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2.38k reviews for:

Sirens & Muses

Antonia Angress

3.98 AVERAGE

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This is a really beautiful book. The themes explored through the variety of characters, and the way all the stories overlapped and connected was masterfully done. Gorgeous, vivid description balanced with an engaging plot and compelling character development. Although I am not an artist, or am in any way knowledgeable about art, I would definitely recommend to anyone who feels intrigued by the blurb.
challenging medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional reflective slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This debut novel offers an intriguing glimpse into the art world and art academia. I enjoyed the exploration of what it means to create, own, and value art, especially the contrast between struggling artists and wealthy collectors.

The writing is lovely and descriptive, and I think this book would especially resonate with readers who are familiar with or curious about the inner workings of the art world. The web of connections between characters was well done, and I appreciated how those relationships slowly came together for the story.

While it wasn’t my usual cup of tea, I still found it interesting and well-written. The pacing was a bit slow at the start, and I would have rated it higher if the plot had been more developed. Still, it was a thoughtful and engaging read.
emotional reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional reflective slow-paced

4.5 I really liked this!!
fast-paced

I read this with a book group so I spaced out the reading of it over the entire month, and I'm really glad I did! Because of how short the book is I think I would have raced through it much quicker without pacing the quarters out—and reading it slowly gave me a lot of opportunity to give considered thought to the characters and their different approaches to art, money, and creative motivation. I hated Preston from the very beginning and that never changed—my reasons for my hatred were only increased and confirmed. Louisa began and remained my favorite character (perhaps biased by my love for Louisiana). I found Karina and her attitude towards's value/worth of art and it's creation fascinating—I can honestly say I have never considered artist's having that perspective about money and ALSO truly being a wunderkind. Robert fascinated me and I empathized with him even in my moments of dislike. His is the most rewarding arc of the book. highly recommend.
emotional reflective tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated