Sing Our Bones Eternal

by Kacey Rayburn

Dream-like and nightmarish, Sing Our Bones Eternal is a bewitching blend of fairy tale and folk horror as beautiful as it is brutal. Steeped in mermaid tears and bloody secrets, Rayburn’s haunting debut will devour you.

When Senga Goldie finds herself stranded on Hourglass Isle with her wicked family, she becomes the host of an ancestral haunting. Bound by a covenant to a hungry god, Senga has all the trappings of a huntress, but her world is shattered when a mirror-wielding mermaid befriends her. Through the mist and the fog, cloven bodies wash ashore. Sinister songs haunt the tide pools, and burnt offerings rise from the sea cliffs.

Thematic material includes psychological horror, body horror, violence, abuse, blood, animal sacrifice, and sex between consenting adults. Intended for 18+ years old.

Genres: Fantasy, Gothic, Horror, Mermaids, Historical, Magical Realism

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2023

About the author

Kacey Rayburn lives in the Appalachian Mountains. Born into a family of granny witches and gravediggers, she enjoys long walks in the cemetery. She’s an 80s girl with a haunted heart, obsessed with creepy dolls, gothic everything, and mermaids. She’s the author of Sing Our Bones Eternal.

Reviews

[Israh Azizi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ɪᴛ’ꜱ ʜᴀʀᴅ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ʙᴏʀɴ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋɴᴇꜱꜱ, ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ꜱᴇᴀʀᴄʜɪɴɢ ꜰᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɢʜᴛ, ʙᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴄᴀɴ ᴇꜱᴄᴀᴘᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋɴᴇꜱꜱ ᴡʜᴇɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ʏᴏᴜ’ʀᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅʏ.”

“ʜᴏᴡ?”

“ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪɢʜᴛ.”

-Sing Our Bones Eternal
by Kacey Rayburn

Sing Our Bones Eternal was a vastly different read for me. I don’t typically read gothic inspired mermaid stories, so I was surprised by how quickly I finished it. I read this book in one sitting and was impressed by the compelling writing style. If you are a fan of dark fairytale retellings and gothic romance this is the perfect book for you!❤️

[Sarietales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark folklore, written like a fairytale with elements of horror. Sing Our Bones Eternal is a culmination of dark fantasy, thriller, suspense, and a touch of horror, all wrapped into one imaginative novel with beautiful prose. SOBE is atmospheric, dark and poetic.

Kacey utilizes multiple points of view to propel the story, which evolves the reader's perspective as additional characters come into play. It was fascinating to get insight from outside of the FMC which developed the plot further, providing an understanding of how all of these characters collide and elements interconnect.

If you are not familiar with folklore, I would recommend access to google or kindle definitions to understand what some of the nature of the creatures are. Pay attention: often the POVs include memories, I found myself flipping back to determine if it was a memory or current event. While most of my questions were answered or can be theorized, I still have a few lingering.

Kacey has a talent for, and keen sense of imagination, weaving elements of suspense within the novel, making it much more than just a folklore retelling. I found myself questioning "what is happening?", "what could possibly happen?", "how does this all connect?" several times which held my attention. I was engaged, curious and intrigued throughout the entire story.

Read this if you love:
○ Dark fairytales with folklore elements
○ Multiple POV (more than two)
○ Suspense
○ Horror fantasy / dark fantasy
○ Atmospheric, gothic historical vibes
○ Mermaids
○ Mythological creatures

Based on my personal rating scale, this book ranks a 3.5-4 star. There were so many elements I loved about this book, and Kacey's writing is fantastic. I was thoroughly engaged and intrigued throughout the novel which is so very important, but there was some holes that I couldn't wrap my head around and the ending left me wanting more (it might be a personal preference). I would recommend this book to folklore and dark fantasy lovers. I look forward to reading more from Kacey in the future as Kacey is off to a successful start.

Please read all trigger and content warnings. This is a book intended for an 18+ audience.

Edit: I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkly sensuous and enchanting, Sing Our Bones Eternal is a riveting tale of secrets, sinister magic, desire, and revenge. I couldn’t stop reading!

That's the blurb, but wow! This novel is poetically written and rich with Scottish folklore. It feels almost like a dream or a fairytale, with elements of the gothic woven throughout. It reminded me a little of The Cold is in Her Bones, which I read a couple years ago, although Rayburn's book is definitely meant for an adult audience.

Senga, as the heroine is forced to make difficult choices during the novel and reconcile her relationship with her family against the evil that they do. Her choices drive the plot home. Brilliant storytelling!

[Tatianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sing Our Bones Eternal is a debut folklore-inspired gothic novel from Kacey Rayburn. This is a story told from multiple character perspectives, though it focuses heavily on Senga, a young woman who is forced to choose between her family's barbaric traditions and her own sense of right and wrong.

Potential triggers (as listed by the author): psychological horror, body horror, violence, abuse, blood, animal sacrifice, and sexual content.

