I’m one of the most alluring creatures in the world. Dangerous. Beautiful. Powerful.A siren.One of seven princesses of Lacuna.But I wanted more than that, so much more than the trinkets I stowed in my caverns. I wanted my own piece of the world. And I got it. However with that wish came a price, and that price came with secrets.Two of which should never have been able to set foot on where I … been able to set foot on where I reside.
The fate of my heart belongs to Lacuna, but whose heart belongs to me?
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This was absolutely an amazing retelling of a much loved fairytale. This was the first book by Hazel that I read and from what I understand her first time at this kind of fantasy genre and I have to say she hit this one out of the park.
This book will grab you from the beginning with the twists and turns and oh mercy the mind tricks that even had me going back to reread the page again to figure it out were absolutely brilliant. It’s gritty, dark, twisted and I even had to wonder is this a romance story? Will they get their HEA? You just need to pick up this lil jewel of the sea and find out what happens next. It’s definitely a must read.
Wow, oh wow!
Is it terrible that I think I love the Sinister Fairytales more than the Disney ones…
Oh well, looks like I grew up and got a whole lot darker!
Siren is my first Hazel Grace novel and I’m absolutely on board to read more. I lost my sh!t reading Siren. No way to sugar coat it, okay there is but I chose not to!
Siren is intense and so damn romantic that even hardened readers will shed tears. Don’t shake your head at me! Hazel Grace makes you fall for the “evil” Viking one page at a time. You almost don’t realize your allegiances have changed. Ut once they are tested it will take everything to keep from losing your mind.
Grace keeps us on our toes and has a dagger ready to stab us in the heart. The heartbreak in this book may be too much to recover from…but just keep reading! (You sang that like Dory didn’t you!?!)
Hazel Grace stole my heart, gave me a prize worthy Viking, and then proceeded to get her revenge. I think she secretly enjoys knowing I was a puddle of despair. However, if you are a sleep deprived idiot like me a d manage to finish the book before your eyes seal themselves shut- you would avoid the vivid nightmares I had of all the worst parts. (Apparently, I’m a masochist. Though if you are unable to finish before falling asleep just know, it’s a hell of a way to start your day!
I can’t stop smiling. Also I may be glistening with the happy tears or the sad tears that are no happy. No matter because the tears give way to best ending ever! Don’t just take my word for it though, read it! You won’t regret it or the intense emotions that will over run your human heart.
Oh and that singing in the background…you may want to swim away, they are Sirens after all!
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Siren is the first book I’ve read from Hazel Grace and she’s made me a fan on her first try! It was dark and delicious, entrancing, captivating, and utterly spellbinding!
In the South Seas, mermaids are real. They lure unsuspecting travellers who venture too far or hunters who seek to kill them for fortune, with their looks and their songs… with their magic. They can be vicious and cruel, especially when it comes to protecting themselves and those they love. Dagen learns this the hard way when his search for a trinket to bring hope and prosperity to his people lands him in the laps of not just any mermaids, but the princesses of the sea. He’s stumbled upon an island that no one but the sirens should be able to see and the seven princesses will use whatever means necessary to find out his true intentions. Can love blossom in the midst of torture and death? You better believe it can!
I was told that this is the author’s first attempt at a fantasy romance and I think she did an incredible job with it. From the world building, the intricacies of the plot, the many hidden gems I discovered, the intensely developed characters, and the descriptive colors of the people and their surroundings, it was easy to fall in love with Grace’s writing. I highlighted so many great lines and then realized I couldn’t share them because they contained spoilers and I don’t intend to ruin this for anyone. Siren is a raw, gritty, addictive, mystical read with surprisingly tender moments. These characters were amazing and I hope to see them again.
Wowza! What a wickedly epic spin on the tale of the Little Mermaid!
This is the first book I have read by Hazel Grace and I am glad I had the opportunity to dig into this tale.
This story is a fantasy of epic proportions, of the power of family and the power of love.
I loved the strength of Divina, she was little but she was absolutely fierce! She was compassion embraced and her love of her sisters and her love of Tobias and Dagen shone through the whole tale beautifully.
The world that Ms. Grace creates with her words really draws you in! I could really “see” the island that Divina lived on, the castle by the sea. The beauty of her sisters and the fierce handsomeness of Dagen and the debonair swooniness of Tobias.
If you are looking for a sweeping, lush tale that will take you on an epic sea adventure, get your hands on this tale!
Siren by Hazel Grace
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Book: Siren
Author: Hazel Grace
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person – Multiple
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Rating: 3 Stars!
Age: Davina – ?, Degan – 30, Tobias – ? (Not mentioned)
Spoilers Ahead.
“I love you,” he decrees. “I love you more than anything in this universe. More than myself, more than life, more than any circumstances or outcome. You are my world, Blood. I will never forget you, even in eternal sleep, you’ll always be my dream.”
The first 60% would have been 2 stars, but the last bit got a bit better. I swear I nearly stacked this because this has some of my least favorite tropes. A love triangle and scenes with BOTH OM and OW. While it was a reason to dislike this, it was not THE reason.
Siren by Hazel Grace was a complicated book for me. I loved some aspects of it and I hated some others. Let’s start with the good ones. This is an intriguing and unique version of ‘the Little Mermaid’ universe. The world-building was complex and on-point and the characters were multi-dimensional and real. Since this book is a part of Sinister Fairy Tales, I expected this to be a bit more dark. It was a little mild in that area apart from some neck-snapping. One thing that I loved was how Davina was stronger than the male leads. For once, it was the female character who was more powerful and superior. I loved her strength, valor and fierce nature. However, she was the only lead I loved. None of the other characters, nor Dagen or Tobias or any of her six sisters did it for me.
Let’s hit the letdowns;
1. Davina: I loved her then I didn’t. She was a strong character but she sort off ruined it for me the moment she had sex with I-can’t-even-remember-his-name in a weird torture/interrogation/seduction? technique. And then she killed what’s-his-name (who was completely innocent, btw). I don’t want to read about our main protagonist having sex with someone other than her love interests. It’s just icky. FYI, her torture techniques suck. I think she should read a manual. Here’s that scene, if someone’s interested.
However, it was me underneath her as she rode my cock, not Tybalt.
“Holy mother of Athena,” Tybalt groans. “You feel amazing. Is this real?” He’s answered with a delicate chuckle.
“It’s real,” she whispers loud enough for me to hear. “So fuck me like it’s the last thing you’re going to do.”
I hear his grunt and see his knees bend as he pounds into her. Into the woman who drove her nails inside my skin to the point where I wanted to strangle her with my bare hands and do exactly what the lad is doing right now. My resentment has passed its peak, surpassing the level of being able to stay calm. Yanking on my chains in frustration, I set myself to stand, all while seeing Davina’s head turn in my direction.
“Didn’t mean to wake you,” she coos, letting Tybalt continue to drive his dick inside her. She looks down at him, her hair cascading over her shoulders. “Don’t stop.”
“Stop,” I deadpan, my eyes boring into his body. But he doesn’t, my words mean nothing. It’s her that possesses him, body and soul, and she’s trying to get into my fucking head. She’s already there. She’s been there. Now she’s using her little antics and tricks to drive me fucking crazy. To the point where my fingers are itching to clasp around my own man’s neck. I can’t see Davina’s eyes when she turns in my direction, but I can make out the look on her face—defiance.
“Go back to sleep,” she croons then lets out a harsh exhale, dropping her chin to her chest. “Yes, Tybalt, like that.”
“Yeah?” he utters, suddenly confident. “You like that, beauty?”
“Yes,” she breathes. “Mhm, you’re so good at this.”
2. The writing: I soon made my peace with the above scene. I was even fine with the love triangle. But then the writing. It was so stilted and weird to read. God, this book badly needs an editor. And then I came across this gem of a quote;
“Good,” she sighs when my cocks spreads her opening. “Because you’d be everyone’s fool if you fell in love with me.”
