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Tales of Skylge #1
Sound of Sirens
An ancient land protected by a Tower of Light,
its people ever tempted by Siren song,
and a girl who falls for the wrong boy.
On the island of Skylge, electricity is only for the Currents – the rich ruling class who once came from across the sea and brought the holy fire of St. Brandan to Skylge. Ever since, the light in the Brandaris Tower has protected the islanders. Heeding the Siren's call will drown your body and steal your soul, but the sacred light in the Tower will chase the merfolk away.
When Skylger girl Enna welcomes her brother back from a long sea voyage, he gives her a special present from the mainland – an electronic record only playable on a Current device. The problem is that Royce Bolton, Current heartthrob and the town’s most gifted pianist, wants it too. After she stubbornly refuses to sell the LP featuring his favorite artist, he suggests sharing the record by secretly meeting up in his private summer house. Taken aback yet thrilled, Enna agrees – and discovers that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Current society and the history of Skylge. Why do the Sirens tempt the islanders to give themselves up to the sea? And where does the Currents’ monopoly on electricity really come from?
While struggling with these questions, Enna begins to fall for Royce, risking everything to be with a guy who is clearly wrong for her. She will learn that the sound of Sirens isn’t the most treacherous thing out there to haunt her dreams.
(The setting of Tales of Skylge is loosely based on the Dutch island of Terschelling, or Schylge in the island’s dialect. Although the names and places in this book will sound very familiar to people living on the island, the characters and events are, of course, entirely fictitious in nature.)
its people ever tempted by Siren song,
and a girl who falls for the wrong boy.
On the island of Skylge, electricity is only for the Currents – the rich ruling class who once came from across the sea and brought the holy fire of St. Brandan to Skylge. Ever since, the light in the Brandaris Tower has protected the islanders. Heeding the Siren's call will drown your body and steal your soul, but the sacred light in the Tower will chase the merfolk away.
When Skylger girl Enna welcomes her brother back from a long sea voyage, he gives her a special present from the mainland – an electronic record only playable on a Current device. The problem is that Royce Bolton, Current heartthrob and the town’s most gifted pianist, wants it too. After she stubbornly refuses to sell the LP featuring his favorite artist, he suggests sharing the record by secretly meeting up in his private summer house. Taken aback yet thrilled, Enna agrees – and discovers that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Current society and the history of Skylge. Why do the Sirens tempt the islanders to give themselves up to the sea? And where does the Currents’ monopoly on electricity really come from?
While struggling with these questions, Enna begins to fall for Royce, risking everything to be with a guy who is clearly wrong for her. She will learn that the sound of Sirens isn’t the most treacherous thing out there to haunt her dreams.
(The setting of Tales of Skylge is loosely based on the Dutch island of Terschelling, or Schylge in the island’s dialect. Although the names and places in this book will sound very familiar to people living on the island, the characters and events are, of course, entirely fictitious in nature.)
170 pages, Paperback
First published November 12, 2014
124 people are currently reading
1640 people want to read
About the author
Jen Minkman
86 books505 followersJen Minkman (1978) writes YA paranormal romance, dystopian fiction and poetry. She is from the Netherlands and self-publishes her work in English. Her works are available in paperback & digital format (ebook and audio).
You can subscribe to her newsletter here > http://eepurl.com/bTXSWv
Jen was born in the Netherlands and lived in Austria, Belgium and the UK during her studies. She learned how to read at the age of three and has never stopped reading since. Her favourite books to read are (YA) paranormal/fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian and romance, and this is reflected in the stories she writes. In her home country, she is a trade-published author of paranormal romance and chicklit. Across the border, she is a self-published author of poetry, paranormal romance and dystopian fiction. Her books are already available in English, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Afrikaans.
She currently resides in The Hague where she works and lives with her husband and two noisy zebra finches.
You can subscribe to her newsletter here > http://eepurl.com/bTXSWv
Jen was born in the Netherlands and lived in Austria, Belgium and the UK during her studies. She learned how to read at the age of three and has never stopped reading since. Her favourite books to read are (YA) paranormal/fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian and romance, and this is reflected in the stories she writes. In her home country, she is a trade-published author of paranormal romance and chicklit. Across the border, she is a self-published author of poetry, paranormal romance and dystopian fiction. Her books are already available in English, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, and Afrikaans.
She currently resides in The Hague where she works and lives with her husband and two noisy zebra finches.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 11, 2020
“If I have a choice, I’d rather believe in our own fairytales than in their fabrications.”
― Jen Minkman, Sound of Sirens
Review to follow..I think I am falling in love..with this book.
So lovely to read about this lovely little town and the world building was great. I read this awhile back and just forgot to review.
I was looking for something a bit darker. What can I say? I have developed a fascination with Sirens and picked this book not knowing how utterly charming it would be. While it was not along the lines of"the Wicked Deep", which was what I was looking for, the charm and beauty of the book and it's characters was vivid and lovely to read about and I am so very glad I gave this gem of a book a chance.
Highly recommended. Lovely writing.
― Jen Minkman, Sound of Sirens
Review to follow..I think I am falling in love..with this book.
So lovely to read about this lovely little town and the world building was great. I read this awhile back and just forgot to review.
I was looking for something a bit darker. What can I say? I have developed a fascination with Sirens and picked this book not knowing how utterly charming it would be. While it was not along the lines of"the Wicked Deep", which was what I was looking for, the charm and beauty of the book and it's characters was vivid and lovely to read about and I am so very glad I gave this gem of a book a chance.
Highly recommended. Lovely writing.
November 18, 2014
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
★★★★3.75-4 stars!!
Sound of Sirens held a delicate balance between mythology, theology, social castes, prohibited romance, and folklore.
On the island of Skylge, it is both beautiful as it is dangerous. In the waters surrounding this tropical paradise, lurks the Nixen-- merpeople who cast their siren song to lead people to their depths in the heart of the ocean.
The Currents, or Elite, protect the people by shining the light in the Brandaris Tower to keep the Nixen’s call at bay, and therefore expect total rule, subservience, and privilege over the Skylger class—the original settlers of Skylge now turned subordinates to the Currents' law and regulation.
Enna, a girl who is a part of the Skylger caste, has always felt different from others around her. Enticed with the call of the Siren and their beckoning tune, she has a love of music and develops a bond with Current heart throb, Royce Bolton, over their love for similar musical tastes.
Royce and Enna’s budding love is not an easy one, as it is considered shunned or forbidden, as Skylgers and Currents aren’t allowed to mix, and so sets the tone of their journey as opposition and foreboding as conflicting views, backgrounds, and familial upbringings come into play.
Not to mention, when Enna discovers that the island’s history is not what the Currents make it to be, she realizes that not everything is what they seem. Why are the Nixen incriminated as evil doers when proven otherwise in a hidden away sacred text? Are they friends or are they foe? Why are the Currents manipulating and thwarting Skylger beliefs and heritage to their own gain?—e.g. dominion over the Skylgers and authority over the use of electricity.
Will Enna, along with her father, brother, best friend, and secret new beau rise up to fight the injustice inflicted by the Currents? Will they change what is accepted and change the course of history? And will Enna and Royce go against social norms and fight for their love?
Read and you will find out!
#A whimsical and astounding first installment of the Tales of Skylge series! It was initially confusing for me to get a hold of what Currents, Skylgers, Anglian, and even Nixen were. But, after awhile, I got the hang of it.
For book 2, I’m hoping to see some kind of appearance of the Nixen and get clarification on what happens to the souls of those lost to the sea.... AS WELL AS, for the Currents to come clean about the Sirens and for Enna and Royce to also fess up about their relationship!! Ooohh!! I’m so excited!!
★★★★3.75-4 stars!!
Sound of Sirens held a delicate balance between mythology, theology, social castes, prohibited romance, and folklore.
On the island of Skylge, it is both beautiful as it is dangerous. In the waters surrounding this tropical paradise, lurks the Nixen-- merpeople who cast their siren song to lead people to their depths in the heart of the ocean.
The Currents, or Elite, protect the people by shining the light in the Brandaris Tower to keep the Nixen’s call at bay, and therefore expect total rule, subservience, and privilege over the Skylger class—the original settlers of Skylge now turned subordinates to the Currents' law and regulation.
Enna, a girl who is a part of the Skylger caste, has always felt different from others around her. Enticed with the call of the Siren and their beckoning tune, she has a love of music and develops a bond with Current heart throb, Royce Bolton, over their love for similar musical tastes.
Royce and Enna’s budding love is not an easy one, as it is considered shunned or forbidden, as Skylgers and Currents aren’t allowed to mix, and so sets the tone of their journey as opposition and foreboding as conflicting views, backgrounds, and familial upbringings come into play.
Not to mention, when Enna discovers that the island’s history is not what the Currents make it to be, she realizes that not everything is what they seem. Why are the Nixen incriminated as evil doers when proven otherwise in a hidden away sacred text? Are they friends or are they foe? Why are the Currents manipulating and thwarting Skylger beliefs and heritage to their own gain?—e.g. dominion over the Skylgers and authority over the use of electricity.
Will Enna, along with her father, brother, best friend, and secret new beau rise up to fight the injustice inflicted by the Currents? Will they change what is accepted and change the course of history? And will Enna and Royce go against social norms and fight for their love?
Read and you will find out!
#A whimsical and astounding first installment of the Tales of Skylge series! It was initially confusing for me to get a hold of what Currents, Skylgers, Anglian, and even Nixen were. But, after awhile, I got the hang of it.
For book 2, I’m hoping to see some kind of appearance of the Nixen and get clarification on what happens to the souls of those lost to the sea.... AS WELL AS, for the Currents to come clean about the Sirens and for Enna and Royce to also fess up about their relationship!! Ooohh!! I’m so excited!!
November 14, 2014
This story was quite refreshing and unique. It puts a whole new twist on merpeople and isn't what I would expect. The descriptions of the island and characters makes this book feel like you are actually there. Enna is quite curious and head strong. Royce is arrogant but with a whole other side that is romantic in a sense. The descriptions of the music is so alive I could almost hear it. Jen Minkman did an excellent job making this book come alive.
I was given this book for an honest review by the author.
I was given this book for an honest review by the author.
January 29, 2015
***I received the eBook free as a review copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review***
Sound of Sirens is a brilliant start to a new series that is destined to take your breath away. Jen Minkman’s writing draws you in and portrays new worlds so beautifully that you feel as though you’re witnessing everything first-hand. Music plays such a big part in this book, that I’m glad she was able to make the reader hear it as well as feel it, through reading it.
