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racheldoesthing's review against another edition
adventurous
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
4.5
Love love loved can’t wait to read the next book in the meantime I will continue look for more mermaid and sirens books
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Death, Genocide, Hate crime, and Death of parent
bookishkellyn's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Saoirse is the last of the sirens living in disguise within a magically fortified kingdom (Keirdre). Her world is turned upside down when she becomes the target of blackmail and her quest to discover the culprit is complicated by Prince Hayes–who’s taken a keen interest in her. I don’t normally read fantasy but really enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced, easy to follow, kept me guessing, and the banter between the characters was entertaining. I’m looking forward to the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Violence and Grief
Minor: Bullying, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Abandonment
itsjadenbaby's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
If I could give this book a 10/5 I would. I enjoyed every second. The characters, the plot, the twists; all written to perfection. I haven’t felt like this after reading in forever. I’m so grateful my library had this visible on a shelf and that I recognized the cover so I could read it right before the second one came out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Blood, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Minor: Cancer and War
gaynidoking's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The plot and the world are very interesting, but I did struggle in the middle and final act. This is partially on me for not realizing it was YA until the protagonist revealed she was only 17. The synopsis and the way Saoirse conducts her assassinations gave me the impression of a character at least in her twenties. I think this book would have benefitted a lot from the character being even a few years older.
The protag does consistently make decisions that remind me (not in a good way) that she is supposed to be 17. She pulls some real bonehead moves, especially as the story goes on. There is also that unfortunate YA staple where she decides to hate the only other female character around her age for literally no reason as soon as she meets her.
I also think that the character's development in the final act was completely undermined by the actual events of the book, and felt very contrived. A great deal of personal anguish is due to the character's belief thatshe is literally unable to resist the urge to kill as a siren. There is a VERY good conversation with her father towards the end where he calls her out for using this as an excuse to avoid responsibility for her actions. And then, randomly, she is told the only reason the urge to kill overwhelms her (and sometimes literally causes her to blackout and kill) is because she is afraid of her power and refuses to embrace it. But it is ALSO revealed that the reason she is afraif of her power is when she was a child (before she even knew that was an option), she did embrace her power, and it made her black out and kill people. It was a very confusing stance to take, because she was literally just told "just embrace your power!" and then she just decides to do that, and suddenly everything is fine and she can control herself perfectly fine.
The protag does consistently make decisions that remind me (not in a good way) that she is supposed to be 17. She pulls some real bonehead moves, especially as the story goes on. There is also that unfortunate YA staple where she decides to hate the only other female character around her age for literally no reason as soon as she meets her.
I also think that the character's development in the final act was completely undermined by the actual events of the book, and felt very contrived. A great deal of personal anguish is due to the character's belief that
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Genocide, Slavery, Vomit, and Trafficking
ltlmz's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Kidnapping and Alcohol
hal00alex's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It is definitely reflective of current media trends, but still a unique take on an fae and sirens. Writer relies more on senses when world building. And it ends in a cliff hanger which my by a metaphor on civil rights? There are certain aspects of the senses that get repeated a lot which may break immersion, but it adds more to the characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Drug use, Death of parent, and Alcohol
queer_bookwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5 ⭐ CW: Violence, murder, kidnapping
Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton is book one in the Sing Me to Sleep series. We get a YA fantasy with an all black cast. This was an alright read, but something just didn't do it for me, and I can't quite pin down why.
We follow Saoirse Sorkova, a secret siren in a world where fae are on top and all other creatures are considered inferior. Saoirse is the only one of her kind left, witches are treated with disdain and discrimination, while humans are reviled and only used as servants and labor force. She had places first in her graduating class and receives the position of palace guard to Prince Hayes, a person she hates since the royals are the reason things are so bad for everyone except fae.
