myself where certain places were.
Premise:
Mariana is a siren princess who defies her mother’s orders not to go looking for her sister, Astra, after Astra goes missing on a mission. Her mission was to restore peace to sirens by negotiating the restoration of the original Queendom of Sirenia with King Stavros, the Aurelian fae king who destroyed Sirenia after his son died. Mariana ends up being captured by a fae warrior, Dax, who insists on taking him to Aurelia under strict royal orders.
Great premise, with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader occupied!
Characters:
It is rare that I like the main character over side characters, but with WTWS I do find myself drawn to Mariana! She is fiesty, opinionated, and she loves hard to an almost faultless degree. Her complicated relationship with Queen Cybele, her mother, is relatable, and her protectiveness over her sisters is admirable.
Dax is formidable when you first meet him, but towards the end you find out he’s just a big softie with a hardie for our FMC, hahaha.
Aurora is a baddie, and I love her ‘kill first, ask questions later’ attitude!
Halia, Ophelia, Kosta and the Sea Witch all rub me the wrong way, and for good reason! They all add depth to the story and are so fun to hate!
All in all, DeBois has some great, developed characters here and I hope to see more of them and their histories in the upcoming books!
Beginning:
We just dove right in with action and drama, and I am here for it. Draws you in instantly, and makes you need to know more. The death of the fae prince sets the scene wonderfully and really helps ground the reader into the type of atmosphere they should be expecting.
Ending:
If the beginning was action packed then the ending even more so! Without spoiling too much, the real villain of the story is revealed and chaos ensues! DeBois leaves us on a cliffhanger that ensures we are eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. More, more, more!
Pacing:
Generally very well paced. There were spots where I had to re-read because I thought I missed something, but otherwise the pacing suited me. Nothing dragged on, which was great as it meant I stayed in the story.
Points that enhanced reading experience:
Really enjoyed all the world-building! Loved the cursed sirens and the way they decay, the beauty of Kythera and the origins of inhabitants.
Conversation between characters felt natural and didn’t take me out the story, something that is not easy to do!
Really loved the non-binary character of Spiros and how DeBois paints the conversation of ‘female or male’.
DeBois writes descriptively and paints a detailed picture of her novel - very easy to follow and imagine!
Points that could enhance reading experience:
There are many references to world-building that hold a lot of potential, I would just have liked them to be explored a little more in depth. I loved all the tidbits about how sirens grow old and what happens to them physically as a result, and the origin of sirens and Seraphina’s beginnings were just *chef’s kiss*, that kind of world-building really speaks to me. I would have loved to see more!
A small stipulation is that I would have loved the development pacing of Mari and Dax’s relationship to have been a little slower - I felt that it was a little rushed at times and as a result did not feel as genuine as it could have been. Did love their eventual coupling, though!
Extra Notes:
This is written in third person, which is my preferred writing perspective, but if you prefer first you may find this difficult at first to adjust to.
Implied closed-door spice.
I MUST KNOW MORE ABOUT CELESTE, DAMN IT!
This was released today, I finished it and I already need the second book in the series!
A fun, interesting read - for lovers of The Little Mermaid and Heavenly Bodies.
Beautifully simplistic, great colour combinations of teal, white and gold, which is what drew me in straight away. I love the intricacy of the font–its stunning and easy to read, and that subtle glow effect enhances its mystique. Overall, the cover hooked me in immediately and was not visually overwhelming. It is clear everything is placed there for a reason. Love the siren silhouette, makes it clear that this is a siren fantasy book, no room for miscommunication. In short: love.
Title:
Nowadays, there is a clear template for fantasy titles, which can often be tedious to read, but I love that WTWS does not follow this template. It ties in with the cover and premise well. Short, effective and encapsulating!
Marketing:
DeBois has been marketing her creative baby to death, and it has indeed paid off! She is adept at giving her audience just the right amount of teasing to draw us in without giving too much away. She has a strong social media presence and uses it well, offering teasers, character art, release countdowns, ARC/Street team signups and more. This has been a fantastic way of keeping both herself and WTWS in the spotlight, as her posts and reels pop up continuously on platforms, keeping WTWS in your forefront. Check out her official website and Instagram to keep up with the latest.
Map:
Love the style, and that it is in colour. Interesting take on the separation between fae and mortal realm, but I am totally here for it. Huge expanse of sea, which makes sense since this is a book on sirens. Absolutely obsessed with the tentacle shell design in the bottom right-hand corner, I want it on all my stationery. I referenced to it several times during my read when I needed to remind myself where certain places were.
Premise:
Mariana is a siren princess who defies her mother’s orders not to go looking for her sister, Astra, after Astra goes missing on a mission. Her mission was to restore peace to sirens by negotiating the restoration of the original Queendom of Sirenia with King Stavros, the Aurelian fae king who destroyed Sirenia after his son died. Mariana ends up being captured by a fae warrior, Dax, who insists on taking him to Aurelia under strict royal orders.
Great premise, with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader occupied!
Characters:
It is rare that I like the main character over side characters, but with WTWS I do find myself drawn to Mariana! She is fiesty, opinionated, and she loves hard to an almost faultless degree. Her complicated relationship with Queen Cybele, her mother, is relatable, and her protectiveness over her sisters is admirable.
Dax is formidable when you first meet him, but towards the end you find out he’s just a big softie with a hardie for our FMC, hahaha.
Aurora is a baddie, and I love her ‘kill first, ask questions later’ attitude!
Halia, Ophelia, Kosta and the Sea Witch all rub me the wrong way, and for good reason! They all add depth to the story and are so fun to hate!
All in all, DeBois has some great, developed characters here and I hope to see more of them and their histories in the upcoming books!
Beginning:
We just dove right in with action and drama, and I am here for it. Draws you in instantly, and makes you need to know more. The death of the fae prince sets the scene wonderfully and really helps ground the reader into the type of atmosphere they should be expecting.
Ending:
If the beginning was action packed then the ending even more so! Without spoiling too much, the real villain of the story is revealed and chaos ensues! DeBois leaves us on a cliffhanger that ensures we are eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. More, more, more!
Pacing:
Generally very well paced. There were spots where I had to re-read because I thought I missed something, but otherwise the pacing suited me. Nothing dragged on, which was great as it meant I stayed in the story.
Points that enhanced reading experience:
Really enjoyed all the world-building! Loved the cursed sirens and the way they decay, the beauty of Kythera and the origins of inhabitants.
Conversation between characters felt natural and didn’t take me out the story, something that is not easy to do!
Really loved the non-binary character of Spiros and how DeBois paints the conversation of ‘female or male’.
DeBois writes descriptively and paints a detailed picture of her novel - very easy to follow and imagine!
Points that could enhance reading experience:
There are many references to world-building that hold a lot of potential, I would just have liked them to be explored a little more in depth. I loved all the tidbits about how sirens grow old and what happens to them physically as a result, and the origin of sirens and Seraphina’s beginnings were just *chef’s kiss*, that kind of world-building really speaks to me. I would have loved to see more!
