katzenlyrik's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lviolet91's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
s_lorenz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
burksandcaicos's review against another edition
3.0
I think the things that bugged me about this book were because of my own expectations. Like, for example, I thought it was going to take place over a longer time period than it did (it's really only up until she turns like 21/22.) The mentions of this mysterious Jane made me think that she would actually show up in the book. But she only shows up for a few lines in the epilogue. I guess I expected it to be Evelyn Hugo only better wrt race and that's my own fault. I will say, speaking of Evelyn Hugo, any Harry in a fictional book on Old Hollywood is gonna make me sad. ALSO, who the hell was she talking to?
phngtrnreads's review against another edition
4.0
I received an eARC from NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge in exchange for an honest review
As of the moment, Siren Queen is the most enjoyable Nghi Vo book I've read. You have: a bunch of lesbians, classical Hollywood, an Asian protagonist, modern fae folk where they all work in a film studio - though never explicitly stated but you can literally tell by the writing and the details lol?! This one is for the Evelyn Hugo baddies if you don't mind some teaspoons of fantasy in your cup of tea.
Nghi Vo's writing is stunning as usual. The protagonist's mentality was constantly intertwined with imageries and not once words were wasted. The incorporation of a grim and peculiar portrayal of mythical creatures, namely fairy fantasy and golden age film industry was brilliant. However, as the narrator was no longer somebody else's storyteller (finally), it should've left room for the MC's emotions to show but eventually not satisfying enough, considering Luli was so busy caring for others, got like three sentences to talk about herself everytime something happened while most of the other time never faced real stakes. This and the facts some forgotten details just popped out of nowhere is quite irritating. But aside from that, Nghi Vo definitely showed growth from her past works. Can't wait to see what more she has to offer.
As of the moment, Siren Queen is the most enjoyable Nghi Vo book I've read. You have: a bunch of lesbians, classical Hollywood, an Asian protagonist, modern fae folk where they all work in a film studio - though never explicitly stated but you can literally tell by the writing and the details lol?! This one is for the Evelyn Hugo baddies if you don't mind some teaspoons of fantasy in your cup of tea.
Nghi Vo's writing is stunning as usual. The protagonist's mentality was constantly intertwined with imageries and not once words were wasted. The incorporation of a grim and peculiar portrayal of mythical creatures, namely fairy fantasy and golden age film industry was brilliant. However, as the narrator was no longer somebody else's storyteller (finally), it should've left room for the MC's emotions to show but eventually not satisfying enough, considering Luli was so busy caring for others, got like three sentences to talk about herself everytime something happened while most of the other time never faced real stakes. This and the facts some forgotten details just popped out of nowhere is quite irritating. But aside from that, Nghi Vo definitely showed growth from her past works. Can't wait to see what more she has to offer.
chirson's review against another edition
4.0
Wonderfully assured narrative voice and imaginative worldbuilding (I particularly like how gradually layers of its otherness are revealed - it feels haphazard yet fitting), but the plot itself didn't quite do as much as I wanted it to, seemed oddly flimsier - it's like an origin story rather than story proper, in a way. Good, but didn't quite fill me with wonder the way Vo's shorter novellas have, so far.
laurenmidna's review against another edition
3.0
I think I liked this book?
The writing was delicious, every sentence lulling you in with its beauty. But when I think about the actual content, I’m left a bit confused and underwhelmed. I would have liked for the magic system to get a bit more explanation, there’s a whole lot that’s thrown at you and you never really quite know why or how, but you just kind of have to roll with it the whole way through.
I thought it was beautiful and charming, but I wonder if the book would read just as well if all of the magic was taken out. It certainly makes for interesting symbols and comparisons, but I don’t think it landed quite right with me.
The writing was delicious, every sentence lulling you in with its beauty. But when I think about the actual content, I’m left a bit confused and underwhelmed. I would have liked for the magic system to get a bit more explanation, there’s a whole lot that’s thrown at you and you never really quite know why or how, but you just kind of have to roll with it the whole way through.
I thought it was beautiful and charming, but I wonder if the book would read just as well if all of the magic was taken out. It certainly makes for interesting symbols and comparisons, but I don’t think it landed quite right with me.
sparklefarm's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This. This. This is what Evelyn Hugo was trying to be. Siren Queen is a dazzling look at the power and control underneath the shimmer and shine of Hollywood. Wild and weird, gorgeous, exquisite.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault and Pregnancy
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!
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
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