Cocks? Cocks?? Like plural? How many does he have? Jesus. Maybe it’s just the eBook. But the writing felt stilted to me throughout the plot. There were more like “Seems like all the decision-making has been taken away and talked about amongst themselves.” and “Freezing in place, I listen to the house start to creak and clatter with the belongings of the castle.” Does this make sense? I know English is not my native language but still, that felt weird. The writing was a big no for me. And Tobias and Dagen? I was more or less impervious to them.
3. Plot holes: In chapter 11, during Dagen and Tobias’s altercation, Dagen mentions rumors about Tobias raping women and Davina asks him, “What’s raping women?” Now mind you, she reads so many books, she has a library on her island and is it still possible she doesn’t know what’s rape? Maybe it is, but I don’t believe she is that naïve when she obviously has had sexual partners before and participates in that scene with what’s-his-name. But in chapter 29, when Dagen has her captured underneath him, she insinuated that he will rape her. So unless I missed something she went from not knowing what rape is to accusing Dagen of wanting to rape her. Which doesn’t make sense unless some scenes were deleted.
4. The end part: The last thing that irritated me was how both Tobias and Dagen were killed off in a sacrifice, and how Davina went through 10% of the book in various stages of grief, like “my best friend is dead, my love is dead and how will I live? what will I do now?”
While in my mind, I was going “Please don’t resurrect them now. Don’t resurrect them. What’s the point then. Oh. Oh Shit. You did it. Tobias is alive again. Huh. But Dagen’s still dead. Maybe he will remain dead. Please remain dead. Don’t come alive again. Don’t come alive. Oh. Shit. Really? Really?? Was that really necessary? Of course. Of course he’s alive again.”
Safe to say this wasn’t a favorite. But hey, don’t knock it off till you try it.
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This book is part of the Sinister Fairytales Collection and it’s a dark retelling of The Little Mermaid.
But before you think it’s a very often told story, the author wrote it a little bit different, adding pirates, Vikings, witches and a beautiful love triangle story to the mix.
I love this amazing book
I laughed, screamed and cried reading this fascinating book.
The story is dark, but with enough humor to take the edge off.
I love the sirens and their devilish characters. Yes, they are 7 siren sisters in that book and everyone of them has different powers.
They are hilarious and… deadly,
you just have to love them
This book is gripping, suspenseful, sexy and definitely a page-turner.
I was constant wondering what happens next.
I love retellings and this one was definitely one of the best.
A lot of people writes about the slow beginning, but I loved the slow fascinating and exciting introduction to this exciting world.
And when you’ve read over the 30% mark, the events overturn so fast, that you’re unable to take a break.
Omg. I am completely blown away by this book. I could not put it down. I loved the characters. The plot was so layered and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. I don’t want to give any spoilers away. I think this book is best enjoyed going into it blind. I’m just going to say, read thus book right now!
***WARNING: TISSUES WILL BE REQUIRED TO READ THIS***
Now that that is out of the way, and I think I’ve cleaned up all the mascara running down my cheeks, let’s see if I can write a review of this dark retelling of something akin to The Little Mermaid.
Hazel Grace is a new to me author, and boy what a way to learn about who she is as an author. She literally took my hand, stood in line with me at the roller coaster, strapped me in then waved goodbye to my bawling form as it took off up the first incline to the first drop! Good lord, my heart is hurting so good right now, that I might even forgive her for the tears. I can count on one hand the number of books that have made me cry… Anyways, back to the story.
Did you know you needed a more adult version of The Little Mermaid? Cause I didn’t, but now having read it, I’m not sure I could live not having it. She creates such a world that you can’t help but be stuck behind the veil with everyone else. Such vivid colors and emotions, like nothing feels quite as peaceful as that little island. Then add in characters that you feel for on a complete OTHER level, like my heart is still tied to Davina, Dagen, and Tobias.
The way these character’s lives are braided together makes the stakes even greater. Three worlds collide, each with their own collective of people they are trying to save or protect. From Davina’s six sisters to Dagen’s Viking clan, each having to make such sacrifices, you aren’t sure how your heart will stand it. *CUE TISSUES* I literally flew through chapters to make sure my heart was going to be put back together, that the words became a blur on the pages. Don’t worry, it’s worth putting your heart on the line and pushing through.