A small stipulation is that I would have loved the development pacing of Mari and Dax’s relationship to have been a little slower - I felt that it was a little rushed at times and as a result did not feel as genuine as it could have been. Did love their eventual coupling, though!
Extra Notes:
This is written in third person, which is my preferred writing perspective, but if you prefer first you may find this difficult at first to adjust to.
Implied closed-door spice.
I MUST KNOW MORE ABOUT CELESTE, DAMN IT!
This was released today, I finished it and I already need the second book in the series!
A fun, interesting read - for lovers of The Little Mermaid and Heavenly Bodies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, but the opinions are 100% mine. This is the debut novel for S.L. DeBois and I’m so excited to be part of this epic saga with her now. 💞
First things first can we talk about the cover of this book? 🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️Seriously? It’s GORGEOUS and it doesn’t hurt my feelings AT ALL that it’s my favorite color. Obviously, we were meant to cross paths. Serendipitous.
You’re following the journey of Mariana, a siren called to discover her past, fulfill her destiny and save her realm, Sirenia. Heir to the Queendom 👑there is still much she has to learn because she discovers that so much is being kept from her 🤐. Too many secrets.
Once she has resolved to take on this seemingly impossible task, little by little the many pieces of her past begin to solidify into a cold truth - nothing is as it seems; no one can be trusted. 🫢 She is on her own 😭– but can she even trust herself?
You’re also introduced to Dax, a lone ranger of sorts, who becomes something to Mari… friend or foe? Their introduction is less than pleasant. His motives are certainly questionable. Yet, she’s drawn to him and feels some kind of connection (Stockholm syndrome maybe? 😂). Both understand that neither can truly choose the other willingly when the very existence of each of their worlds is at stake. Their individual journeys are much more important than whatever this “thing” is between them they’re feeling… right? (GOD I HOPE NOT – he gives me total Drogo vibes… don’t ask… he just did. So, I love him and he better not fuck me over in these upcoming books.)
This whole situation Maris is in is a chess game♟️with so many people being pawns. The problem? She doesn’t know who all is playing. In the end, Mari is forced to make a decision not only for herself but also for the future of her sister sirens that will either save her realm or leave them all suffering the devastation from fallout of the pieces of the power struggle which are already in play.
And, as any author knows… you leave a book with a storyline like this on a total cliffhanger ⛰️
===========
WHAT I LOVED:
💖 Sirens - I love tales of mermaids
💖 Such vivid imagery - I felt like I was in the ocean. The descriptions were captivating, mesmerizing, enchanting.
💖 Dax
💖 Forbidden love
💖 The villains… I LOVE to be totally pissed off at someone. There are several in this and you just want to smash them all
💖 Aurora. Ghhhhad – her note! That was awesome. I love her! She’s definitely my favorite.
MEH:
🫤 There’s an a-sexual character that uses they/them pronouns. I actually had to go back to the beginning of that chapter and re-read thinking that perhaps I had fallen asleep or dozed off (I read a lot at night) and maybe missed some critical element identifying that maybe they were some fantastical duology or something but no, it was the whole pronoun thing. Not a fan of that as it is just confusing – simple as that. It’s just… weird.
🫤 When names are similar – especially when they’re in some foreign tongue, it sometimes gets confusing in my brain. One of my tactics is to keep a notebook when I read in order to document characters, lineage, etc. There are so many “A” names… ones that are important. Be sure you keep your characters straight if that is an issue that plagues you as well.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
🥰 "It’s hard for us to see what makes us strong.”
🥰 “...sometimes, we don’t realize we’re running until we’re out of breath.”
🥰 “Without you, there’s no light in my world.”
First things first can we talk about the cover of this book? 🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️🧜🏻♀️Seriously? It’s GORGEOUS and it doesn’t hurt my feelings AT ALL that it’s my favorite color. Obviously, we were meant to cross paths. Serendipitous.
You’re following the journey of Mariana, a siren called to discover her past, fulfill her destiny and save her realm, Sirenia. Heir to the Queendom 👑there is still much she has to learn because she discovers that so much is being kept from her 🤐. Too many secrets.
Once she has resolved to take on this seemingly impossible task, little by little the many pieces of her past begin to solidify into a cold truth - nothing is as it seems; no one can be trusted. 🫢 She is on her own 😭– but can she even trust herself?
You’re also introduced to Dax, a lone ranger of sorts, who becomes something to Mari… friend or foe? Their introduction is less than pleasant. His motives are certainly questionable. Yet, she’s drawn to him and feels some kind of connection (Stockholm syndrome maybe? 😂). Both understand that neither can truly choose the other willingly when the very existence of each of their worlds is at stake. Their individual journeys are much more important than whatever this “thing” is between them they’re feeling… right? (GOD I HOPE NOT – he gives me total Drogo vibes… don’t ask… he just did. So, I love him and he better not fuck me over in these upcoming books.)
This whole situation Maris is in is a chess game♟️with so many people being pawns. The problem? She doesn’t know who all is playing. In the end, Mari is forced to make a decision not only for herself but also for the future of her sister sirens that will either save her realm or leave them all suffering the devastation from fallout of the pieces of the power struggle which are already in play.
And, as any author knows… you leave a book with a storyline like this on a total cliffhanger ⛰️
===========
WHAT I LOVED:
💖 Sirens - I love tales of mermaids
💖 Such vivid imagery - I felt like I was in the ocean. The descriptions were captivating, mesmerizing, enchanting.
💖 Dax
💖 Forbidden love
💖 The villains… I LOVE to be totally pissed off at someone. There are several in this and you just want to smash them all
💖 Aurora. Ghhhhad – her note! That was awesome. I love her! She’s definitely my favorite.
MEH:
🫤 There’s an a-sexual character that uses they/them pronouns. I actually had to go back to the beginning of that chapter and re-read thinking that perhaps I had fallen asleep or dozed off (I read a lot at night) and maybe missed some critical element identifying that maybe they were some fantastical duology or something but no, it was the whole pronoun thing. Not a fan of that as it is just confusing – simple as that. It’s just… weird.
🫤 When names are similar – especially when they’re in some foreign tongue, it sometimes gets confusing in my brain. One of my tactics is to keep a notebook when I read in order to document characters, lineage, etc. There are so many “A” names… ones that are important. Be sure you keep your characters straight if that is an issue that plagues you as well.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
🥰 "It’s hard for us to see what makes us strong.”
🥰 “...sometimes, we don’t realize we’re running until we’re out of breath.”
🥰 “Without you, there’s no light in my world.”
April 19, 2025
I read this as an ARC, and I was really surprised to find out that this was a debut book, because it was amazing!
💙 This story reunites all the elements of a great fantasy story, especially for YA, and to me was quite refreshing to read and know more in depht about a whole world and system of sirens from the inside, instead of them just being an extra element, like just a chapter or just a weird/evil encounter, in any other fantasy story. So extra happy for that.
