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xamon's review against another edition
5.0
Hhhhhhh so good
I am such a sucker for found family. Absolute babies who I want to just give love. They deserve the world and happiness.
I am such a sucker for found family. Absolute babies who I want to just give love. They deserve the world and happiness.
alizalondon's review
3.0
Oh, the diversity! It made my heart so happy, the relationship between Perle and Dejean.
Alas, there wasn’t much in the way of plot here, and several points I felt were abandoned and unexplained. Not to mention, I still don’t understand Dejean’s motivation for helping Perle as much as he did, and none of the characters were particularly fleshed out—with the exception of Perle, who was fantastic. A mediocre read for me!
Alas, there wasn’t much in the way of plot here, and several points I felt were abandoned and unexplained. Not to mention, I still don’t understand Dejean’s motivation for helping Perle as much as he did, and none of the characters were particularly fleshed out—with the exception of Perle, who was fantastic. A mediocre read for me!
readsknitsrepeats's review
4.0
4.5 Sirens, pirates, adventure…this utterly sweet book hooked me from the start! I really enjoyed the unique world-building, it was unlike anything I had read before. There are so many amazing themes that run through this book: found family, trust, personal healing/acceptance/growth, overcoming communication barriers, and love. The disability representation is handled well and is an integral part of the story. I love that the book is set in a queer-normative world. NonBinary and Ace representation and a Sapphic relationship.
goosemixtapes's review
4.0
(I was given a copy of this book via tumblr in exchange for an honest review.)
Our Bloody Pearl hooked me from pretty much the first paragraph. I loved it, and I'm excited to see Bryn's future works!
IMO the strongest aspect of this book was the main character. Perle's narrative voice was fresh and unique; they were distinct within sentences and I was attached within pages. The other characters proved similarly lovable - OBP has a really solid cast with a strong dynamic. (The cast was also entirely LGBT and didn't struggle for it, which always warms my heart, and as a nonbinary person, seeing a main character who uses they/them pronouns made me !!!) Bryn also has a wonderful narrative style; the lines of poetry at the start of each chapter were gorgeous, and so was the prose. I finished the book a few weeks ago, but a lot of the scenes still stick out clearly in my mind, and I have a vivid memory of both the imagery the prose created and the emotions carried in the scene.
The worldbuilding did feel fresh as well - I love pirate stories and the steampunk aspects involved were really well integrated, and of course the exploration of the siren species was wonderful and dragged me in at once. That being said, though, this was definitely a story driven by and focused on characters, which is where the book's worst (and perhaps only noticeable) flaw comes through: the development of the villain. Kian was a strong presence at the beginning of the book, in Perle's memories and constant fear of her, but she seemed to remain that way, only growing into a full character at the end of the story.
That said, though, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this novel and will definitely be buying a paperback copy!
Our Bloody Pearl hooked me from pretty much the first paragraph. I loved it, and I'm excited to see Bryn's future works!
IMO the strongest aspect of this book was the main character. Perle's narrative voice was fresh and unique; they were distinct within sentences and I was attached within pages. The other characters proved similarly lovable - OBP has a really solid cast with a strong dynamic. (The cast was also entirely LGBT and didn't struggle for it, which always warms my heart, and as a nonbinary person, seeing a main character who uses they/them pronouns made me !!!) Bryn also has a wonderful narrative style; the lines of poetry at the start of each chapter were gorgeous, and so was the prose. I finished the book a few weeks ago, but a lot of the scenes still stick out clearly in my mind, and I have a vivid memory of both the imagery the prose created and the emotions carried in the scene.
The worldbuilding did feel fresh as well - I love pirate stories and the steampunk aspects involved were really well integrated, and of course the exploration of the siren species was wonderful and dragged me in at once. That being said, though, this was definitely a story driven by and focused on characters, which is where the book's worst (and perhaps only noticeable) flaw comes through: the development of the villain. Kian was a strong presence at the beginning of the book, in Perle's memories and constant fear of her, but she seemed to remain that way, only growing into a full character at the end of the story.
That said, though, I wholeheartedly enjoyed this novel and will definitely be buying a paperback copy!
dawn_chen's review
5.0
THIS BOOK. DID SOMETHING TO ME. I DON'T THINK I HAVE WORDS FOR IT. IT'S JUST. PERFECT???
I couldn't believe this is only about 200 pages??? So MANY things had happened throughout this novel and not at ONE point it feels like it's sluggish or boring. It had a believable and all-rounded worldbuilding, developed all the characters and flashed out their personalities and character arcs fully, created chemistry and dynamics between characters (especially Dejean and Perle), gave me at least four fucking heart attack, and MANAGED TO PORTRAY THE SPECIES CONFLICT BETWEEN SIRENS AND HUMANS BETTER THAN ANY BOOK I'VE EVER READ.
