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A review by writersrelief
Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Early Hollywood was not a great place to be BIPOC or LGBTQ+. In addition to controlling most aspects of one’s personal life, many studio contracts included “moral clauses” to ensure their stars were always on their best behavior, lest they face job termination. Nghi Vo’s fantastical novel SIREN QUEEN reimagines early Hollywood’s glittering yet sinister environment into a magical, mysterious, and dangerous world.
The novel follows an unnamed Chinese woman whose screen name becomes Luli Wei, a name she stole from her sister. Even though she’s hired by a monstrous studio executive, Luli insists on “no maids, no funny talking, no fainting flowers.” While this insistence on substantial roles leads to struggles finding work, Luli eventually makes her mark as a vengeful siren in a series of monster movies. Along the way, she becomes friends and lovers with other actors who are forced to conceal their true selves in order to stay employed.
Nghi Vo is masterful at world building. Her spare yet sparkling prose made it easy to visualize this world, yet she doesn’t overexplain its rules—she allows readers to immerse themselves enough to take this environment on its own terms. This gives her space to explore themes of sacrifice and betrayal, particularly when one is living at the intersections of Asian and lesbian identities. We found the recurring theme of names powerful, particularly how names are given and taken away from the characters throughout the book. Also fascinating is how the protagonist’s siren character, ostensibly sexist and racist, proves a source of empowerment.
A unique and unforgettable reimagining of the much-fabled early Hollywood years, SIREN QUEEN will enthrall and empower.
The novel follows an unnamed Chinese woman whose screen name becomes Luli Wei, a name she stole from her sister. Even though she’s hired by a monstrous studio executive, Luli insists on “no maids, no funny talking, no fainting flowers.” While this insistence on substantial roles leads to struggles finding work, Luli eventually makes her mark as a vengeful siren in a series of monster movies. Along the way, she becomes friends and lovers with other actors who are forced to conceal their true selves in order to stay employed.
Nghi Vo is masterful at world building. Her spare yet sparkling prose made it easy to visualize this world, yet she doesn’t overexplain its rules—she allows readers to immerse themselves enough to take this environment on its own terms. This gives her space to explore themes of sacrifice and betrayal, particularly when one is living at the intersections of Asian and lesbian identities. We found the recurring theme of names powerful, particularly how names are given and taken away from the characters throughout the book. Also fascinating is how the protagonist’s siren character, ostensibly sexist and racist, proves a source of empowerment.
A unique and unforgettable reimagining of the much-fabled early Hollywood years, SIREN QUEEN will enthrall and empower.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Lesbophobia, Sexual content, Racism, and Emotional abuse