Song of the Forgotten

Damned Dynasty #1

by Sara A. Latimer

The Tudors meets ACOTAR in this sweeping romantasy where sirens rule the seas, thrones are won with blood and lies, and a disgraced princess must decide if her destiny is to bow before the crown, or shatter it.

When her father beheaded her mother, Princess Elowyn Blackthorn was stripped of her titles and banished for twenty years. When she’s unexpectedly called back to court, Elowyn dares to dream it’s a second chance instead she’s tricked into a betrothal to a man she despises, she’s convinced her life is over—until her ship is seized by sirens.

In Naiadon, the castle beneath the sea, the sirens believe Elowyn is the key to uncovering the truth behind their vanishing kin and perhaps to winning the war they plan to wage on her homeland. Though held captive, Elowyn grapples with her loyalty to the kingdom that betrayed her and her growing connection to the ocean’s mysterious inhabitants.

Her only ally is fellow prisoner Captain Arlo—maddeningly handsome and fiercely determined to free his captured crew. As they plot their escape, both try to suppress the attraction to one another, knowing distraction could cost them their freedom. But while Elowyn begins to see the sirens as something more than monsters, Arlo sees only captors.

As tensions rise above and below the surface, Elowyn must decide where her loyalty with the man she’s falling for, the realm that forgot her, or the people who might finally set her free.

Book one in a gripping trilogy, this is a tale of crowns, monsters, and slow-burn romance perfect for fans of political intrigue, enemies-to-lovers tension, jaw-dropping twists, and heroines who rise from the ashes to take back their power.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Mermaids

370 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2025

About the author

Sara A. Latimer writes romantic fantasy that blends courtly intrigue, sweeping romance, and the shimmer of magic. Her debut novel, Song of the Forgotten, is the first in a Tudor-inspired trilogy filled with deception, royalty, and shocking twists. Based in the greater Houston, Texas area, she spends her days weaving stories, tending her garden with her two pups, and finding inspiration in strong coffee and Florence & The Machine albums.

Reviews

[Sara Axelrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ARC read and man was it a good one! It has found family and a badass FMC with a hint of spice. There were a few plot twists, one I predicted and loved, and the others kept me on my toes and left me speechless. I couldn’t put it down! I will definitely be reading the next book in the series when it comes out!

[Kate Pace]

3.5 stars ⭐️
She was slow and steady but that ending was worth the wait!

[Samantha Kolhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Seek nothing from men who murder their wives and abandon their children.”

I loveeeee a good siren book so this was right up my alley. I enjoyed every second of it, I did kinda guess the hidden secret of the book but I didn’t mind that at all! And the endingggggg 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 wow! I’m counting the days until I can get my hands on the next one!!

One thing in this book that I found really unique compared to other books was there were ‘made’ sirens, sirens that were once humans with horrible lives that decided to become sirens. Some siren nobility did look down on them cause they were made and unfortunately the made sirens can’t have children, but I really enjoyed that part of the book and thought it was a big stand out detail that set this book apart from others. Also I would absolutely be made into a siren!

This story follows Elowyn, a banished princess who’s stripped of her title and sent away to marry a man she hates. On the trip the captain, herself and the crew are captured by sirens and dragged to an underwater kingdom where they are held captive. Sirens have been disappearing and they want answers. Elowyn has to learn to navigate the politics of the royal sirens as they believe she is the key to finding their lost families… Will she help them and bring war to her home, or will she be able to fix things from below the sea..

“Men fear me but are my makers. Mothers warn of me, yet their sons are my takers. In the end, both will know the cost of my path. What am I? I am war…”

Thank you so much to the author for my gifted copy! I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Butter Bagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book! I wasn't sure what to expect, but the more I read, the more interesting and complex the world became. I thought the Siren realm was beautifully written and the character relationships as a whole were multi-layered and realistic. Truly a breath of fresh air in the genre of fantasy-romance.

The book felt well balanced despite the blend of fantasy elements. Pacing was solid and character relationships felt challenging and real. Each character was interesting and flawed in their own way, yet ultimately lovable. Morvyn added a welcome dose of comic relief and Cedric brought the mystery. Nixie turned out to be a great friend, despite how difficult it was for both her and Elowyn to navigate their circumstances.

The only thing that really bugged me throughout was the excessive use of the f word. Swearing does not bother me but it certainly felt out of place at times and broke the immersion. I know part of Elowyn's character was having a vulgar mouth, but I do wish she was a bit more creative with her outbursts because they seemed way too modern, especially when no one else was dropping f-bombs left and right.

I definitely wasn't surprised by the ending or the big reveal, but that's ok.

Also, more Cedric! He's such an interesting character. We were stuck with Arlo for most of the book, and compared to the other characters he's the weakest link in my opinion.

