I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

I've been avoiding this book for what feels like ages for no real particular reason, other than the fact that I've had an ARC for it that is way past due, and it has a lower rating than I'd like for a book. I am appalled that it took me so long to read it, because I've finally gotten round to it and it was much better than I thought it would be, and I actually liked it quite a lot. For a debut novel, it is excellent. In fact, I feel I don't actually have any critiques about the writing or plot or pacing or anything at all, really. Sometimes in a debut, the author bites off more than they can chew, and the work suffers because of it. With Songs From the Deep, I think it was an excellent venture for someone's first book. It wasn't too complicated, but compelling enough that I was always itching to get to see what happens next. It's not overwhelming but a nice size, and doesn't feel too monstrous of a story.

The writing was very atmospheric and lovely and was definitely the first thing that I fell in love with. Even if I hadn't developed an attachment to the characters, I've just enjoyed reading their story and their developments. But I did fall in love with the characters and their backgrounds, both individually and shared, and their growth througout the book as they worked on solving the mysteries was a nice pleasant journey. It seems odd to use words like that when the mystery does involve death, but I don't know how else to describe it. In fact, it reminded me a lot of the book The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw. The same vibes, a similar location, with the same kinds of twists and small town secrets can be found in both novels, and are both great exemplifiers in that the answer to your question may be much closer than it appears. When I realised how similar they felt I was initially worried that this would simply be a watered down version, but I couldn't have been more wrong. If anything, Songs From the Deep could be considered a younger kid sister to The Wicked Deep - the same genes, but with her own personality and interests that make her a unique human being.

I adored Jude Osric so much, and even though it's fairly obvious that he and Moira are going to end up falling for each other, I really enjoyed the development of their relationship as they grew closer, especially given their shared history. I particularly like stories where characters have fallen out of sorts with each other, but slowly find their way back to one another. This time however, instead of a falling out, due to events they simply grew apart and on their own until they were ready to share their lives together again, which I think was perfect for this story. It's very clear they never stopped caring for one another, and they simply picked up their relationship from where they left off. They fit and work together perfectly, and are both respected by the town, who are also a little wary of them based on their familial history and reputation. It just makes sense to me that after going through it all together, they decide it's best to stick together.

If there was anything I wanted to critique about this book, it is very small. I didn't realise at first that this was a historical novel, because it's never actually said and certainly doesn't feel like one. Perhaps because I was making premature comparisons to other books with similar stories, but I assumed this was going to take place in the modern day. I actually enjoyed it more knowing it is historical, but I wish I would have known that going in. Then again, it just goes to show how easy it is to write a timeless book that can fit in during any era - just because you rarely mention technology doesn't mean it's not modern day. So while it's a critique, it's also an admiration. I also think that the book ended just a bit too quickly. It seems like it took nearly half the book to get to any actual moving plotline, but then once you're past the half-way point, everything they do is always successful - every lead leads us to a clue, every inkling happens to be correct, every hearsay happens to be true. It felt a bit too clean, and I would have liked to hear more about the fallout after the murderer was caught, or maybe a serious false accusation, particularly because of the actions that led to the deaths in the first place and the actions of the town based on their naievety. I really really loved the siren plotline, but I felt a little disconcerted how quickly the town overturned their ban and nearly raged an all-out siren hunt, and we never really got to see the result of them realising the sirens weren't at fault at all. Does the ban ever get overturned? Are humans and sirens friends now? Also, why did the siren not try to attack or capture Moira when she was on the beach that one night? I have many questions, making me realise how much I actually seem to love books with a siren theme.

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book and the time I spent reading it. It's a quick read and could probably be done in a sitting or two. It's light and pleasant, doesn't dredge you down, and was a great book to pick up during the fall season, although that was a happy coincidence. Perhaps could have been a wee bit longer, but that's my own personal preference. I would have happily spent more time with Moira and Jude if I could (and their names are just so romantic together, I am really here for it).

Songs from the Deep took me completely by surprise; I only picked it up because I was on a water-related book binge (Sea Witch, Crown of Coral and Pearl, House of Salt and Sorrows). That being said, I went into this book with zero expectations, but ended up finishing the whole thing in one sitting!

In short, the story is a YA murder mystery with subtle fantasy vibes. The protagonist Moira lives in a coastal town where residents live in constant fear of the Sirens who inhabit the waters. Despite knowing firsthand how dangerous they can be, Moira finds herself strangely fascinated by the creatures.

When a young boy is found dead near the water, the townspeople chalk it up to another Siren attack, but Moira isn't so sure. Not knowing who else to trust, she recruits her former childhood friend Jude to help investigate. Together they work to solve the mystery while guarding secrets of their own.

Without a doubt, my favorite part about this book was the unraveling of Moira and Jude's secrets. Without revealing any spoilers, I will say I've picked the book up a few times (since finishing) to re-read certain chapters in particular. If you're looking to add a little mystery to your life, definitely give this book a try!

Songs from the deep is an interesting novel with a great take on sirens. When I started it I wasn't sure when it was suppose to be based but as the story continue it points to the past, giving it a more historical feel.

You are introduced to a main character who loves sirens and would do anything to protect them. When murders start happening the blame automatically falls on the sirens but she believes differently, turning this into a murder mystery with a fantasy spin.

I really liked the story and how the author portrays the sirens but I found the story a little too predictable. I was able to slove a lot of the mysteries halfway through the story. I would have liked it more if it kept me guessing more. The story is well written over all and I enjoyed most of it. But sadly I can't give it 5 stars.

Syrens and a love story by the sea? I was sold. It was pretty interesting to see the lore of Syrens interwoven into modern day world. The mystery surrounding the town was also so easily introduced and I got caught wanting to know more. It was such a fast read, not because of simple language, but because it was fast paced. However, the climax for me was not as exciting as I would have wanted it.

Rounding to 3.5 stars.
This book is about Moira Alexander, a young girl living on the island of Twillengyle. This island is also shared by humans and sirens alike. Moira’s father and her friend, Jude Osiric’s, father fought to ban the hunting and slaughtering of sirens. But now, their peace is at stake again once mutilated bodies of island locals are discovered on the shore, seemingly killed at the hands of sirens. Only, Moira and Jude know better and figure that a human is at fault.
The story is about Moira and Jude detective work into finding who is actually responsible for the murder of innocents and freeing the name of their beloved sirens.
Kelly Powell’s writing flows beautifully. When I first began reading, I didn’t believe the book was YA. The writing was atmospheric and kept me hooked the entire time.
BUT, as it is a book about sirens, I expected more about sirens. There was absolutely no lore about them, no siren development, or anything. I just felt as though that was extremely lacking and if it had been expanded on, this could have been a 5 star book for me. I just wanted that mythological vibe.

Well this was not really what I wanted it to be, but it was not bad. Sirens luring men to their death is not what to expect from this as the main plot, and that was what I went in looking for.
It's a slow moving story that has a great friendship at the base of it and a murder to be solved that keeps it moving forward, if not quickly. There is a difficult mother daughter relationship, which you don't often see in YA, and it was well written.

Mesmerizing, thought-provoking, and so well written, this is a fascinating novel. Mysterious creatures known as sirens live in the waters around Moira's island home. When a murder occurs and the sirens are blamed, Moira digs deeper into the event, with life-changing effect. Recommended reading.

3.5 stars

I will admit that I didn't know much about Songs from the Deep besides the fact that it had sirens in it. So I was pleasantly surprised when their was a mystery and historical elements to the story. I enjoyed the authors atmospheric weaving of her plot and world building although predictable at times. I also wish that the book was more brutal or vicious I think YA stories that feature sirens could do with more portrayal of the vicious sirens from mythology. Don't get me wrong there is violence a boy does get killed but nothing like the synopsis in my opinion suggested.

Overall Songs from the Deep is a good mystery but could definitely use some of the viciousness that sirens are known for.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

Songs From The Deep
By: Kelly Powell

*REVIEW* ⭐⭐⭐
Songs From The Deep is a murder mystery with sirens. Kind of. The story felt off in some way to me. The siren aspect was flat, and I don't think I'm a fan of mermaids, etc. anyway. This was an okay read, but I didn't love it. I think I'm the wrong audience because I'm not a huge fan of the content after all. I know other readers will enjoy it more than I did.

2.5 ⭐️

Thank you to Simon and Scheuster and Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.


Sirens and mermaids are my buzz words. Amazing, I can read any book with them and never get bored. However I found the cover of this almost like the literary version of click bait. I was so excited to read another siren book but they were only really talked about and not a huge deal in the plot. This book was actually a murder mystery being blamed on the sirens. There wasn’t really any action and was a ton of insta love. It was honestly just ok for me, not amazing not horrible. I found Moira kid of juvenile and reckless and the plot twist quite predicable. Sorry but I wasn’t a huge fan. If you’re looking for creepy siren stories I would suggest Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant instead.

This. This. This right here is what you call a hidden gem of a book. There is nothing I love more than picking up a book with zero expectations and coming out the other side with it clutched tight to your chest, utterly in love. Blown out of the water, and no, I will not apologize for any water-related puns that happen spring up in this review.

Why is no one talking about this book? I have heard so little about this debut novel. It's been out for almost two weeks now and I've not seen anything about it anywhere. I admit, I requested it from Simon and Schuster with some hesitance, and that is mainly due to the cover. If I'm being honest, it looks like something I would have cobbled together with stock photo and online picture editor for my terrible Wattpad books back in the day. It one hundred percent does not reflect how beautiful and entertaining this book is! Even though they are verydifferent, I got a strong comparison to Margaret Rogerson's masterpiece An Enchantment of Ravens. High praise, believe me.

First off, it is absolutely a murder mystery with a touch of fantasy. I believe it takes place on a fictional Ireland-esque island. There is a historical vibe I would put at about ... the 1950's? I could be so very wrong, but that's what I happily pictured. It's a picturesque coastal town that has a slight problem with the sirens offshore. Namely the whole issue with them attacking and dragging people without iron on their persons to the depths of the sea. No big deal. This story starts with another death, but there's something fishy—no apologies—about it that can't possibly be the fault of the sirens.

Moira Alexander is the first to realize that this death may in fact be a murder. Whether it's driven by her love of the sirens or the fact she knew the person who died well, she embarks on solving the mystery. I adored Moira. She is such a strong female protagonist from start to finish. There are flaws and vulnerabilities to her that made her highly relatable and made her stand out. It's hard to describe why I like her so much, and I'm realizing that quite a bit as I try to write this review. She just really resonated with me.

But let's not forget that she doesn't go about this adventure alone. Tagging along on the murder investigation is lighthouse keeper Jude Osric. He wormed his way into my heart about as fast as Moira did. Vulnerable and kind to a fault, I squee'd quite often with him, and most definitely when he and Moira were together. Their chemistry together was phenomenal. Not once did it feel forced and the natural progression of their relationship had me smiling like a fool.

Overall I thought this was so well done. The pacing is spot-on, and I was often doing the whole "attempt to do everything one-handed" thing. It goes without saying, clearly, that I was never once bored. Nor did I find it predictable. Yes, my guess of whodunnit was pretty much right, but I loved the journey of getting there. This was terribly entertaining and beautifully written about a vivid and compelling world. I will absolutely read anything else Kelly Powell writes, and the fact she's a fellow Canadian is just a bonus!

Moira is a well known for her excellent violin skills by people all over the island. To make a bit of money she spends her free time tutoring other children to play. Besides her love for music shes also enchanted by the sirens that lurk by the shores. Its her connection to her father who used to tell her all kinds of wonderful and dark siren stories. He wanted to learn every thing there was to know about them and even pushed to have a hunting ban put it place believing the sirens had just as much right to the island as anyone else considering they've probably been there longer. Moiras been dealing with the lost of her father by pushing away her only true friend Jude. Despite the secrets they're both hiding they decide to work together to discover what really happened to Moiras student.

I loved Moira and Judes slow childhood best friend romance. They were a great match with their personalities balancing each other out. Judes known across the island for his kindness even after his entire family was taken by sirens, while Moira is more blunt and headstrong. I loved the progression of Moiras relationship with her mother and how they had to learn to be a family unit without her father there. I thought her mother was caring without being too overbearing. On the other hand the only family Judes has left is an uncle who treats him terribly. We do find out later why the two of them don't get along, but its never really explained why Flint is so rude to Moira. We learn what he did for Moira to stop playing at the dance hall, but not the reason why he was so harsh.

The only fantastical part of this story was the sirens. I would consider this mostly a historical mystery which is fine because I loved following the characters trying to solve a crime on an island full of secrets. I liked how Moira believes the sirens are only doing what comes natural to them, but I feel like her extreme love for the sirens was a little excessive at times. I know shes trying to uphold her father's dream, but it was hard to relate to her determination to keep them safe despite everything they've done. The suspense created by the mystery made the pace engaging. Its also short so it went by quickly. I really enjoyed coming up with theories, but it also led to me to not be surprised very often. Not to mention, I was a little confused as to why they didn't investigate the most obvious suspect.

I love creepy island settings and this totally delivered. The secrets and murders created a dark and eerie atmosphere that was very immersive. We have the cliffs overlooking the sea where Moira plays her violin to the sirens and the foggy moors that added an ominous quality of the story. I felt like the historical time period worked really well for this spooky mystery. I need a good fantastical twist to be tempted to pick up a book so I appreciated the sirens being an essential part of this world. The locals know to carry iron to avoid being lured by their song, but the many tourists who visit the island to glimpse the sirens aren't always as careful. I've been really loving standalones lately so Im happy this all wrapped up in one book. Id totally recommend it if you want something similar as Sawkill Girls.

Unfortunately I didn’t get much past 15% in this book because the file doesn’t work on my kobo e-reader. Which has happened to me before in the past. So, I’m not sure if my e-reader is on the fritz or something went hay wire when I downloaded it. I have tried deleting and redownloading to no avail.

However, with that being said, the amount of time I spent with this book (even given it’s a small amount). If the book continued on the path it was on, I would give this book a 3 star rating. I know it’s not much help when I don’t actually finish the book. I think this book would have been an easy read and I loved the concept of the book. So, that being said I would definitely go out and buy this book to finish reading it.

Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada for allowing me to read this book because I devoured this novel in one day and I fell in love with the chemistry of Jude and Moira because they are perfect together. I love the fact that they were not just "oh I love you and am not going to change". Jude and Moira had their ups and downs and it was like reading everyday people.
For my complaints (mostly on the worldbuilding) check out my blog at https://bookgirlreviewsbooks.blogspot.com.

4.5 out of 5 stars.

PS: it was good that I already have a paper copy of it (because I forgot I had preordered it).

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC!!

My Rating: 4 Stars

Small towns, murder, and Sirens? Count me in.

This book was absolutely fantastic, one I was immediately hooked on and that I couldn’t put down. I read the whole book within a day and craved more when it was over. I wish so badly that there was more of this.

The world and mythos felt so well flushed out, nothing felt strange or unbelievable. Even the man-eating Sirens that lived in the bay were spoken of with a sort of believability that for a moment I was doubting myself and the lack of ever seeing any.