"There's no such thing as witches. Only women who embrace their true nature."

This novel definitely reads like folklore. I am a huge fan of the Grimm Brothers classic fairy tales for the gothic and horror elements, and this book reminded me of those tales and give me a similar haunted feeling. Unfortunately, as a full standalone novel, I expected a little more more clarity. By the end, I still had many questions left unanswered.

This story includes many terms from Scottish folklore that I was personally unfamiliar with and needed to search online. I really think a glossary would improve the reading experience. I also struggled to follow the timeline in the beginning, as the character flashbacks (which are frequent) are not italicized and it seemed to me that the chapters were going back in forth in time as well.

While I understand this is a gothic and not a romance, there are romantic elements between two main couples. Personally, I craved more development between Ivor and Senga as I wasn't quite sure why they love each other, or why I should be invested in their love.

"Grief is a flightless bird, a bony creature chewing time the way flames eat wood."

Rayburn's prose is really haunting and beautiful, particularly after the 50% mark. She drops some truly striking quotes that I couldn't help but highlight. She has a beautiful writer's voice and I can see a lot of potential in this story.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy gothic folktales, stories about mermaids, subtle romance, and multi-perspective mysteries.

I am very grateful to have received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sing our Bones Eternal is the dark and gothic little mermaid reimagining of my dreams.

From the moment I picked this adult fantasy up I was instantly transported to the magical land of Hourglass Isle. I was struck by how richly imagined Kacey’s world building is and the artfully woven in Scottish folklore. The aesthetics of this story are truly beautiful and it was clear to see Kacey’s passion for folklore shine through.

This is a debut that doesn’t feel like a debut. Kacey writes with a confidence I rarely see in a debut author. I can’t wait to see what else Kacey writes.

If you enjoy fairytale retellings, folklore and gothic themes then don’t sleep on this hauntingly beautiful story! Out soon!

P.S the cute little recipes at the end were an unexpected but pleasant surprise!

Thank you so much to the author Kacey Rayburn for providing me with a free ARC to read and review!

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rayburn has written a beautiful, haunting book that propelled me to burn through it in a handful of days. “Sing Our Bones Eternal” is an adult fantasy that straddles the divide between fairy tale and horror. Senga is trapped on a cursed isle with her greedy, awful family. When they capture a mermaid, Senga is given the opportunity to fight against her relatives and learn how strong she can be. The vibe of this book is like if Tim Burton went nautical, and features:

🌊 Lyrical, poetic writing that feels like a song or tale spoken over a crackling campfire
🌊 Complex female characters that are as lovely as they are murderous
🌊 The lush, frigid atmosphere of the Scottish Isles, along with all the folk creatures and myths that haunt the shadows of that region (including some I had never heard of!)

I mentioned it was very much like a fairy tale, and that both lends it its ethereal beauty as well as is its Achilles heel - I could have used just a little more character building, particularly in lead up to the love story. It was more complex than Insta-Love, but I tend to prefer a slower burn and a little more delving into they why behind why people love one another. That said, this is a minor quibble. All in all, "Sing Our Bones Eternal" is a lovely time spent in a strange, vicious, enchanting place.

[Hester Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayburn’s debut is a spellbinding read that feels like slipping into a dream, one that seeps into your bones and holds you in its thrall long after you wake up. A simply exquisite blend of gothic horror, fantasy, and dark folklore.

[Shelby McGriff · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sing Our Bones Eternal” is an impressive gothic/folk horror debut that I couldn’t put down! The story is engaging, the world-building is vivid, and the prose is whimsical and poetic without being over the top. I loved everything about the seaside setting of Hourglass Isle - it was incredibly atmospheric and haunting, which is one of my favorite elements of gothic-infused stories.

There are multiple POVs in this story, so I occasionally found myself confused and having to re-read sections. But I find I have to do that with many fantasy novels where you’re learning about a new world, so I don’t think it takes away from the story.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in dark fairy tales, Scottish folklore, or stories that lean toward horror-fantasy. There are definitely some gory moments as well as a few steamy scenes, so keep that in mind going in!

Thank you to the author for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[J.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a spellbinding Dark Fantasy, Gothic, and Folk Horror story rooted in Scottish folklore that is instantly captivating. Once the story hooks you, you're helplessly caught in this tale. I devoured this story in 2 days. I'm a sucker for mermaids and folklore. This MPOV tale primarily follows the MC Senga, who is an outcast on her Isle. Born to a wicked father and beguiled mother. This story speaks to those haunted by the call of the sea and stuck in a place they know they don't belong.
This book contains triggers and is meant for a mature audience.

Read this if you like dark fairytale retellings.

This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[OleanderDreams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranded on a strange isle, a lonely woman becomes the host of an ancestral haunting in Rayburn’s gothic reimagining of The Little Mermaid.

If you like truly dark reimagined fairy tales written in that lyrical way that feels like an old world tale, then Sing Our Bones Eternal is for you. The writing was beautiful, haunting, and at times disturbing. I'm a sucker for it so it's no surprise that it was my favorite part about this book.

