I really enjoyed this book. I thought both female characters were strong. And I loved the premise. A siren who must protect her identify in a world that wants to lock sirens away. Add to that the challenge of being a black woman in predominantly white Portland and there’s a lot on Tavia. But friendship makes the burden more bearable. I thought this was a quick paced engaging read.

I recieved this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

First of all, let me say how gorgeous the cover is. It caught my attention the moment I saw it.

This is the story about two sisters (Tavia and Effie), about friendship, family, finding yourself, some magical creatures and racism. Tavia's a siren. But she's been taught to keep it a secret for as long as she remembers. As a teenager it's difficult enough to deal with high school and teen stuff but then she also has to hide who she is. Effie has a lot of questions about her biological family. Her mother passed away with some secrets and her grandparents thought she could live with Tavia and her family. That worked out perfectly cause they're like sisters now. But she still has questions without answers.

When I read the synopsis I thought it sounded so cool! I love siren stories and this is not an exception. I love the bond between the sisters, it feels real and beautiful. They are incredible close but as teenagers they have some secrets too. I enjoyed the mythological aspect of the story, I didn't know I missed that in books. Especially since it's not the typical creatures we all know about. There's a couple more that I really found interesting. I love the magic in this too, it's such an original and amazing idea. Overall I really really enjoyed this and I will look for more books by Bethany C. Morrow cause I love her writing.

I have to say, I was holding back the tears with the last line. Beautiful.

_NetGalley was kind enough to provide me with an ARC._

There's a lot to like and to find on Bethany C. Morrow's "A Song Below Water". Set in Portland, we meet our protagonist, Tavia, who does not only has to face the regular ups-and-downs of teenager life, but face the potential dangers as her kind seems to be prosecuted only because she happens to be a siren as well.

Most of the story is told from either her perspective or Effie's, her sister, as they go on their lives in a world set in our contemporary time, but mixed with other fantastical creatures, where fears and regular struggles get mixed with how they must reconcile the hate their kind seems to receive.

There's a lot of potential and things to like throughout the book, but there are also many parts were this potential ends up being unfulfilled. Worldbuilding comes out naturally in some moments, while in others it's full with exposition and descriptions. It may certainly be an attempt to be more inclusive with readers unfamiliar with the genre, which by itself it's not a bad idea, but does end up feeling incomplete and unbalanced.

As the plot goes on, and we switch from the character's POV, it starts to get harder to empathize with each character, as the story gains from context but lacks enough time to understand the impact of some of the events and consequences their actions take among each other.

And this will not only affect how the characters develop under our eyes but also how the pace ins handled. The initial chapters do a good job of introducing the reader to the setting and shares some of the promises we mean to fulfill and resolve as the story goes, but things get harder to follow on throughout the middle, as some of the decisions are harder to understand (albeit, it may be a result of the distance in years between myself and the protagonist age!).

Ultimately, some middle parts feel a bit undercooked while others seemed to run wild till we get to the book's conclusion which closes the threads in a sort of whirlpool of events.

That being said, that fast-paced narration may be more aligned with another kind of readers, so take this with a grain of salt, and the setting still intrigues me and makes me think there's a lot to be told there.

Looking forward to her next book!

Please note: I received a digital ARC of this book (via NetGalley) from its publisher in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Sirens and Sprites and Gargoyles, oh my! A Song Below Water by Betthany C. Morrow is everything I never knew I needed. Lets start with the cover...GORGEOUS! The beautiful imagery immediately pulls you in and lets you know that you are going to get something special. The blue color scheme is both soothing and intriguing. In short, Black Girl Mer Magic!

A Song Below Water follows sisters Tavia and Effie on their journey to find their voices and power in a world filled with bigotry, racism, and misogyny. Morrow is able to masterfully confront issues like police brutality, trauma, racism, and even frustrations with finding the perfect hair care routine. I laughed, I cried, and even shouted in frustration! This is a compelling coming of age story that every girl needs to read, regardless of race.

The world building is gorgeous too; set in modern day Portland with a refreshing new magical system. Magical creatures, that are often overlooked take center stage in this story. That alone gives this book a distinct flavor and feel that is unique to Bethany C Morrow. There is also an abundant amount of teenage angst, family drama, systematic oppression, social issues, and creatures to satisfy all readers. To put it shortly go read this book!

This gem set to release on June 2nd, is published by TOR books and is available for pre-order from all major booksellers. I give A Song Below Water 4 out of 5 gems. I cannot wait to read more stories set in this universe.

This is a great YA novel for today’s readers. I feel like several of my students will like this title and I can’t wait to recommend it to them.

A modern, socially conscious story that feels like a cross between THE HATE U GIVE by Angie Thomas and PET by Akwaeke Emezi. The fantasy conceit is clever and unusual: a black siren teen navigates life among the white "woke" of Portland, with a best friend whose identity is wrapped in mystery. Like all good fantasies, A SONG BELOW WATER uses teen Tavia's struggle with her siren voice to speak volumes about the silencing of black girls and women in conversations about their own lives.

It's also rewarding to read a YA novel with teens — Effie and Tavia — whose lives are messy and complicated and entirely their own. They have interests that are unique to them (take Effie's Ren Faire world) and struggles that translate universally.

(This review was posted on Goodreads. Currently coordinating a piece for Book Riot on sirens in fiction that includes an interview with the author.)

The magic and worldbuilding in this book was so uniquely done. Morrow’s connections of young Black women and mythical sirens was so powerful, and I loved the parallels she created in this book. The story moves at a great pace, and the characters are so full and real. I will definitely share this book with many of the teens I work with who love fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw sirens, I knew I wanted to read this book. There is little more I love than sirens and mermaids and well, I couldn’t resist. So I was so happy when I was given the chance to review this book ahead of publication. I was delighted for it. I really think though, that this book will mean so much more to POC. This I believe, will probably resonate with them. While I don’t face the same issues discussed in this book, I found the read to be wonderful and address many important issues of today.

The Writing & Pacing
The writing was very good. I think that Morrow is a good writer, and that is conveyed through how easy the book is to read. It all flows so well together, and I loved the dialogue. I think it was well done, and it really added to the story. It is also #ownvoices in the topics that it touches on. The pace is a little bit slow at times, but I think that is because some really relevant issues are addressed and the plot and pacing needed to slow down to address them. We get dual POV from both Tavia and Effie, and the voices were distinct, and so that worked really well for me.

The Plot
The plot was mostly character driven in my opinion. Most of the characters were in some way acting or reacting to events in the plot, but the main bulk of the story was about their journey and their introspection. I liked that. I think the combination of magical realism and the relevancy of the topics to today were great plot driving forces for the character arcs.

The Characters
Through Tavia and Effie we are presented with important, real life issues interspersed throughout the book. They’re worked in so well, that everything flows together. You really feel for the both of them as they struggle with their inner selves and the world at large. There is a lot going on in terms of character development and I think this book is really pointed about certain ideas. I don’t want to go into them here, as I feel this book is best experienced by actually reading it, not me just telling you this book does this, this and this. However, it reflects on what is occurring to POC today, and in my opinion, someone who is POC is going to relate to this far more than me, a white girl. I may understand the issues, but I do not live them.

There was a tiny romance subplot, I didn’t love it, and I didn’t hate it. It was there.

The World building
I think the world building was a great concept; and it was interesting too. Especially the parts about the sirens and their relation to being black. Excellent on all levels.

Overall
This was a great book, and one I highly recommend that everyone should pick up and read. There is very little in this book that doesn’t work — and it was an amazing read. I think this is going to resonate with many readers!

A Song Below Water was an interesting read that took me by suprise and was a lot more than I expected. I loved the mythos in this book, I loved the friendship and love for each other the Effie and Tavia have and I loved how the story was able to still showcase the ways in which African Americans are treated in some parts of society. It brought light to current injustices while still weaving a modern fairytale-esque story perfect for teens and young adults. The story kept me on my toes, you could never have guessed the full story if you tried. It was refreshing and didnt feel like it was following any modern tropes you would expect in youmg adult novels.

Can we first talk about how gorgeous that cover is?! It drew me in immediately, and the description only served to further my interest. I’ll admit that the storyline wasn’t exactly as I expected it to be, but it still was a great read. Filled with fascinating imagery, relatable characters, aa wonderful underlying message, and SIRENS!!! I enjoyed it :)

I love this cover, but unfortunately the book itself kind of disappointed me. I had really high hopes for this one.

I recieved this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am so sorry but I dnf this book at 20%. It´s not for me and the thing is.... i expected other kind of story.

I mean black sirens!? omg I love that because i am very boring about white and blond or red hair sirens i mean.... we have different colors and all kind of women are beautiful.

But the thing about school I didn't liked it. School girls and her problems are not my favorite theme in books. I choose the book because the cover is gorgeous <3 and i imagine a world full of fantasy and nooo, that's not happend

If you like sirens and contemporary books with a little of magic read this book!

Fantasy dances with racism, social justice, current politics: Yes this is volatile and vivid combination and The author perfectly worked with this concoction and created a fast reading, powerful, captivating, one of the most interesting stories with well-crafted and realistic characterization and thought-provoking story-telling.

Two friends: Tavia and Effie supports each other to survive at the metaphorical, wild jungle, dealing with too many things in their young age, family issues, past dramas, secrets, boiling anger against the unfairness and injustice. They two black girls lives in Portland, attends the high school at the area. It’s already challenging to survive in the territory.

And Tavia has a big secret to keep: she has powers growing inside her. She shouldn’t tell anyone but also restrain herself not to attract any attention because the woman who magical powers and let’s add to be “black” into the equation could be one of the most dangerous things at the world she’s living. (Unfortunately it could be said the same for the shameful world we’re living at, too.)

But when a famous internet fashion icon is killed, everything gets out of control like Tavia’s uncontrollable magical voice during a police stop! Yes, nothing will be same for her from now on.

This is so unique, original, dazzling, surprising, one of my fastest reading. I never say no to a well written fantasy with “The hate U give” vibes. Writing, pacing, characterization and conclusion worked so well for me. I think I have to say: we truly have a WINNER! I’m giving my five in the name of sirens and magical powers’ love stars! I really impressed Bethany C. Morrow’s writing skills and looking forward to read more of her works.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan/Tom Doherty Associates/ Tor Teen to send this fantastic ARC to me in exchange my honest review.

This was a fascinating rewrite of some classic Greek/Roman mythology, and how it could translate into today's society, if sirens, mermaids, gargoyles, and gorgons really existed. The story is from the point of view of the two main characters, Tavia and Effie, who are sisters in all but blood. The interactions between the two girls as they slowly discover what and who they are are realistic and well-told, and are the focus of the book. I enjoyed seeing the girls' interactions as they interact and grow from girls into young women throughout the course of the novel.

Such a beatiful book with a great and fantastic storyline.
I liked this Book a great Deal and Hope of lot more to come from this author

Thanks a lot that I got to read this book

The cover of this book drew me in first. The synopsis sealed the deal. I am grateful for the opportunity to review this book, but I just could not get into it. I tried over several months and could only push myself to read a chapter or so each sitting. The story of Tavia along with her bestie Effie, seemed to drag on and on. The story did not capture my attention so I struggled to read what I read. Just when I thought the book would pick up, it wouldn't. So I, unfortunately, did not like this book at all. This doesn't mean that the next reader won't though. I recommend trying it for yourself.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I'm probably going to be in the minority of people here, but I felt like this book was trying a little to hard. I loved the premise of this story and was excited to read a book featuring sirens and sisterhood. However, this book really seemed to be focused on social justice/black lives matter with an overlay of sirens and it felt really unnatural for me. The idea that only black women were sirens with no explanation felt a little odd and I'd have loved for there to be more developed mythology in the story. Also, I realize that the narrators are teenagers, but some of the dialogue was really awkward. Having to read characters saing "noice" or "legiterally" was awkward since I've never heard teenagers talk like that. This book just felt very disconnected for me, but I recognize that it has a lot of importance in the YA book world and for representing POC.

Wow, this was definitely not what I expected at all!

I'm not going to lie, I wanted to read this story for the stunningly beautiful cover. It just begs to be read, can you blame me? I did not read the synopsis at all, but I figured it was about mermaids in a fantasy world and c'mon who doesn't want to read about that?

But it is so much more than that. It is a complete overhaul of modern day into one where sects of magical and mythical creatures are real and they are engrained in the culture. Gargoyles, sirens, mermaids, and eloko (that one I had to google) are all coexisting in modern day society (though not always peacefully.)

We follow two main characters in high school who are best friends and practically sisters - Effie and Tavia.

Tavia is secretly a siren, able to compel people to do her bidding with her voice. But she is desperately trying to suppress her powers because being a siren is a dangerous thing for a woman to be, especially a woman of color. Sirens are practically hunted down by police, given no protections under the law, and are discriminated openly by the public.

Effie is seemingly a normal girl who loves to perform as a mermaid in the town's annual Renaissance Fair. But this year might not go according to plan. She's dealing with major bouts of eczema, memory loss, hallucinations, you know, not so typical puberty symptoms. When she was little, she was the sole survivor of a tragic incident that left her schoolmates completely turned in stone. Now that she's grown, she's searching for answers to who she is, who her family was, and how she can live a normal life.

There were some fantastic genre bending choices made in the narrative. It delved into the ideas of race identity and discrimination through the lens of mythos and interwoven into the struggle of minorities in America. There were some powerful scenes that shone a light on casual racism in the classroom, police brutality on the streets, and the bias of the media against minority classes. The message it conveyed was powerful and depicted through the eyes of a teenager just trying to live her life in peace made it even more unsettling.

There were times when the story meandered, like a camera going in and out of focus pretty regularly it was almost jarring. And the juxtaposition of such grand mythological fantasy elements into the gritty everyday modern life was difficult to acclimate to and required a suspension of disbelief. But in the end, the story was endearing and entertaining and that's why we keep on reading, right?

A black siren! Oregon! Friendship! Murder! Magic! REPRESENTATION!

I'm so happy to see more stories about black people and magic/fantasy. My only gripe with fantasy is that there can sometimes be a few (necessary) info dumps, but other than that, I really liked this story.

I love the way this reads like a contemporary novel, just set in a believable alternate version of our own world. That combination opens such a perfect space for exploring the complexities of intersectionality without feeling didactic or preachy. Tavia and Effie's voices ring really true, and their characters felt fleshed out and relatable in a way that doesn't always happen in YA fantasy. I especially enjoyed the way their relationship is portrayed as a source of security and strength for both of them. I feel like this book will appeal to my students who love Angie Thomas and might not otherwise reach for fantasy, but that regular fantasy readers will also enjoy it. I can't wait to put this book in the hands of kids!