🌏 The multi POV made it all for me to help me follow the complexity of everything that was going on. Which was a lot, but at the same time not really. It just made sense to all that stuff flowing into THAT cliffhanger of an end. All that definitely made me more understanding of every character decision or struggle. So it wasn't a book in which I suffered, but felt more like the Seer, a watcher and accepting that there is some stuff that need to happen, and there's nothing we can do 😥
❣ STILL, I have many, many questions about characters like Halia, Ophelia and Aurora, that I really hope we can know better in the following book. I need DETAILS of this fascinating women (regardless of their species lol)! Special mention to Spiro, they really got me craving for more in their backstory.
Things I didn't like:
- Just one, actually. I think is more like a detail in the writing style, that the first half of the book has the tendency to be a bit repetitive at the descriptions of sensations interspersed between paragraphs. It had its part of poetic, but also got me backtracking on "did I not just read this on diferent wording?". But honestly, is the only thing I can complain about, and I get it could be something about style.
💌🌜 I'm definitely grateful to run into this story as the first ARC I've ever read. I was a bit scare of what I might find, but I was pleasently surprised. I honestly thought this wasn´t a first book considering all the elements that are treated so good (the world, the lore, the CHARACTER CONSTRUCTION, D4MN IT I love it when they build good morally grey characters, that are believeable, and make you want to understand them and their goals more!).
If you are looking for some YA light-medium fantasy story, with sirens, faes, sisterhood, STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS in diverse roles, enemies working together and a bit of romance, this is for you 💜
As for me, I'll be waiting for the next book to come up. And also, praying to the Goddess this get translated in the future so I can have it in physical in my mother language, I'd really like that, because that cover design is marvelous 😍
PD: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review on my own will 📝📚
💙 This story reunites all the elements of a great fantasy story, especially for YA, and to me was quite refreshing to read and know more in depht about a whole world and system of sirens from the inside, instead of them just being an extra element, like just a chapter or just a weird/evil encounter, in any other fantasy story. So extra happy for that.
🌏 The multi POV made it all for me to help me follow the complexity of everything that was going on. Which was a lot, but at the same time not really. It just made sense to all that stuff flowing into THAT cliffhanger of an end. All that definitely made me more understanding of every character decision or struggle. So it wasn't a book in which I suffered, but felt more like the Seer, a watcher and accepting that there is some stuff that need to happen, and there's nothing we can do 😥
❣ STILL, I have many, many questions about characters like Halia, Ophelia and Aurora, that I really hope we can know better in the following book. I need DETAILS of this fascinating women (regardless of their species lol)! Special mention to Spiro, they really got me craving for more in their backstory.
Things I didn't like:
- Just one, actually. I think is more like a detail in the writing style, that the first half of the book has the tendency to be a bit repetitive at the descriptions of sensations interspersed between paragraphs. It had its part of poetic, but also got me backtracking on "did I not just read this on diferent wording?". But honestly, is the only thing I can complain about, and I get it could be something about style.
💌🌜 I'm definitely grateful to run into this story as the first ARC I've ever read. I was a bit scare of what I might find, but I was pleasently surprised. I honestly thought this wasn´t a first book considering all the elements that are treated so good (the world, the lore, the CHARACTER CONSTRUCTION, D4MN IT I love it when they build good morally grey characters, that are believeable, and make you want to understand them and their goals more!).
If you are looking for some YA light-medium fantasy story, with sirens, faes, sisterhood, STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS in diverse roles, enemies working together and a bit of romance, this is for you 💜
As for me, I'll be waiting for the next book to come up. And also, praying to the Goddess this get translated in the future so I can have it in physical in my mother language, I'd really like that, because that cover design is marvelous 😍
PD: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review on my own will 📝📚
May 25, 2025
When The Wicked Sing is an epic fantasy world incorporating magic, sirens, fae, blood thirsty gods and a family saga. There are elements of The Little Mermaid and the battles of Lord of the Rings.
I enjoyed the overall premise of this book, it is set in a large world with lots of history that needed to be established. Mariana is our female lead who we follow as she tries to save her sister and her people from the Fae king. We are introduced to lots of characters along the way, some that we don’t see again, but as this appears to be a series, I think they were set up for future books. I want to hear more about Celeste, Kenna, Spiro and Leo the leomagnus cub. At times the point of view changes to other characters and I did feel like there may have been too many points of view, it could have been more impactful to see it from only one or two characters.
There are lots of good tropes used in his book - enemies to lovers, only one bed (and bathtub!) and a slow burn with the love interests. The story also builds around secrets and lies that lead to lots of twists and revelations that keep you interested. I liked seeing mermaids and fae together - that felt fresh and interesting, which built as you begin to see how they are intertwined through their magic and history. I want to know more about the gods and how they created the species we see. We hear in the book that one day they just went silent - why was that?
Mariana deals with many trials and tribulations throughout the book - being kidnapped, losing friends, betrayal and secrets about her species. But we also see her grow - she finds her true strength and understanding about herself, her wants and her needs as she faces these challenges. One of my other favourite moments in the book is while Mariana speaks with Spiro - a non-binary character. There is a wonderful exchange where Spiro talks about how, over time, they realised that they couldn’t be either male or female, they were just Spiro. I loved that description. I also identified with Mariana as she acknowledged that sirens are all born female, which was at the core of their culture and they might struggle to understand the erasure of the barrier between male and female, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t try! We may not understand initially, but we can all try.
Overall I enjoyed the story and found the characters in When The Wicked Sing intriguing - I was not expecting the ending! There is lots more to learn about Mariana’s world. I look forward to seeing future books!
I enjoyed the overall premise of this book, it is set in a large world with lots of history that needed to be established. Mariana is our female lead who we follow as she tries to save her sister and her people from the Fae king. We are introduced to lots of characters along the way, some that we don’t see again, but as this appears to be a series, I think they were set up for future books. I want to hear more about Celeste, Kenna, Spiro and Leo the leomagnus cub. At times the point of view changes to other characters and I did feel like there may have been too many points of view, it could have been more impactful to see it from only one or two characters.
There are lots of good tropes used in his book - enemies to lovers, only one bed (and bathtub!) and a slow burn with the love interests. The story also builds around secrets and lies that lead to lots of twists and revelations that keep you interested. I liked seeing mermaids and fae together - that felt fresh and interesting, which built as you begin to see how they are intertwined through their magic and history. I want to know more about the gods and how they created the species we see. We hear in the book that one day they just went silent - why was that?
Mariana deals with many trials and tribulations throughout the book - being kidnapped, losing friends, betrayal and secrets about her species. But we also see her grow - she finds her true strength and understanding about herself, her wants and her needs as she faces these challenges. One of my other favourite moments in the book is while Mariana speaks with Spiro - a non-binary character. There is a wonderful exchange where Spiro talks about how, over time, they realised that they couldn’t be either male or female, they were just Spiro. I loved that description. I also identified with Mariana as she acknowledged that sirens are all born female, which was at the core of their culture and they might struggle to understand the erasure of the barrier between male and female, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t try! We may not understand initially, but we can all try.