Senga is our female main character and portrayed the struggle of nature vs nurture. She was raised by horrible men giving tribute to a dark and violent goddess but her true nature was the opposite so you really see her throughout the book struggle with the fear of going against her family of her trying to decide who Senga really is inside and what it is that she wants for herself and what she sees as right.

I liked that we jumped between character PoV's at times that would provide better insight seeing from that particular character's view instead of Senga's. Overall it helped to paint a bigger clearer picture. I particularly liked having the POV from Earie and Ivor.

I wish we could have gotten more about Wulvers from Ivor's Povs because I'm a massive werewolf fan. I also wish there was a little more to Senga and Ivor's romance, I felt more compelled by her attraction and relationship with the mermaid Abilene than I did by her and Ivor most of the time.

When the title comes into play how exactly the queenfish can sing their bones eternal it really combines this motif of something disturbing and something beautiful coming together.

All in all I would say for me this one lands at a 3.5 and I enjoyed reading it.

*Fair warning there is a scene with a man briefly lusting over the mutilated corpse of a mermaid that I feel needs a mention in triggers*

[Tyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sing Our Bones Eternal is one of the most lyrical books that I’ve had the pleasure of reading in a long while. This is a dark and haunting reimagining of The Little Mermaid and it was nothing like I’ve read before. It gave me the feeling of the old world fairytales that are based in deep folklore that many current retellings lack.

I don’t know how the author managed to capture the pure essence of human nature, both the light and the dark, in such a short book. She does not shy away from exploiting each characters flaws and internal struggles. The lyrical writing pulls the reader into the Hourglass Island world with all these wretched characters, a few seeking redemption.

Senga, the fmc, is the balance of the book. She struggles with the light and dark inside her and eventually finds her true nature. The love story is a struggle but in the end, like the rest of the book, the true story emerges and it was definitely worth the slow burn.

There were a few references I did not completely understand in terms of folklore but given context I was able to figure things out. This just isn’t only a story about mermaids but a story of girl struggling to find her place both mentally and physically. And which may or may not be under the sea. Again my favorite aspect of this story was the lyrical writing. I can not emphasize how beautiful and narrative poem like this book is. I hope you add it to your gothic TBR.

Please be aware of trigger warnings;
psychological horror, body horror, violence, animal sacrifice, blood, and sexual content. Intended for 18+ years old.

[Klaartje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sing Our Bones Eternal is a gothic fantasy and folk horror novel inspired by The Little Mermaid, Bluebeard and Scottish folklore. We follow Senga who lives on Hourglass Isle with her very peculiar, wicked family that keeps a mermaid locked in their basement. When Senga slowly learns why, she has to choose between staying loyal to her family and helping a creature she has come to know.

⚠️ Please check trigger warnings before reading the book.

I've never read anything like Sing Our Bones Eternal before. I was completely mesmerised by the unique fairytale-like world of Scottish nature, mermaids and other legendary creatures. Rayburn has a very poetic writing style and often uses beautiful sea-related metaphors. All locations are described in great detail but I especially loved the underwater world of the mermaids.

Though mainly about Senga, the story follows many characters in alternating POV chapters - humans, mermaids and other creatures. There were so many things going on with each character, which made me wonder constantly what would happen next. The use of horror also worked really well for me. Folklore and fairytales are often gruesome, and the horror elements helped to portray some heavier topics in a realistic way.

Maybe I would have liked to get to know the characters and their motivations a bit better, particularly to be more invested in the romances (which included sapphic ones!). But the thoroughly developed, unique atmosphere really made up for it, and I still often think about it!

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you so much to the author for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maybe some monsters aren't monsters at all, or at least they don't mean to be. Maybe they're just like me -- birds falling from their nests. Their minds fly from the cages of their bodies"

Sing Our Bones Eternal is a reimagining of The Little Mermaid, best described as a dark fairy tale with elements of folk horror and gothic fantasy.

I was hooked from page one, the book is very atmospheric. The story is told through multiple POV, but we mainly follow Senga, who is an outcast on Hourglass Isle. Her family is wicked and she's caught in the middle of keeping up with their traditions so to speak and doing what she thinks is right.

Sometimes multiple POVs can muddle a story, but that was not the case. I loved the addition of each POV and seeing how all the stories were tied by this one common thread.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Abilene and Senga. And Ivor of course.

check this out if you like
•mermaids
•dark fairy tales
•multiple POV
•elements of folklore
•atmospheric books

(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review)

[Sabrina Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content Warning
Abuse, murder, explicit sexual content, human and animal sacrifice

Publication Date:29th March 2023

This book was gifted to me by the author but all opinions are my own and have not been influenced by this.

