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thealizabeth's review against another edition
5.0
What a sweet story. Pearl is a darling who I want to see a lot more of! It's a wonderful light story of friendship and a pinch of romance. The worldbuilding was wonderfully clear and vivid.
The only thing I would have enjoyed more is Pearl's outlook on human lives. It felt very human sometimes, but this isn't anything major. He did have a good amount of curiosity though. I loved every bit of this story.
The only thing I would have enjoyed more is Pearl's outlook on human lives. It felt very human sometimes, but this isn't anything major. He did have a good amount of curiosity though. I loved every bit of this story.
kmkasiner's review against another edition
4.0
Our Bloody Pearl is told from the perspective of Perle, a siren. At the beginning of the story, Perle is held captive on a pirate ship, where they have been abused for months. The book starts right into the action and I immediately felt for everything Perle had suffered. I really enjoyed the Siren's point of view, with a different thought process from a human. I wish fantasy had more of this--we can do anything in a fictional world, so why not make your character something else entirely? I especially loved how Sirens' concept of language is different from humans, requiring a mix of words and signing to communicate.
Perle is rescued by Dejean, the first human to show them any kindness. The first half of the story is primarily about Perle and Dejean's growing relationship and journey towards trusting each other. I enjoyed the focus on character and learning the quirks of both siren and human. I liked the second half of the book less. It's all action and I had trouble following some of the scenes. At times it was a little repetitive with all of the near-drowning, fighting, and injury. But that's just me--I greatly prefer character study and romance/friendship to action.
This book does deal with some heavy topics, such as abuse and trauma, and there are some violent scenes. More than I was expecting going in. But at its heart, it is a story about learning to accept differences and find acceptance with a community. The writing is engaging and the worldbuilding was intriguing. I hope to see more of the world in the rest of the series, because I want to know about the technology hinted at and how sirens continue to work with humans.
Perle is rescued by Dejean, the first human to show them any kindness. The first half of the story is primarily about Perle and Dejean's growing relationship and journey towards trusting each other. I enjoyed the focus on character and learning the quirks of both siren and human. I liked the second half of the book less. It's all action and I had trouble following some of the scenes. At times it was a little repetitive with all of the near-drowning, fighting, and injury. But that's just me--I greatly prefer character study and romance/friendship to action.
This book does deal with some heavy topics, such as abuse and trauma, and there are some violent scenes. More than I was expecting going in. But at its heart, it is a story about learning to accept differences and find acceptance with a community. The writing is engaging and the worldbuilding was intriguing. I hope to see more of the world in the rest of the series, because I want to know about the technology hinted at and how sirens continue to work with humans.
hhh21's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
1.25
we have got to find a better way of introducing non normative pronouns in books i’m so serious
pine_wulf's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
The main focus is the growing relationship between a siren, Perle, and a pirate, Dejean. This is a good book for anybody who likes a slow-burn romance. But not if you're expecting anything explicit. They get as far as declarations and a kiss on the forehead/cheek (don't remember exactly). I was here for the ace rep, but then thought I'd misremembered because I wasn't seeing it. It's only made clear at the end. This isn't a bad thing, as there is a very diverse cast, but it's not the focus. There are a couple things that are mentioned only in passing. Like, there was no reason for the ace character to declare such until the end, so it wasn't mentioned earlier.
I think the biggest strength in the story lies in Perle's recovery and acceptance of their disability. That's the main focus of the book for the first half, with the second half being more focused on getting rid of the antagonist. There was still the normal drama between the two leads during the climax, but it didn't feel too forced.
I also really liked how since the sirens don't really have gender, Perle defaults to referring to people as 'they' until told otherwise. At one point there is a confrontation with a big human with facial hair and this person is just referred to as 'they' during the whole scene. It's a little thing that really helps to sell that Perle just thinks differently.
The problems I had were that I had trouble visualising some of the scenes. Such as Perle transferring herself from the "clamshell" to the ground. The clamshell is some kind of elevator, but at the top, they swing it and jump off at the right time to get to the cliff and I just couldn't figure out the mechanics of this since their tail is paralyzed. Also, Dejean in no way feels like a pirate captain. It makes a good role to get him to where he needs to be, but I can not imagine him attacking merchant vessels. It's ok to attack Kian's ship at the beginning because she's doing evil, so that makes him noble, but I just can't see him making a living out of pirating if he only goes after bad guys. (Not that there is any indication that that is what he does. He could be very good at this, it's literally not mentioned at all, and attacking all sorts of hard-working folks. I just can't see it.) These are fairly minor issues and overall I would definitely recommend.
