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Wanton to the Death
An academic, a medieval kitchen girl, and a thousand-year-old siren. None of them want the terrible destiny they share.
In her day job, Holly Castas is a researcher who studies mythology, ducks the occasional catapult, and might have bubonic plague growing in her office fridge. At night she dons a princess frock and dodges wildly waving tinfoil swords, all in the name of telling a good story. It’s a satisfying life, and a happy one.
Until the dreams come.
Until she learns that she is all that stands between an ancient curse and stakes she can’t possibly believe.
In her day job, Holly Castas is a researcher who studies mythology, ducks the occasional catapult, and might have bubonic plague growing in her office fridge. At night she dons a princess frock and dodges wildly waving tinfoil swords, all in the name of telling a good story. It’s a satisfying life, and a happy one.
Until the dreams come.
Until she learns that she is all that stands between an ancient curse and stakes she can’t possibly believe.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2016
About the author
Audrey Faye
46 books332 followersHas previously authored books under the name of Debora Geary.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 31, 2016
3.5 Underneath the Surface Stars
We’ve all heard the stories, the myths, the legends of mermaids and sirens; tales of female creatures, half human and half fish, who use their seductive powers to lure innocent men to their very death. Whose songs are so hauntingly beautiful that a man cannot hear them without going insane.
What if those stories forgot to mention the most important part? What if the storytellers, as is often the case, didn’t KNOW the whole story because the most important parts are only known by those the myths speak of?
A centuries old curse.
A choice that is really no choice at all.
A love that defies the rational.
Wanton to the Death is an interwoven story centering on Holly, a young woman who spends her days studying mythology and her evenings playing a corset-bound whining princess in her local theatre production. She begins having dreams about a woman from centuries before she was born, that at first are just vaguely unsettling and then turn brutally horrifying.
The writing isn’t the greatest, I have to be honest here, but the story itself (for the most part) is unique and intriguing. Faye definitely has a different take on this mythical creature’s history and I thoroughly enjoyed the concept behind it.
What if you had sacrificed everything for the person you love…. and instead of a thank- you the world called you a monster??
We’ve all heard the stories, the myths, the legends of mermaids and sirens; tales of female creatures, half human and half fish, who use their seductive powers to lure innocent men to their very death. Whose songs are so hauntingly beautiful that a man cannot hear them without going insane.
What if those stories forgot to mention the most important part? What if the storytellers, as is often the case, didn’t KNOW the whole story because the most important parts are only known by those the myths speak of?
A centuries old curse.
A choice that is really no choice at all.
A love that defies the rational.
Wanton to the Death is an interwoven story centering on Holly, a young woman who spends her days studying mythology and her evenings playing a corset-bound whining princess in her local theatre production. She begins having dreams about a woman from centuries before she was born, that at first are just vaguely unsettling and then turn brutally horrifying.
The writing isn’t the greatest, I have to be honest here, but the story itself (for the most part) is unique and intriguing. Faye definitely has a different take on this mythical creature’s history and I thoroughly enjoyed the concept behind it.
What if you had sacrificed everything for the person you love…. and instead of a thank- you the world called you a monster??
Want to Read
July 4, 2016I saw the words "free" and "siren" and my finger got twitchy....
Thinking about rekindling mermaid month in August, anyone with me???
Buddy read with Karly and Garima! Because I need to read the books of my people, of course.
Thinking about rekindling mermaid month in August, anyone with me???
Buddy read with Karly and Garima! Because I need to read the books of my people, of course.
Want to Read
January 24, 2024This is known as Siren Song in Kindle.
February 5, 2022
Not my favourite of Ms Faye's books.
There are elements of the magic her writing has which makes so many of her books special, but unfortunately for me it doesn't quite get there as often.
I will probably reread, once I have forgotten what it as all about again, but it definitely won't be becoming one of my annual rereads.
There are elements of the magic her writing has which makes so many of her books special, but unfortunately for me it doesn't quite get there as often.
I will probably reread, once I have forgotten what it as all about again, but it definitely won't be becoming one of my annual rereads.
Did Not Finish
October 16, 2023DNF'd at 43%.
I usually really like Audrey Faye's books, but this one just didn't grab me. I set it aside with the thought that maybe I'd pick it up later, but I have no interest in continuing it. I'll wait for her next book. :-)
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
I usually really like Audrey Faye's books, but this one just didn't grab me. I set it aside with the thought that maybe I'd pick it up later, but I have no interest in continuing it. I'll wait for her next book. :-)
Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.
June 25, 2016
Fun, easy read, great characters!
July 7, 2016
An interesting read. I was looking for more mermaids and a slightly different ending.
February 13, 2019
Finding her strength
I loved this character. Holly is smart and creative, a full person outside of a romantic relationship. She finds her strength without a romantic relationship, changing her life and those around her for the better through the process.
The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that I needed a longer ending. I felt like the conclusion glossed over or only hinted at details that I would have liked to explore more with the characters.
Still a wonderful new look at sirens and a great read. Thank you, Audrey Faye!
I loved this character. Holly is smart and creative, a full person outside of a romantic relationship. She finds her strength without a romantic relationship, changing her life and those around her for the better through the process.