The writing of this book is beautiful and poetic it really draws you into this dark world where nothing is what it seems. I loved the interactions of the characters and the moving between the characters despite it being a bit confusing at first I think contributed to the restless feeling behind the entire book. I will say some of the alternative words used during the sexual aspects of this book did confuse me a bit but I think it mostly showed the naivety of the characters. The narration of Sencha reminded me of merrycat in We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson which I enjoyed. Overall this was an intriguing gothic story that I raced through!

[Rachel Betancourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings on this book but it was a solid 4 star read for me. Some parts I struggled to follow what was happening (mostly when we were reading memories) and others I was so engrossed in, I couldn't stop reading. Senga is a complex character, struggling with the light and dark parts of herself; pulled between family and what shes grown up to know and secrets she desperately wants to unveil. This mermaid/folklore retelling was full of world-building, dark fantasy elements, had multiple POVs, and some horror.

If you love Dark Gothic fantasy, this is a book you'll enjoy!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

this story was so beautifully written! and the prose was amazing.

this book is the story of Senga and her dark gothic story with love, mermaids, and dark secrets. There’s also magic, revenge and a stories history with the characters. The multiple points of view really brought this story together.

if you like dark retellings of lore, this book is for you! it’s mature so be aware of that when you pick it up. Sing our bones eternal was a genuinely beautiful story

[TheseHauntedPages]

DNF at 25%

Unfortunately I struggled with this story, I can’t fault the writing style but I found the premise of the story confusing and as I don’t know anything about Scottish folklore I couldn’t really grasp what was happening.

If you are a fan of folklore (particularly Scottish), Gothic themes and dark mermaid tales then this might be for you!

Thank you to Kacey for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Shia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark fairytales have become my new obsession! This tale of the little mermaid reimagining was hauntingly good!

[bookish.reader.elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really unique mermaid retelling. The imagery and story felt a bit like a poem or song the way it was written. It’s very lyrical and feels like you’re listening to an old sea tale. It definitely did have some darker themes and uncomfortable moments for the main characters so check out trigger warnings. The multi POVs kept the story interesting. I really enjoyed the other mythological creatures and folklore aspects. I think fans of darker stories with gothic horror elements would enjoy this. Overall it was interesting and a good story I think I just struggled with the formatting of the story. It story didn’t progress as a linear plot it had memories and current events so I found myself getting lost a few times with what was actually happening. I did enjoy the mystery and suspense aspects and guessing what would happen next.

[Teela (bookdragontee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What a pretty black pearl," she whispers, touching the rosette in the hollow of my throat. "Did your father give it to you?"

"No, Ivor gave it to me. He's the only friend I've ever had."

"Ivor must think you're something special. Black pearls are hard to find. I bet he dove a thousand times to find such a treasure."

"Heavens and stars, I had no idea the trouble he went to."

Abilene snags another blenny. "Do you know why some pearls turn black?"

I shake my head, raising a curious brow.

"Because something terrible slips inside the oyster and wounds it. Oysters feel pain just like we do. They even cry like we do. Their tears are what turns pearls black." Her voice rivers around me, rushing deep. I close my eyes, dipping my head on her shoulder. "But oysters fight back," Abilene hisses, running her fingers through my hair. "I know who you are, Senga. You're a black pearl from The Bitter Sea. Something terrible has slipped inside you, but you're fighting back."

Do you want to know what one of my absolute favorite things about books is? I love when they haunt me long after I've finished them; and nothing haunts quite like a gothic narrative that reads like an arcane fairytale. Sing Our Bones Eternal is a lush, poetically written story overflowing with folklore and stunning imagery, brimming with a dark and sensuous horror, all with an ending that's the perfect kind of bittersweet - satisfying, yes, but also the kind that leaves the reader with a bruised heart. The entire thing almost feels dreamlike. So say what you will about the story itself, but Kacey's prose is absolutely stunning.

Sing Our Bones Eternal is told from multiple perspectives, but it is chiefly about Senga - a young woman struggling to reconcile herself with the evil and atrocities her family commits in the name of a selfish, deceitful being that fancies herself a god. And the consequences of these atrocities have rippling consequences that haunt Senga.

"Are you lonely?"

"Yes, miserably. Kilda has bestowed her favor upon my family, but I feel cursed."

"I'm glad you're lonely," Abilene remarks. "Loneliness isn't a curse. It's a miracle. It means you feel the separation. There's hope for you yet, angelfish. Somewhere, deep down inside, you remember your true nature."

"How can you be so old and beautiful at the same time?"

Abilene raises a brow. "Haven't you heard? Old is the best kind of beautiful."

Sing Our Bones Eternal may be a dark reimagining of The Little Mermaid in more ways than one, but its only the bones that Kacey pulls from when structuring this story. She's woven so much more here, from the fantasy horror elements and Scottish folklore, to the soul-deep longing that has the power to speak to anyone with ears to listen. There are so many aspects to this world Kacey has created that I absolutely love. Her take on mermaids is something I haven't yet encountered and I love the exquisite balance between ethereal beauty and a sharp darkness that has to be experienced to be understood.