Hylos- while interesting- often seemed to act out of character. He is presented as a good guy, but often acts extremely selfishly and arrogantly and is kind of a villain. It made me wonder why his friends all continued to put up with him and justify him being such an ass all the time.

Overall I'm very happy I picked this one up and I plan on buying the next one soon. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a Siren/underwater fantasy served with a side of politics and a love triangle with a dash of spice. And a gorgeous cover as well!

[Elodie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did the audiobook, which was given to me by the author as part of a giveaway.
Overall most of the book was too slow BUT the ending was ✨good✨

What didn’t work for me was the romance and the FMC was a bit predictable.
However I loved the magic of the «songs ».
And yes, since I loved the ending, I’ll come back for the next book!

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a strong start to the Damned Dynasty series, I was hooked from the cover and description and was glad I was able to read this. It was everything that I was looking for and enjoyed from the genre. I enjoyed the slow-burn romance concept and that it uses the enemy to lover concept perfectly. Sara A. Latimer was able to create something perfectly engaging and left me wanting to read more from this series and author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sarah Etue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a fun read with a good twist! The sirens were fascinating and the world building was detailed, could fully see the world in my mind. Loved the characters and the plot kept me interested throughout the whole story and wanting more! Can’t wait to read the next one!!

[Gyula · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC READ**

4⭐️
1.5/5🌶️
First person/single POV (only one ch from MMC POV)
Book 1 in a trilogy
Format: e-arc

Spoiler free ish

This almost had it all

A huge thank you to BookSirens & to the author Sara for gifting me this arc read of her first book. This was a fantastic read for a debut author & I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

I LOVE this new, unique & original take on sirens. It’s so fascinating how the author crafted this lush world around a fairly common fantasy creature. But she wrote about this fantasy world in such a clever & creative way with all of the underwater world & lure & way of life. The writing is very clean & concise with world building that’s easy to understand & follow.

The best part for me is the FMC. It is so pleasant to be inside her head because she’s not written annoying or childish but caring & understanding but determined.

The beginning was a bit slow because of the world building & the laying out of the story; but still interesting & held my attention because the small action parts helped speed things along as the plot was building. The side characters are it!!! Including the villains. Loved them all.

I thought I was so smart with catching that first plot twist but then the next ones got me so good. But I will say all the twists eventually turned into the Jerry Springer show😬

Now for the part of this book that I think is its weakest link: the romance here is not it unfortunately. First of all, I can’t even refer to the love interest as the main male character because most of the time he was unconscious or resting or just not in the picture. Second, the progression of their romance was a hot mess. They had a couple short interactions & she’s feeling on him. Then a couple more & shes down bad. then a couple more interactions & there’s spice. All while he’s completely missing from the narrative for a huge chunk of the book. She’s barely even thinking of him until he’s mentioned. Their romance is so minuscule that this could have easily worked better as a slow burn. Absolutely no need for the insta everything being thrown around.

Also, this does have a bit of a love triangle possibly coming on because the love interest’s brother is kinda in the picture & of course also feeling on her. Like when could that have possibly happened if they met twice!

But romance aside, I will be back for book 2!

**release date: 12/21/25**

[Kendall Solinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this advanced reader copy in exchange for a review, and I FEEL SO LUCKY. I loved this. For those who enjoy fantasy and a feisty FMC paired with magical creatures, this is all for you. The creatures in question here are sirens — yes, the mythological creatures whose song lures sailors to their deaths. This was a beautiful breath of fresh air from the faerie and vampire romantasy that’s popular at present (not knocking on that - I’m a sucker for it). It certainly helped that I read this watery tale on a beach and poolside in Hawaii because the scene for me was SET.

Elowyn is a princess who has had her title stripped and finds herself suddenly stolen away by sirens. She winds up at a palace under the sea where the siren leaders hope she can help them solve the mystery of why their people (fish people?) have been disappearing. With expert world-building and action to boot, I had a hard time putting this down.

Well-written and so unique with tropes of found family, betrayal, and undercover identities, this is sure to entertain a multitude of readers. I’m so excited this is going to be a series and not just a one and done because @sara.writes.reads has hooked me.

[The Plot Privé · Rating 3 out of 5]

We were so excited to receive an ARC of Song of the Forgotten (Damned Dynasty: Book 1) by Sara A. Latimer. The girls at Plot Prive bookclub love fantasy but we find were always looking for something a little different, this one immediately caught our attention. The inclusion of sirens felt fresh and creative, especially for readers who may be ready for a break from the fae+Human tropes. That alone made this a "course we'll have look" moment.

