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.

True to its name, "The Sirens" captivates, lyrically drawing you into a mystical swirl of mystery, historical fiction, and female empowerment.

Told in a dual timeline, the novel fundamentally focuses on the lives of sisters Mary and Eliza, who were passengers on a convict ship sailing to Australia in the 1800s. Wrongfully imprisoned and suffering from horrid conditions, the twins have nothing left to cling to but each other. Far in the future, we enter the life of Lucy, a young woman who is grappling with strange nightmares and sleepwalking that has navigated her straight into trouble. Lucy flees to a coastal town to seek refuge with her older sister, Jess. From then on, the reader is taken on a journey exploring not just the bonds of sisterhood, but also the bonds between both timelines.

Across the board, I found the characters likeable and relatable. There is a strong magical realism thread to this book that dips its toes into fantasy. I read and enjoyed Emilia Hart's "Weyward," but I enjoyed this one even more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Emilia Hart for an advance copy for honest review. Barrie Kreinik performed the narration and did an excellent job of bringing all characters to life convincingly.

The Sirens by Emilia Hart

Who knew that dreams could be so powerful. When Lucy awakens one night with her hands wrapped around her ex-lovers throat, she feels to her sister’s house, hoping she can help explain the vivid dreams. Lucy’s ex-lover honestly deserved that.

Mary and Elizabeth are twin sisters who fear the ocean because their mother drowned when they were little. But they start to notice changes to their bodies and they begin to feel the sea calling to them.

I thought the dual POVs were interesting. But I definitely found Lucy’s story a little more interesting. When Lucy’s sister is no where to be found, she starts to do some digging and brings to read her sister’s diary. We learn more about Lucy’s sister Jess and why she missed Lucy’s recent birthday. Her life changes forever when she reads that diary. I was shocked to hear what she found inside of it! I didn’t see the ending coming at all.

The twists in this story were great! This book was definitely dark but interesting. This was very different from what I normally read/listen to but I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much. Barrie did a wonderful job narrating! I’m glad I was able to listen to it. I did find it a little slow so I think if I had read it, it would have taken me a lot longer to finish it. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Emilia.

Thank you so much NetGalley, Emilia and Macmillan Audio for the E-ALC! I was so excited to be able to listen to this!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication: April 1 2025

#NetGalley

The Sirens by Emilia Hart is a multi-layered puzzle of a book, grounded in the contemporary world while hinting at the fantastical just a hair’s-breadth away. As with her powerful book, Wayward, I’d recommend reading trigger warnings before starting this title.

The Sirens is perfect for readers who like:
- Multiple points-of-view
- Multiple timelines
- Stories grounded in a contemporary setting but with fantastical elements
- Mermaids
- Sister stories
- Mystery facets
- Feminine rage
- Epistolary elements (journal entries)

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC. I look forward to reading whatever Emilia Hart dreams up next!

I was so excited to read this book and thrilled when I was approved for an ARC. I was drawn to the cover, the title, and the description. I really liked Weyward and was hoping for another good book from Emilia Hart. However, I found this new novel very difficult to read. The pacing was slow and I just couldn't connect with the characters. Unfortunately the book was a DNF for me at about 65%, but I did push through on the audiobook to see how it ended. The narration helped a bit, but I still struggled to finish the book.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an ARC in exchange for honest thoughts.

I gave this book 2 Stars

The Sirens
By Emilia Hart
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book of year: 12
Favorite Quote:
She asked Lucy to make a choice but, sometimes there is no choice, only love.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read The Sirens by Emilia Hart.
After finishing Weyward, I knew I needed more of Emilia Hart’s storytelling. I love the way she weaves multiple perspectives from different time periods, seamlessly bringing them together in a powerful way. This seems to be an emerging genre, and I’m finding myself drawn to it more and more.
The Sirens follows four women across different eras: Lucy in 2019, her sister Jess in 1999, whose story unfolds through the pages of her adolescent diary, and Mary and Eliza in 1800. Hart has a remarkable ability to tug at my heartstrings, making me deeply admire these women despite the hardships they endure.
I had no idea where this book was going to take me, and its quiet, unexpected twists kept surprising me. Emilia Hart is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me!

4.25/5. Thanks to Ms. Hart, the publisher, and Netgalley for the advanced listening copy!

This is my first Emilia Hart book read, but Weyward is also on my list for this year. And now I am very excited to read Weyward. This was a wonderful introduction to Ms. Hart's writing.

The story follows Lucy, a college student who wakes up to find herself strangling a man who has done her wrong. Her first thought is to go to her sister, Jess, who she hasn't seen in quite a while but feels safe with. Once she gets there, though, Jess isn't there. In Lucy's quest to find her sister, she ends up unraveling long held family secrets - and secrets of the town she's drawn to.

Part of that discovery is Lucy reading her sister's diary from 20 years earlier, revealing the answers to mysteries through another set of eyes. These come to us just as they come to Lucy with every page turn.

Interwoven in that story is the story of Mary and Eliza, prisoners on a ship to Australia in the 1800s. Parts of Jess and Lucy's story is reflected in this past, young girls finding out just what they truly are and how to embrace it.

This novel has a bit of everything I like: mystery, murder, mermaids. The prose itself is very beautiful, evoking a real sense of place for me. The narrator, Barrie Kreinik, is also a fantastic addition. Overall, an audiobook I will have no issue recommending to friends.

Sirens written by Emilia Hart and wonderfully narrated by Barrie Kreinik is a story within a story within a story. Part historical fiction, part mystery and ultimately resolution and revenge- through three different timelines, at least the way I see it. I enjoyed the escape the story provided and expect that others will also. Although in many ways the story coasted along, it did keep my interest to the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio and the author for the opportunity to listen to this ARC/ALC.

I loved this story, but I have to admit I got confused some throughout the switching narratives. There was a connection between several girls both from the past to the present that were drawn to the water/cliff edge. The culmination and revelations toward the end were somewhat unexpected and very interesting, but I felt like I missed some of the detail earlier on in the setup just trying to figure out the dynamics between characters.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook to review.

My biggest issue with this book is that the build up felt very slow. The first third dragged while the last third flew by. I do think the book did very well to tie the different timelines together and showcase how throughout history and even today, women have been treated unfairly, persecuted, and taking advantage of. Australia’s history as a penal colony is not unknown, but the stories of women who suffered exile are still somehow lost in the tale. It is that history that is the most compelling part of the book for me along with the female relationships.

4 / 5 ⭐️

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

The Sirens by Emilia Hart is a hauntingly beautiful tale of feminine rage and sisterhood with a hefty dose of magical realism.

This book is told in 3 POVs: First, Lucy in 2019, running from a mistake brought on by a boy she trusted who turned on her. She goes to find her sister Jess, only to find her house on a small town cliffside mysteriously empty and unlocked, her things left behind. Here, she hides from the world and discovers secrets hidden for years. Next, Mary, stuck on a cargo ship with her sister Eliza. They have been exiled from their home of Ireland with only rumors and fear for what their future holds on the prison island of Australia. Finally, we hear from Jess, mainly from her 20 year old diary, telling the story of her vulnerable teenage years struggling with problems unlike those of her peers.

The audio of this book sets the scenes spectacularly. For me (an American with no knowledge of accents), her voice acting pulled me into the setting perfectly, allowing seamless transitions from present day small-town Australia to the cargo hold full of Irish women, dark and dripping drifting further and further from their home.

This book is great for lovers of character-driven stories with themes focused on finding ones identity, healing from trauma, and discovering generational secrets. The plot twists are somewhat obvious but it did not manage to ruin my enjoyment of the story. I don't recommend this for anyone looking for a high fantasy with epic stakes, you won't find that here.

CW: revenge porn mention, adult/minor relationship, confinement, sexual assault, violence, sexism, pregnancy/miscarriage

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

A huge thank you to Emilia Hart, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of The Sirens! I received both an eArc and ALC. Both were wonderful, and the narration was exceptionally well done.

Emilia is a mastermind when it comes to her writing. Set against the backdrop of two compelling timelines, we follow the lives of two sisters from the 1800s who are thrust onto a convict ship bound for Australia. Fast-forward to 2019, where we meet Lucy and her older sister—a pair who, though vastly different, are connected in unexpected ways.

The alternating timelines and dual sisterly perspectives were a great choice, giving us a rich, layered narrative as the stories of the past and present weave together in a way that feels both eerie and magical.

This book is not just a historical fantasy; it’s a beautifully crafted tale of transformation and the deep, sometimes haunting connections between women. As a lover of siren mythology (I’m a firm believer in their existence, by the way :] !), this story had me completely captivated. The sirens here are as enchanting as they are mysterious, adding an intriguing layer to the plot.

That said, my one critique would be that the action doesn't really pick up until around the 60%-70% mark. While I appreciated the time spent unraveling the backstories of the characters, I personally would have loved a bit more momentum earlier on.

And I definitely did not see that coming in the ending!!

Thank you once again to Emilia Hart, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the early access. The Sirens will be available on April 1, 2025—mark your calendars and add it to your TBR shelf!