There are two romantic tales interwoven here - one between a human woman (and no, I won't spoil who she is) and the queenfish (which, by the way, all the extra bonus stars for some gorgeous sapphic representation!); and the other is between Senga and Ivor (who is not quite as he seems). There is a rich sensuality to Kacey's writing that I just couldn't get enough of and I love the way she crafts the more erotic scenes without ever losing that dreamlike quality that remains threaded throughout.

Is this love? To be so close and yet so far? To want something that hurts and heals in equal measure? To hear holy bells ringing in a candlelit shrine?

But I know I'm not welcome in shrines, so I shiver outside in the cold among the hawthorns and fairies, listening to the sound of my heart breaking. I don't long for bells or gods or relics. I long for the people inside, holding hands, warming each other with their own little fires. I long to be part of something good, to sing a song I've never sung....

"You remind me of my sister, Earie. For centuries, she lived as though she was a flounder, weak and powerless. No matter how cruel Kilda was, Earie just wanted Kilda to love her, just as you want your family to love you. It's natural to love your family." Abilene touches my cheek tenderly. "It's hard to born in the darkness, always searching for the light, but you can escape the darkness whenever you're ready."

"How?"

"Become the light," Abilene croons.

Some important things of note for future readers: if you're in search of a fast burn with lots of spice, this may not be the book for you. Sing Our Bones Eternal may have romance and some swelteringly spicy bits, but they’re not the main focal point of the story and the actual romance itself is definitely of the slow burn variety. And those erotic moments are like poetry themselves - the writing here truly is magical.

Everything about this book is incredibly atmospheric and just rich with references to fairytales and folklore, and the gothic fantasy elements give me life.

But I can definitely see some readers finding the prose to be on the purple side of the spectrum (although for myself, I wouldn't necessarily agree, but I also love that kind of writing, so I'm definitely biased here). The trigger and content warnings are also no joke. This book can be incredibly dark and bloody and deeply unsettling at times, so please keep that in mind before picking it up.

The moral struggle that Senga experiences is also definitely not for the faint of heart, but Kacey captures it beautifully - I honestly have no notes there. It was so hard to see Senga struggle with decisions that seemed so blatant from the outside, but it serves as an excellent reminder that abuse and trauma can have such profound impacts on a person, much of it going unseen... which makes those little acts of rebellion shine like the moments of incredible bravery that they are. But the extent of Senga's struggle, I think, is what makes her decisions later on (including that ending) all the more rewarding.

"You can't be the light for everyone, but you can be the light for me and my little fry. Both our families have done cruel things to each other. After all, it was my sister who poisoned your isle. But we can be the light for each other, Senga. If we can see each other for who we truly are, apart from our families, then we can conquer the darkness together."

Sing Our Bones Eternal is a book I didn't know I needed. I had no idea it would touch me the way it did, that it would even be a contender for one of my favorite books of 2023 (let alone crack the list) - and yet it did just that. This story is endlessly beautiful and haunting and heartbreaking and filled with just so much hope.

I can't recommend this book enough. I will definitely be returning to it for years to come. And if Kacey keeps this up, she'll have a devoted reader in me for life.

As I float in The Deep Dark Nether, I sing like never before, my voice melding with my mother's. Together, we join the chorus of eternals. We sing of blood and sand, of suffering and salvation. We sing of gods and humans and the dark little magic we do to each other.

Heat dances between my ribs and down my spine, toasting me tender. I'm not alone anymore, among the hawthorns and fairies. I'm inside a candlelit shrine, holding hands with my sisters, warming each other with our own little fires.

I'm where I've always wanted to be - home, at last.

I'm free.

[Nadja Petković · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sing Our Bones Eternal is a hauntingly beautiful tale that will transport to a cursed island - Hourglass Isle, surrounded by the Bitter Sea. This is a place where the secrets of the past are shrouded in a veil of mystery and the line between reality and fantasy is blurred beyond recognition. I'm sure this book will keep you spellbound from beginning to end, as you travel through a world filled with mermaids, folklore, and other mythical creatures.

I loved all the characters so much - so I wanted to write more about them, as well. Here are the main characters of Sing Our Bones Eternal:

Senga:

Senga is a strong, understanding, yet mysterious girl, a mermaid who has forgotten her true identity. She's living a life devoid of her inherent freedom.

Though she seems to have lost touch with her true nature, there is a hint of something wild about her, a suggestion of a deeper, more primal self lurking just beneath the surface. Even though she has legs - every night, Senga dreams about sewing them together and diving deep below the surface. These dreams are what make her question who she really is, among other things.

It is only when Senga encounters Abilene, a real mermaid, that she begins to question her whole existence. Abilene is captured by Senga's family for a sacrifice. To discover what kind of a sacrifice, exactly... You will have to read the whole book. It's absolutely worth it.

Abilene:

Abilene is amermaid who has been captured and is waiting to be sacrificed, as I've written before. Though her situation is dire, there is a fierce spirit within her that refuses to be broken. Above all - she is carrying a child, her little fry, as she calles her yet unborn daughter.

