The Sirens by Emilia Hart

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

Synopsis:
The Sirens is a dual-timeline story about sisterhood, secrets, and the eerie pull of the sea. In 2019, Lucy flees to her sister Jess’s coastal home in New South Wales after waking up with her hands around her ex-lover’s throat, haunted by vivid dreams. But when Jess is nowhere to be found, Lucy starts uncovering unsettling rumors about the town—disappearances of men, whispers of sirens, and an abandoned baby. Meanwhile, in 1800, Mary and Eliza are torn from their home in Ireland and sent to Australia as convicts. As they sail across the ocean, their bodies begin to change in inexplicable ways. Across centuries, their fates intertwine in a haunting tale of transformation, betrayal, and the magic of the sea. (Courtesy of ChatGPT)

My Thoughts (contains spoilers)
I really wanted to love this one, and I did see the potential, but it left me with too many unanswered questions. The premise was intriguing—sirens hiding in plain sight, their transformations triggered by water—but the execution didn’t fully land for me.

One of my biggest frustrations was the logic behind the sirens’ condition. If they start transitioning when they get wet, how did they manage to live normal lives? No showers, no rain, no accidental splashes? It was briefly mentioned that one character had a water allergy, but that didn’t fully explain how they avoided water entirely. Additionally, how did these “sisters” not know? Every time water splashed them their skin would flake off and they would turn BLUE. It felt like a major plot hole that I couldn’t ignore.

Beyond that, the story lacked a strong central plot. The two timelines had some intrigue to them, but neither had enough depth or direction to keep me fully engaged. It felt like the characters just drifted through the story until the big reveal, and then suddenly, everything wrapped up too neatly. There were no real consequences for all the deception—everyone just moved on, which felt unrealistic given how many secrets were kept. Also, what happened with the college guy? That part of the story felt unresolved.

That being said, I did enjoy the author’s writing style. The descriptions were vivid and atmospheric—I could practically feel the sea. It made me nostalgic for the beach. I typically can ignore plot-holes but these were too glaring for me to pretend didn’t exist. The audiobook narration was also strong, adding to the eerie, almost dreamlike quality of the story.

Final Verdict:
If you can overlook the plot holes and just enjoy the moody, mysterious atmosphere, The Sirens is an interesting read. It’s dark, evocative, and beautifully written, but for me, it lacked the depth and resolution I was hoping for. I gave it 3 stars because I appreciated the vision, but I wasn’t completely sold on the execution.

I liked the pacing of this audiobook. It flowed well and captured my attention immediately. I liked Weyward and was excited to be approved for the advanced copy of The Sirens. As I listened, I felt disappointed, ready for the fantasy element to come into play at any moment. Sadly, it was about 3/4 of the way through that anything happened. Overall, I thought this book was ok, but nothing super memorable.

Immersive doesn't even begin to cover it! Barrie Kreinik's narration of "Sirens" is truly exceptional. She navigates the interchanging timelines and points of view with such skill that I can't help but be drawn into the story. It's effortless to sit back and let the tale unfold around me.

While the timeline featuring the twins, Eliza and Mary, is undoubtedly the most challenging to experience, Kreinik's portrayal is particularly powerful. Her voice, especially for Mary, brings the scenes to life in my mind's eye, creating a vivid and emotionally resonant experience.

The combination of Kreinik's narration and Hart's poignant storytelling makes this audiobook a must-listen. It's a deeply moving novel that I can't recommend highly enough. If you're looking for a story that will stay with you long after the final chapter, this is it.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for my free audiobook.

A book for anyone who feels the call of the ocean. The Sirens is about sisterhood and familial love. With three timelines, slowly converging in the dreams of Jessica and Lucy. This story unfolds slowly but captivating.

In 2019, Lucy begins sleepwalking and having nightmares. In order to figure out what's going on and why it all feels so real she travels to see her estranged sister for answers only to find her sister missing. This timeline moved slowly but steadily, each chapter taking us further into a family surrounded by mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this story line.

In 1999, Jessica is a lonely teenager with a rare disease that makes her feel even more alone in the world. This timeline is portrayed through her diary entries and reads just as you would expect a 16 -year-old girl to view the world.

