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mattiedancer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Writing: 4⭐️/5
The writing in this story was clear and poetic. At times, I really did love the beauty of the words and how the story was unravelling carefully. I think Underwood writes very cleanly and epically, which served this Greek-myth-inspired story well. The shifting character POVs served the story well, though I do wish each character had a more defined voice during their own section.
Characters: 3⭐️/5
The characters in the story were clear and relatively strong. Or, at least, the main characters – our narrators – were. The side characters felt much more wishy-washy, their personalities left unexplored and undeveloped until the climax of the story, which then felt far too late. Despite our three main characters being clear in their characteristics, they also didn’t develop much throughout the story. The plot took the centrefold of the story, and the characters simply continued along their paths.
Plot: 3.25⭐️/5
I did enjoy reading the story, as the plot felt clear and decided. However, at many points, the plot’s pacing felt incredibly off. I wondered at the stretched out timeline between Menthalo and Leto’s training to the condensed timeline of them returning to Ithaca and crashing into Mathias’ life. Since the timeline felt rushed, many of the plot points felt rushed. Personally, while I enjoyed both of the love stories in the novel, I wondered whether they could have been handled a bit better to make it feel more respectful. I love a good poly relationship, but – while Menthalo and Mathias ended up respecting each other – one was left in the dark about the other, and Menthalo herself never seemed to be settled with the fact that Leto also loved Mathias.
Who Should Read This Book?
Fans of Greek Mythology looking for something inspired by it; readers looking for a tragedy that isn’t hopeless; those who like LGBTQIA stories;
Content Warnings?
Blood, death, hangings, drowning, murder, injury, injury detail, fire, rape, sexual assault, sexual content, sacrifices, misogyny, sexism, gaslighting, abuse, suicide, suicidal thoughts, depression, classism,
Post-Reading Rating: 3.25⭐️/5
I liked the ending, but I wanted a bit more from the lead up into it.
Final Rating: 3.25⭐️/5 (3.38)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
pagesofplatypus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I know the biggest complaint about Lies We Sing to the Sea is its inaccuracies regarding The Odyssey. If you look past that and accept this as headcanon, Lies is really very enjoyable. The ending is so beautiful and wrecked me.
I love love love Leto and Melantho's relationship and romance 🥰! And their mission to break the curse of Ithaca is engaging. Their naiad-like abilities to manipulate water was also a neat touch.
Melantho, my love, you did nothing wrong and you deserved so much better.
Mathias had me going back and forth on whether I found his character likeable or not.
I personally did not feel the chemistry between Leto and Mathias as much I did between Leto and Melantho. I love a bi mc, but her romance with Mathias just wasn't as believable. Although their "steamy" scene was done very tenderly and beautifully.
There are some instances where the writing and especially the dialogue feel to modern, so don't expect Madeline Miller, but overall the writing is engaging, emotional, and keeps things moving along smoothly.
I love love love Leto and Melantho's relationship and romance 🥰! And their mission to break the curse of Ithaca is engaging. Their naiad-like abilities to manipulate water was also a neat touch.
Mathias had me going back and forth on whether I found his character likeable or not.
There are some instances where the writing and especially the dialogue feel to modern, so don't expect Madeline Miller, but overall the writing is engaging, emotional, and keeps things moving along smoothly.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and Death of parent
thebookishbugg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I couldn't put this book down. It swept me in from page one and next thing I know it's 11:00 p.m., I've read 200 pages in one sitting, and my heart aches.
The ending made me bawl my eyes out.
Don't know how I'm going to find something to read after this, it's going to pale in comparison.
Don't know how I'm going to find something to read after this, it's going to pale in comparison.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Suicide attempt