Review: A Sea of Song and Sirens

A Sea of Song and Sirens by Whit Stanfield
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

🌊🧜‍♀️A Spellbinding Debut🧜‍♀️🌊

From the very first page Whit’s enchanting story just catches you in a rip, taking you on a wild va’a ride full of naiads, magic and intrigue, putting you under an incantation which refuses to let you go until the very last page.

I felt drawn to Maren, our daring and sassy FMC with tightly guarded secrets held close to her heart, and who is often misunderstood by her superstitious Leihani Islander neighbours and family. While finding refuge on the accursed island of Neris (we love a girl with a green thumb!), Maren seeks the companionship of her somewhat questionable two friends of the Sea’n’Fin persuasion, but who do you ask just happens to be drowning nearby? Someone tall, sunburnt and handsome, a Calder stranger by the name of Kye with secrets of his very own that threatens to tear apart Maren’s world but just might see her for who she truly is.

The book was easy to devour and though a tad predictable in places, there was enough twists, turns and fun banter to keep the entertaining momentum going to propel you through the pages. I was fairly impressed with the Polynesian inspired world building, a magic system which delves into siren/mer mythology of old and the comprehensive glossary of words that Whit included in her book (just don’t get me to speak any of them out loud! *shame*).

Both the main and supporting characters are endearing and charming, at other times infuriating (dear gawd, I wanted to yell and slap certain characters so HARD!) but again, all will be revealed in good time.

And yes, there is romance but leans more towards a slightly confusing blend of slow burn enemies-acquaintances-enemies-friends-enemies-lovers due to various events and influences which you will just have to read to find out (*lips are zipped shut*).

🌊 🧜‍♀️ 🌊

Overall “A Sea of Song and Sirens” is a breath of fresh sea air, a captivating adult fantasy read with a strong and independent underdog FMC you want to root for with a decent helping of romance, intrigue, sisterhood, magic, Naiads and rich Leilani Islander mythos.

Nothing is what it appears and at times I could almost feel the sea breeze in my hair, the sand and ocean between my toes, and the dried salt on my lips. Fair Warning, this debut ended on a cliffhanger, but considering how much fun the first book was, I cannot wait for what Whit has instore for us next.

🌊🧜‍♀️🌊

Please Note:
🌊 I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌊 A Content Warning with a full list of potentially triggering tropes can be found at the beginning of the book.