In 1800, sisters Mary and Eliza are sentenced to exile for assault. The story unravels as they travel to Australia aboard a boat of convicts. These sisters are terrified of the water and are forced to face their fear everyday on the journey.

These three stories braided together beautifully until a tale full of mystery, love and secrets. If you've ever felt drawn to the ocean,as I have, this book is 100% for you.

I just finished the audiobook version of Emilia Hart's The Sirens & I think this book will be popular this year.

I very much enjoyed Emilia Hart's precious book Weyward, I liked the setting & the centering of women's experiences. The Sirens is similar in a few ways: the setting is very much a part of the story, it's a story from the point of view of women, & it also uses leaps between now & the past to thread these experiences together.

The Sirens opens with Lucy, a young student at a journalism college, fleeing her school after sleep-attacking a fellow student who shared her intimate pictures (she does try & have it dealt with through the school & they are of course very concerned about the male student's image & future). Lucy goes the only place she can think of which won't involve having to relate everything to her parents: she drives to her sister's house, an old house perched on a cliff in a small coastal community that has a reputation for disappeared men & a found baby 30 years ago.

I was hooked pretty quickly & ended up racing through. The storytelling is compelling & the characters & scenarios unfortunately very believable.

One thing I loved about the audiobook was hearing the song sung, rather than reading it & trying to imagine how it might be sung.

Definitely read this if you liked Weyward but also if you like historical women's fiction. I had no idea about any Australian history so that part was particularly fascinating for me.

If only someone had asked these women if they wanted to play mermaids… it would have cleared a lot of things up.

Three storylines, bound together: one is running from her sleepwalking actions; one is running from the long-buried trauma of her teenage years, and twins are Irish convicts on a ship bound to Australia (not so much running as being taken).

All of them are shaped by the reckless power of men. All of them are haunted by what is never explained to them. All of them are allergic to water?

At its core, this book is a beautifully written exploration of familial bonds and the resilience of women. The prose is lyrical, and the audiobook narrator brings it to life with impressive accents (to be fair, who am I to assume that when I am not from Ireland or Australia?). The production truly shines in the siren song featured in the novel—the narrator sings it beautifully, and the quality is far better than the usual butchered audiobook singing. It even got stuck in my head.

While the plot is compelling, it isn’t as strong as it could be. My biggest struggle was with the characterization. The characters feel real, yet some aren’t fully fleshed out. Lucy, the main character, has a rich internal dialogue, but her past is barely explored. Meanwhile, Jess’s journal entries give depth to her past, but her present-day actions feel vague. The supporting characters (Jess’ neighbor, Jess’ guy friend, the parents) remain frustratingly undefined. Ironically, the twins’ storyline takes place almost entirely in the hull of a ship, yet the supporting characters there feel more developed than those in the other narratives.

The novel also leans heavily on a particular trope: women suffering through lack of communication, receiving only cryptic half-truths. While I understand this is an intentional choice, it’s a frustrating one for me personally. The lack of open communication drove me a little mad, but I recognize that’s part of the book’s design.

Ultimately, while the plot could have been tighter and some characters more developed, the writing itself is stunning, and the audiobook experience is exceptional. If you enjoy atmospheric, lyrical storytelling and stories about women finding strength through uncertainty, this book is worth the read.

There are not enough superlatives for this book's characters, settings, and the tapestry of words that blends history with fiction. You must listen to this book. The narration is riveting, luring you into the story like a Siren. This is one of the strongest female centric books that I have read, ever!

Convict transportation is the impetus for this story that spans generations and resolves itself in the perfect ending. I loved all of the characters and found their personal stories intriguing and believable.

I am grateful for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook and will be looking for Emilia Hart's next book. I will recommend it to all of my female friends.

Thank you NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this audiobook! I really enjoyed the storyline and the narrator did a nice job of keeping the story alive and engaging. I like magic realism/mild fantasy but sometimes that line can be a little foggy and make you wish the author had leapt one way or the author with the idea. For me, the touch of mermaid fantasy wasn’t my favorite, but the story itself was strong and captivating regardless! The characters are believable and I enjoy this author’s strong commitment to realistic and compelling family dynamics. I definitely recommend you check this one out once it hits the shelves!

