Scan barcode
A review by dr_dr_olshakes
Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I've admittedly grown a little jaded about the almost presumptuous "queer/poc people identify with the monsters" but every once in a while a story will really, truly, capture the poignancy and truth of that parallel. Siren Queen is one of those stories. The magical realism truly lends itself to explorations of monstrosities, secrecy, and a beautiful eroticism.
Siren Queen balances luxuriating in its world and characters, while also weaving a tight story that satisfies each narrative beat. Characters come back, old tensions resolved without being heavy handed, and the ending is more than well earned.
I also want to state that as someone who LOVES the old movie monsters (and yes, I love them because I am them etc etc) it was so fun to read a book that also clearly loved them. Emmeline's white costume in the last Siren Queen movie is so reminiscent to the white bathing suit that Kay wears in The Creature From the Black Lagoon, and Luli is so obviously, and delightfully, the Creature. I loved the whole book, cover to cover.
Siren Queen balances luxuriating in its world and characters, while also weaving a tight story that satisfies each narrative beat. Characters come back, old tensions resolved without being heavy handed, and the ending is more than well earned.
I also want to state that as someone who LOVES the old movie monsters (and yes, I love them because I am them etc etc) it was so fun to read a book that also clearly loved them. Emmeline's white costume in the last Siren Queen movie is so reminiscent to the white bathing suit that Kay wears in The Creature From the Black Lagoon, and Luli is so obviously, and delightfully, the Creature. I loved the whole book, cover to cover.