Author: Nghi Vo
Publisher: Tor.com
Released: May 10, 2022
Received: Own (BOTM)
Warnings: Sexism, racism, colourism, self-mutilation, child abuse

Over the last couple of months, I’ve heard nothing but good things about Siren Queen. Naturally, this meant that I just had to take some time to read it! It helps that I already adore Nghi Vo’s writing, of course.

We all have dreams. For Luli Wei, her dream was to become a star, making her way to success on the silver screen. She doesn’t care what it’ll cost her or about the danger she’s jumping headfirst into.

The problem is, Hollywood isn’t content to only own her career – they want everything. Luli knew this was going in, but it is one thing to know something and quite another to experience its depth.

“I would never be adorable and bubbling over with praise for myself and others. Instead, I was still and cold, and had to hope that was enough.”

If you love Nghi Vo, you have to make time to read Siren Queen. It is everything I could have possibly hoped for and then some! Luli’s character is complex and determined, giving her everything she needs to navigate a dark and dangerous career path.

I’ll admit, adding the little bits of fantasy elements was an excellent choice. Being a huge fantasy lover, I wouldn’t have said no more to this side. That being said, I did enjoy the balance Nghi Vo struck. There is something so magical about movie-making; as we all know, not all magic is good.

There are times when Siren Queen is truly harrowing or eerie. I think these moments hit very close to home, making them relatable and, therefore, horrifying. In other words, the characters feel so real at times that it almost feels like they’re in the room with us.

I enjoyed Siren Queen and am actively looking forward to the next release from Nghi Vo (Into the Riverlands! The third novella in The Singing Hills Cycle series. I can’t wait).

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