I had such high expectations of this book, however I think that it ultimately fell flat for me.

The narrator was excellent and the story was heading in a good direction, however I felt very dissatisfied with the ending. It seemed like we were with the story for far longer than we should've been and the whole journey felt like it was for nothing once we got down to the nitty gritty of it all.

Thank you to Netgalley & The publisher for my early e-audio arc.

The Sirens is a beautifully written novel that weaves together two timelines with lyrical prose and a haunting atmosphere. The historical thread following Mary and Eliza is particularly captivating, rich with emotion. The modern-day Lucy and Jess storyline didn’t resonate as strongly with me - they lacked depth and I was left puzzled by some of the choices they make. However, as a whole this was an immersive and evocative read.

I absolutely loved Weyward and was really excited to see the new of Sirens—even more thrilled when I got my hands on an ARC!

A feminist story that touches on magical realism, featuring two sets of sisters. In 2019, we meet Lucy and Jess; Lucy finds herself a victim in a cyberbullying event and awakes with her hands around her ex-boyfriends neck. She flees to her sister, Jess, who she comes to find is nowhere to be found.

Alternatively, we go back to 1800s abroad a convict ship from Ireland to Australia and meet Mary and Eliza. Having a fear of the ocean due to their mother’s death, they sense a transformation within themselves as they travel the seas. Seems to be a sense of calling...

The stories of these sisters intertwine as the past and present collide, guiding them toward embracing the future. There are themes of womenhood, empowerment and self discovery. Great character development and the historical events between Ireland and Australia are depicted with great detail and depth.

This was a very well done audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job

What a fabulous book ! It took me awhile to get used to the pace of the story with the flashbacks of Mary and Eliza on the ship but once I got in the groove, the pages flew by . Also like the way the author used Jess’ diary entries as a way to tell her back story.

This is a tale of heartbreak but also of the bonds of sisterhood and how love prevails. Loved the ending and the way it wraps up the story of the sea. I love the way the author took a real,life tragedy and told it in a compelling way. .

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Sirens by Emilia Hart is a beautifully crafted, spellbinding tale of sisterhood, resilience, and the mysterious pull of the sea. Spanning centuries and interwoven timelines, Lucy, Jess, and the twin sisters Mary and Eliza captivated me with their gripping stories. The rich historical backdrop and touch of magic made every page immersive. Hart masterfully balances mystery, heartbreak, and hope, delivering a tale that lingers long after the final chapter. Fans of historical fiction with enchanting twists will absolutely adore this masterpiece. I couldn’t put it down!

The Sirens is a transportive Women’s Fiction that is compelling and propulsive. This story is told in three timelines, one in a historical timeframe, one present tense, and one told from the journal of the present timeline’s main character’s sister in the recent past. The discussion of how women support one another throughout the story is incredible, and meaningful.

I was very impressed with the immediate tension in this story, and the author’s ability to keep that suspenseful edge throughout the story, without it being a suspense novel. It kept me engaged and eager to keep reading.

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was incredibly well done by a single narrator. I listened at 1.5x speed (my normal audiobook listening speed is 1.75x speed).

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this advanced listening copy.

I really enjoyed Weyward and was excited for another book from Emilia Hart. Sadly, this book just didn’t work for me. It took me almost a month to read. It progressed incredibly slowly and I felt no connection to the characters. I also found it difficult to keep everything straight. The dual timeline was a great aspect of the story, but made for some confusion with who was who at times. The story did have some interesting twists, but overall I just couldn’t get into the story. I will say, the narration was great. The narrator was really able to set the atmosphere and bring the story to life.

Emilia Hart is back and better than ever! I love her book Wayward; it is one that I constantly recommend, and The Sirens will be added to this list. It is atmospheric, mysterious, all about woman empowerment, and folklore is dripping from the pages. I was hooked from the moment I began listening to the audio. The Australian and Irish accents had me. I also dove into the eBook, needing to swipe the pages as I dove down deep into the mysterious waters that birthed the stories that surround the town of Comper Bay.

The moment Lucy snaps awake with her hands wrapped around the neck of the boy she thought she loved. Lucy knew she was in trouble. She cannot think straight but she knows she must leave school. Her sister's home in Comper Bay sounds like the perfect escape. She jumps in her car and begins the 12-hour drive. The nightmares that have wound through her dreams coming to light, the two sisters, the pull of the ocean. What does it all mean? When she finally arrives, the front door is open, her sister is gone, and the painting she is working on is on full display. Lucy knows it cannot be the sisters from her dream. How can Jess know about them?

This is a dual timeline swapping between 2019 and 1800. Lucy and Jess dig into their past to find out family secrets that have been buried deep. The skin condition that has haunted them both since they were born. Making them stand out and when all they want to do is melt into the background. Mary and Eliza are being sent to Australia on a convict's ship. The women convicts are treated so horribly. The boat and the women are lost to the thrashing waves, just as the smell of land greeted their nostrils. Their haunting songs drift across the land of Comper Bay. Men have gone missing and the caves below the Cliff House are the link. Thank you to Emilia Hart, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press for my gifted copy.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

I am not sure if I would recommend this to others. I loved the concept and I also enjoyed the parallel time lines. I didn’t really get into it until about halfway when twists started revealing themselves. There were several loose ends left behind and the last couple of chapters flew by. By the end of the epilogue I was so confused. I will need to read the end of the book again.

It took me a while to put a review together for this book, simply because it was so different than what I was expecting. This book is dark and atmospheric and a true depiction of female rage and empowerment through generations. Hart’s writing is beautiful and poetic. But please check your trigger warnings as this book is dark and explores many dark themes. It is multi-pov and also utilizes multiple story telling devises such as podcasts, dreams and diaries. The main characters are compelling and easy to root for. In today’s political climate this book felt especially poignant.

I have two issues with this book:
First, I wanted more exploration of the sirens and fantastical elements. This is very light on the fantasy elements and quite modern. I do acknowledge this is more of a personal preference as a fantasy reader, but I wanted more of the mythology of sirens and to see them have more on-page scenes.
Second, the epilogue. I want to avoid spoilers so won’t go into much detail. But to me it felt like a punch in the gut. The previous theme of essentially horrible men being horrible was essentially completely flipped and in a sense redeemed. This almost ruined all the work done in the book.

Overall, this book is beautifully written and atmospheric. And such an important look at familial and female bonds, secrets and trauma through the ages.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Emilia Hart's "The Sirens" is a spellbinding novel that intricately weaves the tales of two sets of sisters, separated by centuries yet bound by the enigmatic allure of the sea. The narrative oscillates between 2019 and the early 19th century, exploring themes of sisterhood, resilience, and the transformative power of water.

In 2019, we follow Lucy, a young woman grappling with a mysterious condition that makes her allergic to water. After a traumatic incident, she seeks refuge with her older sister, Jess, in the coastal town of Comber Bay, Australia. Upon arrival, Lucy discovers Jess missing, prompting a journey into family secrets and self-discovery. Concurrently, the narrative delves into the early 1800s, where Irish sisters Mary and Eliza are forcibly taken from their homeland and placed on a convict ship bound for Australia. As they endure the harrowing voyage, they notice inexplicable changes in their bodies, hinting at a deeper connection to the sea.

Hart's prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images of the sea's beauty and menace. The alternating timelines are seamlessly interwoven, each enriching the other and building a cohesive narrative that captivates the reader. The characters are richly developed, their struggles and triumphs resonating deeply. The bond between the sisters, in both timelines, is portrayed with authenticity and emotional depth, highlighting the enduring strength of familial ties.

However, some readers might find the pacing uneven, with a deliberate build-up that culminates in a swift resolution. Additionally, while the novel incorporates elements of magical realism, those expecting a traditional fantasy centered on sirens may find this aspect understated. The fantastical elements serve more as a backdrop to the exploration of human experiences and relationships.

In conclusion, "The Sirens" is a beautifully crafted tale that delves into the complexities of sisterhood, identity, and the call of the sea. Emilia Hart has delivered a compelling narrative that lingers long after the final page, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction infused with a touch of magic.

This book was empowering how characters came together in times of trial and tribulation to help one another. The character development was amazing and the way the stories are intertwined was perfect.

The mysteries kept me going and I read the book on one day. There were some things I felt could have been improved but I don't want to give spoilers and I so appreciate the details that did exist in the storyline.