I think the biggest strength in the story lies in Perle's recovery and acceptance of their disability. That's the main focus of the book for the first half, with the second half being more focused on getting rid of the antagonist. There was still the normal drama between the two leads during the climax, but it didn't feel too forced.
I also really liked how since the sirens don't really have gender, Perle defaults to referring to people as 'they' until told otherwise. At one point there is a confrontation with a big human with facial hair and this person is just referred to as 'they' during the whole scene. It's a little thing that really helps to sell that Perle just thinks differently.
The problems I had were that I had trouble visualising some of the scenes. Such as Perle transferring herself from the "clamshell" to the ground. The clamshell is some kind of elevator, but at the top, they swing it and jump off at the right time to get to the cliff and I just couldn't figure out the mechanics of this since their tail is paralyzed. Also, Dejean in no way feels like a pirate captain. It makes a good role to get him to where he needs to be, but I can not imagine him attacking merchant vessels. It's ok to attack Kian's ship at the beginning because she's doing evil, so that makes him noble, but I just can't see him making a living out of pirating if he only goes after bad guys. (Not that there is any indication that that is what he does. He could be very good at this, it's literally not mentioned at all, and attacking all sorts of hard-working folks. I just can't see it.) These are fairly minor issues and overall I would definitely recommend.
meghan_solo's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
umairah's review against another edition
4.0
How could I not love a book full of sirens and pirates?!
worldsunlikeourown's review against another edition
4.0
Find this review and more on my blog at Worlds Unlike Our Own.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our Bloody Pearl follows the story of Perle, a siren who has been held in captivity by the cruel pirate captain Kian ever since she created a device to block out the sirens’ singing. However, when the ship is unexpectedly captured by another pirate captain, Dejean, who unlike every other human they have come across, is kind to them. But even as they grow to trust their new human companions, Kian is on the hunt, determined to get Perle back at any cost, and Perle must decide whether to stand and fight or flee into the ocean to continue to hide from her.
Starting this book, I was expecting something along the lines of Daughter of the Siren Queen, which I read earlier this year. However, Our Bloody Pearl, despite a number of pirates involved, was more focussed on sirens themselves rather than pirate adventure, and I liked it all the more for that. These sirens, with their rather violent natures, are more akin to those from greek mythology. As this book is entirely told from Perle’s POV, we see the human world through their eyes and I found it quite fascinating that some things that are considered common for humans for example, gender, are completely novel or irrelevant to sirens.
As a whole, the pacing of Our Bloody Pearl is on the slower side which allows for some great character development, particularly for Perle as she learns to trust her new human companions and sees that not all humans are the same. Dejean, though he is a pirate, is very unlike the typical characterizations of one, and despite his bad history with sirens is still compassionate towards Perle and tries his best to help them. I really enjoyed how Perle and Dejean figure out a way to communicate using sign language.
One thing I felt would have been useful was a little more world-building on the human side of things. The world of sirens and their way of life is very well described in this book, and hopefully the sequel will expand on this other aspect. Also, Kian was an excellent villain, but I felt she would have had a better effect had she had more of a direct presence in the story rather than in Perle’s nightmares alone.
This was one of the most unique books I’ve read this year and I’m looking forward to the sequel. It will be quite interesting to see how the story goes forward and who the new antagonist will be. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I would definitely recommend it.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Our Bloody Pearl follows the story of Perle, a siren who has been held in captivity by the cruel pirate captain Kian ever since she created a device to block out the sirens’ singing. However, when the ship is unexpectedly captured by another pirate captain, Dejean, who unlike every other human they have come across, is kind to them. But even as they grow to trust their new human companions, Kian is on the hunt, determined to get Perle back at any cost, and Perle must decide whether to stand and fight or flee into the ocean to continue to hide from her.