Despite her circumstances, Abilene is quick to befriend Senga, talking to her every night. Through their conversations, Abilene gently but persistently tries to help Senga remember who she really is, urging her to embrace the freedom and power that is her birthright.

Will Senga manage to help Abilene before it's too late? She must choose between her family, and a new friend, new possibilites and freedom.

Ivor:

As Senga's love interest, Ivor is a vital part of the story, bringing a sense of warmth to the dark world of the book. That is how I see his character. His love for Senga is deep and abiding, and he cares for her with a fierce protectiveness.

Though he initially seems to be just a human resident of Hourglass Isle, it soon becomes clear that there is much more to him than meets the eye.

It is soon revealed that he, like everyone else on Hourglass Isle, is something else entirely - a being that has forgotten its true nature and purpose.

Lorna and Twila:

Two sisters, living together with their husbands and Senga. Twila is Senga's mother - but she lost her speech. Why is that, you need to discover for yourself. Twila is a dear, loving mother, always ready to sacrifice herself to help Senga - but Lorna is a completely different woman. Both of them are shrouded in mystery, but you will learn more about them and their history as the story unfolds.

Earie:

The queenfish of the Bitter Sea, the keeper of the Deep Dark Nether. Earie's story is one of pain and heartbreak, as she mourns the loss of her true love, Twila. How did they meet and what happened between them - I'll leave it to you, to discover for yourself.

Despite her pain, however, Earie remains committed to her duties as the queenfish. Her story is a poignant reminder of the power of love and loss, and the strength that can be found in the most difficult of circumstances.

The writing in Sing Our Bones Eternal is simply breathtaking. The prose is rich and evocative, and so lush. The mermaids, in particular, are a highlight of the story. They're portrayed as gorgeous, alluring and yet kind-hearted beings, caring for each other and their world so deeply, which I honestly loved so much.

But what truly sets this book apart is its gothic atmosphere. From the very first page, you will be immersed in a world of darkness and foreboding, where the very air is thick with the scent of blood and... magic? Oh, most definitely. The island itself is a character in its own right, you'll see. Every page is infused with a sense of mystery, as the characters struggle to unravel the secrets that lie hidden in the depths.

Sing Our Bones Eternal is a tale that is both beautiful and brutal, with moments of heart-wrenching sadness and horror. But it is also a story that is so deeply rewarding.

If you are a fan of dark fairy tales, gothic horror, or simply beautiful prose, then Sing Our Bones Eternal is a must-read for you. It is a book that will linger in your mind long after you have turned the final page, leaving you with a sense of awe and wonder at the magic of storytelling.

Dear Kacey, thank you wholeheartedly for giving me the chance to read your book before it's released to the world. I can't wait to see how far it will come!

[Diane Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sing Our Bones eternal is a richly drawn fantasy where seafaring Bluebeards hunt mermaids to sacrifice to their god, a magical tree named Kilda who will grant favor for those sacrifices. Senga is the primary character, the daughter of one such hunter, and a hunter herself, although she’s going through a major identity crisis, believing that bewitching may have occurred to transform her from mermaid to human.

Abilene, a mermaid captured by Senga's family for the purpose of sacrifice, spends time with Senga while in captivity, and she is more than willing to convince Senga of the awful truth.

The author has a highly picturesque style of writing. The world these characters inhabit is drawn in splashy poetic—and often horrific detail. There’s no doubt that a lot of heart went into the telling of this story. It's a darkly detailed romantic fantasy that doesn’t shy away from themes of abuse, loss, sacrifice and sexual awakening, dressed in a folkloric world of mermaids and satyrs and werewolves.

But it can sometimes be hard to follow because of the rich style of writing. The story unfolds from multiple points of view that had me pausing to ratchet back, trying to remember who was who and what their connections were to the other characters in the story, and because of it, I often felt a bit disconnected from those characters. But for the right audience—that being dark romantic fantasy—this story is sure to entertain.

This is not the kind of story I normally choose, so take that into consideration when I rate this a four. It’s ultimately not my kind of story, but it’s well written on multiple levels, and I recognize that quality. I want to thank the author for providing this ARC.

[Anisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, enchanting tale focusing on the story of Senga. Think gothic, haunting, sinister with an element of horror. Senga is a bit of an outcast who condones her family’s way of living. Nothing shows this more than when Abilene is captured as a sacrifice for the god Kilda. The reader recognises that Senga is different, she shows empathy and compassion for the mermaid and unlike her family, forms a friendship.

Its not your average mermaid story, it’s so much darker and routed in Scottish folklore, fairytales, and the juxtaposition of cruelty and kindness. It also draws upon loneliness, the need to belong and how our fears hinder us from becoming our true selves. The setting of the story is eerie, and the effects of the island upon its inhabitants is portrayed through Senga’s character as she begins to question her family’s rituals.