The other problem with this placement for Saoirse, is that because she's a siren, being around water makes her want to sing and kill people. Now she's tasked with investigating her own murders. We get an enemies to lovers between Saoirse and Hayes, as she learns he's nothing like his father. I love that we get a femme fatale baddie who is dark skinned and loves the water. I love how tough and unflappable she is. We also see a couple of sapphic side characters.
On to what I didn't like. I thought Saoirse was a bit wooden and not fully developed. I don't totally buy the whole she-kills-because-she-has-to thing. Then there is the whole thing about the Raze and the Resistance. That was a little confusing. I don't think I fully understand who the Raze is as an organization. There was so much going on in order to facilitate twists here and there that it got a little lost in the weeds. I don't think I care enough about the characters to keep reading, especially if the next book is just a how to on how to stop oppressing your country.
Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton is book one in the Sing Me to Sleep series. We get a YA fantasy with an all black cast. This was an alright read, but something just didn't do it for me, and I can't quite pin down why.
We follow Saoirse Sorkova, a secret siren in a world where fae are on top and all other creatures are considered inferior. Saoirse is the only one of her kind left, witches are treated with disdain and discrimination, while humans are reviled and only used as servants and labor force. She had places first in her graduating class and receives the position of palace guard to Prince Hayes, a person she hates since the royals are the reason things are so bad for everyone except fae.
The other problem with this placement for Saoirse, is that because she's a siren, being around water makes her want to sing and kill people. Now she's tasked with investigating her own murders. We get an enemies to lovers between Saoirse and Hayes, as she learns he's nothing like his father. I love that we get a femme fatale baddie who is dark skinned and loves the water. I love how tough and unflappable she is. We also see a couple of sapphic side characters.
On to what I didn't like. I thought Saoirse was a bit wooden and not fully developed. I don't totally buy the whole she-kills-because-she-has-to thing. Then there is the whole thing about the Raze and the Resistance. That was a little confusing. I don't think I fully understand who the Raze is as an organization. There was so much going on in order to facilitate twists here and there that it got a little lost in the weeds. I don't think I care enough about the characters to keep reading, especially if the next book is just a how to on how to stop oppressing your country.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
lizzie_b99's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Violence, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Kidnapping, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
hobbithopeful's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
5.0
Sing Me to Sleep is fantasy done right! Complex characters, an immersive world, and writing that makes you feel like you are right there in the pages.
The fantasy and magic elements are so interesting to read. Different species being confined to different areas of the city, and each of them having less and less rights as compared to the fae. The premise of a world that is so insulated and so set on teaching a certain narrative about who deserves to be in power was fantastically well done. There is a lot explored in this book, themes of prejudice, bystanders, and doing what you believe is right, no matter the cost.
Saoirse is so morally grey and such a badass. I really loved how comfortable and confident in herself. She knows how to use her powers and doesn't care what happens. I think she has the highest kill count of any other books that I have read! (In a good way bestie, I promise) Using her beauty and the male gaze to easily hunt and kill is really cathartic. Fantasy books have a way of making fmc's either really pretty and useless, or really badass and uncomfortable in their femininity. Saoirse knows what assets she has, and uses them to her advantage to manipulate, lie, and survive. Her ability to "taste" emotions is one of my favorite powers of hers. Burton excels at writing imagery so vivid it feels like you are "tasting" along with her, and I enjoy that aspect of her writing the most.
Don't go into this book expecting everything to be cut and dry. Saoirse is very morally grey teetering towards the dark sides for many of her actions. I really like how the topics of doing what is needed to protect your loved ones is explored. I feel like we often see bad guys or villains who are trying to justify their end goal, and not oftentime see that from the main character. At the end of the day she has a huge body count, and I like how her actions weren't just easily forgiven.
Hayes is such an interesting character too. He is a really good example of bystanders, and how they are just as guilty of not doing anything. I have my suspicions about where his character is going in the next book. I don't want to spoil anything, but you know what they say about people who talk big but don't act. (Nothing changes!) He is easily smitten in this book, but I am sure after certain events we will get to see him grow up quite a lot.