When my ride came to a complete stop, and Hazel gingerly removed me from the car, I definitely felt like I still had my sea legs, but f*ck what a rush. Sooo worth every high, low, and crazy twist along the way.
If you are following along with The Sinister Fairytales Collection, DON’T MISS THIS ONE! You need it in your life, and be sure the box of tissues next to you is full. Don’t say you weren’t warned!
ℂ ℝ
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ℝ: Siren by Hazel Grace is book number six of the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection and a dark retelling of… you guessed it, The Little Mermaid! But it’s so much darker, and so much BETTER! definitely one of my favorite dark retellings so far. Hazel Grace is a new to me author but she simply smashed this enchanting, dark retelling and it will not be my last read from her! If you are looking for a sea adventure in a world filled with mermaids, pirates, and Vikings then you have come to the right place, Siren and the magical world of Merindah is the perfect read for you!
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(ℍ) ℍ: There are actually two main male characters in Siren that I would consider heroes. Captain Tobias Nathanial, The Prince of the Black Sea, the sweet and protective pirate who has been around Davina and her sisters for years. Davina and Tobias have had a certain connection ever since he saved her life. Although Tobias wants more… And then we have Dagen, the Blood Axe, the fierce and sexy Viking who has somehow stumbled along the magical island of Merindah. Both of them are absolutely wonderful guys, and both have that SOMETHING about them that makes you want to swoon.
() ℍ: Princess Davina, the beautiful siren and one of the seven daughters of King Triton. Davina is a powerful force to be reckoned with! I loved her character, her protectiveness of her sisters, her strong will, and the fight and the fire inside of her. I mean she has not ONE but TWO handsome men completely spellbound by her!
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/ : It takes a little bit for the steam to come along, there’s a bit of an intense slow burn, but once it does… my oh my is it hot! The chemistry between Davina and her love interest is scorching hot.
ℂ : Nope, no cliffhanger… BUT there are six more siren sisters and I for one would absolutely LOVE more from this family! Especially Tobias and a certain sister… I would love to see a series come of this.
: There are difficult subjects that could be considered triggers.
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Siren by Hazel Grace: a review
We meet Davina, a Siren along with her sisters, Kali and Rohana searching for human treasure. Rohana is captured by hunters and Davina won’t let her go as she tries to save her. This book was so dark and twisty that I loved it so much. I loved Davina, Tobias and especially Dagen. I love how much Dagen loves Davina and protects her. Davina protecting her sisters is one of my favorite parts of this book.
I’m a younger sister who has disabilities but my older sister protects me with her life.
I absolutely loved this book. I loved Dagan, Tobias and Davina. It was one of the best, dark, and twisty retellings of The Little Mermaid I’ve ever read. I highly recommend it
When Dagen happens upon an island, he learns he shouldn’t be there, shouldn’t even be able to see this island. And its inhabitants make it known he’s an invasive, unwanted being. But out of all the lovely mermaid sisters who come to taunt him, there’s one who instantly stands out – Davina, the redhead siren who will soon come to hold his heart in her sly little hands.
If you’re looking for a sweet but modern take on The Little Mermaid, move on, because Siren isn’t sweet. Nope. It’s a bit twisted and dark, and Davina and her sisters aren’t sweet and innocent like Ariel. They’re literally sirens, the 7 princess daughters of King Triton. Davina and Dagen (and Tobias’) story is certainly an inventive retelling of The Little Mermaid. I really liked it and have found in Hazel a great new author!
Did you feel that? that cool tremble? Hazel Grace knows how to put the SShh in Shiver. With this amazing tale. You remember the old tales about a beautiful voice luring men to their deaths on the water? Siren’s. This isn’t what you think, I was floored in its retelling.
Dagen is on a hunt for an item promised to bring new life a new way of living for him and his. Now he winds up on an unknown, uncharted island. The big question why and what does he want, the Sea Princesses would like to know. One special ‘lil merm” wants something different, seemingly tired of the same old story different day thing that is her life. Will they both find what they’re after?
