Reviews

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

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kappareads's review against another edition

4.0

I received a physical ARC from BookishFirst and the publishers!

Luli Wei wants to be a movie star. She knows the odds are stacked against her as a Chinese-American girl, but she will do what is necessary to make it and to have the roles she wants to get.
The way this story is set up, I initially thought this would focus on the actress’ whole life, but it’s only the very beginning of her start in Hollywood. The focus is on her first three major roles and how she gets there and all the parts in-between with costars and lovers.

Read my full review on my blog HERE!

vmontori's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

captaincocanutty's review

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3.0

Nice to take a break from WWII historical fiction, and I enjoyed going to 1930s old Hollywood with the studio system in place with some very literal magic metaphors.

I liked the first two acts of the book, but the third is when it fell off for me a bit. I think the first two could've been made a little shorter so the third wouldn't feel so rushed, at that point I was slightly struggling to keep track of characters since there was a lot of changeover.

I do like Nghi Vo's writing and like a character driven novel, but I think it could've used a bit more direction. Luli's interactions with other characters were really well done and I wish we could've seen more of them.

anthonyk's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

i think this book would make a great beginner fantasy, especially for a person who reads primarily literary fiction. This was so good and it absolutely gave what needed to be given

readmorewithjess's review against another edition

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4.0

Siren Queen is everything that I wish The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo had been—a dark look at old Hollywood but written by an author who can actually write about the experiences of being a person of color during this time period. And yes, it’s sapphic. The book tells the story of Luli Wei, a Chinese American girl refusing to bend to the will of the men who control Hollywood. She is more than happy to play the monster because that is how everyone sees her already. We follow Luli as she explores her sexuality and learns what it will take to make a name for herself—and what Hollywood will take from her in return. The sinister side of Hollywood takes on physical form in this novel in the shape of creatures and dark magic. The world that Vo crafts is just as grotesque and strange as it is enchanting.