The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that I needed a longer ending. I felt like the conclusion glossed over or only hinted at details that I would have liked to explore more with the characters.
Still a wonderful new look at sirens and a great read. Thank you, Audrey Faye!
December 5, 2021
An Audrey Faye Tour de force
Audrey Faye is a brilliant writer and I heartily reccomend her Ghost Mountain series and the Karma Corps series.
This stand alone novel is unclasifiable with a strong remale lead who uses all aspects of her skill and personality to try and defeat an ancient curse.
Audrey Faye is a brilliant writer and I heartily reccomend her Ghost Mountain series and the Karma Corps series.
This stand alone novel is unclasifiable with a strong remale lead who uses all aspects of her skill and personality to try and defeat an ancient curse.
January 10, 2018
Fun read
I enjoyed this book. It’s a nice light-hearted book. Audrey Faye develops characters who you grow to have emotions for.
I enjoyed this book. It’s a nice light-hearted book. Audrey Faye develops characters who you grow to have emotions for.
August 22, 2018
There is something about this author’s writing that draws me into her stories and when I am finished leaves me wanting more. One of the few authors I enjoy re-reading.
March 11, 2021
lovely story as usual by this author
August 12, 2019
11/2021
Just re-read this novel, and I am as captivated this time around as I was the first time.
Audrey Faye’s ability to write sympathetic characters is second to none, from Holly, academic siren-in-waiting, humbly named for a silly winter berry, to Mirena, a simple kitchen girl dreaming of a future, to Jade, a board-room inheriting friend who builds medieval weapon constructs, and the men who love/may love them - all are so beautifully, sometimes painfully human in ways that are so easy to identify with… invariably it seems whenever I read an Audrey Faye story, I weep. I weep for the beauty and the love and the power of what she brings to life, and there just aren’t enough stories by her out there.
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Beautiful story
I’m not sure why I didn’t read this a long time ago - I certainly found it a while back. For whatever reason, I was finally in the mood to read it now, and as I knew it would be, it was beautiful.
How remarkable it must be to have a talent like Audrey Faye‘s when everything you write is joyful and lovely. She’s a wonderful writer. She truly is.
Just re-read this novel, and I am as captivated this time around as I was the first time.
Audrey Faye’s ability to write sympathetic characters is second to none, from Holly, academic siren-in-waiting, humbly named for a silly winter berry, to Mirena, a simple kitchen girl dreaming of a future, to Jade, a board-room inheriting friend who builds medieval weapon constructs, and the men who love/may love them - all are so beautifully, sometimes painfully human in ways that are so easy to identify with… invariably it seems whenever I read an Audrey Faye story, I weep. I weep for the beauty and the love and the power of what she brings to life, and there just aren’t enough stories by her out there.
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Beautiful story
I’m not sure why I didn’t read this a long time ago - I certainly found it a while back. For whatever reason, I was finally in the mood to read it now, and as I knew it would be, it was beautiful.
How remarkable it must be to have a talent like Audrey Faye‘s when everything you write is joyful and lovely. She’s a wonderful writer. She truly is.
April 22, 2019
I have read just about everything by Audrey Faye and I like most of it. I like Siren Song, too. There are some things in the plotting that bother me. To discuss those problems might require some spoilers.
But despite those issues the book is a nice light fantasy. It differs quite a bit from Faye's heartwarming books about soul-damaged people who find a way to claw back their worth. Siren Song doesn't go in that direction. Holly, the heroine is more of the strong, intelligent, resilient type.
But despite those issues the book is a nice light fantasy. It differs quite a bit from Faye's heartwarming books about soul-damaged people who find a way to claw back their worth. Siren Song doesn't go in that direction. Holly, the heroine is more of the strong, intelligent, resilient type.
May 4, 2016
This is my favorite author!
Seriously, I always want to dive into Audrey's books and become one with the characters. There is a depth to all of them that is sadly lacking in many books . There is pain and hurt and joy and happiness. Somehow you feel each of these as you read the book. You identify deeply with the characters.
This story surrounds the Sirens of ancient times and an educated woman of modern times. The women in her stories always have strong identities . The question and they learn. They fight and they win.
After reading books and I always want to become a better woman , and I also feel better about the woman I already am .
Seriously, I always want to dive into Audrey's books and become one with the characters. There is a depth to all of them that is sadly lacking in many books . There is pain and hurt and joy and happiness. Somehow you feel each of these as you read the book. You identify deeply with the characters.
This story surrounds the Sirens of ancient times and an educated woman of modern times. The women in her stories always have strong identities . The question and they learn. They fight and they win.
After reading books and I always want to become a better woman , and I also feel better about the woman I already am .
March 10, 2019
I had binge-read the author's series The Fixer of Karmacorp and was enthralled so eagerly went on the find more of her work. I was somewhat disappointed by this book. There was nothing wrong with the writing. The story had some unique elements, but didn't really feel like anything special. I felt a strong feminist streak coming through. Kick-ass heroines are one thing...feminism as a socio-political stand is another. On the whole, I didn't love the book. I'd go for 3-1/2 stars if that was available. There wasn't anything especially wrong with the book, but I just didn't take to the characters in any way.