HOW??? JUST??? FUCKING HOW??? I FEEL MORE FOR THIS BOOK THAN MOST 400+ PAGES BOOKS I'VE EVER READ??? LIKE THIS IS VERY LIKELY MY FAVORITE BOOK OF 2020??? HOW IS THIS SO UNDERRATED??? HOWWWWW???
This story is very much about hurt and comfort, healing from a past abusive relationship, as well as the cycle of hatred and trauma and abuse.
It created a believable species of sirens that are bloody and brutal yet so very sympathetic, especially the main character Perle is so utterly inhuman (swear their "wTF is this weird concept that's called gender" and their general misunderstanding of human words and concept is fucking hilarious), yet so filled with humanity (vulnerable, loyal and willing to forgive the past). The walking talking cinnamon roll that is Dejean (probably the sweetest and softest pirate captain in human history). Their relationship progress so organically, from Perle's mistrust due to past human abuse to them bonding over ACTUAL SUPPORTIVE INTERACTIONS. Also Dejean's asexual too, I think??? They are probably the healthiest relationship I have ever read in fiction before, like there's this total mutual trust and affection between them and it's build up so well that it's actually believable.
BEST FOUND FAMILY EVERRRRR.
That one paragraph still makes me cry. I'll post it at the end after the spoiler warning.
All the side characters are all very likable or just very complex. Even Kian, the main abusive and all round irredeemable villain, was given some very interesting depth to why she did what she did to Perle and sirens (and honestly I feel bad for her as well, because I think I might do what she did as well if put in the same situation.) Maruielle is an absolute delight, I aspire to have her level of disaster lesbian energy. Her sapphic relationship with Simone is an absolute beautiful addition to the supporting cast, and I love how Simone is trans but it's not treated as a big deal at all and the discussion regarding gender is so respectful, while still very clearly differentiating the genderless (also intersex?) sirens from humans.
Just. This book. DESERVES EVERYTHING. Please. Read it. If u have to read one more book. Read this one. Please. PLEASE.
(spoilers)
This paragraph still makes me cry.
"I try the only option I have left. I sing. I sing to Dejean with everything I have in me. My tune harmonizes with the other sirens’ vicious elegy, but it rises above theirs, soft and sweet and inviting. It harbors everything I feel for Dejean, and everything I’ve seen of the ocean through his eyes. I sing for him and for the sea: I sing of the love I hold for my home and the way he worked to meet me here, in this dangerous, turbulent, wonderful ocean."
I couldn't believe this is only about 200 pages??? So MANY things had happened throughout this novel and not at ONE point it feels like it's sluggish or boring. It had a believable and all-rounded worldbuilding, developed all the characters and flashed out their personalities and character arcs fully, created chemistry and dynamics between characters (especially Dejean and Perle), gave me at least four fucking heart attack, and MANAGED TO PORTRAY THE SPECIES CONFLICT BETWEEN SIRENS AND HUMANS BETTER THAN ANY BOOK I'VE EVER READ.
HOW??? JUST??? FUCKING HOW??? I FEEL MORE FOR THIS BOOK THAN MOST 400+ PAGES BOOKS I'VE EVER READ??? LIKE THIS IS VERY LIKELY MY FAVORITE BOOK OF 2020??? HOW IS THIS SO UNDERRATED??? HOWWWWW???
This story is very much about hurt and comfort, healing from a past abusive relationship, as well as the cycle of hatred and trauma and abuse.
It created a believable species of sirens that are bloody and brutal yet so very sympathetic, especially the main character Perle is so utterly inhuman (swear their "wTF is this weird concept that's called gender" and their general misunderstanding of human words and concept is fucking hilarious), yet so filled with humanity (vulnerable, loyal and willing to forgive the past). The walking talking cinnamon roll that is Dejean (probably the sweetest and softest pirate captain in human history). Their relationship progress so organically, from Perle's mistrust due to past human abuse to them bonding over ACTUAL SUPPORTIVE INTERACTIONS. Also Dejean's asexual too, I think??? They are probably the healthiest relationship I have ever read in fiction before, like there's this total mutual trust and affection between them and it's build up so well that it's actually believable.
BEST FOUND FAMILY EVERRRRR.
That one paragraph still makes me cry. I'll post it at the end after the spoiler warning.
All the side characters are all very likable or just very complex. Even Kian, the main abusive and all round irredeemable villain, was given some very interesting depth to why she did what she did to Perle and sirens (and honestly I feel bad for her as well, because I think I might do what she did as well if put in the same situation.) Maruielle is an absolute delight, I aspire to have her level of disaster lesbian energy. Her sapphic relationship with Simone is an absolute beautiful addition to the supporting cast, and I love how Simone is trans but it's not treated as a big deal at all and the discussion regarding gender is so respectful, while still very clearly differentiating the genderless (also intersex?) sirens from humans.
Just. This book. DESERVES EVERYTHING. Please. Read it. If u have to read one more book. Read this one. Please. PLEASE.
(spoilers)
This paragraph still makes me cry.
"I try the only option I have left. I sing. I sing to Dejean with everything I have in me. My tune harmonizes with the other sirens’ vicious elegy, but it rises above theirs, soft and sweet and inviting. It harbors everything I feel for Dejean, and everything I’ve seen of the ocean through his eyes. I sing for him and for the sea: I sing of the love I hold for my home and the way he worked to meet me here, in this dangerous, turbulent, wonderful ocean."
becinneverland's review against another edition
5.0
top contender for a new comfort read…i should probably do more work in therapy
bookloversofi's review
4.0
I want to thank the author for sending me, so kindly, a copy for review. As always, my thoughts on the book are 100% my own and honest
Wow this book, I really liked it, and I can't wait for the next one. I think it's one of the most unique books I've read this year, it's full of well-made representations and lovable characters, very well created.
4/5 Stars
You can find more of my review on my blog A Book. A Thought.
In this story we follow Perle, a mermaid who has been captured by the fearsome pirate captain Kian, who in her quest to capture mermaids and sell them, has created a device which blocks their voices, by preventing them from singing, and in this way has stripped them of one of their most lethal weapons. Perle's hope of escape is revived when the ship is taken by other pirates, and this new captain, with his bright smiles seems different than the rest and promises Perle that she'll never return to Kian's hands. But he's still a human and a captor in some way, so Perle is not sure if she can really trust him. As the tides change, Perle must decide whether to escape once and for all from Kian, or ride the wave and defeat her, so that she no longer hurts more mermaids, waiting for these new humans to join her.
The book is entirely told from Perle's point of view, and that's so incredible, I usually enjoy multiple POVs, but this time I feel it was perfect that the story was only told from Perle's point of view, since she's a mermaid, she has a very particular and different way of seeing the world out of the water and the humans that live in it. There are times when she describes how the sirens live and how they relate, and I feel that it's so interesting, in fact the sirens don't identify themselves with any gender, they can change their sexual organs to female or male depending on what their needs are, what which I found so interesting, unique and incredible. This gave to the plot something very special, since Perle refers to everyone as THEM or THEY, until she goes more bonding with humans and understanding how they live and how they feel represented. I think all this is the most unique and different that this book has, and it was indeed a pleasant surprise for me, it gives to the story a lot of diversity and makes you see the world differently, loved that.
The way in which sexual diversity is touched in this book is beautiful, so natural and relaxed. The conversations are so amazing.
The writing style is very different from what I'm used to, but that was a good thing, I enjoyed it a lot, I feel it's one of those writings that should be read slowly in order to enjoy them, it has very beautiful and poetic quotes.
Even so, I think that the book in general is slow pace, but if this is not a problem for you, you'll surely enjoy it
The world building is really good, but I would have liked to see a little more of the sirens world as such, maybe this is something that will be seen more in the next book, so I'll be waiting for it. The whole structure of the sirens like these beings that hunt, and are a little cold but also very loyal, it was fantastic. I think it's a world full of possibilities and I need to know more about. It's very atmospheric and I think it is due to the beautiful writing style.
Confession Time #1: It's the first time I read a story entirely about mermaids. And it has been a new and rewarding experience for me, now I'm determined to read more about it
Confession Time #2: I don't usually like pirate stories, I know, SHOCK lol. I don't know why, but I usually find pirates as difficult characters, which fail to capture my interest, but this time there was so much diversity around the subject that I managed to get involved a bit more.
The characters were great!, you know I'm all about some good characters and this book has them. We have, of course, Perle, and I loved her, I think it adds a lot to the story and gives the plot both fun and raw moments, plus, I enjoyed her learning, growth and above all her incredible strength. Dejean, is a great character and although he enters the story as a pirate, is not the typical image of one, in fact, it's the opposite and has been a very loyal and adorable character, and also his chats with Perle are very diverse and interesting to read. Murielle and Simone are both great, they have made me laugh a lot with their lines, and I also adore this incredible relationship that exists between them.
There are many Sci-fi aspects that are very well integrated in the world, I didn't expect it at all, but I liked it a lot
So, I really loved the book, the ending was very nice and inclusive, I recommend it a lot if you like pirates and mermaids stories, but especially if you're looking for books that represent the LGBT+ community or have gender representations, overall. The author has done an excellent job with that, and I can't wait to read the next one!, I feel that this book is just the beginning of a great adventure
xkou's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
tomthegreat's review against another edition
4.0
Family trope 11/10. Perle 11/10. Dejean 11/10. Perle&Dejean 11/10. Thank you very much. Może wolałbym trochę więcej akcji, ale tak to wszystko było wholesome cudowne