Overall I enjoyed the story and found the characters in When The Wicked Sing intriguing - I was not expecting the ending! There is lots more to learn about Mariana’s world. I look forward to seeing future books!
April 13, 2025
This is my honest ARC review of When The Wicked Sing by SL DeBois. I receive no compensation for doing this.
I was really interested in the characters and plot of this book. Sirens are involved in the Fae universe and I looked forward to seeing how the author wove the two together. The Sirens, banished from their lands by a heartbroken king, begin to become horrible, cursed versions of themselves. They need to go back. They need a hero. They get one.
The story itself is an interesting idea, but I struggled to really get into it. At times, I didn’t know if the Sirens were in a cave on land, or underwater. Can they speak underwater, or is it a telepathic connection? I think there could have been a lot more explanation on how the tails transform, what does it feel like? How long does it take? Etc.
The FMC is a pretty typical romantasy read. She goes off to be a hero despite her mom’s wishes and then shit goes down. She is strong though, and definitely the best part of this book.
The MMC is also enjoyable. His back story is a good one and I wish there were more of it. His home and his role with the kingdom are very interesting.
I don’t want to spoil the secret/hidden identity, but it’s not a true secret in my opinion. Still a huge part of the story so you will have to check it out on your own!
Where I really had a hard time with this book is the enemies to lovers part. The FMC should have been trying to claw the MMCs eyes out given how they met, but they are somehow instantly friends and it ruined the book for me. Perhaps there will be some explanation as to why in book two, but their growing relationship feels incredibly rushed.
There is almost no spice in this book. Some clothing removal and definitely some sex, but it just doesn’t come across as hot. The spice that is written is not spicy so it really is a safe read for anyone.
Overall, this book was a really interesting concept, but a tough one for me to get through. It is absolutely a book for someone though! I strongly suggest you give it a try if you’re looking for a different take on the fae universe, but I won’t be reading the second one if it’s written.
I was really interested in the characters and plot of this book. Sirens are involved in the Fae universe and I looked forward to seeing how the author wove the two together. The Sirens, banished from their lands by a heartbroken king, begin to become horrible, cursed versions of themselves. They need to go back. They need a hero. They get one.
The story itself is an interesting idea, but I struggled to really get into it. At times, I didn’t know if the Sirens were in a cave on land, or underwater. Can they speak underwater, or is it a telepathic connection? I think there could have been a lot more explanation on how the tails transform, what does it feel like? How long does it take? Etc.
The FMC is a pretty typical romantasy read. She goes off to be a hero despite her mom’s wishes and then shit goes down. She is strong though, and definitely the best part of this book.
The MMC is also enjoyable. His back story is a good one and I wish there were more of it. His home and his role with the kingdom are very interesting.
I don’t want to spoil the secret/hidden identity, but it’s not a true secret in my opinion. Still a huge part of the story so you will have to check it out on your own!
Where I really had a hard time with this book is the enemies to lovers part. The FMC should have been trying to claw the MMCs eyes out given how they met, but they are somehow instantly friends and it ruined the book for me. Perhaps there will be some explanation as to why in book two, but their growing relationship feels incredibly rushed.
There is almost no spice in this book. Some clothing removal and definitely some sex, but it just doesn’t come across as hot. The spice that is written is not spicy so it really is a safe read for anyone.
Overall, this book was a really interesting concept, but a tough one for me to get through. It is absolutely a book for someone though! I strongly suggest you give it a try if you’re looking for a different take on the fae universe, but I won’t be reading the second one if it’s written.
June 14, 2025
“𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙣, 𝙬𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚.”
When the Wicked Sing by S.L. DeBois
3.5⭐️
A haunting, lyrical blend of sirens, fae, family secrets, forbidden love, and unraveling truths. The story is 𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭—quietly beautiful in that aching, poetic way that makes you feel like you’re floating through the pages with its mystery and grief-laced urgency.
The book opens with utter brutality that leaves your jaw on the floor and then immediately drops you into high emotional stakes. Marianna, the FMC, is forced to leave the ocean and venture into dangerous fae territory to search for her missing sister, enlisting the protection (much to her dismay) from a broodingly handsome fae, Daxon, complete with a tragic past.
“𝙒𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛, 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.”
That said, I wanted 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 from the world itself. The siren realm felt vague, more of a suggestion than a fully realized setting and the world building & backstories were barely touched upon. The bones were there, but I wanted more flesh, more magic, more immersion.
But the emotional charge is there—especially when it comes to the tension around family, survival, and betrayal. The setup for the next book has real potential to go darker and much deeper, especially with the rise of evil and the connection to Daxon’s past.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝.”
The slow burn 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 have had me. Dax is gentle, grounded, & quietly loyal. Marianna is fierce in her grief and sharp in her determination. On paper, they 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 have been electric. While the relationship was clearly meant to be tender and healing, I didn’t feel that deep pull, that spark that makes you root for two broken people to find peace in each other. It felt more like I was being told they were in love than truly experiencing it—beautiful words, but lacking that visceral connection.
All in all, a book with 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 bones—and a personal emotional reckoning worth the read.
When the Wicked Sing by S.L. DeBois
3.5⭐️
A haunting, lyrical blend of sirens, fae, family secrets, forbidden love, and unraveling truths. The story is 𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭—quietly beautiful in that aching, poetic way that makes you feel like you’re floating through the pages with its mystery and grief-laced urgency.
The book opens with utter brutality that leaves your jaw on the floor and then immediately drops you into high emotional stakes. Marianna, the FMC, is forced to leave the ocean and venture into dangerous fae territory to search for her missing sister, enlisting the protection (much to her dismay) from a broodingly handsome fae, Daxon, complete with a tragic past.
“𝙒𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙛, 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙞. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙨 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣’𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢.”
That said, I wanted 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 from the world itself. The siren realm felt vague, more of a suggestion than a fully realized setting and the world building & backstories were barely touched upon. The bones were there, but I wanted more flesh, more magic, more immersion.
But the emotional charge is there—especially when it comes to the tension around family, survival, and betrayal. The setup for the next book has real potential to go darker and much deeper, especially with the rise of evil and the connection to Daxon’s past.
“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝.”
The slow burn 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 have had me. Dax is gentle, grounded, & quietly loyal. Marianna is fierce in her grief and sharp in her determination. On paper, they 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 have been electric. While the relationship was clearly meant to be tender and healing, I didn’t feel that deep pull, that spark that makes you root for two broken people to find peace in each other. It felt more like I was being told they were in love than truly experiencing it—beautiful words, but lacking that visceral connection.
All in all, a book with 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 bones—and a personal emotional reckoning worth the read.
April 10, 2025
I received this as an ARC
This is a book about Sirens and Fae and love and hate and revenge and power. Mariana (MFC) is the last Siren born in 100 years, her mother Cybele is the Queen of the Sirens and was blamed for killing the son of the King of the Fae and was banished from the realm and in that banishment the majority of the sirens are killed off. Mariana wants to return to their home land because the Sirens are dying. She is the heir to the Siren kingdom and she wants to save them. Her older sister goes to the Fae realm to try to get a peace treaty going with the king and disappears. Mariana wants to go rescue her, she gets in a fight with her mother because her mother forbids her from going and Mariana gets abducted.
Enter the abducter - our MMC Dax, he is a warrior but he is in servitude to the crown. Of course we are going to get complicated feelings here. He has a good heart and he is loyal and handsome and fair.
There are fun and important side characters (I'm hoping Aurora and Kosta get their own book) and I'm hoping Ophelia ends up on the right side of Mariana in the end.
Mariana's mom, her aunt (The Sea Witch), her niece (Luna) , her sisters (all the sirens, but also Aurora and Astra in particular), the queen (aka The Matriarch or Halia), the king(King Stavros), plus the ones I mention above, and Dax's family. You meet them all and end up caring deeply for some, others make you laugh and others make you mad, others are only there to give you a better sense of the people they impacted it felt like. It was slow burn and low spice and done very well.
The mythology and the lands SL DeBois created here are fantastic, it isn't the legends you already know. I enjoyed getting to know them and can't wait to delve into them more as the series progresses.
Book ends on a cliffhanger, but trust me you will be wanting more
This is a book about Sirens and Fae and love and hate and revenge and power. Mariana (MFC) is the last Siren born in 100 years, her mother Cybele is the Queen of the Sirens and was blamed for killing the son of the King of the Fae and was banished from the realm and in that banishment the majority of the sirens are killed off. Mariana wants to return to their home land because the Sirens are dying. She is the heir to the Siren kingdom and she wants to save them. Her older sister goes to the Fae realm to try to get a peace treaty going with the king and disappears. Mariana wants to go rescue her, she gets in a fight with her mother because her mother forbids her from going and Mariana gets abducted.
Enter the abducter - our MMC Dax, he is a warrior but he is in servitude to the crown. Of course we are going to get complicated feelings here. He has a good heart and he is loyal and handsome and fair.
There are fun and important side characters (I'm hoping Aurora and Kosta get their own book) and I'm hoping Ophelia ends up on the right side of Mariana in the end.
Mariana's mom, her aunt (The Sea Witch), her niece (Luna) , her sisters (all the sirens, but also Aurora and Astra in particular), the queen (aka The Matriarch or Halia), the king(King Stavros), plus the ones I mention above, and Dax's family. You meet them all and end up caring deeply for some, others make you laugh and others make you mad, others are only there to give you a better sense of the people they impacted it felt like. It was slow burn and low spice and done very well.
The mythology and the lands SL DeBois created here are fantastic, it isn't the legends you already know. I enjoyed getting to know them and can't wait to delve into them more as the series progresses.
Book ends on a cliffhanger, but trust me you will be wanting more
May 21, 2025
Holy Crap!!
What a debut!
This story kept me intrigued the entire time. There was always some new secret being shared, or a new mystery that needed to be solved. New players kept coming into the game. It was such a fun read!
After the Fae King destroyed the entire Siren Realm because he believed the Siren Queen to be his son's killer, the Sirens are now in hiding. Never allowed to come onto Fae lands again. Mariana, the heir to the Siren Queen, is pulled into a quest to search for an amulet that can restore their kingdom after one of her sisters goes missing trying to make peace with the Fae King. Along the way, she is kidnapped by a Fae warrior. Under orders to bring her to the Fae Kingdom, he tries his best not to fall for the bewitching siren. She doesn't make things easy, but immediately feels a strong connection to him. Mariana is eventually brought before the Princess of the Fae, who is looking for the amulet herself. We aren't given a reason why at the time. We also know that the Fae King is looking for the amulet because he believes it can bring his son back to life, the princess does not wish this to happen because she will lose her place as the heir. With so much at stake to finding the amulet, Mariana must make a choice. Who will she help with the power of the amulet? Will she help any of them at all? Can she find her sister? And can she save her kingdom and restore the sirens back to their homeland?
There is so much at stake, and it is a wild ride!
There is a fade to black scene, so basically no spice if you are wanting a clean read.
I promise it is worth it!
What a debut!
This story kept me intrigued the entire time. There was always some new secret being shared, or a new mystery that needed to be solved. New players kept coming into the game. It was such a fun read!
After the Fae King destroyed the entire Siren Realm because he believed the Siren Queen to be his son's killer, the Sirens are now in hiding. Never allowed to come onto Fae lands again. Mariana, the heir to the Siren Queen, is pulled into a quest to search for an amulet that can restore their kingdom after one of her sisters goes missing trying to make peace with the Fae King. Along the way, she is kidnapped by a Fae warrior. Under orders to bring her to the Fae Kingdom, he tries his best not to fall for the bewitching siren. She doesn't make things easy, but immediately feels a strong connection to him. Mariana is eventually brought before the Princess of the Fae, who is looking for the amulet herself. We aren't given a reason why at the time. We also know that the Fae King is looking for the amulet because he believes it can bring his son back to life, the princess does not wish this to happen because she will lose her place as the heir. With so much at stake to finding the amulet, Mariana must make a choice. Who will she help with the power of the amulet? Will she help any of them at all? Can she find her sister? And can she save her kingdom and restore the sirens back to their homeland?
There is so much at stake, and it is a wild ride!
There is a fade to black scene, so basically no spice if you are wanting a clean read.
I promise it is worth it!
May 4, 2025
I was on a Mermaid kick. I enjoyed this story.
I had trouble in the earliest of chapters. In the beginning a handful of characters were introduced and for a small bit it was confusing having to get aqautinted. After that bit it narrowed it down to a focus and the mentions of them so it was much easier to keep them straight. Maybe that is just me.
Each character had their own personality and you got to learn in a way of them. I enjoyed this. They didn't become just characters in passing but ones that helped the story.
At first with the two main FMC and MMC I began getting almost enemy to lovers sort of vibes. I was very much into the anger and untrust between the two but I felt like they developed feelings for eachother to quickly. I mean your being kidnaped! They became a strong pair but there were moments were I didn't really see the moment.
The underwater world and topside loved this. I enjoyed the mix the fae, mermaids and humans. Magic and seers. the cast is really great.
Romance is closed door which in 100% ok with, you won't find any smut which is refreshing from all the common finds of fantasy today.
The villian in this story. *gasps* I almost didn't want it to be true!!!! We all need a good villian and this one. Perfect.
I would totally recommend this story though. I had a fun time reading it.
I would rate this not quite 5* but more than 4. A bit in-between
I had trouble in the earliest of chapters. In the beginning a handful of characters were introduced and for a small bit it was confusing having to get aqautinted. After that bit it narrowed it down to a focus and the mentions of them so it was much easier to keep them straight. Maybe that is just me.