As the first book in a series, it does a great job laying the groundwork for what’s to come. Elowyn, is our type of woman at times useless but smart mouth, rebel, attitude "Yes, Thank you" we Loved her especially in the first half. Overall, we were intrigued by the world and concepts introduced and are racking our brains to see how they develop as the series continues because that ending nope we need justice !!!! Elowyn if you need us to shout "Dracarys" we will.

That said, we did have some critiques. The writing style and pacing didn’t resonate with everyone, and there were moments where the flow of the story made it harder to stay fully connected. A bit more balance in character dynamics and pacing could have helped certain character growth feel more earned.

But we Love the creativity behind Song of the Forgotten and the ambition of starting a new fantasy series. and were truly interested to see how Sara A. Latimer continues to build on this world in the future.

The Plot Prive Bookclub

[Stevief.94 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very lucky receive this as an Arc.
The story follows Elowyn, a royal forced to return to the court that abandoned her. The story had a good opening hook, Elowyn had me locked in from the prologue with the deep emotional set up Sara provided. The FMC came across as observant, intelligent and sharp however Sara does manage to humanise her with the blunt and rather funny way she speaks to people. She uses vivid imagery to bring her characters and setting to life making the story unfold easily in your mind.
The themes of isolation, family tension, and political intrigue keep the plot flowing well and provide good tension for the reader.
The world built for the reader is very interesting but has room to be developed even further which could very well happen in a future sequel.
The book does include a romantic aspect but it does not feel central to the plot, more of a slow-burn romantic subplot, which isn’t what I usually read but Sara wrote it in a way that still kept me engaged and invested it both plot lines.
Over all, while this is a little different from what I usually read, I’ve really enjoyed exploring this debut novel and look forward to reading future worlds of Sara A.Latimer.
Thank you again for the opportunity to read it early.

[Zelyphia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit it was a bit hard for me to dive into this book (but I mostly think that's because English is not my first language) but I actually just finished this book with a very nice feeling !
Loved the worldbuilding, the sirens, the magic, it was nice that it was all blue with colorful touches here and there in my mind.
The story gets more and more interesting imo, my first reading sessions were literally so short I took a whole week to read the first 50 pages but my I was just wanting to keep reading more and more, session after session.
I don't understand people being confused by the romance as it is pretty obvious who she likes and will end up with, but I have to admit I would have loved a bit more tension and yearning maybe.
Anyway, I'm very excited for book 2 and see what will happen ! And I'm also ready for more spice hm hmmmm ✨

[Kelsey | Lavender Haze Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful romantic fantasy with sweeping imagery and a fantastical underwater world.

This is not a fast paced read, rather a deep & emotional discovery of self. Our FMC has been cast out of her family due to circumstances beyond her control. She knows nothing of her true self and worth, until she is thrust under the sea.
Aboard a ship, forced to marry someone who coerced her into it, she is freed by sirens she didn’t know existed.
Through spying, scheming and determination she learns more than she bargained for and falls deeply in love with someone she never intended to…

This was such a great listen! The narrator was incredible. Thank you so much to Sara Latimer for the gifted audiobook!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grips you from the very first page and doesn't let go. I knew early on that this would be a great read.

Elowyn wishes for nothing more than to gain position at her father's court after being banished from it for simply being a woman and not a male heir the king desired. She meets Cedric, the new queen's son, who manipulates their encounter to his advantage, making the king order them to marry. On her way to Whiterok, Cedric's city on the sea, she learns that some myths and bedtime stories aren't just legends. The sirens are very real, and she is now their guest.

Song of the Forgotten is well written, intriguing and unique, and I can't wait for book two! Sara pookie, I know you are setting me up with [redacted], I SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND IT'S WORKING.

[Kayana · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75. This audiobook was SO GOOD. The first half would have been slower for me if it wasn’t for the audiobook, but the second half most definitely made up for it. Some things I totally knew, but when certain truths were revealed, my mouth DROPPED. I will be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2!!!!!

She’s a lost princess, both to her people and to herself. She doesn’t know her worth, so what is going to happen to her people if she doesn’t open her eyes?
Step into a world where Sirens were just a fable… until they weren’t. Will there be war? Or will people get their heads out of their a** and try for peace.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

(arc read)

I haven’t picked up a fantasy book in a while because they all started to sound the same to me. When I came across Song of the Forgotten I was intrigued by the idea of sirens.

Elowyn is a smart, balanced character. She’s easy to relate to without her sounding like a whiner. I also like the fire she has in her personality. The world building in this book was easy to follow and didn’t feel overwhelming, which I appreciated. The side characters were just as enjoyable to read about as the man character. As an avid romance reader I wouldn’t have been upset if there was more tension, but the pace didn’t upset me.