The sirens story is something I’ve come to know only recently, and to see such a fresh new take was extraordinary. It worked well with the other aspects to form a plot that’s depth is only just starting to show. Our main protagonist Enna is faced with truths that turn her world upside down, but she wasn’t one to shy away from it. From the looks of things the same characteristic runs in the family. So often young adult books forget the parents/family relations and it was nice to see them play their part.
Society is pretty messed up on the island and it will take many people to make the changes they’re striving for. Meanwhile Enna has to make her own decisions. I thought the forbidden romance between Enna and a certain Current boy was a great addition to the story, and I’m looking forward to see where it goes as the plot thickens in the sequel.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
Sound of Sirens is a brilliant start to a new series that is destined to take your breath away. Jen Minkman’s writing draws you in and portrays new worlds so beautifully that you feel as though you’re witnessing everything first-hand. Music plays such a big part in this book, that I’m glad she was able to make the reader hear it as well as feel it, through reading it.
The sirens story is something I’ve come to know only recently, and to see such a fresh new take was extraordinary. It worked well with the other aspects to form a plot that’s depth is only just starting to show. Our main protagonist Enna is faced with truths that turn her world upside down, but she wasn’t one to shy away from it. From the looks of things the same characteristic runs in the family. So often young adult books forget the parents/family relations and it was nice to see them play their part.
Society is pretty messed up on the island and it will take many people to make the changes they’re striving for. Meanwhile Enna has to make her own decisions. I thought the forbidden romance between Enna and a certain Current boy was a great addition to the story, and I’m looking forward to see where it goes as the plot thickens in the sequel.
Posted on: http://enchantedbyya.blogspot.co.uk/
February 14, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
So, today is the day that this wonderful book comes out. So now I can finally share my opinion on this book.
I have always been interested in mermaids, and not only the cute shiny, happy mermaids that twinkle and shine. No, no. I am also very much in love with the eviller, dragging you down the sea kind of mermaid. And this tale features those, however I have a feeling they might not be so bad as everyone thinks. Especially when we find out certain things, I am sure that while they are bad now, something happened that made them act like they do now. And I hope we will find out what that is in the coming books.
One thing I liked was the fact there were quite a few Dutch (yes, I know, actually more like Frisian, but I don't count that province as a separate entity, it belongs to the Netherlands, thus Dutch). Though I also have to be honest that seeing those names threw me out of my reading a bit. Everything is English, so to suddenly see a Dutch name was both fun and also a bit confusing. Normally you don't see them in books that are English.
Enna, ah Enna, I loved that girl. She had spunk, spice and awesomeness and she makes for one very lovely character. However, she doesn't always make the right decisions. I won't spoil anything, but lets just say I was kind of hoping that she would do a certain thing after certain events, and sadly she didn't. Still I could have expected with how the whole romance thing was clearly one of the bigger parts.
Enna is a really smart girl and I loved how she just kept going, even when she was faced with shocking facts and revelations. Sure, she showed her emotions, but she didn't do anything strange, if anything she wanted to know more, find out more.
I could tell more about Enna, but I think I got the main things said and done. :)
We also got a slew of other characters. Like her best friend Dani, a really great girl who is a wonderful friend to Enna. Sticking close to her, guarding secrets and even helping with uncovering the truth about the Currents and the Skylge.
Then we have Royce, ah, don't mind if I swoon a bit. He was absolutely gorgeous, and sure, like Enna, makes a few bad decisions, decisions I can't totally forgive him for. He should have been brave and showing guts, not cowering away. But other than that, ah, he was totally fun and nice and I can see why Enna is falling so hard for him.
In a way the romance between Enna and Royce is like Romeo and Juliet. Enna is a Skylger girl, Royce a Current, both shouldn't get together, but they fall in love and try to find a way to beat the system and the people who are so against love or friendship between Currents and Skylgers.
We also have a great background story with the whole mermaids businesses, but also the Currents vs Skylgers. Why do the Currents have so much power? Why are they the only one with electricity? What makes them better/why do they think they are so much better? In this book we find out some things, but I still got quite a bunch of questions that I hope will be answered in the next book. All in all though I love this plot, it is really interesting and I am curious as to how it will all play out.
Two other things I want to address are the cover. I absolutely adore it and after reading this book I think it fits perfectly.
Then I also want to thank Jen Minkman for including Twarres. :) I love some of their songs so I was really surprised to see them mentioned in a book, especially since they aren't as popular as they were when they first came out with their first hit. I loved their role in the book and I was cheering them on!
The only thing I wasn't all too happy with was the length of the book. It was just too short! I wanted to more!
All in all, I would really recommend this book to everyone looking for a bit of Dystopian (since I would call it that), mermaids, (impossible) romance.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
So, today is the day that this wonderful book comes out. So now I can finally share my opinion on this book.
I have always been interested in mermaids, and not only the cute shiny, happy mermaids that twinkle and shine. No, no. I am also very much in love with the eviller, dragging you down the sea kind of mermaid. And this tale features those, however I have a feeling they might not be so bad as everyone thinks. Especially when we find out certain things, I am sure that while they are bad now, something happened that made them act like they do now. And I hope we will find out what that is in the coming books.
One thing I liked was the fact there were quite a few Dutch (yes, I know, actually more like Frisian, but I don't count that province as a separate entity, it belongs to the Netherlands, thus Dutch). Though I also have to be honest that seeing those names threw me out of my reading a bit. Everything is English, so to suddenly see a Dutch name was both fun and also a bit confusing. Normally you don't see them in books that are English.
Enna, ah Enna, I loved that girl. She had spunk, spice and awesomeness and she makes for one very lovely character. However, she doesn't always make the right decisions. I won't spoil anything, but lets just say I was kind of hoping that she would do a certain thing after certain events, and sadly she didn't. Still I could have expected with how the whole romance thing was clearly one of the bigger parts.
Enna is a really smart girl and I loved how she just kept going, even when she was faced with shocking facts and revelations. Sure, she showed her emotions, but she didn't do anything strange, if anything she wanted to know more, find out more.
I could tell more about Enna, but I think I got the main things said and done. :)
We also got a slew of other characters. Like her best friend Dani, a really great girl who is a wonderful friend to Enna. Sticking close to her, guarding secrets and even helping with uncovering the truth about the Currents and the Skylge.
Then we have Royce, ah, don't mind if I swoon a bit. He was absolutely gorgeous, and sure, like Enna, makes a few bad decisions, decisions I can't totally forgive him for. He should have been brave and showing guts, not cowering away. But other than that, ah, he was totally fun and nice and I can see why Enna is falling so hard for him.
In a way the romance between Enna and Royce is like Romeo and Juliet. Enna is a Skylger girl, Royce a Current, both shouldn't get together, but they fall in love and try to find a way to beat the system and the people who are so against love or friendship between Currents and Skylgers.
We also have a great background story with the whole mermaids businesses, but also the Currents vs Skylgers. Why do the Currents have so much power? Why are they the only one with electricity? What makes them better/why do they think they are so much better? In this book we find out some things, but I still got quite a bunch of questions that I hope will be answered in the next book. All in all though I love this plot, it is really interesting and I am curious as to how it will all play out.
Two other things I want to address are the cover. I absolutely adore it and after reading this book I think it fits perfectly.
Then I also want to thank Jen Minkman for including Twarres. :) I love some of their songs so I was really surprised to see them mentioned in a book, especially since they aren't as popular as they were when they first came out with their first hit. I loved their role in the book and I was cheering them on!
The only thing I wasn't all too happy with was the length of the book. It was just too short! I wanted to more!
All in all, I would really recommend this book to everyone looking for a bit of Dystopian (since I would call it that), mermaids, (impossible) romance.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
November 22, 2014
What Jen Minkman does with words is as magical as the tales she tells. Sound of Sirens, her latest work is filled with imagination and descriptions that placed me on a small island, where the inhabitants have a magical pull to the sea and the sound of the sirens calling, which could bring death to those who fall under their spell. Only the light from the Tower that the elite built can keep the merpeople or Nixens away. The wealthy have privileges and luxuries denied the rest of the population. Electricity is one of those privileges. When Enna’s brother returns from sea and brings her a record that requires more than her wind up player to hear, a strange and forbidden bond is formed between young Enna and the wealthy young pianist Royce Bolton, as they share secret moments listening to the beauty of the music. Will they form a romantic bond, another forbidden fruit? Or will secrets of the island and its history bring Enna’s simple world crashing down around her? What is the ruling class hiding? Who has discovered it and what will happen? Will Enna succumb to the sound of the sirens, as her mother did or will she discover a hidden strength within?
Jen Minkman has taken an old tale and formed it into a work of mesmerizing beauty with her telling. She depicts each scene with such clarity, every emotion, action and sound can be felt as if it were really happening. Her characters hold the bravery and daring of youth, as well as that innocence that threatens to be taken away as reality and secrets are unveiled. A wonderful start to a new series that is sure to be a magical escape into another world! I was there, I felt and saw every action, every gust of wind, and could “feel” the sound of the music.
I received an ARC edition from Jen Minkman in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Tales of Skylge - Book 1
Publication Date: November 27, 2014
Publisher: Dutch Venture Publishing
Genre: Fantasy
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Jen Minkman has taken an old tale and formed it into a work of mesmerizing beauty with her telling. She depicts each scene with such clarity, every emotion, action and sound can be felt as if it were really happening. Her characters hold the bravery and daring of youth, as well as that innocence that threatens to be taken away as reality and secrets are unveiled. A wonderful start to a new series that is sure to be a magical escape into another world! I was there, I felt and saw every action, every gust of wind, and could “feel” the sound of the music.
I received an ARC edition from Jen Minkman in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Tales of Skylge - Book 1
Publication Date: November 27, 2014
Publisher: Dutch Venture Publishing
Genre: Fantasy
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
January 31, 2020
Nota: 6:75
Me ha gustado más de lo que pensaba.
En general, los libros de sirenas no me suelen gustar. Sin embargo, cuando el libro, como es en este caso, las trata como los antiguos seres que arrastraban al mar a las personas con su canto, gana puntos conmigo.
Además, la ambientación es interesante : una isla con desigualdades, en la que viven los corrientes (tienen electricidad, poder...) y los originarios habitantes de la isla, los skylgios (sometidos, sin poder utilizar nada eléctrico...).
Me ha gustado más de lo que pensaba.
En general, los libros de sirenas no me suelen gustar. Sin embargo, cuando el libro, como es en este caso, las trata como los antiguos seres que arrastraban al mar a las personas con su canto, gana puntos conmigo.
Además, la ambientación es interesante : una isla con desigualdades, en la que viven los corrientes (tienen electricidad, poder...) y los originarios habitantes de la isla, los skylgios (sometidos, sin poder utilizar nada eléctrico...).
February 11, 2015
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Enna lives on the island of Skylge she has lived there all her life and has never been off the island as with most everyone else who lives there. She lives with her dad and her brother Sytse. Sytse and her dad worry about Enna a lot as she is afflicted with the sadness at times like their mother was. They are afraid that the sadness will one day take over Enna and she will hear the call of the Sirens like her mother and they will lose her as well.
The only ones who get to leave the island are the marines. Sytse gets a job as a marine so that he can sail the seas and get off the island to see what is out there in the world and so he can visit different places across the water. He also became a sailor for the money so that he could help take care of Enna and their dad too. When Sytse goes away on the ship Enna misses him very much and is always waiting for his return. He always brings her presents from across the water. Enna loves listening to music and collecting records. One day on his return from the place across the water he brings her a new record of two women that he had heard singing while he was there. He loved listening to these ladies and knew Enna would love them too but there was one little problem with the record she would never be able to listen to it. She couldn't play the new record on her phonograph. To play the record she would need a new record player that only worked with electricity.
Enna lives on the part of the island where there is no electricity. Only the Currents who live on the other part of the island have and can use electricity. Enna was upset that she would never get to hear her record. But it just so happened that there was this guy there who wanted her record. He wanted hers because it was the only copy that was brought back from the place across the water on the ship. Royce loves music too and he offers to buy her record but Enna won't sell it. So they strike up a deal where both of them can listen to the record. They meet in private at Royce's cottage where he has electricity and the machine to play it on. It is forbidden for a Skylger and a Current to be together and if they are caught they could be arrested.
Enna and Royce keep meeting each other in spite of what the consequences could be. They both find out that neither one of them are the people they were raised to be. Enna and Royce start to have feelings for each other that they shouldn't. They try to ignore what they are feeling because of who they are and what they have each been taught about the other.
One day when Enna slipped away to go meet Royce she sees and finds something that she was never supposed to see or know about. This starts Enna to thinking about everything she has been taught. According to what she has learned everything she knows or has been taught may be a lie. Enna doesn't know what to do about what she has found out. Should she keep it a secret? Would anyone believe her if she told them? What will she do with all of this information that she has found?
I have read quite a few of Jen's books and have loved each and every one of them. I love her way of writing and how she tells a story. It is like she is trying to tell a story within a story and I absolutely love it. I really enjoyed reading Sound of Sirens and I think you will too. Oh but there is one thing you may want to keep in mind while reading it; you might want to watch out for the call of the Sirens, they just might pull you right into their world with them.
Enna lives on the island of Skylge she has lived there all her life and has never been off the island as with most everyone else who lives there. She lives with her dad and her brother Sytse. Sytse and her dad worry about Enna a lot as she is afflicted with the sadness at times like their mother was. They are afraid that the sadness will one day take over Enna and she will hear the call of the Sirens like her mother and they will lose her as well.
The only ones who get to leave the island are the marines. Sytse gets a job as a marine so that he can sail the seas and get off the island to see what is out there in the world and so he can visit different places across the water. He also became a sailor for the money so that he could help take care of Enna and their dad too. When Sytse goes away on the ship Enna misses him very much and is always waiting for his return. He always brings her presents from across the water. Enna loves listening to music and collecting records. One day on his return from the place across the water he brings her a new record of two women that he had heard singing while he was there. He loved listening to these ladies and knew Enna would love them too but there was one little problem with the record she would never be able to listen to it. She couldn't play the new record on her phonograph. To play the record she would need a new record player that only worked with electricity.
Enna lives on the part of the island where there is no electricity. Only the Currents who live on the other part of the island have and can use electricity. Enna was upset that she would never get to hear her record. But it just so happened that there was this guy there who wanted her record. He wanted hers because it was the only copy that was brought back from the place across the water on the ship. Royce loves music too and he offers to buy her record but Enna won't sell it. So they strike up a deal where both of them can listen to the record. They meet in private at Royce's cottage where he has electricity and the machine to play it on. It is forbidden for a Skylger and a Current to be together and if they are caught they could be arrested.
Enna and Royce keep meeting each other in spite of what the consequences could be. They both find out that neither one of them are the people they were raised to be. Enna and Royce start to have feelings for each other that they shouldn't. They try to ignore what they are feeling because of who they are and what they have each been taught about the other.
One day when Enna slipped away to go meet Royce she sees and finds something that she was never supposed to see or know about. This starts Enna to thinking about everything she has been taught. According to what she has learned everything she knows or has been taught may be a lie. Enna doesn't know what to do about what she has found out. Should she keep it a secret? Would anyone believe her if she told them? What will she do with all of this information that she has found?
I have read quite a few of Jen's books and have loved each and every one of them. I love her way of writing and how she tells a story. It is like she is trying to tell a story within a story and I absolutely love it. I really enjoyed reading Sound of Sirens and I think you will too. Oh but there is one thing you may want to keep in mind while reading it; you might want to watch out for the call of the Sirens, they just might pull you right into their world with them.
December 1, 2014
This is my 3rd book by Jen Minkman and I haven't been disappointed yet. As a fan of paranormal romance, she can normally pull me out of whatever funk I'm in by giving me something totally different than "the norm". I totally appreciate this too!
As this is the first in a trilogy, some time was spend at the beginning of Sound of Sirens setting up the scene. I was a little confused reading the first few chapters until I finally got it. Once it all clicked, I couldn't stop though. Giving summaries of paranormals can be difficult, because they can be a little "out there". I will try to give you a summary and still make it general enough to follow along. Oh and I am positive that I have totally butchered some of the names of these characters in my mind. You'll just have to forgive me.
Our story takes place on an island and the townspeople are broken into the have (the Currents) and the have nots (Skylgers). The Currently live on the inside with borders to keep them protected, they make the laws and they have electricity. The Skylgers live on the outskirts. They don't have electricity and there are laws separating them from the Currents. They can't go to the same schools, they can't go to college, etc. In the water surrounding the islans are the Sirens. They sing to the townspeople to lure them into the water to their death.
Our main character Enna lost her mother to the Sirens. Enna's brother is one of the few people that leaves the island to bring supplies and other stuff. He brings a record for Enna, but it doesn't work without electricity. Royce is a Current, but not just any Current. He's like top tier of Currents. He suggests that he and Enna share the record by meeting secretly. This is against the law, but Enna agrees anyway. One night when leaving her secret hideaway, she sees her brother and knows that he is being secretive too. She ends up finding a book that goes against everything the Currents have been saying is true about their history. She ends up finding out that her brother is part of a group of people in and out of Skylge revolting against the Currents.
Enna and Royce become closer and Enna starts falling for Royce, but what will happen when the revolution begins? What role with the Sirens play in everything?
I really can't say enough awesome stuff about this book and I am totally intrigued with this series. I can't wait to see what happens.
Enna was a typical teenager. She was curious about everything and was ready to be seen as a adult before her family could do that. She had a mind of her own and it was interesting to see her questioning the norm. Her brother and best friend were cool addictions to the story too and I sense something romantic brewing there too. I guess we'll see. With Royce being a Current, I never knew if he was going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. Technically, the story was set up in a way that he could still go either way. I hope we get more about them in the future books in this series. Maybe something from his POV?
I think book 2 is supposed to publish before the end of the year and I will be all over that!!!
Reviewing on behalf of Fierce and Fabulous Book Diva – check us out at http://www.fierceandfabbookdiva.com/.
Complimentary copy provided for honest review.
As this is the first in a trilogy, some time was spend at the beginning of Sound of Sirens setting up the scene. I was a little confused reading the first few chapters until I finally got it. Once it all clicked, I couldn't stop though. Giving summaries of paranormals can be difficult, because they can be a little "out there". I will try to give you a summary and still make it general enough to follow along. Oh and I am positive that I have totally butchered some of the names of these characters in my mind. You'll just have to forgive me.
Our story takes place on an island and the townspeople are broken into the have (the Currents) and the have nots (Skylgers). The Currently live on the inside with borders to keep them protected, they make the laws and they have electricity. The Skylgers live on the outskirts. They don't have electricity and there are laws separating them from the Currents. They can't go to the same schools, they can't go to college, etc. In the water surrounding the islans are the Sirens. They sing to the townspeople to lure them into the water to their death.
Our main character Enna lost her mother to the Sirens. Enna's brother is one of the few people that leaves the island to bring supplies and other stuff. He brings a record for Enna, but it doesn't work without electricity. Royce is a Current, but not just any Current. He's like top tier of Currents. He suggests that he and Enna share the record by meeting secretly. This is against the law, but Enna agrees anyway. One night when leaving her secret hideaway, she sees her brother and knows that he is being secretive too. She ends up finding a book that goes against everything the Currents have been saying is true about their history. She ends up finding out that her brother is part of a group of people in and out of Skylge revolting against the Currents.
Enna and Royce become closer and Enna starts falling for Royce, but what will happen when the revolution begins? What role with the Sirens play in everything?
I really can't say enough awesome stuff about this book and I am totally intrigued with this series. I can't wait to see what happens.
Enna was a typical teenager. She was curious about everything and was ready to be seen as a adult before her family could do that. She had a mind of her own and it was interesting to see her questioning the norm. Her brother and best friend were cool addictions to the story too and I sense something romantic brewing there too. I guess we'll see. With Royce being a Current, I never knew if he was going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. Technically, the story was set up in a way that he could still go either way. I hope we get more about them in the future books in this series. Maybe something from his POV?
I think book 2 is supposed to publish before the end of the year and I will be all over that!!!
Reviewing on behalf of Fierce and Fabulous Book Diva – check us out at http://www.fierceandfabbookdiva.com/.
Complimentary copy provided for honest review.
November 21, 2014
Sound of Sirens is an incredibly exquisite story of discovering a world beyond our imagination and uncovering truths that transform a person’s entire existence. This journey painted a wondrous world that left me in awe of both its beauty and its cruelty. We are introduced to two societies that coexist but couldn’t be more different from each other. Their history is as mysterious as the myths that encircle and penetrate the island that they live on. A new day is dawning, and the light that it brings will uncover and infiltrate all that has been so carefully hidden.
Enna has lived her entire life on the island of Skylge. Her world is small yet she is content. Surrounded by loving family and good friends, she knows that she has a good life. However, she knows her place in society, and she lives by those rules until she meets Royce. He is incredibly talented, amazingly beautiful, and completely forbidden. She knows there is no change for them, so she focuses her attention on her music, her studies, and her family. It takes just one day for everything in her life to be turned upside down and for the impossible to become reality. Her brother’s return to the island brings with him much needed supplies and a dangerous storm that will engulf and ravage the entire island. Is Enna strong enough to weather this storm, or will she be forced to rely on those who might prove untrustworthy? Will the storm bring with it a promise of a new and brighter day, or will it usher them into a time of endless darkness and despair?