Each character had their own personality and you got to learn in a way of them. I enjoyed this. They didn't become just characters in passing but ones that helped the story.
At first with the two main FMC and MMC I began getting almost enemy to lovers sort of vibes. I was very much into the anger and untrust between the two but I felt like they developed feelings for eachother to quickly. I mean your being kidnaped! They became a strong pair but there were moments were I didn't really see the moment.
The underwater world and topside loved this. I enjoyed the mix the fae, mermaids and humans. Magic and seers. the cast is really great.
Romance is closed door which in 100% ok with, you won't find any smut which is refreshing from all the common finds of fantasy today.
The villian in this story. *gasps* I almost didn't want it to be true!!!! We all need a good villian and this one. Perfect.
I would totally recommend this story though. I had a fun time reading it.
I would rate this not quite 5* but more than 4. A bit in-between
May 23, 2025
This whole book was a rollercoaster from the beginning!! Even the prologue had my jaw on the floor. There are so many twists and turns I think we ended back where we started? Some of the plot twists I kind of predicted but others completely blindsided me!! The author does an incredible job of making you think it’s going one way only to take you by surprise.
I really enjoyed this story. I love reading the different ways authors write about mermaids, sirens, and naiads. The culture and history of this particular group of sirens was so unique and intriguing. I thought the world building was just right, I could picture it in my head without being bombarded with too many details.
Mari is such an amazing character. I loved seeing her grow! While she is never weak by any means, she certainly has moments where she questions herself. Ultimately, I loved seeing her stick to her own path and make the decisions that would help everyone. She’s self-sacrificing and strong but not to the point that she ruins good things for herself. She and Dax have so much in common.
I also need to mention the representation in this book. While the main romance is cis-het, there are several side characters from the LGBTQ+ crew. I appreciate seeing it with little to no explanation, even a nonbinary character! There are also POC in this book with various hair types and skin colors. Inclusivity like this makes authors auto-read/buy for me.
I really enjoyed this story. I love reading the different ways authors write about mermaids, sirens, and naiads. The culture and history of this particular group of sirens was so unique and intriguing. I thought the world building was just right, I could picture it in my head without being bombarded with too many details.
Mari is such an amazing character. I loved seeing her grow! While she is never weak by any means, she certainly has moments where she questions herself. Ultimately, I loved seeing her stick to her own path and make the decisions that would help everyone. She’s self-sacrificing and strong but not to the point that she ruins good things for herself. She and Dax have so much in common.
I also need to mention the representation in this book. While the main romance is cis-het, there are several side characters from the LGBTQ+ crew. I appreciate seeing it with little to no explanation, even a nonbinary character! There are also POC in this book with various hair types and skin colors. Inclusivity like this makes authors auto-read/buy for me.
May 24, 2025
Thank you BookSirens for providing an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
3.5
This book had a strong start, and I genuinely enjoyed about 70% of it. However, the final quarter really dragged for me. I absolutely adore the cover though!!
The MMC’s backstory was easily one of the highlights for me! I also appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation, it was a pleasant surprise. I liked the tension between the MMC and FMC, though they didn’t stay enemies for very long, I still enjoyed the buildup, it’s a sweet romance element.
I did question the logistics of the worldbuilding especially towards the end. For example, how exactly are sirens preparing dinner underwater? And what’s with them opening and closing windows — underwater? I was confused by the mechanics of their daily life, I would’ve liked a bit more explanation around this.
Pacing-wise, the story could’ve been tighter. At around 320 pages, it would have felt more concise, there wasn’t enough things happening for how long it was. The plot twists weren’t especially surprising but still enjoyable, and the tone of the first half leaned more toward cosy fantasy than I expected. Given the title, I anticipated more intensity or combat. Without spoiling anything, the events in the last chapter felt underdeveloped and somewhat out of place.
I did enjoy the book overall and would still recommend it. I just finished it with more questions than answers.
3.5
This book had a strong start, and I genuinely enjoyed about 70% of it. However, the final quarter really dragged for me. I absolutely adore the cover though!!
The MMC’s backstory was easily one of the highlights for me! I also appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation, it was a pleasant surprise. I liked the tension between the MMC and FMC, though they didn’t stay enemies for very long, I still enjoyed the buildup, it’s a sweet romance element.
I did question the logistics of the worldbuilding especially towards the end. For example, how exactly are sirens preparing dinner underwater? And what’s with them opening and closing windows — underwater? I was confused by the mechanics of their daily life, I would’ve liked a bit more explanation around this.
Pacing-wise, the story could’ve been tighter. At around 320 pages, it would have felt more concise, there wasn’t enough things happening for how long it was. The plot twists weren’t especially surprising but still enjoyable, and the tone of the first half leaned more toward cosy fantasy than I expected. Given the title, I anticipated more intensity or combat. Without spoiling anything, the events in the last chapter felt underdeveloped and somewhat out of place.
I did enjoy the book overall and would still recommend it. I just finished it with more questions than answers.
April 1, 2025
This book swept me away with its rich underwater world, fierce sirens, and deep-rooted love in all its forms. From sisterly bonds to a non-binary parent’s love for their children, and even devotion to an entire people—love isn’t just romantic here; it’s layered, messy, and powerful.
The sisterly relationship was one of my favorite parts—the three sisters love and support each other even as their world falls apart. And one sister's potential future love interest? Absolutely hilarious. Their banter had me cackling, and the way the author describes their dynamic—like eels constantly shocking each other—is spot on.
Another standout was the non-binary representation. Spiro’s journey was beautifully written, and this quote stuck with me:
"I've lived many lives within this same body. And after quite some time, I realized I no longer could identify as just female. Nor did I feel I was a male. I simply became...Spiro. I freed myself from a prison I didn't truly understand, one I had chosen to live in for far too long."
And the descriptions? Breathtaking. The sirens, the ocean, the world-building—I could feel the water, see the shimmer of tails, and hear the echoes of the deep.
Tropes You’ll Love:
🧜♀️ Found family
🧜♀️ Sibling bonds
🧜♀️ Morally gray fae
🧜♀️ Enemies-to-allies (to more?)
🧜♀️ Forbidden romance
🧜♀️ High-stakes betrayals
🧜♀️ Court intrigue
The sisterly relationship was one of my favorite parts—the three sisters love and support each other even as their world falls apart. And one sister's potential future love interest? Absolutely hilarious. Their banter had me cackling, and the way the author describes their dynamic—like eels constantly shocking each other—is spot on.
Another standout was the non-binary representation. Spiro’s journey was beautifully written, and this quote stuck with me:
"I've lived many lives within this same body. And after quite some time, I realized I no longer could identify as just female. Nor did I feel I was a male. I simply became...Spiro. I freed myself from a prison I didn't truly understand, one I had chosen to live in for far too long."