Overall, this book was a fun dip back into fantasy and I’m interested to know what comes next for Elowyn and the others.

[Kale | finchandfables · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was such a fun read!! You’ve got royal drama, political tension, sirens beneath the sea, and a slow-burn romance - yunno, all the makings of something GOOD.

I loved watching Elowyn grow from a disgraced, exiled princess who just wants attention and love into someone who starts questioning everything she’s been told about loyalty and power. The stakes felt so real and that twist?? Normally I’m able to guess those before they’ve twisted, but somehow this one I didn’t??

I am SO IMPATIENTLY waiting for book 2!!

[Alya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up for the review!)

A lost princess and a trapped captain in the forgotten world of sirens. The side characters were all so intriguing and I found myself rooting for Elowyn’s captors (sorry not sorry). Morvyn was so babygirl coded and honestly? I just want a book about the Aqualin Circle.

Up until 70% I’d say it was well written but the ending felt very rushed and the pacing got lost. There were a few plot holes and the fight scene in the ring (no spoilers) seemed far fetched.

Overall, a solid debut!

[Nine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recieved the arc copy for my honest review, this book was a really good book for the 1st in the series, the first 50% had me hooked I absolutely loved the whole siren aspect of the storyline. The royalty and secrets behind the FMC, however I just felt the storyline needed more depth when the FMC was faced with different challenges and discovered something that was in my opinion a good direction for the storyline. When the twist was made in the plot I was gripping for more I needed more information but then it all concluded so quickly I just felt like the build up gave me nothing, however it did peak my interest in the last few pages which made me want to continue with the series. The series has so much amazing potential to be a big story.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I have been in such a book slump recently and this one was such a breath of fresh air amongst all of the generic fantasy books these days.

A princess stripped of her title and banished from the kingdom finds herself on a ship attacked by sirens - she’s taken below the sea and I don’t want to add any spoilers but it’s mysterious and exciting! The side characters are great and the FMC is not annoying or whiny which makes her instantly one of my favorites.

I really appreciated that there weren’t any super slow points where the story dragged - I found myself interested the whole time and every time I had to stop reading I couldn’t wait to get back to it.

The romance was a little lacking - the MMC wasn’t in the book much and when he was it went from instant attraction (on her part) to a few conversations to then hooking up but honestly that doesn’t bother me much as the story was so interesting that I didn’t feel like I NEEDED the romance. The only thing I can think is that maybe he won’t be the MMC in book two? I could see that happening but we’ll see!

Overall I think this is a strong first book from Sara and I’ll definitely recommend it - I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cedar B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique. Creative. Un-put-down-able

I got the ebook free during a Stuff Your Kindle event and I am SO GLAD that I did! The world and story are wonderfully unique, the twists and turns are perfect, and the characters feel like old friends.

I also appreciated that though this is not a closed door or 'clean' fantasy, its also not over the top explicit with language or spice. The plot comes first, and the scenes and dialogue flow naturally from there. I can't wait for book 2!

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a surprise! I came across the author in Instagram and the book sounded intriguing and fun. It doesn’t disappoint.
I can generally pick a twist, but honestly don’t see this one! There are a few!
It’s a really fun read, reasonably paced and the romance doesn’t overshadow the plot.
Looking forward to seeing what comes next for Elowyn!

[Jessica Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the concept and whimsical vibes of this book. The plot/the magic system felt a little messy at times. The ending seemed a little rushed (He’s still married? Love triangle? The villain reveal????) Overall, I enjoyed the book, it was 3.5 stars and I’ll definitely check out the next one!

[Theresa Lizotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is amazing, I want more!

I love the characters and the setting is so unique. The little chapter with the male lead near the end was a nice touch to the story that I loved seeing. I can’t wait for the next book in the trilogy! :)

[Someone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so well written! It was everything I hoped for in a Tudors x Sirens book with found family, enemies to lovers, a strong FMC, and the plot twists!! Omg my jaw was on the floor. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely FANTASTIC!!! It was a lovely read for the first three quarters and the end ramped it WAY up! I thought I predicted how things would unfold, easily picking up on the easter eggs, but there was wayyyyy more to it than I thought. Absolutely brilliantly, beautifully woven story. Cannot wait for the next instalment!

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mildly confused while reading this but I think it was on purpose as the FMC would be in a frustrated and confused state of mind. I was left on a massive cliffhanger and I feel like I need to know more. I did partially call the twist for the FMC but totally missed the twist with her love interests.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Likeable characters and a good plot. I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review

[Tara Simpson-Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Main twist I figured out early on but I love when nothing seems straight forward. Honestly strong first book in the series, I can’t wait to keep reading!!

[Rye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of adventures and surprises. Looking forward to the next one!