February 25, 2023
This book left me so happy! I love Audrey Faye's books so much!
I love how much Audrey is able to write plot and characters that you absolutely get emotionally invested in. I loved the characters in this book and I loved our main character so much.
I wasn't as invested in the story that was happening through the dreams but I still loved the book.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a character driven story or who has enjoyed any of Audrey Faye's other books.
Steam Content: Super Sweet.
I love how much Audrey is able to write plot and characters that you absolutely get emotionally invested in. I loved the characters in this book and I loved our main character so much.
I wasn't as invested in the story that was happening through the dreams but I still loved the book.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a character driven story or who has enjoyed any of Audrey Faye's other books.
Steam Content: Super Sweet.
September 14, 2016
A well written story about sirens.
The story is a little interesting and the main character is just a little overdependent of others.
I was expecting for something different though seeing all the skulls in the cover.
I do feel the story had a too easy ending. Without any sacrifice.
Also it had a too easy beginning, there is a curse. End. No telling where does the curse cames from or why, there it is.
Fans of merfolk will probably like it though.
The story is a little interesting and the main character is just a little overdependent of others.
I was expecting for something different though seeing all the skulls in the cover.
I do feel the story had a too easy ending. Without any sacrifice.
Also it had a too easy beginning, there is a curse. End. No telling where does the curse cames from or why, there it is.
Fans of merfolk will probably like it though.
May 15, 2016
Dive in!
I appreciate the reframing of ancient tales, ones marred and distorted by fears of feminine power. Thank you for writing an exciting tale. I also find refreshing the themes of community and love , a story I can rest into with anticipation of liberation, communion and personal victory. Thank you!
I appreciate the reframing of ancient tales, ones marred and distorted by fears of feminine power. Thank you for writing an exciting tale. I also find refreshing the themes of community and love , a story I can rest into with anticipation of liberation, communion and personal victory. Thank you!
July 26, 2016
Best yet
Audrey! No sequel? I love karma corp and your lesbian assassins, but this one has power, and strength and pathos and still comes up with a happy ending. If there is no sequel, then at least more like this one. It is your best yet. Readers, not one word will I say about plot except Hans c. Anderson, your little mermaid is a pale shadow by comparison.
Audrey! No sequel? I love karma corp and your lesbian assassins, but this one has power, and strength and pathos and still comes up with a happy ending. If there is no sequel, then at least more like this one. It is your best yet. Readers, not one word will I say about plot except Hans c. Anderson, your little mermaid is a pale shadow by comparison.
July 10, 2016
Tears and laughter, trust and courage.
I initially wanted to go on to start reading another book. Then I wanted to skip some chapters. In the end I listened to that little voice we all seem to have a kept plugging along. Sometimes little voices bring great rewards.
I initially wanted to go on to start reading another book. Then I wanted to skip some chapters. In the end I listened to that little voice we all seem to have a kept plugging along. Sometimes little voices bring great rewards.
November 25, 2016
First book in the series
I enjoyed the story and would recommend to friends and family but his book just didn't pull me in like most of her other books. I can't quite put a finger on why, but it kind of feels like she was in a darker place when she wrote it.
I enjoyed the story and would recommend to friends and family but his book just didn't pull me in like most of her other books. I can't quite put a finger on why, but it kind of feels like she was in a darker place when she wrote it.
November 26, 2016
Never been disappointed yet.
I have a large collection of books by this author. I reread them every year. Don't miss her former incarnation as Debora Gary. I'm giving that collection to my daughter. These are heirloom stories. Enjoy!
I have a large collection of books by this author. I reread them every year. Don't miss her former incarnation as Debora Gary. I'm giving that collection to my daughter. These are heirloom stories. Enjoy!
May 13, 2016
Great stand alone
This was a perfect stand alone novel written the way only Audrey Faye can do it. The emotional outpouring, the story, and the journey of Holly is memorizing.
This was a perfect stand alone novel written the way only Audrey Faye can do it. The emotional outpouring, the story, and the journey of Holly is memorizing.
May 28, 2016
This was a great book with an odd title. Hoping for more in this particular world, even though I can't imagine just what that could be.
July 10, 2016
Sirens and academics
August 3, 2016
Mesmerizing
Such a captivating story. Didn't want it to end. But I'm so glad it ended like it did. Definitely going to give this one a second run-through!
Such a captivating story. Didn't want it to end. But I'm so glad it ended like it did. Definitely going to give this one a second run-through!
October 28, 2016
Lovely
A delightful read. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
A delightful read. I recommend this author whose style and prose is interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to reading more.
December 7, 2016
I hated for the book to end!
And yet, it was the perfect ending. I'm grateful that this book is a standalone, any more would be too much, any less, not enough...
And yet, it was the perfect ending. I'm grateful that this book is a standalone, any more would be too much, any less, not enough...
December 31, 2016
Captured my attention
immediately! It was certainly a page turner, keeping me unsure of how it was going to end. Excellent job weaving modern with mythology.
immediately! It was certainly a page turner, keeping me unsure of how it was going to end. Excellent job weaving modern with mythology.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews