I love it when random books I find on Libby end up being so incredibly good.

While I admit I never did develop any real connection to Saoirse, she was still a spunky, entertaining protagonist, with plenty of admirable qualities and a strong voice. And I absolutely adored Hayes. He’s so precious, easily one of the best male leads I’ve read this year. Together, their story gives such strong resist Dark Urge and Wyll vibes—complete with an adorably sweet slow-burn, a bit of dancing, and so much yearning—and I love that about them. I’m obsessed, in fact. (That’s a Baldur’s Gate 3 reference, by the way.)

Much of the world-building—the racial hierarchy, political undertones, and elemental magic system—felt reminiscent of the Moroi society in Vampire Academy, which was definitely a highlight and a pleasant surprise. I also really liked Burton’s take on sirens, on Saoirse’s bloodlust and how her relationship with the ocean was often as tumultuous as the ocean itself. It was very unique, interesting and well-done.

There was plenty of intrigue throughout, and a number of good twists, too. But it felt like too much effort was put into making one guard (

Jeune

) look suspicious and not enough into making the rest of them look innocent. I knew there was no way it could actually be

Jeune

, as that would’ve been far too straightforward. And I saw the real traitor (

Laa’el

) coming a mile away. One of them, at least.

Erasmus

and

Carrik

were a surprise,

Carrik

especially, and the last few chapters had still other surprises that kept me racing through to the end.

Lastly, I have to say I appreciate the ending. I appreciate that Hayes hasn’t immediately worked through all of his internal issues with Saoirse, and that he recognizes just because

he’s king now

doesn’t mean he can do whatever he wants. That his feelings for her don’t pardon her crimes, and even if he wants to forgive her, no one else is going to. They still have yet to kiss, I have no idea what their future is or how one might even be possible for them, but it was the right way to go. Any other outcome simply wouldn’t have done their relationship justice. (That’s not to say I’m not worried, because I am, but it’s fine. I’m sure they’ll figure something out. They need to. For my health.)

(One more thing. This is less of a criticism and more of an observation—and maybe it’s just me—but our leads… didn’t really feel like teenagers? Any time it came up that they’re seventeen, it felt weird. I know how sirens work, I know teens can be as horny as anyone, but all the talk of her seduction schemes and his lust and desire just felt weird. Putting them in their early twenties would’ve made more sense to me. Though it’s possible I just need to get used to YA again after so long away, or that I see things differently after reading an influx of adult fiction. I don’t know.)

Representation: