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A review by gigireadswithkiki
Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
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!
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!