Reviews

I don’t remember the last time I read a YA fantasy published in the 2020s that felt as well-paced, that felt as fleshed out in its world-building, that gave a proper slow burn, as much as Sing Me To Sleep.

The initial set up and slow easing into Gabi Burton’s world was fantastic, I felt like readers had enough time to become acclimated to the magic system and the sociopolitical climate of the world that Saoirse lives in. I also REALLY appreciated how Burton took the time to build together her relationship with her adopted family and with other friends before taking time to slowly weave in the romance aspect of this story. I also really loved how there were small little signs of conflict between Saoirse and her sister that later came to a head and had a throughly satisfying conclusion! Yay for developing not only characters but character relationships!

And on that note, the grey morality of Saoirse and her plight as a Siren being a metaphor for living life as a marginalized person was done SO WELL, the conversations she has with Prince Hayes calling out his complicity in his father’s fascist regime through his ignorance was handled so well, and I loved how Saoirse never gives up a single part of who she is.

The ending felt the TINIEST bit rushed and predictable so I gave this a 4.75 stars instead of the full 5 but I am still EXTREMELY excited to be picking up the sequel now that it’s out!

mssarahdee's review

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2.0

I give it 2 1⁄2 stars if I could

My biggest gripe with this story is that the main character is a 17 year old siren. Sirens - that are known for using sexual persuasion to force their will over unwilling participants. So, this is the story of 17 year old who uses the power of sexual persuasion to manipulate people to their death. Because the main character is UNDERAGE I have a very difficult time getting into this story, it makes me uncomfortable.

Additionally I am not a fan of stories that never would occur, had the main character simply communicated information to someone else. This entire plot line would not exist had the main character been open with her thoughts; which is what any normal adult would have done. But since this is a story of a child, she's incapable of mature decision making. But she's a killing machine and we are supposed to be okay with this.

SPOILERS AHEAD

There is a love interest in this story. The my problem with this love story is that again it is the love story between 2 underage children, and it is a toxic relationship at that! Hayes forgives Saoirse for murdering dozens of innocent people, Including his best friend, because he's "selfish". Just because she didn't use her siren powers on him doesn't make this a good relationship or a cute love story. Its all really disturbing.

It's really too bad though because the story itself is interesting and worth reading but I can't get past the toxic relationship between 2 children.