And the descriptions? Breathtaking. The sirens, the ocean, the world-building—I could feel the water, see the shimmer of tails, and hear the echoes of the deep.
Tropes You’ll Love:
🧜♀️ Found family
🧜♀️ Sibling bonds
🧜♀️ Morally gray fae
🧜♀️ Enemies-to-allies (to more?)
🧜♀️ Forbidden romance
🧜♀️ High-stakes betrayals
🧜♀️ Court intrigue
May 21, 2025
I have finished reading my ARC copy of When the Wicked sing written by S. L. Debois. This is book one of the Leruna sea series and is a mermaid fantasy with romance.
"From ruin, we rise."
I'm impressed by how this story is written, it captures you and you will not want to stop reading once you've started. The world building is amazing and the tension and adventure make it an amazing read. And then there is that plottwist around the ending that will leave you shocked.
"Homes are the sacred places we hold closest to our hearts."
This story is mainly about Mariana, who is heir to the siren throne. When her sister dissapears, there is only one choice, but before she can act, she gets taken. Where will this dangerous adventure among her enemies take her?
"It's easier to run away into the night than face the challenges that dawn brings to light."
This story contains heavy themes like trauma, loss, death and grief. They are woven through the story and give it an extra depth. The story is also about betrayel, about bravery, about fear, strength, about oppression and losing the freedom to choose for yourself and your loved ones.
"Protective and possesive are two different things."
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I think that the end of this book promises an even more exciting second book. I give it five stars.
"From ruin, we rise."
I'm impressed by how this story is written, it captures you and you will not want to stop reading once you've started. The world building is amazing and the tension and adventure make it an amazing read. And then there is that plottwist around the ending that will leave you shocked.
"Homes are the sacred places we hold closest to our hearts."
This story is mainly about Mariana, who is heir to the siren throne. When her sister dissapears, there is only one choice, but before she can act, she gets taken. Where will this dangerous adventure among her enemies take her?
"It's easier to run away into the night than face the challenges that dawn brings to light."
This story contains heavy themes like trauma, loss, death and grief. They are woven through the story and give it an extra depth. The story is also about betrayel, about bravery, about fear, strength, about oppression and losing the freedom to choose for yourself and your loved ones.
"Protective and possesive are two different things."
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I think that the end of this book promises an even more exciting second book. I give it five stars.
May 28, 2025
Have you ever read one of those books where you struggled to finish the book, not because you just wanted it to be over, but because you wanted to savor every moment? When the Wicked Sing was delectable, every chapter was a perfectly prepared and the plot was perfectly seasoned with a variety of emotions.
I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. After reading the book blurb I was intrigued by the plot, but didn't know if it would outweigh my dislike for close door romance. This book delivered, the plot was nuanced, it kept the readers guessing all the way till the last page and there is this foreshadowing of things to come that is leaving me desperate to get my hands on the next book. The the world building was spot on, it was complex but didn't require a 12 page glossary, and the character development was amazing, all three blended so well. Plus who doesn't love fiere FMC that is a siren.
As previous mentioned, this book is a closed door romance, however there are still this steamy snippets so the reader is felt completely wanting. And the pacing of the romance felt natural, this was a slow burn and it really played into the nuances of Mariana and Dax go from enemies to lovers. Overall this book was an amazing read and I cannot wait for the next book.
I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. After reading the book blurb I was intrigued by the plot, but didn't know if it would outweigh my dislike for close door romance. This book delivered, the plot was nuanced, it kept the readers guessing all the way till the last page and there is this foreshadowing of things to come that is leaving me desperate to get my hands on the next book. The the world building was spot on, it was complex but didn't require a 12 page glossary, and the character development was amazing, all three blended so well. Plus who doesn't love fiere FMC that is a siren.
As previous mentioned, this book is a closed door romance, however there are still this steamy snippets so the reader is felt completely wanting. And the pacing of the romance felt natural, this was a slow burn and it really played into the nuances of Mariana and Dax go from enemies to lovers. Overall this book was an amazing read and I cannot wait for the next book.
April 3, 2025
This book definitely had a little mermaid retelling vibe with a unique twist. You don't often find fantasy books with mermaids and fae. The overall storyline kept me turning the pages and the banter between Dax and Mari had me laughing out loud. This is a fade to black romance so if you're looking for those super spicy scenes this isn't where you will find them. There is a good amount of tension between the main characters but it really isn't the focus of the story and it doesn't distract from the plot. Even though I read this book as part of an advanced review copy team, I will definitely be finishing this series as future books are released! I can't wait to see where Dax and Mari's paths take them!
I do wish the author had put chapter titles for whose POV we were reading especially since this is written in 3rd person. Switching POVs from one chapter to the next was especially confusing between Mari and Dax's chapters and took a minute to figure out whose POV I was in. Character names for chapter titles would have been extremely helpful with this but definitely wasn't bothersome enough to prevent me from reading the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I do wish the author had put chapter titles for whose POV we were reading especially since this is written in 3rd person. Switching POVs from one chapter to the next was especially confusing between Mari and Dax's chapters and took a minute to figure out whose POV I was in. Character names for chapter titles would have been extremely helpful with this but definitely wasn't bothersome enough to prevent me from reading the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2025
Sirens, Fae, and SO MUCH DRAMA! 🧜♀️✨
Okay, friends, let me tell you about When the Wicked Sing – you are NOT ready for this! We follow Mariana, our fiery, kick-butt siren FMC and heir to the Leruna Seas, and Dax, the brooding fae warrior who totally captures her. And yes, you read that right: he captures her!
I absolutely LOVED getting to see the story unfold through multiple POVs. Every single one is packed with twists, turns, heartbreak, laughter, loss, and so much love! Seriously, there were so many moments where I was completely sucked in, practically shouting at the characters and constantly yelling "WHY?!" at my book. (Don't pretend you don't do it too! 😉)
This is a fantastic slow burn, and the tension between Mariana and Dax? Chef's kiss! 🔥 It's perfect for those of you who love a good romantic build-up, and honestly, even if you're not usually a "romantic," you'll be here for the delicious tension.
Just a heads up: This book does explore themes of death, grief, and trauma. They're super important to the story, but they might be a bit heavy for some readers. So, take care and prioritize your well-being!
This releases on Kindle May 28th – add it to your TBR, you seriously won't regret it! 🌊🎶
Okay, friends, let me tell you about When the Wicked Sing – you are NOT ready for this! We follow Mariana, our fiery, kick-butt siren FMC and heir to the Leruna Seas, and Dax, the brooding fae warrior who totally captures her. And yes, you read that right: he captures her!
I absolutely LOVED getting to see the story unfold through multiple POVs. Every single one is packed with twists, turns, heartbreak, laughter, loss, and so much love! Seriously, there were so many moments where I was completely sucked in, practically shouting at the characters and constantly yelling "WHY?!" at my book. (Don't pretend you don't do it too! 😉)
This is a fantastic slow burn, and the tension between Mariana and Dax? Chef's kiss! 🔥 It's perfect for those of you who love a good romantic build-up, and honestly, even if you're not usually a "romantic," you'll be here for the delicious tension.