What a world Hazel as created, fun and engaging. Each character profile full and integrates into the storyline wonderfully. What a great mesh of the three. Detail, world and characters. Well done.
OMG…. I do not know where to start with Siren!!! This was my first by Hazel Grace and I absolutely loved it!!! This was a perfect addition to The Sinister Fairy Takes Collection!!!
The book brings out so many emotions and I could not put it down! The angst, heartbreak and tears were all worth it! Highly recommend this read! And this will definitely not be my last read by Hazel Grace!!
Siren is part of the Sinister Fairy Tale Collection but is a standalone. This is a dark retelling of the Little Mermaid. There is nothing sweet about this story.
The book started off a little slow but definitely picks up. It has high angst and was entertaining from start to finish. It is twisted and dark. There was plenty of action and steam to keep your attention, then a twist you don’t see coming. The characters were great. I loved the banter between Davina and the other princesses. Overall, I recommend reading this if you like fairytale/fantasy books. This was a great addition to the Sinister Fairytale Collection.
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
Siren was an enchanting twist on The Little Mermaid that hooked me from the beginning. I enjoyed how the author infused glimpses of the original yet put her own unique twist on this tale. The angst and somewhat darker feel of this retelling drew me in and kept me guessing. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first dove into Siren but I wasn’t expecting to feel all the emotions I did. There may have been a tear or two along the way with lots of laughter, frustration and flashes of anger. The author did an amazing job of yanking me into a captivating world full of characters I couldn’t help but love and a story that I wouldn’t put down until I finished.
When a book hits you deep and sucks you in, it takes some time to reed. This was me. The writing – flawless!! The emotions she puts deep into your soul – epic!! The laughter I found coming out of me – amazing and totally needed!!
The way this author presents characters and storyline will leave you in awe and speechless!! Her attention to detail and ability to keep you waiting and holding on – truly enthralling!! The rollercoaster I felt when reading this. I swear I was torn in two and then put back together piece by piece. It truly is a masterpiece that is an emotional tale that will stay with you long after the last page.
Davina and Dagen – holy hotness and chemistry. Their story is one full of twist, turns, chemistry and a quest that leads to an amazing, life-changing ending!! Go buy this a book! You won’t regret it!! Be prepared to read from start to finish! You won’t want to put it down!!
Absolute MUST READ!!! The Little Mermaid was one of my all time favorite Disney movies growing up and this was an amazing adult retelling of the story. It kept me on my toes and I couldn’t put it down! I was in a major book funk after I finished it, it was THAT GOOD!!!
Siren is absolutely my favorite book in the Sinister Fairytale Collection to date! Hazel Grace has left me speechless. There is nothing about this book that I did not love and want more of. The twisted, dark retelling of The Little Mermaid was amazing, but whatever you are expecting with this book forget it. It will not be like anything you expect. Everything about this book was perfect! Beyond perfect! Grace’s writing is excellent, each of her characters flawless. Hazel Grace took a book every little girl loves to read and turned it into this dark masterpiece.
Siren is an amazing addition to a collection of books that has gotten better and better with each book added. I am not a huge fan of PRN, I normally stay away from them altogether but Grace is able to make the story so darn good I’m able to completely forget I’m reading a book about mermaids while I’m reading a book filled with mermaids. Both H and h are perfectly written and are amazing to read about.
I cannot wait to see what story comes next in this collection and how they top what Hazel Grace has given us with Siren. All the stars in the sea for Hazel Grace and Siren.
A dark retelling of the Little Mermaid, I’m in awe of the creativity and confidence to produce a story that is unrecognisable and far removed from the classic story that people know so well, but still sparked magical feelings of childhood memories and familiarity.
A truly wondrous story; a captivating read that sang to my love of fairytales but also fed my addiction for the darker side of fiction.
* 4.5 stars *
A first read from this author. I’ve been a big fan of the Sinister Fairytales Collection. Another killer retelling that took a dark and different path from what the original story depicts. Very unpredictable, entertaining, and sexy. An enemies to lovers vibe that I just love. I really love this world and all the characters that this author has created. Fantastic, must read!