I was absolutely captivated by this amazing world and its characters. This story wound its way around my heart as it unfolded before my eyes. I couldn’t get enough of the heart and mystery found within its pages. Enna is such a simple girl and yet her curious mind has opened up a world that was previously unknown to her. Her life is blossoming before her eyes, and yet she is helpless to stop its relentless march forward. All she can do is follow her heart as she is swept away by the pounding waves of the unstoppable force that has overtaken her isolated realm. She is starting to really see those around with newly awakened eyes, and now she must make some choices that will shape her future forever.
Being able to read a Jen Minkman book is like opening up a much anticipated present on Christmas day. These beautiful stories light up a dark part in my soul with a light so bright and yet so tender that I feel so completely exposed and yet unquestionable eager to see what she would have me to see. Her words pull me in and hold me captive until the very end. The emotions are so real to me that I feel such a deep loss when I read the last page. I eagerly await the next part of this truly brilliant and passionately touching story. This is one author that you do not want to miss out on!
Enna has lived her entire life on the island of Skylge. Her world is small yet she is content. Surrounded by loving family and good friends, she knows that she has a good life. However, she knows her place in society, and she lives by those rules until she meets Royce. He is incredibly talented, amazingly beautiful, and completely forbidden. She knows there is no change for them, so she focuses her attention on her music, her studies, and her family. It takes just one day for everything in her life to be turned upside down and for the impossible to become reality. Her brother’s return to the island brings with him much needed supplies and a dangerous storm that will engulf and ravage the entire island. Is Enna strong enough to weather this storm, or will she be forced to rely on those who might prove untrustworthy? Will the storm bring with it a promise of a new and brighter day, or will it usher them into a time of endless darkness and despair?
I was absolutely captivated by this amazing world and its characters. This story wound its way around my heart as it unfolded before my eyes. I couldn’t get enough of the heart and mystery found within its pages. Enna is such a simple girl and yet her curious mind has opened up a world that was previously unknown to her. Her life is blossoming before her eyes, and yet she is helpless to stop its relentless march forward. All she can do is follow her heart as she is swept away by the pounding waves of the unstoppable force that has overtaken her isolated realm. She is starting to really see those around with newly awakened eyes, and now she must make some choices that will shape her future forever.
Being able to read a Jen Minkman book is like opening up a much anticipated present on Christmas day. These beautiful stories light up a dark part in my soul with a light so bright and yet so tender that I feel so completely exposed and yet unquestionable eager to see what she would have me to see. Her words pull me in and hold me captive until the very end. The emotions are so real to me that I feel such a deep loss when I read the last page. I eagerly await the next part of this truly brilliant and passionately touching story. This is one author that you do not want to miss out on!
July 14, 2015
http://vanillamoonbooks.blogspot.ro/2...
I always think timing is very important when reading a certain book. When I received this copy from Jen to review, I was already in love with her writing style, but as soon as I had time to read it, certain personal issues kept me from reading it, not because I didn't want to, but because I knew it would ruin my reading experience. So when I felt it was the right time, I dived into it, extremely excited and happy I had decided to wait.
Sound of Sirens is the first book in another novella series centered around islands by Jen Minkman. I had previously enjoyed The Island Trilogy by the same author and was yet again amazed by her unique take on how isolated individuals can be fooled by awful leaders of the community. This time, we meet the Currents, the ruling class and the only people who are allowed to use electricity.
Our main character, Enna, is a lovely girl in love with music. Such a shame she can't listen to it all day long, since she doesn't have any access to electricity. What she does have is a series of records she can play on a device that needs to be turned in order to produce the music. It is her brother who brings her new music from the continent, but this time he comes back with an LP that can only be played on a Current device. Enna is confused because she knows she won't ever be able to listen to it, but then learns Royce Bolton (Current hottie, music artist) wants it really bad and is willing to give her a lot of money for it. But she refuses, and instead is given an offer she can't refuse - she's going to share it with him.
This is how a forbidden relationship blooms, as Currents and common people are not allowed to mix with each other. Enna and Royce discover they have more in common than they would've guessed as they listen to music together in Royce's retreat house.
The story is beautifully written, I thoroughly enjoyed how the love for music is portrayed in it. I truly loved this book, especially the world-building and the fantastic elements - sirens who lure people into the sea and kill them - and would've given it 5 vanilla flowers if not for the predictable romance element. Can't wait to read the next installment.
I always think timing is very important when reading a certain book. When I received this copy from Jen to review, I was already in love with her writing style, but as soon as I had time to read it, certain personal issues kept me from reading it, not because I didn't want to, but because I knew it would ruin my reading experience. So when I felt it was the right time, I dived into it, extremely excited and happy I had decided to wait.
Sound of Sirens is the first book in another novella series centered around islands by Jen Minkman. I had previously enjoyed The Island Trilogy by the same author and was yet again amazed by her unique take on how isolated individuals can be fooled by awful leaders of the community. This time, we meet the Currents, the ruling class and the only people who are allowed to use electricity.
Our main character, Enna, is a lovely girl in love with music. Such a shame she can't listen to it all day long, since she doesn't have any access to electricity. What she does have is a series of records she can play on a device that needs to be turned in order to produce the music. It is her brother who brings her new music from the continent, but this time he comes back with an LP that can only be played on a Current device. Enna is confused because she knows she won't ever be able to listen to it, but then learns Royce Bolton (Current hottie, music artist) wants it really bad and is willing to give her a lot of money for it. But she refuses, and instead is given an offer she can't refuse - she's going to share it with him.
This is how a forbidden relationship blooms, as Currents and common people are not allowed to mix with each other. Enna and Royce discover they have more in common than they would've guessed as they listen to music together in Royce's retreat house.
The story is beautifully written, I thoroughly enjoyed how the love for music is portrayed in it. I truly loved this book, especially the world-building and the fantastic elements - sirens who lure people into the sea and kill them - and would've given it 5 vanilla flowers if not for the predictable romance element. Can't wait to read the next installment.
December 22, 2015
First things first: I won this book way way back in Sarah Dalton's YA Spring Fling!!! Feels like forever ago. Later I downloaded the whole ebook set of the series in november when there was a discount on it (and that kicked my butt and finally made me start reading it)
That was an amazing start to a series. I love how fast paced it is, it kinda has to be, cause it's 'only' 170 pages long. But still, things don't feel rushed. We get a great amount of world building (the world is so interesting to me) and relationship building. And the characters of course.
I seriously love how the characters are written, especially the relationships. I love LOVE the friendship between Enna and Dani. I'm a sucker for great friendships in books.
I'm still not sure about Royce. But I have two more books to figure it out.
I can't wait to read the rest.
That was an amazing start to a series. I love how fast paced it is, it kinda has to be, cause it's 'only' 170 pages long. But still, things don't feel rushed. We get a great amount of world building (the world is so interesting to me) and relationship building. And the characters of course.
I seriously love how the characters are written, especially the relationships. I love LOVE the friendship between Enna and Dani. I'm a sucker for great friendships in books.
I'm still not sure about Royce. But I have two more books to figure it out.
I can't wait to read the rest.
December 21, 2014
INITIAL THOUGHTS
As I read and really enjoyed the other dystopian series by Jen Minkman I admit to having fairly high expectations from this beginning of a new dystopian series. ?I've had this one on my Want To Read List since I found out Jen was writing it! I wonder if the island of Skylge will have anything in common with the Island in Jen's other series? Will any of the characters in this new book remind me of the Island characters?
MY REVIEW
I received this book frees, directly from the author in exchange for my honest review. The cover shows a female character submerged in water, is the character an islander of Skylge or a Nixen/Siren? The blue colour of the water representing the ocean is eye catching, which I think would make this book stand out on a book shelf. I also like the placement on the title, author and series title too. The cover could be depicting a couple of scenes in the book, the one where Enna is in the water (I can't say any more as it would reveal spoilers, then again the female could also depict Enna's mother or even Royce's mother as they gave themselves over to the Nixen in the sea. Would the cover attract my eye enough on a book store shelf to pick it up? Yes as I said before the blue is eye catching and the cover arouses your curiosity wanting to know what the female is doing submerging herself under the sea.
The main character's in the book are Enna, her father and her older brother who is a fisherman called Sytse. We also learn about Enna's best friend Dani, all of which are poorer descendants of those native to the island called Skylgers. On the more prosperous, electric and gadget using Currents live. The current we learn the most about is a young male around Sytse age that is called Royce. Royce is the good looking male at school that all the girls fawn over. Enna and Royce are an unlikely pairing but circumstances throw them together with interesting coincidence. The history of the island is important to all the inhabitants on the island and they are taught about it in school almost religiously so. A man named St Brandon is said to have come to the island and builst the sacred fire that wards off the Nixen when they come to shore to claim more souls. Both Enna and Royce's mother were sufferers of "the sadness" and ended up either going with or been taken by the Nixen. Nixen is the name given to those creatures that live in the sea. It is said that the Skylgers were once Nixen many years ago but when washed up on the island they began living on the island rather than in the sea.
Naturally there is some friction between the two groups of island dwellers. the Currents are the richer, more prosperous, of the two groups. the Currents have all the access to the electricity grid. Where as the Skylgers have their own old language, traditions and customs with no access to the electricity grid other than being told that it is the electricity and the generosity of the Currents which protect them from the Nixen. Naturally there are many Skylgers who resent the Currents and all they stand for, being the "ruling class". Ove time though Skylger stories have been forgotten and their language not taught as much, however there seems to be a small number of Skylgers who have had access to knowledge about the true history of the island. It seems that the Nixen and Skylgers used to be friends and live in peace. The controversial history books that some on Skylge have found also shows that the precious St Brandons fire that the Currents take credit for was built prior to St Brandons visit to the island.
So i guess I should explain how Enna, a native Skylger ends up friends or perhaps more with Royce the privileged Current. Syste (Enna's brother) brings records back when he visits the mainland during his fishing trips, though we learn these fishing trips are perhaps not as innocent as they at first appear. The problem with the latest record that Syste brings back for Enna is that it need an electric record player which is something that only the Currents have access to. Royce learns about the orecious record Enna has and attempts to buy it from her. When she insistently refuses, he comes up with the idea of them "sharing" the record. He asks Enna to meet him at a house in Strotum that belongs to him. Naturally it is frowned upon for Sklygers and Currents to mix with each other from both sets of islanders, so when Syste finds out and argues with Enna, etc but I can't really say much more I feel I have given away more than enough already. Unlikely friendships and relationships are formed, tested to the limit, broken then possibly repaired. There are lots of different types of relationships described such as Syste and how he looks at Enna as a child. there is also the kinship felt between Enna and Royce as they both lost their mothers to the ocean. They also both love music too but for all the things they have in common can they overcome the whole culture/racial divide. Could their friendship ever be publicly accepted? There is definitely an element of Romeo & Juliet crossed with West Side Story
So did I enjoy this book? Yes, I did enjoy reading the book. The only thing I initially wasn't keen on was the other race being called currents, as in sea/ocean Currents and electric Currents, but once you are drawn into the book it really doesn't make a difference, what the two races of people are called. Would I recommend the book? Definitely if you enjoyed the Island (I never thought I'd say this but. . .) then this is a must read for you.
Would I want to read more in this series? I would as I think this book was setting the scene and tone for what is about to come . . I also hope to "meet some Nixen" perhaps? I love the historical elements within Jen's books. I ended reading this book thinking, there is sooo much more to come, and lots of options for things that may happen. Would I want to read more titles by Jen Minkman? Of course! I have read a lot of books/novella's by Jen and intend to read many more! As long as she continues to write them.
As I read and really enjoyed the other dystopian series by Jen Minkman I admit to having fairly high expectations from this beginning of a new dystopian series. ?I've had this one on my Want To Read List since I found out Jen was writing it! I wonder if the island of Skylge will have anything in common with the Island in Jen's other series? Will any of the characters in this new book remind me of the Island characters?
MY REVIEW
I received this book frees, directly from the author in exchange for my honest review. The cover shows a female character submerged in water, is the character an islander of Skylge or a Nixen/Siren? The blue colour of the water representing the ocean is eye catching, which I think would make this book stand out on a book shelf. I also like the placement on the title, author and series title too. The cover could be depicting a couple of scenes in the book, the one where Enna is in the water (I can't say any more as it would reveal spoilers, then again the female could also depict Enna's mother or even Royce's mother as they gave themselves over to the Nixen in the sea. Would the cover attract my eye enough on a book store shelf to pick it up? Yes as I said before the blue is eye catching and the cover arouses your curiosity wanting to know what the female is doing submerging herself under the sea.
The main character's in the book are Enna, her father and her older brother who is a fisherman called Sytse. We also learn about Enna's best friend Dani, all of which are poorer descendants of those native to the island called Skylgers. On the more prosperous, electric and gadget using Currents live. The current we learn the most about is a young male around Sytse age that is called Royce. Royce is the good looking male at school that all the girls fawn over. Enna and Royce are an unlikely pairing but circumstances throw them together with interesting coincidence. The history of the island is important to all the inhabitants on the island and they are taught about it in school almost religiously so. A man named St Brandon is said to have come to the island and builst the sacred fire that wards off the Nixen when they come to shore to claim more souls. Both Enna and Royce's mother were sufferers of "the sadness" and ended up either going with or been taken by the Nixen. Nixen is the name given to those creatures that live in the sea. It is said that the Skylgers were once Nixen many years ago but when washed up on the island they began living on the island rather than in the sea.
Naturally there is some friction between the two groups of island dwellers. the Currents are the richer, more prosperous, of the two groups. the Currents have all the access to the electricity grid. Where as the Skylgers have their own old language, traditions and customs with no access to the electricity grid other than being told that it is the electricity and the generosity of the Currents which protect them from the Nixen. Naturally there are many Skylgers who resent the Currents and all they stand for, being the "ruling class". Ove time though Skylger stories have been forgotten and their language not taught as much, however there seems to be a small number of Skylgers who have had access to knowledge about the true history of the island. It seems that the Nixen and Skylgers used to be friends and live in peace. The controversial history books that some on Skylge have found also shows that the precious St Brandons fire that the Currents take credit for was built prior to St Brandons visit to the island.
So i guess I should explain how Enna, a native Skylger ends up friends or perhaps more with Royce the privileged Current. Syste (Enna's brother) brings records back when he visits the mainland during his fishing trips, though we learn these fishing trips are perhaps not as innocent as they at first appear. The problem with the latest record that Syste brings back for Enna is that it need an electric record player which is something that only the Currents have access to. Royce learns about the orecious record Enna has and attempts to buy it from her. When she insistently refuses, he comes up with the idea of them "sharing" the record. He asks Enna to meet him at a house in Strotum that belongs to him. Naturally it is frowned upon for Sklygers and Currents to mix with each other from both sets of islanders, so when Syste finds out and argues with Enna, etc but I can't really say much more I feel I have given away more than enough already. Unlikely friendships and relationships are formed, tested to the limit, broken then possibly repaired. There are lots of different types of relationships described such as Syste and how he looks at Enna as a child. there is also the kinship felt between Enna and Royce as they both lost their mothers to the ocean. They also both love music too but for all the things they have in common can they overcome the whole culture/racial divide. Could their friendship ever be publicly accepted? There is definitely an element of Romeo & Juliet crossed with West Side Story
So did I enjoy this book? Yes, I did enjoy reading the book. The only thing I initially wasn't keen on was the other race being called currents, as in sea/ocean Currents and electric Currents, but once you are drawn into the book it really doesn't make a difference, what the two races of people are called. Would I recommend the book? Definitely if you enjoyed the Island (I never thought I'd say this but. . .) then this is a must read for you.
Would I want to read more in this series? I would as I think this book was setting the scene and tone for what is about to come . . I also hope to "meet some Nixen" perhaps? I love the historical elements within Jen's books. I ended reading this book thinking, there is sooo much more to come, and lots of options for things that may happen. Would I want to read more titles by Jen Minkman? Of course! I have read a lot of books/novella's by Jen and intend to read many more! As long as she continues to write them.
August 12, 2017
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The beginning was pretty cool. About halfway though was a solid 4 star for me. But then, once I got to the part where Royce kissed Enna it kinda started to go faster into the romance part and it felt too insta for my tastes.
He tells her shes cute and she all of the sudden likes him a lot? They don’t really know each other that well except to want to listen to music together. It was very odd for me. I didn’t see the attraction at all. She didn’t seem like a very strong herione to me and I don’t really flock to the weak ones that much. Thats just not how I roll.
Its gotta decent flow to it. I had a bit of a problem with the words that were being used as descriptors. The words weren’t given any context, they were just thrown in to replace other words but it just didn’t fit. Other then that the story was good, I liked the best friend and the brother. The forbiddeness of there romance was appealling, it just blossomed too soon for me for a YA.
Now, I have it on good authority that the second book is better so I think I might give this series another shot. But not anytime soon, I think I need to step away and let my mind clear so I don’t have any emotional transfer to the next book.
Favorite quotes
The unbidden thought makes me blush. What is wrong with me? I’m making up stuff because he’s hot, I know that. I mean, I didn’t exactly bond with Royce. I was angry with him half of the time we were talking. He’s so infuriatingly above all of us. So different from me.
“We call Brandan a saint because his Light saved us from death by the Sirens,” he answers. “If someone is so preoccupied with averting death and making earthly life as comfortable as possible, I can’t believe he took life after death very seriously.”
And suddenly, I want nothing more than to fling my arms around him and disappear into my father’s embrace. Let him shield me from this world with so many dangers and heartache lurking in every corner. But I can’t – I can never go back, because I crossed that threshold when I thought I was ready, and now the door has fallen shut behind me. I’m no longer a child, and we’ll have to assume new roles and get to know each other again.
The beginning was pretty cool. About halfway though was a solid 4 star for me. But then, once I got to the part where Royce kissed Enna it kinda started to go faster into the romance part and it felt too insta for my tastes.
He tells her shes cute and she all of the sudden likes him a lot? They don’t really know each other that well except to want to listen to music together. It was very odd for me. I didn’t see the attraction at all. She didn’t seem like a very strong herione to me and I don’t really flock to the weak ones that much. Thats just not how I roll.
Its gotta decent flow to it. I had a bit of a problem with the words that were being used as descriptors. The words weren’t given any context, they were just thrown in to replace other words but it just didn’t fit. Other then that the story was good, I liked the best friend and the brother. The forbiddeness of there romance was appealling, it just blossomed too soon for me for a YA.
Now, I have it on good authority that the second book is better so I think I might give this series another shot. But not anytime soon, I think I need to step away and let my mind clear so I don’t have any emotional transfer to the next book.
Favorite quotes
The unbidden thought makes me blush. What is wrong with me? I’m making up stuff because he’s hot, I know that. I mean, I didn’t exactly bond with Royce. I was angry with him half of the time we were talking. He’s so infuriatingly above all of us. So different from me.
“We call Brandan a saint because his Light saved us from death by the Sirens,” he answers. “If someone is so preoccupied with averting death and making earthly life as comfortable as possible, I can’t believe he took life after death very seriously.”
And suddenly, I want nothing more than to fling my arms around him and disappear into my father’s embrace. Let him shield me from this world with so many dangers and heartache lurking in every corner. But I can’t – I can never go back, because I crossed that threshold when I thought I was ready, and now the door has fallen shut behind me. I’m no longer a child, and we’ll have to assume new roles and get to know each other again.
March 24, 2016
Siren Song ... Freedom Or Death?
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read Light Of Lorelei!
Enna is a Skylger and proud of it. She lost her mother to the Sirens and the Sadness. She resents the Currents a bit because they don't share their electricity and electricity would make her father's life easier... But otherwise she is okay most of the time. She goes to school and studies hard. The biggest void is left by her brother's constant travel off the island and her mother's death. She feels a bit isolated and like she doesn't belong. Everything behind to change when she meets the famous Current Royce and he tries to buy the special present her brother brought her. Will they come to an agreement? Why does he want the LP so badly anyway? Are her troubles just starting? Or is this Current boy just what she needs to break free from the Sadness for good?
Royce is famous and elite... But he lost his mother to the Sirens. He has never felt like he fit into his society any more than his artistic mother did. He misses the only real connection he ever had in his life and tries to keep it fresh in his mind both by composing his music and cherishing anything that reminds him of her. Why won't this Skylger girl just sell him the record? She will never be able to listen to it anyways so why won't she sell it?
I have begun to realize that Jen Minkman is like a Dystopian Queen. That is all I have read by her at least! This series is no exception... It is its own little dystopian world with its own unique problems and prejudices all protected by myths and lies carefully crafted to keep the status quo. I love love love each of her little worlds and cannot wait to find out what truths are uncovered and lies dispelled in the next book ! Jen truly makes each world a treat to get lost in and explore!
