Reviews with content warning for Rape - Sirens & Muses

This book does not get its proper due. I stumbled upon it while simply searching for fiction books about artists, and oh man. What glory have I happened upon???

It was so vividly refreshing to read a book written about art BY AN ACTUAL ARTIST. I am so tired of art being written about in that cheesy Lifetime way, as if the only thing you need to do to create better is to "loosen up."

No, our author Antonia Angress understands, not only ART, but also the art world! The institutions and systems that create such an intense disparity between the privilege of the 1% and the hungry, struggling artists who yearn for a moment's peace to create and improve and be brilliant. What a delicious juxtaposition that simply refused to quit!

Our 4 main characters were such a delight. Such a cool way to examine 4 artists who are all on different, distinct paths. Different styles, different sensibilities, different outlooks. Irrepressibly interesting personalities. Like, I wanted to hate Preston, but I JUST COULDN'T, he's so human!!

Much love to sweet Louisa and complicated Karina on their journey. Also, I was really moved by Robert's storyline.

No spoilers but I really thought the ending was fantastic.

Potential Cons:
- I think this book is a little bit longer than it needs to be, but I was completely along for the ride, so I didn't mind.
- not a story-driven book, so if you want that, shuffle along.

This book is for anyone who's ever been to art school and is a little bitter about how much it cost, but also still loves to create. Any bisexual girls in the house will also get some heart flutters from this.

Content Warnings

meh697's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

bootsmom3's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

jneverland's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Content Warnings

kannyyeung's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

masonjones's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

bbonaguro's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

beautifully written and amazing imagery. i loved the look into the complicated lives of these artists and how they all are connected in their various ways.

i wish they had a little bit more of an ending that brought the lovers together but it didn’t leave me feeling upset or mad about how their stories were ended, it left things up to imagination which was beautiful. i love that everyone found their way and figured out who they are meant to be in some sort of way. Karina is a very complex character and i hope that the future she could have is found through loving herself and while she doesn’t get a happy ending bow i am so happy that she met Louisa and they had their time together. fingers crossed she goes to Louisiana to escape the world she has always been a part of even for a little bit.

Content Warnings

staleritzcrackerz's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

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