Moira Alexander and Jude Osric. I love them. I feel in the young adult genre we’re missing a group of soft, innocent, baby seal boys. This book filled that void so elegantly with Jude, who I frequently just wanted to hug, or had to stop myself from screaming at Moira to hug. And adventurous, curious, starry-eyed Moira who is also secretive, cynical, and driven. Yes, she is all of those things. Through her eyes we get a full view of the wonders of the island, but also the dangers. Together the two end up trying to solve a death that is quickly ruled a Siren attack, but Moira isn’t too sure. Battling the stigma around the creatures and the secrets each are keeping from one another, Moira and Jude must figure out who is causing the killings and blaming the Sirens, and quickly, before their meddling puts them on the wrong end of a knife.

The fact that this book is Kelly Powell’s debut is absolutely mind-blowing, and when I realized she was a Canadian debut author, not too far away from myself, I was even more elated. Her writing was fantastic, her plot and characters wonderful, and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future. The only downside for me is that there wasn’t more. I felt the world was so rich, so fantastical, and that so many elements were laid out and ready to reappear later in the book but never did (Flint’s creepiness, the mute Siren, the Russel Hendry story line, etc). I felt there could easily have been another 50-100 pages, and I would have gladly read them, but maybe that’s just my opinion.

It was a fantastic read however, and I plan on recommending the book to many many people. And should Kelly Powell ever decide to publish any more novels of Moira and Jude solving cases together, I would be the first in line to pick them up!

This book was everything I wanted, and everything I didn't know I wanted.

This book was cute, quaint, and mysterious. It was a bit slow in places, but sometimes small towns are slow... And dangerous!

The characters were well rounded and had nice depth to them. I wanted to learn about them, I wanted to peel back the layers and figure out "why?". The secrets that fuel the town, Jude, and Moira were interesting and compelling.

I think the musical aspects of Moira were well done, I've always wanted to play violin (I'm not bias, you are!). The sirens were interesting and I could live in this world. The feelings of the townspeople made sense, the love/hate of the sirens was understandable regardless of where you stood.

The murder mystery was fun, but I felt like the secrets and character building were more important in some ways. Jude was cute, the whole lighthouse aspect was fun to read about. Jude Osric is such a great name, I loved using his whole name, it makes him so memorable. How Kelly Powell wove secrets into the lighthouse (the cracks) was beautiful. I do really like her writing style and she's definitely an author I'm going to look out for.

If you like cozy mysteries, small towns, murder, secrets, love, music, and sirens, then this book is for you. The writing is beautiful and the characters are strong. I would recommend this book, and I would read more stories from this town.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

Disclaimer I received an ARC in exchange of an honest review !

This book was a surprise, I went into it with low expectations as I don't often enjoy reading mysteries, though the deadly sirens are what intrigued me the most.

This debut novel is truly unique, I loved the writing the way the author managed to pull you into the atmosphere and the world in a few pages. The music element was also really fun to read and the way everyone was so accustomed to the unwritten laws of how to stay alive with deadly sirens in your daily life.

I loved how everyone was so quick to accept the murder as a siren attack, since nobody or most people don't know much about sirens/how they didn't want to believe it could be a murder by another human.

The story was unique and not gory as it could've been which is also great for younger YA readers, the best part was me not knowing solving the mystery before the BIG REVEAL.

Overall, this was a good story and it really did capture my attention, was it one of my favourite book ever or book release by a new author of 2019, sadly no. But I do recommend it for lovers of mysteries and people who love fantasy looking to put a foot into mysteries !

3.85/5 stars

Bookarina

Thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book.

I like the fantasy/mysterie crime solving aspect of this book. Love Moira and Jude characters but I wish that the sirens would be more present in the book.

Songs of the Deep was a really refreshing and unique read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s part fantasy, part crime/mystery, with a touch of romance.
The beginning was a little slow, but quickly picked up. Though the story is mostly told from Moira’s perspective, readers will get to glimpse snippets of it through Jude’s perspective as well.
The characters are complex, the murder mystery is intense, and builds into this gorgeous climax..
I loved every minute of it. Looking forward to reading more from this author