There is a sweet budding romance, but I am glad it wasn't the central focus of the book. I think the characters all have a lot of growing and coming into themselves to do, and I look forward to seeing how that changes in the sequel.
Also may I just say I love that this is an ALL Black & Brown cast! 100000% want more books like this.
I love this book, PLEASE READ IT! It is such a great fantasy and I can't wait till the sequel comes out to read it!
The fantasy and magic elements are so interesting to read. Different species being confined to different areas of the city, and each of them having less and less rights as compared to the fae. The premise of a world that is so insulated and so set on teaching a certain narrative about who deserves to be in power was fantastically well done. There is a lot explored in this book, themes of prejudice, bystanders, and doing what you believe is right, no matter the cost.
Saoirse is so morally grey and such a badass. I really loved how comfortable and confident in herself. She knows how to use her powers and doesn't care what happens. I think she has the highest kill count of any other books that I have read! (In a good way bestie, I promise) Using her beauty and the male gaze to easily hunt and kill is really cathartic. Fantasy books have a way of making fmc's either really pretty and useless, or really badass and uncomfortable in their femininity. Saoirse knows what assets she has, and uses them to her advantage to manipulate, lie, and survive. Her ability to "taste" emotions is one of my favorite powers of hers. Burton excels at writing imagery so vivid it feels like you are "tasting" along with her, and I enjoy that aspect of her writing the most.
Don't go into this book expecting everything to be cut and dry. Saoirse is very morally grey teetering towards the dark sides for many of her actions. I really like how the topics of doing what is needed to protect your loved ones is explored. I feel like we often see bad guys or villains who are trying to justify their end goal, and not oftentime see that from the main character. At the end of the day she has a huge body count, and I like how her actions weren't just easily forgiven.
Hayes is such an interesting character too. He is a really good example of bystanders, and how they are just as guilty of not doing anything. I have my suspicions about where his character is going in the next book. I don't want to spoil anything, but you know what they say about people who talk big but don't act. (Nothing changes!) He is easily smitten in this book, but I am sure after certain events we will get to see him grow up quite a lot.
There is a sweet budding romance, but I am glad it wasn't the central focus of the book. I think the characters all have a lot of growing and coming into themselves to do, and I look forward to seeing how that changes in the sequel.
Also may I just say I love that this is an ALL Black & Brown cast! 100000% want more books like this.
I love this book, PLEASE READ IT! It is such a great fantasy and I can't wait till the sequel comes out to read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual harassment
jilljemmett's review against another edition
fast-paced
5.0
Saoirse Sorkova is a siren pretending to be a powerless fae in her soldier training. At night, she works as an assassin for an anonymous source. When she graduates from the academy, Saoirse is given the top job as a guard for Prince Hayes. However, she hates him, but she needs the money for her family. The royal family were responsible for destroying the sirens and other creatures, leaving Saoirse and her sister to grow up under false identities. Saoirse ends up helping Hayes investigate a series of deaths in the city. The problem is that Saoirse is the killer, giving her one more secret to hide.
This story is a fantastic debut! I loved the unique world and setting. Saoirse is a bit of a morally grey character. She didn’t mind killing people to keep her family’s secret, without thinking of that person’s family or friends. Even though she was supposed to hate Prince Hayes, they had an undeniable chemistry. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Sing Me to Sleep is a beautiful fantasy debut!
Content warnings: death, murder, poisoning, kidnapping
This story is a fantastic debut! I loved the unique world and setting. Saoirse is a bit of a morally grey character. She didn’t mind killing people to keep her family’s secret, without thinking of that person’s family or friends. Even though she was supposed to hate Prince Hayes, they had an undeniable chemistry. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
Sing Me to Sleep is a beautiful fantasy debut!
Content warnings: death, murder, poisoning, kidnapping
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Kidnapping, and Murder