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy a little paranormal fantasy in their dystopian alternate reality coming of age adventures with a dash of romance :)
•••Not for the homophobic or closed minded!!!•••
This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read Light Of Lorelei!
Enna is a Skylger and proud of it. She lost her mother to the Sirens and the Sadness. She resents the Currents a bit because they don't share their electricity and electricity would make her father's life easier... But otherwise she is okay most of the time. She goes to school and studies hard. The biggest void is left by her brother's constant travel off the island and her mother's death. She feels a bit isolated and like she doesn't belong. Everything behind to change when she meets the famous Current Royce and he tries to buy the special present her brother brought her. Will they come to an agreement? Why does he want the LP so badly anyway? Are her troubles just starting? Or is this Current boy just what she needs to break free from the Sadness for good?
Royce is famous and elite... But he lost his mother to the Sirens. He has never felt like he fit into his society any more than his artistic mother did. He misses the only real connection he ever had in his life and tries to keep it fresh in his mind both by composing his music and cherishing anything that reminds him of her. Why won't this Skylger girl just sell him the record? She will never be able to listen to it anyways so why won't she sell it?
I have begun to realize that Jen Minkman is like a Dystopian Queen. That is all I have read by her at least! This series is no exception... It is its own little dystopian world with its own unique problems and prejudices all protected by myths and lies carefully crafted to keep the status quo. I love love love each of her little worlds and cannot wait to find out what truths are uncovered and lies dispelled in the next book ! Jen truly makes each world a treat to get lost in and explore!
***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy a little paranormal fantasy in their dystopian alternate reality coming of age adventures with a dash of romance :)
•••Not for the homophobic or closed minded!!!•••
February 28, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I'll just be honest right from the start: I didn't like this book because it was boring. It bored me even though it's only just over 100 pages long.
I wanted to like it. I really did. It's set on the island of Skylge, modelled after the Dutch island of Terschelling, and when I saw this Dutch book on Netgalley, I immediately wanted to read it. And the mention of mermaids/sirens only made it better. However, it didn't work out for me.
100 pages isn't much if you're trying to set up a completely new world. I know this is the first part of a new series, but it felt just like a teaser for the actual series, being so short. A lot - most of which comes unexplained - is going on but nothing could make me feel the story or simple care.
It felt like there was a Dystopian twist given to the story, with the Currents as the only ones to be allowed to use electricity for some reason and the Islanders definitely being second-rank citizens. What this has to do with the mythology and mermaids? Your guess is as good as mine, although I think the popularity of Dystopian novels might just have something to do with it...
All in all, I don't think I will be continuing this series.
Sound of Sirens is the first book in the Tales of Skylge series. The second book is Light of the Lorelei and the third book, Fire of Fryslan is expected to be published in April.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I'll just be honest right from the start: I didn't like this book because it was boring. It bored me even though it's only just over 100 pages long.
I wanted to like it. I really did. It's set on the island of Skylge, modelled after the Dutch island of Terschelling, and when I saw this Dutch book on Netgalley, I immediately wanted to read it. And the mention of mermaids/sirens only made it better. However, it didn't work out for me.
100 pages isn't much if you're trying to set up a completely new world. I know this is the first part of a new series, but it felt just like a teaser for the actual series, being so short. A lot - most of which comes unexplained - is going on but nothing could make me feel the story or simple care.
It felt like there was a Dystopian twist given to the story, with the Currents as the only ones to be allowed to use electricity for some reason and the Islanders definitely being second-rank citizens. What this has to do with the mythology and mermaids? Your guess is as good as mine, although I think the popularity of Dystopian novels might just have something to do with it...
All in all, I don't think I will be continuing this series.
Sound of Sirens is the first book in the Tales of Skylge series. The second book is Light of the Lorelei and the third book, Fire of Fryslan is expected to be published in April.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
October 6, 2015
I received this copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
By no means would I ever consider myself a grammar nazi. I make mistakes all the time, and I never really comment about mistakes I find when I read a book. This time around I do have to point out the constant dashes. I don't think I ever read a book where there was dash on almost every page. Instead of making two separate sentences or just adding an "and" there was a dash. Maybe it just me but it was really distracting. Other than that the story was good. The story is dystopian mermaid book about a girl named Enna who lives on the island Skylge. The story is set in a parallel universe where there are the "haves" called the "Currents" who have electricity and the "have nots" called the "Skylgers" who do not have electricity. The "Currents" are the ruling class in this world and they do not mix with the "Skylgers." This of course sets up the perfect star-crossed romance between a "Current" Royce and Enna a "Skylge" which I thought was pretty good. They both come together for their love of music. Overall I did enjoy the story but I do feel I have more questions about the world that was built. I really wanted to know more about the mermaids. The book just really just hinted about them and they were not a real focal point. I hope in sequel they make more of an appearance. A story about mermaids needs mermaids.
By no means would I ever consider myself a grammar nazi. I make mistakes all the time, and I never really comment about mistakes I find when I read a book. This time around I do have to point out the constant dashes. I don't think I ever read a book where there was dash on almost every page. Instead of making two separate sentences or just adding an "and" there was a dash. Maybe it just me but it was really distracting. Other than that the story was good. The story is dystopian mermaid book about a girl named Enna who lives on the island Skylge. The story is set in a parallel universe where there are the "haves" called the "Currents" who have electricity and the "have nots" called the "Skylgers" who do not have electricity. The "Currents" are the ruling class in this world and they do not mix with the "Skylgers." This of course sets up the perfect star-crossed romance between a "Current" Royce and Enna a "Skylge" which I thought was pretty good. They both come together for their love of music. Overall I did enjoy the story but I do feel I have more questions about the world that was built. I really wanted to know more about the mermaids. The book just really just hinted about them and they were not a real focal point. I hope in sequel they make more of an appearance. A story about mermaids needs mermaids.
November 27, 2014
I was really confused at first by this book. Not that it's any good but it had so much informatin and so very well worked out plot that I had to catch up. After I figured some things out I started loving it. This book is like a fairly tale, is a fairly tale. Not one that has magical creatures and then happily ever after, more like one that has a story about struggles and people figthing and just so....real.
I mean it is still a somehow magical book, but I suspect it will have so much more in the next bok. I look forward to reading the next book.
I mean it is still a somehow magical book, but I suspect it will have so much more in the next bok. I look forward to reading the next book.
November 25, 2014
This book is so unbelievably good. I got sucked into this world and I didn't want to leave. I love the idea of mermaids and an island where people live without the "magic" of electricity. This book is unlike other books in the genre- unique in the best way. This author's ability to create realistic worlds is amazing. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. I need to read more in this series- now!!!
November 19, 2014
I don't read a lot of YA/dystopia books but the authors I do read in this genre are just amazing. The pictures that run in my head as I read are just amazing. This story was not at all what I was expecting but I l loved it. I hated every time I had to put it down. Can't wait for book to come out so I can dive further into this amazing society
November 18, 2014
Jen...I loved it!! The battle against life on a small island and the Nixen, and the true history of the island is a mystery, and the battle of of stature of lower and upper class. Mysterious, but yet very compelling to know more about the Netherlands, AND to find out what happens next. I'm ready for a visit now. Thank you for allowing me to read prior to it's release.
November 30, 2014
Either 3 or 4 stars. Haven't quite decided yet. Looking forward to next book in the series.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
November 7, 2017
Enna is a seventeen-year-old Skylge girl, who loves music and uses it as an escape from the Sadness that often affects her people. Dani is Enna’s best friend and confident, and also the more studious of the two. Sytse is Enna’s older brother, working on the trading ships to the mainland which allows him to get the shellac records Enna and Dani so love to listen to on Enna’s family’s wind-up gramophone. There is also Royce, a Current young man, who is very popular and has a gift for composing piano music.
The paths of these four people will result in many changes for each of them, whether personally or in what they are doing in their lives, and these changes are what make up the main plot in the story.
The native Skylges are second-class citizens on their own island, while the ruling Currents with their St. Brandan’s Fire and electricity ensure the separation of the peoples. The Currents ensure that the Skylges have no access to electricity, at the same time using their Fire and specially made Siren to drown out the alluring calls of the Nixen in the sea and thus protect the inhabitants from following their siren song to a watery death.
The world-building in this is steeped in Nordic mythology and tales (at least, that’s what it seems to me, as I’m not thoroughly read in that area), yet set in a nearly-modern day era with a twist: not everyone has access to electricity, and those who have it – the Currents – ensure that the native Skyglers do not have access to it. There is a strong theme of invaders taking over a native people, with all the baggage that comes with it: oppression, segregation, and the erasing and rewriting of local history. These were the aspects and themes of the novel which I found the most intriguing, as this situation of invader-oppressor-protector is a common one in our world. And of course, the Nixen themselves, who we do not see in this book, but their presence is undeniable.
The world-building, the Nixen, and the Skygler-Current plot are what interested me most in this story, and those aspects earn it a 4 from me.
However, there is also a heavy-handed forced romantic (sub-)plot between Enna and Royce, and that aspect of it gets two stars from me, rounding out to a three-star rating. Why the harsh star deduction, you might ask? After all, it IS a young adult book, and romance is a big thing these days. I’ll tell you why: while the romance was not insta-love, it was insta-strong feelings without any worthy justification. The romance is there just to have romance, not as a natural organic character evolution for the characters. The character and plot progression could have happened just as well, just as richly, with it being just a question of friendship from the beginning. Maybe later in the series it could and would evolve to more, but at this early stage, it is an over-blown crush which creates superfluous drama in addition to the positive aspect of defying societal rules. The Nixen-Skygler-Current plots are more than enough to carry this book, and the insertion of the romance merely made me groan and speed through those dedicated sections in favor of getting back to the real plot.
That said, this book was a nice diversion, and while I’m curious about the Nixens and how the Skygler-Current divide will be addressed in books to come, I am also not so invested that I simply have to read the rest, and indeed, probably will not. (Yes, the romance was that big enough of a turn-off for me that even the interesting plot alone isn’t enough to win me back.)
Favorite quotes/ideas:
If they [the Currents] feel so empty inside, maybe they should grow a heart and help their neighbors instead. – page 22 – Relevant to today’s world, in my honest opinion.
I think music is his religion, in a way. – page 37
This is our home,
Typos:
I haven’t even opened the book last night… -- page 26 – “haven’t” should be “did not” or some other past tense verb.
I push the button that start the turntable… - page 38 – “start” should be “starts”
…through my mind, remembering me of the… -- page 54 – “remembering” should be “reminding” unless this is a dialectical choice
…that it instantly puts my back up. – page 66 – Either “my” should be “me”, or there’s a noun missing after it.
NIxen – page 85 – should be Nixen
The paths of these four people will result in many changes for each of them, whether personally or in what they are doing in their lives, and these changes are what make up the main plot in the story.
The native Skylges are second-class citizens on their own island, while the ruling Currents with their St. Brandan’s Fire and electricity ensure the separation of the peoples. The Currents ensure that the Skylges have no access to electricity, at the same time using their Fire and specially made Siren to drown out the alluring calls of the Nixen in the sea and thus protect the inhabitants from following their siren song to a watery death.
The world-building in this is steeped in Nordic mythology and tales (at least, that’s what it seems to me, as I’m not thoroughly read in that area), yet set in a nearly-modern day era with a twist: not everyone has access to electricity, and those who have it – the Currents – ensure that the native Skyglers do not have access to it. There is a strong theme of invaders taking over a native people, with all the baggage that comes with it: oppression, segregation, and the erasing and rewriting of local history. These were the aspects and themes of the novel which I found the most intriguing, as this situation of invader-oppressor-protector is a common one in our world. And of course, the Nixen themselves, who we do not see in this book, but their presence is undeniable.
The world-building, the Nixen, and the Skygler-Current plot are what interested me most in this story, and those aspects earn it a 4 from me.
However, there is also a heavy-handed forced romantic (sub-)plot between Enna and Royce, and that aspect of it gets two stars from me, rounding out to a three-star rating. Why the harsh star deduction, you might ask? After all, it IS a young adult book, and romance is a big thing these days. I’ll tell you why: while the romance was not insta-love, it was insta-strong feelings without any worthy justification. The romance is there just to have romance, not as a natural organic character evolution for the characters. The character and plot progression could have happened just as well, just as richly, with it being just a question of friendship from the beginning. Maybe later in the series it could and would evolve to more, but at this early stage, it is an over-blown crush which creates superfluous drama in addition to the positive aspect of defying societal rules. The Nixen-Skygler-Current plots are more than enough to carry this book, and the insertion of the romance merely made me groan and speed through those dedicated sections in favor of getting back to the real plot.
That said, this book was a nice diversion, and while I’m curious about the Nixens and how the Skygler-Current divide will be addressed in books to come, I am also not so invested that I simply have to read the rest, and indeed, probably will not. (Yes, the romance was that big enough of a turn-off for me that even the interesting plot alone isn’t enough to win me back.)
Favorite quotes/ideas:
If they [the Currents] feel so empty inside, maybe they should grow a heart and help their neighbors instead. – page 22 – Relevant to today’s world, in my honest opinion.
I think music is his religion, in a way. – page 37
This is our home,
Typos:
I haven’t even opened the book last night… -- page 26 – “haven’t” should be “did not” or some other past tense verb.
I push the button that start the turntable… - page 38 – “start” should be “starts”
…through my mind, remembering me of the… -- page 54 – “remembering” should be “reminding” unless this is a dialectical choice
…that it instantly puts my back up. – page 66 – Either “my” should be “me”, or there’s a noun missing after it.
NIxen – page 85 – should be Nixen
May 17, 2021
4.5👑
No voy a mentir que la palabra sirenas es la razón por la que me metí de lleno a leer esta historia, y la verdad no me arrepiento.
En tan solo pocas páginas la autora nos adentra en un mundo costero donde la pequeña población se divide en dos, los Skylges y los Corrientes. La historia comienza de lo más típico, introduce a nuestros personajes y el mundo en el que habitan. Su lectura es bastante rápida y sencilla a pesar de tener un par de palabras no tan comunes, pero que al ser nombres de lugares o personas no lo hace tan difícil. Demás decir que antes de empezar, la autora nos deja una nota en donde nos comenta sobre su ambientación y la pronunciación de algunas de estas palabras.
Los personajes me parecieron la mar de sencillos pero a la vez cargados con mucha personalidad. Enna, nuestra protagonista, una chica propensa a la Tristeza (algo así como la depresión) tiene un avance increíble en tan poco tiempo. Y en cuanto a la historia que llevan las sineras o nixen como le llaman los Skylges me encanta y mucho.
Una última cosa que me gusta mucho que hagan, es ambientar las historias en un lugar real. Y esta, ni más ni menos se encuentra en los países bajos, es más al final de la historia la autora nos deja un link que nos redirije a como es la isla en donde transcurre la novela. Todo esto hace que a pesar de ser una historia un poco fantasiosa, tenga sus partes de realidad.
Sin dudas fue un descubrimiento que me dejó maravillada, y ojalá poder leer su secuela en un futuro cercano para saber cómo continúa esta historia que me dejó con un final tan potente. Si tienen posibilidad, denle una oportunidad a esta lectura.
No voy a mentir que la palabra sirenas es la razón por la que me metí de lleno a leer esta historia, y la verdad no me arrepiento.
En tan solo pocas páginas la autora nos adentra en un mundo costero donde la pequeña población se divide en dos, los Skylges y los Corrientes. La historia comienza de lo más típico, introduce a nuestros personajes y el mundo en el que habitan. Su lectura es bastante rápida y sencilla a pesar de tener un par de palabras no tan comunes, pero que al ser nombres de lugares o personas no lo hace tan difícil. Demás decir que antes de empezar, la autora nos deja una nota en donde nos comenta sobre su ambientación y la pronunciación de algunas de estas palabras.
Los personajes me parecieron la mar de sencillos pero a la vez cargados con mucha personalidad. Enna, nuestra protagonista, una chica propensa a la Tristeza (algo así como la depresión) tiene un avance increíble en tan poco tiempo. Y en cuanto a la historia que llevan las sineras o nixen como le llaman los Skylges me encanta y mucho.
Una última cosa que me gusta mucho que hagan, es ambientar las historias en un lugar real. Y esta, ni más ni menos se encuentra en los países bajos, es más al final de la historia la autora nos deja un link que nos redirije a como es la isla en donde transcurre la novela. Todo esto hace que a pesar de ser una historia un poco fantasiosa, tenga sus partes de realidad.
Sin dudas fue un descubrimiento que me dejó maravillada, y ojalá poder leer su secuela en un futuro cercano para saber cómo continúa esta historia que me dejó con un final tan potente. Si tienen posibilidad, denle una oportunidad a esta lectura.
July 23, 2019
3.5 stars? idk
So, I loved the concept but the execution was just a big no. Everything felt way too rushed, my e-book version was only 100 pages like!? Also I thought there were gonna be mermaids, but they were nowhere to be seen? I am so mad bc I really wanted to like this, it looked promising and there even was a mystery but when I was starting to get into it, it all ended. Also yes I liked the writing style, but it had quite a lot of typos and that threw me off.
Tbh I read this bc I got it for free form the Play Store and it was short but if I picked it was bc I was actually interested and now I'm sad that it felt incomplete. I guess I'm gonna have to read the other two now
So, I loved the concept but the execution was just a big no. Everything felt way too rushed, my e-book version was only 100 pages like!? Also I thought there were gonna be mermaids, but they were nowhere to be seen? I am so mad bc I really wanted to like this, it looked promising and there even was a mystery but when I was starting to get into it, it all ended. Also yes I liked the writing style, but it had quite a lot of typos and that threw me off.
Tbh I read this bc I got it for free form the Play Store and it was short but if I picked it was bc I was actually interested and now I'm sad that it felt incomplete. I guess I'm gonna have to read the other two now
July 3, 2017
Try as i might,this book did not grab my attention at all. There was far too much detail that it took away from the story itself and in result, made me very bored. There was nothing entertaining at all about it and too many questions were left unanswered. They may be answered in the next book but i can't bring myself to even try read that one too.
I don't even have that much to say because i couldn't focus on anything but finishing it.
Save your time and don't bother reading this book.
I don't even have that much to say because i couldn't focus on anything but finishing it.
Save your time and don't bother reading this book.
October 11, 2017
This was a very different, transporting story.
The good: I absolutely loved feeling like I'd stepped onto an island in a foreign country. The rules and culture were vivid and felt very true to life. It took me into the shoes of a stranger, living in a very different social stratosphere. The conflict and build were enjoyable and I found myself happy at the end of the story.
The bad: It took just a bit to get into the language of the story--because of the cultural difference.
All in all, a unique, thought-provoking read.
Content warning: Language is like a PG-13 movie.
The good: I absolutely loved feeling like I'd stepped onto an island in a foreign country. The rules and culture were vivid and felt very true to life. It took me into the shoes of a stranger, living in a very different social stratosphere. The conflict and build were enjoyable and I found myself happy at the end of the story.
The bad: It took just a bit to get into the language of the story--because of the cultural difference.
All in all, a unique, thought-provoking read.
Content warning: Language is like a PG-13 movie.
December 3, 2014
Not what I was expecting, but as usual, the author sucked me in. I did struggle with most of the names, but didn't let that deter me from plowing through this in a day.
The story is a strange mix of old and fantastical. Enna, along with her father and brother, lives on the island of Skylge. The island is comprised of Currents, those who control and use electricity, and Skylgers, those who are not allowed to use electricity and can be punished if caught using it. Unless you are a sailor, those who live on Skylge have never been off the island and rely on goods brought to the island by their sailors. Enna's brother is one of the sailors and has been gone for 2 months. Whenever he returns, he always brings her gifts. On this trip, he brings her a LP that she may never be able to listen to, but is for a band that her brother likes. Unknowingly, it is also the only copy brought to the island and one that Royce wants. He is a Current and this LP can only be played on a Current machine. As such, he offers to buy the LP, but Enna chooses not to part with the gift. As a compromise, Royce makes an offer that Enna cannot refuse. If she'll agree to them both listening to it together, he'll play it for both of them at his cabin. This leads to other secret meetings, that eventually lead to their becoming more than co-conspirators.
There is great risk to those who travel on the ships. The island is surrounded by water, home of the Nixen - enemy to those living on the island. The sirens' music can enchant the islanders, luring them to their deaths by drowning. It is said that their souls can never be freed. The Currents control the only source of protection from the sirens' call and therefore believe this in-debts the Skylgers to them. Already feeling like second class citizens with the ban on use of electricity, the social bans on interaction between the Skylgers and Currents - something that can result in imprisonment of Enna and Royce are caught together - the "rebels" secretly look into evening the playing field.
The book moved along at a great pace. And even though I did struggle with the names of the places and people, I really got caught up in the prejudices of both Royce and Enna. He as a Current and she as someone who both resents that about him, but is also attracted to him. Royce isn't exactly who she thought he was, but like her, had never questioned the truth about their history, the Nixens, or the injustices on the island. Together, they'll get caught up in a series of events that will lead them both down the path to uncovering the truth and what could potentially change everything they thought they knew about their island and its past.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book and thank the author for the chance to preview this book. If you like fantasy books with a touch of dystopian, you'd like this book. Enna's family lives with none of the modern conveniences like phones, cars, computers, etc. Anything that runs on electricity. Things that do seem like magical items to them. I don't think I could go back to that kind of living.
The story is a strange mix of old and fantastical. Enna, along with her father and brother, lives on the island of Skylge. The island is comprised of Currents, those who control and use electricity, and Skylgers, those who are not allowed to use electricity and can be punished if caught using it. Unless you are a sailor, those who live on Skylge have never been off the island and rely on goods brought to the island by their sailors. Enna's brother is one of the sailors and has been gone for 2 months. Whenever he returns, he always brings her gifts. On this trip, he brings her a LP that she may never be able to listen to, but is for a band that her brother likes. Unknowingly, it is also the only copy brought to the island and one that Royce wants. He is a Current and this LP can only be played on a Current machine. As such, he offers to buy the LP, but Enna chooses not to part with the gift. As a compromise, Royce makes an offer that Enna cannot refuse. If she'll agree to them both listening to it together, he'll play it for both of them at his cabin. This leads to other secret meetings, that eventually lead to their becoming more than co-conspirators.
There is great risk to those who travel on the ships. The island is surrounded by water, home of the Nixen - enemy to those living on the island. The sirens' music can enchant the islanders, luring them to their deaths by drowning. It is said that their souls can never be freed. The Currents control the only source of protection from the sirens' call and therefore believe this in-debts the Skylgers to them. Already feeling like second class citizens with the ban on use of electricity, the social bans on interaction between the Skylgers and Currents - something that can result in imprisonment of Enna and Royce are caught together - the "rebels" secretly look into evening the playing field.
The book moved along at a great pace. And even though I did struggle with the names of the places and people, I really got caught up in the prejudices of both Royce and Enna. He as a Current and she as someone who both resents that about him, but is also attracted to him. Royce isn't exactly who she thought he was, but like her, had never questioned the truth about their history, the Nixens, or the injustices on the island. Together, they'll get caught up in a series of events that will lead them both down the path to uncovering the truth and what could potentially change everything they thought they knew about their island and its past.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next book and thank the author for the chance to preview this book. If you like fantasy books with a touch of dystopian, you'd like this book. Enna's family lives with none of the modern conveniences like phones, cars, computers, etc. Anything that runs on electricity. Things that do seem like magical items to them. I don't think I could go back to that kind of living.
January 22, 2015
After reading Jen Minkman's The Island series, I was stunned by how different this novel is in comparison to the ones in her former series, possibly because in this novel, possibly because Minkman draws inspiration from the history of her home country, the Netherlands. Sound of Sirens is well written, and while it took a while to set up, I loved the characters and the cultural and geographical details incorporated throughout the book.
Sound of Sirens takes place in an island in which two groups of people live: the Currents and the Skylgers. The Currents are the rich ruling class who came from across the sea, while Skylgers are natives to the island. Electricity exists, but the Currents hoard it. The island is surrounded by mysterious merfolk whose siren calls lead hypnotized island folk to their watery doom. It seems that neither Currents nor Skylgers are immune to the call of the Siren.
Enna, the Skygler main character, is the daughter of a woman who died after heeding the Siren's call. After her brother who returned from a long voyage gives her an LP that can only be played by electric devices, she befriends a Current guy named Royce. Who's hot. And popular with the girls. And somehow indifferent to all except Enna.
Thus begins a taboo Skygler-Current relationship, meanwhile Enna learns more about the monopoly that the Currents hold over electricity, and that there is more to the history of the island of Skylge than what was taught in history class.
Sometimes Enna comes close to falling into what I consider the "Bella Complex" in which she considers herself plain compared to Royce, and Royce is such a girl magnet that it's a wonder he doesn't sparkle in the sunlight.
However, she is not a Bella, because she's curious and passionate about the larger politics of the island. She doesn't want to hide or even defend herself from the scary politics; she wants to change the bigger picture--proactively. She wants to learn more about the history. She is proud of her Skylger culture and language, which is slowly disappearing beneath the Current rule.
The language in this book is simplistic and minimalist, and compared to her other series, Minkman writes with more familiarity about the details of Skylge because she is drawing ideas from her home country this time. It took some time to set up the world and its conflicts, but not too long. Once the island of Skylge was established, I wanted to find out how far Enna would go to discover the truths of the island, and how far the Currents would go to protect the status quo.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars
Glamorous Book Lounge
Sound of Sirens takes place in an island in which two groups of people live: the Currents and the Skylgers. The Currents are the rich ruling class who came from across the sea, while Skylgers are natives to the island. Electricity exists, but the Currents hoard it. The island is surrounded by mysterious merfolk whose siren calls lead hypnotized island folk to their watery doom. It seems that neither Currents nor Skylgers are immune to the call of the Siren.
Enna, the Skygler main character, is the daughter of a woman who died after heeding the Siren's call. After her brother who returned from a long voyage gives her an LP that can only be played by electric devices, she befriends a Current guy named Royce. Who's hot. And popular with the girls. And somehow indifferent to all except Enna.
Thus begins a taboo Skygler-Current relationship, meanwhile Enna learns more about the monopoly that the Currents hold over electricity, and that there is more to the history of the island of Skylge than what was taught in history class.
Sometimes Enna comes close to falling into what I consider the "Bella Complex" in which she considers herself plain compared to Royce, and Royce is such a girl magnet that it's a wonder he doesn't sparkle in the sunlight.
However, she is not a Bella, because she's curious and passionate about the larger politics of the island. She doesn't want to hide or even defend herself from the scary politics; she wants to change the bigger picture--proactively. She wants to learn more about the history. She is proud of her Skylger culture and language, which is slowly disappearing beneath the Current rule.
The language in this book is simplistic and minimalist, and compared to her other series, Minkman writes with more familiarity about the details of Skylge because she is drawing ideas from her home country this time. It took some time to set up the world and its conflicts, but not too long. Once the island of Skylge was established, I wanted to find out how far Enna would go to discover the truths of the island, and how far the Currents would go to protect the status quo.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars
Glamorous Book Lounge
December 25, 2014
Cover Thoughts-
It's very beautiful and gives off the ethereal feel you would expect from a siren or something of that nature. It makes me want to open the book and read something different for once.
First Thought-
When I read the summary and began the book I was immediately absorbed into the culture of the island of Skylge. This novel is the first of it's kind. I read a lot of paranormal romance but none with sirens or so many mixes of cultures. I was very excited to get started reading.
Review-
Sound of Sirens is a very interesting mix of modern lifestyles and traditional lifestyles. Enna, a Skylger, lives with her dad and brother without electricity because the Currents made it forbidden to Skylgers. When Enna's brother returns home he brings her a LP, but Enna only has a phonograph that cannot play it. Lucky for her Enna meets a very handsome, very Current Royce who will share his electric machine so they can listen to it together. Very quickly this sharing relationship turns into something more. The old battle between Currents and Skylgers makes their relationship forbidden. Sound of Sirens feels very magical and lyrical. It is the kind of novel that inspires you to search for more afterwards. The LP by Jyoti Verhoeff holds significance and I couldn't help but play the music while reading. I felt like I was by myself listening to the eerie songs of the sirens floating on a beautiful cloud of words. I tend to go out of my way to search for novels that are very different from the usual paranormal romance, I admit I might be a bit tired of vampires, werewolves, witches, etc, but I really want to know more about sirens. The ending left me a bit unsatisfied. I felt like Enna could be too forgiving. I wanted her to be more angry than sad, but I understand that Enna suffers from the loss of her mother and the problems of being a Skylger. I hope the second in the series gives me more information about the history between Currents and Skylgers. I felt like Jen Minkman was just barely touching the surface. I love the romance with Enna and Royce and I love the music influence but I need more information of the cultures and their views on the Sirens.
Overall Readability-
If you are like me searching for a paranormal romance a little different from what you are used to then, I strongly recommend Sound of Sirens. If you are the kind of reader that is transported into another life, and likes the traditional battle between two cultures then, this is it.
My Final Thought-
I am patiently waiting for the second installment. I can't wait to dive in again and get entranced by the struggle between the Currents and the Skylgers.
4 out of 5 Haunted Roses
It's very beautiful and gives off the ethereal feel you would expect from a siren or something of that nature. It makes me want to open the book and read something different for once.
First Thought-
When I read the summary and began the book I was immediately absorbed into the culture of the island of Skylge. This novel is the first of it's kind. I read a lot of paranormal romance but none with sirens or so many mixes of cultures. I was very excited to get started reading.
Review-
Sound of Sirens is a very interesting mix of modern lifestyles and traditional lifestyles. Enna, a Skylger, lives with her dad and brother without electricity because the Currents made it forbidden to Skylgers. When Enna's brother returns home he brings her a LP, but Enna only has a phonograph that cannot play it. Lucky for her Enna meets a very handsome, very Current Royce who will share his electric machine so they can listen to it together. Very quickly this sharing relationship turns into something more. The old battle between Currents and Skylgers makes their relationship forbidden. Sound of Sirens feels very magical and lyrical. It is the kind of novel that inspires you to search for more afterwards. The LP by Jyoti Verhoeff holds significance and I couldn't help but play the music while reading. I felt like I was by myself listening to the eerie songs of the sirens floating on a beautiful cloud of words. I tend to go out of my way to search for novels that are very different from the usual paranormal romance, I admit I might be a bit tired of vampires, werewolves, witches, etc, but I really want to know more about sirens. The ending left me a bit unsatisfied. I felt like Enna could be too forgiving. I wanted her to be more angry than sad, but I understand that Enna suffers from the loss of her mother and the problems of being a Skylger. I hope the second in the series gives me more information about the history between Currents and Skylgers. I felt like Jen Minkman was just barely touching the surface. I love the romance with Enna and Royce and I love the music influence but I need more information of the cultures and their views on the Sirens.
Overall Readability-
If you are like me searching for a paranormal romance a little different from what you are used to then, I strongly recommend Sound of Sirens. If you are the kind of reader that is transported into another life, and likes the traditional battle between two cultures then, this is it.
My Final Thought-
I am patiently waiting for the second installment. I can't wait to dive in again and get entranced by the struggle between the Currents and the Skylgers.
4 out of 5 Haunted Roses
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