It’s atmospheric, chilling, descriptive and told through lyrical prose. There are multiple POVs which not only add to the development of the story, but to each character’s inner monologue. It’s a bittersweet story, that keeps the reader engaged throughout. There’s also an element of romance and spice, but also heavier elements such as abuse, violence and sacrifice.

It’s such beautifully written tale, and if you’re a fan of dark fantasy with elements of horror and suspense then this is definitely the book for you.

I also loved that the author provided us with the recipes of the food consumed within the story at the end of the book.

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ⋆

A massive thank you to Kacey for providing me with a copy of this incredible book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

“It’s hard to be born into darkness, always searching for the light, but you can escape the darkness whenever you’re ready.”  
 
Sing Our Bones Eternal is a Scottish folklore-inspired gothic fantasy by Kacey Rayburn — which involves mermaids! I can’t really say I’ve read any sort of retelling which involved mermaids, so the overall synopsis piqued my interest.
 
I really enjoyed the dark elements and the atmosphere that was created, but I also felt like something more was missing; the world could have been developed more as could the characters. I was also hoping to see more interaction between Ivor and Senga, both in the romanic sense and in general. This is by no means a romance, but I think seeing what drew these characters together would have shown more development to understanding the couple. I liked that while there was a hint of romance, it wasn’t overly done.

I should also note backstory is provided in flashbacks during character POVs, so you may be a bit lost at first, but it’ll make sense as you read on. You can’t exactly blame a person for wanting to know more of how and why of these characters and by the end it’s exactly that.
 
I cannot say that I was hooked from the beginning, but something about the story and Kacey’s lyrical writing hooked me. I normally chuck a book if it doesn’t pick up around chapter ten, so it says a lot that I kept reading. For me the story picked up around 43-50%.
 
“Bless those who burn, for they bring us light.” 
 
The dark elements mixed with suspense and horror made for something I enjoyed. Based on personal preference, I’d rate this book somewhere between 3-4 stars.  
 
If trigger warnings are your thing, be sure to check them out before reading. 

[Meigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atmospheric and eerie, SING OUR BONES ETERNAL is a dark and haunting fairytale brimming with subtle hints of folkloric horror. Reminiscent of the classic dark and disturbing fairytales, this book transports readers to sea cliffs and rolling green fields where magic roams and monsters lurk just beneath the surface. ⁣
⁣
A reimagining of The Little Mermaid, this story stays true to the bare bones of the original tale while infusing new life into it and giving it sharper teeth and deadlier claws. The world that Rayburn created was so gorgeous and so vivid that you could almost feel the salty sea spray and the bare branches of the trees pulling at your clothing. Told through multiple POV’s, I really loved how the story bounces between the past and present, slowly revealing the dark history of Senga’s family and the tragedies that befell them. I absolutely adored Senga and her need for both freedom and belonging. The overall story is good, but when Senga befriends a mermaid and is faced with…choices, that’s the point where the book goes from good to great. ⁣
⁣
Alongside the darkness, there’s a fair bit of romance and some steam and I loved how that helped to balance the overall tale. Don’t get me wrong, though — this isn’t a bright and happy story by any means. It’s meant to be dark and atmospheric, and that’s exactly what Rayburn delivers. Bottom line — a beautifully written dark fairytale that will also appeal to lovers of gothic fiction and folk horror. 4 stars. Many thanks to @finsandfables for gifting me a digital arc!⁣
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[Cia Petrichor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that this is a debut novel has me a bit mind blown. Told through multiple POVs and “The Mermaid Chorus”, Sing Our Bones Eternal feels like all of my favorite parts of classical epic poems and the darker fairytales like those of the Grimm brothers that often left your heart bloodied and brutalized along the way.

It highlights the glaring reality that not everyone will make it to the final page, love often goes hand in hand with pain and loss, and things are rarely ever black and white when it comes to good vs evil. Rayburn’s writing is poetic and raw, complete with too many highlight-able quotes to count and the same jagged edges and sharp teeth as the creatures she writes about.

Rich in Scottish Lore, Sing Our Bones Eternal is the story of a young woman at odd with her family’s wicked deeds, simultaneously wanting desperately to belong and be loved, but also itching at the seams with strange dreams and the sense that everyone—herself included—may be more than they seem. And true to that theme, this book is also about love gained and lost, betrayal and the sacrifices we make for the ones we love, the hunger and wait for vengeance, the secrets we keep and the toll they take on us.

I could go on and on, but I’ll just stop here and say that I feel honored to have read this as an ARC and I’m painfully eager for it to go out into the world. If you like retellings that are dark and twisted and take a piece of your heart with them when they’re over, this book might be for you.

**I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Crookedhouseofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it ⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5 round to 4)
🌶️🫑(1 and a half peppers)

SOBE is a very unique and original Gothic fairytale steeped in Scottish folklore.

In this story, we are introduced to all sorts of intriguing people and creatures, most notably mermaids. And I am here for it 👏

Although the romance was more of a secondary plot, there were plenty of other elements of horror and fantasy to keep me intrigued.