Starting this book, I was expecting something along the lines of Daughter of the Siren Queen, which I read earlier this year. However, Our Bloody Pearl, despite a number of pirates involved, was more focussed on sirens themselves rather than pirate adventure, and I liked it all the more for that. These sirens, with their rather violent natures, are more akin to those from greek mythology. As this book is entirely told from Perle’s POV, we see the human world through their eyes and I found it quite fascinating that some things that are considered common for humans for example, gender, are completely novel or irrelevant to sirens.
As a whole, the pacing of Our Bloody Pearl is on the slower side which allows for some great character development, particularly for Perle as she learns to trust her new human companions and sees that not all humans are the same. Dejean, though he is a pirate, is very unlike the typical characterizations of one, and despite his bad history with sirens is still compassionate towards Perle and tries his best to help them. I really enjoyed how Perle and Dejean figure out a way to communicate using sign language.
One thing I felt would have been useful was a little more world-building on the human side of things. The world of sirens and their way of life is very well described in this book, and hopefully the sequel will expand on this other aspect. Also, Kian was an excellent villain, but I felt she would have had a better effect had she had more of a direct presence in the story rather than in Perle’s nightmares alone.
This was one of the most unique books I’ve read this year and I’m looking forward to the sequel. It will be quite interesting to see how the story goes forward and who the new antagonist will be. Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I would definitely recommend it.
marilicious's review
adventurous
hopeful
fast-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
3.25
eldritchreader's review against another edition
4.0
Actual rating: 4.5
This book was absolutely fantastic! I loved it from start to finish and now just need more sirens and queer pirates in my life. Please and thank you.
It's rare to find a fantasy book that isn't swamped with world-building and yet really doesn't need it. The fantasy elements are subtle, but integral to the story (I mean, the MC is a mythical creature). And yet despite the subtly, the story is crafted in a way that you don't need more. There a sirens in the sea. Everyone knows it. Done.
The story-line is a gorgeous mix of tragic and hopeful, with an incredible character development arc - not just for Perle, the MC; but the whole gang - as they realign what they think they understand of a world they barely interact with. It's the typical story of two worlds that normally clash needing to get along. And it is beautifully done.
And the characters themselves - I LOVE THEM ALL. Perle is an amazing main character with a tragic backstory but also a fighting, and open-hearted, spirit. Dejean is absolutely a gem and the entire world needs more of him. Simone and Mur - AHH <3 They are the best example of opposites attract and I love them dearly for it.
This was a wonderfully crafted story and this won't be the last thing I pick up written by Bryn. If you love fantasy and LGBT+ rep this is a fantastic adult crossover for YA readers.
Thank you to the author for reaching out to me with a copy of the book for review! This does not impact on my review and all thoughts are 100% honest.
This book was absolutely fantastic! I loved it from start to finish and now just need more sirens and queer pirates in my life. Please and thank you.
It's rare to find a fantasy book that isn't swamped with world-building and yet really doesn't need it. The fantasy elements are subtle, but integral to the story (I mean, the MC is a mythical creature). And yet despite the subtly, the story is crafted in a way that you don't need more. There a sirens in the sea. Everyone knows it. Done.
The story-line is a gorgeous mix of tragic and hopeful, with an incredible character development arc - not just for Perle, the MC; but the whole gang - as they realign what they think they understand of a world they barely interact with. It's the typical story of two worlds that normally clash needing to get along. And it is beautifully done.
And the characters themselves - I LOVE THEM ALL. Perle is an amazing main character with a tragic backstory but also a fighting, and open-hearted, spirit. Dejean is absolutely a gem and the entire world needs more of him. Simone and Mur - AHH <3 They are the best example of opposites attract and I love them dearly for it.
This was a wonderfully crafted story and this won't be the last thing I pick up written by Bryn. If you love fantasy and LGBT+ rep this is a fantastic adult crossover for YA readers.
Thank you to the author for reaching out to me with a copy of the book for review! This does not impact on my review and all thoughts are 100% honest.
brownwall268's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book! The queer platonic and aro/ace/aroace representation meant a lot to me!! I love anything involving mermaids/sirens too and seeing a main character who had suffered permanent spinal injury but was able to overcome/live happily with it was really comforting for me as someone who’s recently had spinal injuries too. This might just be my new favorite!