Just a heads up: This book does explore themes of death, grief, and trauma. They're super important to the story, but they might be a bit heavy for some readers. So, take care and prioritize your well-being!
This releases on Kindle May 28th – add it to your TBR, you seriously won't regret it! 🌊🎶
May 20, 2025
4.5⭐️
“She was wild, stunning chaos.”
Ahhh this book was perfect for MerMay! I loved the world building in this book. The story behind sirens and how they came to be, their magic, the war between sirens and fae were all hauntingly beautiful. I always love siren/mermaid books, and this one was no exception. Plus, Dax?? Omg, I love him so much! It was interesting to learn more about Dax as I read his POV to see what was under that tough exterior. Plus, the way he thought about Mari 🫠🫠 I highlighted so many quotes! *MILD SPOILERS AHEAD* And that one scene where he paints her body was so beautiful (I would love to see an art piece of that scene). I haven't read a slow burn, forbidden romance in a while, but this was perfect. And that ending?? Omg I almost threw the book 😭 I'm (im)patiently waiting for book two. There still mysteries to be resolved, and I'm excited to see what Mari does next. I will say that there were some parts where I was confused where I felt like I missed information. Overall though, this book was really good, and I can't wait to read book two!
Thank you S.L. DeBois for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
“She was wild, stunning chaos.”
Ahhh this book was perfect for MerMay! I loved the world building in this book. The story behind sirens and how they came to be, their magic, the war between sirens and fae were all hauntingly beautiful. I always love siren/mermaid books, and this one was no exception. Plus, Dax?? Omg, I love him so much! It was interesting to learn more about Dax as I read his POV to see what was under that tough exterior. Plus, the way he thought about Mari 🫠🫠 I highlighted so many quotes! *MILD SPOILERS AHEAD* And that one scene where he paints her body was so beautiful (I would love to see an art piece of that scene). I haven't read a slow burn, forbidden romance in a while, but this was perfect. And that ending?? Omg I almost threw the book 😭 I'm (im)patiently waiting for book two. There still mysteries to be resolved, and I'm excited to see what Mari does next. I will say that there were some parts where I was confused where I felt like I missed information. Overall though, this book was really good, and I can't wait to read book two!
Thank you S.L. DeBois for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
May 27, 2025
Thank you so much to S.L. DeBois and Midnight Tide Publishing for this ARC!
•
The prologue of this book drew me in right away! It's not often that I'm immediately invested when starting a new book. I really loved the world building and the lore of the sirens and their war with the fae. The plot was really interesting. I had guessed what was going on before the big reveal, but I don't think it was predictable, just well set up. Where this book was lacking for me a little was with the characters and romance. I liked the characters and the bonds between Mariana and her sisters. But I was confused by some characterizations as it felt that they would feel or act one way and then the opposite way without much explanation. As for the romance, again I liked the characters, and the romance was typical romantasy and the kind of thing I would normally eat up. I can't put my finger on why, but for some reason, I just didn't connect with their romance. I don't dislike them together, I just didn't really feel it. But that could just be a me issue. Overall, it was really cool and I liked the vibes. If you like sirens and fae, I think you'll like it!
•
The prologue of this book drew me in right away! It's not often that I'm immediately invested when starting a new book. I really loved the world building and the lore of the sirens and their war with the fae. The plot was really interesting. I had guessed what was going on before the big reveal, but I don't think it was predictable, just well set up. Where this book was lacking for me a little was with the characters and romance. I liked the characters and the bonds between Mariana and her sisters. But I was confused by some characterizations as it felt that they would feel or act one way and then the opposite way without much explanation. As for the romance, again I liked the characters, and the romance was typical romantasy and the kind of thing I would normally eat up. I can't put my finger on why, but for some reason, I just didn't connect with their romance. I don't dislike them together, I just didn't really feel it. But that could just be a me issue. Overall, it was really cool and I liked the vibes. If you like sirens and fae, I think you'll like it!
April 12, 2025
S.L. DeBois's debut novel is stunning. Among the many Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) I've read in recent weeks, this one shone brightly, showcasing a mastery of storytelling that conceals its author's newcomer status.
The world-building is meticulous, with a richness that feels both fresh and familiar. While nods to common fantasy tropes are present, DeBois's unique twists and imaginative details elevate the narrative to new heights. The story's complexity is expertly woven, making it easy to become fully immersed in the world and its characters.
At the heart of the story is a strong and compelling female protagonist, whose journey is both captivating and inspiring. With elements of magic, fae, and sirens, this novel will delight fans of the fantasy genre. DeBois's writing is polished and engaging. If you're a fan of fantasy, magic, fae, sirens, or strong female protagonists, do yourself a favor and add this book to your reading list. I eagerly await DeBois's next release.
These thoughts are entirely my own
The world-building is meticulous, with a richness that feels both fresh and familiar. While nods to common fantasy tropes are present, DeBois's unique twists and imaginative details elevate the narrative to new heights. The story's complexity is expertly woven, making it easy to become fully immersed in the world and its characters.
At the heart of the story is a strong and compelling female protagonist, whose journey is both captivating and inspiring. With elements of magic, fae, and sirens, this novel will delight fans of the fantasy genre. DeBois's writing is polished and engaging. If you're a fan of fantasy, magic, fae, sirens, or strong female protagonists, do yourself a favor and add this book to your reading list. I eagerly await DeBois's next release.
These thoughts are entirely my own
April 13, 2025
If you like a book that's fast-paced and full of strong emotions, this one is for you! I was totally immersed and invested in the story. I'm more than happy to provide an honest review for this ARC as I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what would happen next!
Mari is a determined FMC and goes through a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the book. I found her to be too naive, though, and that bothered me at certain points in the story.
Dax played well both as a hesitant enemy (that fits his character) and gentle lover. At this point I'll say the spice level is low, which I'm also hapoy with, but you should know if that's what you're looking for.
Side characters here have lots of potential. Aurora, her sister, is a hurricane and I can't wait to see more of her in the future!
Without giving spoilers, I was bothered by how the genocide of the sirens was dealt with both in the past and particularly in the present. Too downplayed in my opinion. One of the reasons for my rating.
Overall, super fun book, and I devoured it!
Mari is a determined FMC and goes through a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the book. I found her to be too naive, though, and that bothered me at certain points in the story.
Dax played well both as a hesitant enemy (that fits his character) and gentle lover. At this point I'll say the spice level is low, which I'm also hapoy with, but you should know if that's what you're looking for.
Side characters here have lots of potential. Aurora, her sister, is a hurricane and I can't wait to see more of her in the future!
Without giving spoilers, I was bothered by how the genocide of the sirens was dealt with both in the past and particularly in the present. Too downplayed in my opinion. One of the reasons for my rating.
Overall, super fun book, and I devoured it!
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