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adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Grief
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Violence, Blood
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment, Pandemic/Epidemic
adventurous
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Gun violence, Murder
adventurous
emotional
medium-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
I always did love reading about sirens/mermaids and pirates. I enjoyed the diversity in characters and the dynamics surrounding the Song and Chorus. As always, found family hits different.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-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
With a refreshing exploration into Siren lore and an emotionally complex protagonist, Celeste. Voice of the Ocean was a swashbuckling, pirate-filled Little Mermaid retelling that I genuinely couldn’t keep my hands off!
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this, especially with soo many unique adaptations on Little Mermaid. But it was an incredible take that delves into a darker, more complex narrative—and sees Celeste show more agency and drive than previous portrayals.
The moral complexity and darker tone was really intriguing, and when paired with Celeste’s conflicting feelings over her people’s merciless treatment of humans (and a system that punishes empathy), we delve into a richer, more relatable world with political undertones reflecting real world issues (surrounding power, corruption, rebellion and hope) that I can see soo many readers resonating with.
I loved protagonist, Celeste, who is caught between duty to her family and her own conscience which really brought nuance and emotional depth to her character. She’s thoughtful and compassionate, with an unwavering moral compass which does lead to her separation from the Siren community.
And her journey, in letting go of her fear and finding self acceptance by trusting herself (and standing up for what’s right) was soo endearing, if you love coming of age/ underdog stories, then you’ll love Celeste’s.
Her romance with Prince Raiden was wonderful too, if a little slow-burn. He’s far from flawless, struggling with trusting others. But like Celeste, he’s caught between familial duty and doing the right thing.
The supporting cast were the same; complex and loveable with a found family vibe I adored. And THAT ending! I really need book two ASAP.
Overall, an enjoyable read that fans of Serpent & Dove or To Kill A Kingdom won’t want to miss.
Also thanks to Atom/ Little,Brown UK for the finished copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, Sexual harassment
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
What an impressive debut novel! The writing was excellent and I really grew to love the characters
I really appreciated all the nods, both subtle and not-so- subtle, to the little mermaid (and specifically to the movie version many of us know and love). I thought this retelling did a great job of paying tribute to the story while branching off into its own thing
I will admit I found the first half of the book a tad slow but once the direction of the story became clear, I was hooked and am really eager to see what happens next
I highly recommend this debut fantasy novel
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC
I really appreciated all the nods, both subtle and not-so- subtle, to the little mermaid (and specifically to the movie version many of us know and love). I thought this retelling did a great job of paying tribute to the story while branching off into its own thing
I will admit I found the first half of the book a tad slow but once the direction of the story became clear, I was hooked and am really eager to see what happens next
I highly recommend this debut fantasy novel
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement