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A review by kingcrookback
Siren Queen by Nghi Vo
dark
mysterious
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
It's an interesting concept and premise, but the execution just did not do it for me. People of color and LGBTQ+ people in Old Hollywood - in theory, this is right up my alley! But there's a vague and meandering quality to the story, world, and magic system that hovered between mysterious and ethereal at best and muddled at worst. I wanted more exploration of the way things worked. For example, I know that the changes Vo made to the studio system is metaphorical of the exploitative practices of the real-life studio systems, but I was left wanting more detail. The nodders - horrifying! What does the process of making them entail?
The story really only started to grip me in earnest around the 75% mark, where we started to see conflict between Luli and Tara and the abstraction started to abate a bit. This wasn't for me, but I'll pick up some of Vo's other works and see if they stir up some different feelings.
The story really only started to grip me in earnest around the 75% mark, where we started to see conflict between Luli and Tara and the abstraction started to abate a bit. This wasn't for me, but I'll pick up some of Vo's other works and see if they stir up some different feelings.
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Abortion and Pregnancy