There were actually a few separate love stories touched upon, thanks to multiple POVs and although I would've loved to have seen more detailing and development between the FMC (Senga) and MMC (Ivor), I actually found myself much more pulled to the story of Senga's mother (Twila) and the Queenfish (Earie). Their love story was extremely touching and beautiful and I found myself wanting their entire backstory.

Another thing I loved was the historical fiction aspect, where the reader is reverted back in time to a tiny island where life is simplistic and explanations of the unknown are fantastical. But make no mistake, the mythology on this island is very much alive and magic is present.

What didn't quite work for me was what felt like a rushed ending. There were a few plot points that I ended up getting confused about and I'm fairly certain I wasn't supposed to be left scratching my head at them. 🤔 It could've just been me though.

All in all, the book stands on its own with huge points going to originality. And I loved how the author wasn't afraid to utilize such dark themes throughout its entirety.

[ladybreww · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘺, 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘵, 𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳-𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘬, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩: 𝘢 𝘴𝘬𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳-𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘢.

𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚 🎭: dark fairytale/gothic horror
𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙚 🏃🏼‍♀️: fast
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚: 🌶️
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 🖤: dark little mermaid retelling
𝙏𝙒/𝘾𝙒 ⚠️: psychological horror, violence, abuse, blood, animal sacrifice, and sexual content

🌊vibrant gothic imagery
🌊Scottish folklore
🌊lyrical writing

From the very first page I was hooked, even though I had no idea what direction the story would take me. I still have some questions - but that’s ok! This story is a unique and remarkable dark retelling in the vein of Grimms fairytales.

The book felt like an atmospheric fever dream until the very last page. If you enjoy the darker side of fairytales and folklore- you must read this book.

I loved the different perspectives. Creepy mermaids?? Sign me up. The mermaids were like a combination of beautiful mythical sirens and creatures from your worst nightmares. I didn’t know who to trust. The story is wild - the author has a brilliant and twisted imagination.

The gothic horror imagery was incredible.

👏🏼👏🏼 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙡𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙙 to readers who enjoy folklore with a dash of horror.

✨ 𝘚𝘸𝘪𝘱𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘚𝘺𝘯𝘰𝘱𝘴𝘪𝘴✨

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We sing of blood and sand, of suffering and salvation. We sing of gods and humans and the dark little magic we do to each other.”

WOW! This debut story was incredible! It is a masterpiece of lyrical poetry woven into a dark, gothic and horror filled tale unlike anything I have ever read before. The eeriness and ethereal beginning to this story had me mesmerized. I was on the edge of my seat, entranced by the deeply raw and gritty words, and gasping at all of the wickedness transpiring right before my eyes.

Senga is a young woman who desperately longs for love and acceptance. But her family continually pulls her into their wicked and corrupt ways so that they can gain the favor of an evil mermaid/goddess named Kilda.

It is a haunting tale filled with gory and disturbing moments but necessary for the reader to feel how twisted and warped the characters of Hourglass Isle’s lives are.

This story is rich in Scottish Lore, it’s imaginative, creative, and sensual. This amazing author gave us a beautiful, dark, twisted and spellbinding story that I won’t soon forget.

I highly recommend it if you enjoy dark, gothic folktales twisted in darkness.

“Some souls are born so hungry they enter the world a bloody, hissing mess. Fangs bared, they feast on mother meat, tender-pink, but it’s not enough. Craving more, they consume the world around them, sparing only what’s out of reach: a sky of lonely stars, the silver-bellied moon, and the deep salt sea.”

[mama_reads24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐙Releases March 29th
{ARC Read for honest review}

🧠 Plot: 4
✨️ 4
🌶 2

" The only treasure you keep is what you bury in your heart. I bury Senga in my heart, covering her with dust and flowers. All through the night, I feel her settling under my rib cage, my chest a freshly dug grave "

🧜‍♀️ Senga finds herself caught between blood and water, she must choose between the only life she's ever known and The Deep Dark Nether.

🖤 This Gothic reimagining of The Little Mermaid was conjured straight from The Dark Deep Nether.
It was dark, eerie, unique, enchanting, and beautifully poetic. Unrevealed dark truths slowly came out as the story progressed.
"Dark" aspects are more towards plot than romance.

🐚 I loved that the story was told from multiple POVs as we got context for several small stories/memories happening throughout the book.

🐺 I adore Senga and Ivor's relationship! He is seriously the sweetest! While their romance was more of a slow burn there were tidbits of other romance throughout. The terminology for the spice bits/anatomy was a little hard for me BUT I will say it goes perfectly with the poetic theme.

🎶 The ending was bittersweet and is not a traditional Happy Ever After.

🐚Multiple POVs
🖤MF & FF Couples
🌊Betrothed/Childhood Friends

⚠️ Content Warnings:
Psychological and body horror, abuse, violence, blood, animal sacrifice and s*x between consenting partners