Siren Queen
By Ngji Vo
Great book for Asian and South Eastern Asia month. Celebrating the stars of cinema and more importantly the Asian, multicultural, and lgbqt+, stars and actors. With a little outlandish film legends tied in. The story follows a young girl that started innocently ad a child actor. Caught on set as an extra, she was used by Hollywood directors for bit parts, until she loved the industry. Her story of raising to fame, and the pit falls, shows not only the magic of movies, but the truth of the industry. The pit falls, propaganda, and so much more. She shows the highlights and low lights of the industry. The good. The bad and the ugly nature of early Hollywood.
Beautifully written. Compelling preformed, and outrageously dazzling.

Audiobook received for free through NetGalley

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and although it took a bit to get into I adored the final result. Unique. Awesome. And love the sound of the words being read.

I am not even sure how to describe this novel. It is a historical fantasy in the most basic genre terms, but it’s so much more. It felt like a commentary on the trappings of Hollywood and the whole famous lifestyle that so many strive for and give everything they have for just a bit of it. It is also the story of a woman going after what she wants and not apologizing to anyone about who she is and who she wants to be. I enjoyed parts of this immensely, and I’m happy that I read it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for a free ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3 ⭐️

I really liked the main character of this book; I think she really stole the show, as she should. She was headstrong and beautifully complex. Of course, the main reason I wanted to read this book was because I knew she was sapphic as well, which I liked.

But, I wish this book had been purely historical fiction. I think it could have been SO good if there wasn't the out-of-place, half-explained magic butting into the story just when you don't want it to. Just as in the Chosen and the Beautiful, the magic felt really unnecessary to the story, and found myself just weirded out or disappointed when the plot was interrupted by a sentence of magic thrown around here and there, with seemingly no rhyme or reason.

Nghi Vo is a brilliant writer with beautiful prose, but I think I will stick to her purely-fantasy works.

I had high expectations going into this one because I know Nghi Vo's novellas are very well loved. I really liked the premise of the book. However, I felt like the book lacked a clear sense of direction. I didn't connect with the characters and felt very detached from them. I feel that if this had been shorter and the magic more consistent maybe it would have been more of a hit with me. On a positive, the writing was lovely, and I do plan on trying more of Nghi Vo's works. The audiobook narrator was fantastic.

Pub date: 5/10/22
Genre: fantasy
In one sentence: Chinese-American Luli Wei wants to be a star - but Old Hollywood is full of monsters she'll have to evade.

This is my first book by Nghi Vo, and I can see why she has so many devoted fans! I loved the magical touches she added to pre-Code Hollywood, creating a mystical and dangerous environment for protagonist Luli. Her beautiful writing found an excellent match in narrator Natalie Naudus - I loved how she captured the rhythm of the text and Luli's voice.

I struggled a bit with this one because I wanted more - more connection to Luli, more plot, more emotion. It was a good book, but it didn't quite transport me the way I hoped. I applaud Vo's creativity, and I will likely pick up another of her books. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC and Tor/Forge for my ARC through BookishFirst.

2.5/3 ⭐️

Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of the audiobook.

The Siren Queen tells the story of a Chinese American girl whose dream is to be a star. It shows the disturbing and horrific nature of the movie business, especially for women and young people, let alone people of color. It is a story full of glamour, deceit, dreams, love and heartbreak, and a dash of magic.

I honestly struggled with rating this book. Luli Wei's story was compelling and inspiring. It was, at times, heartwarming, and at others, completely heartbreaking. And I love that it plays with the notion 'What if celebrities sold their souls to be famous and successful? What would you give to have the same thing?' But was the "magic" element of it just a means to an end? As an avid fantasy reader, lore and world-building are incredibly important to me. I understand that the Siren Queen is meant to be based on folklore and mythology. But as no boundaries and structure were set, it seemed haphazardly done. This story could have been more impactful as a historical/contemporary fiction, influenced by folklore, sure, but I don't think it was the right move to have those influences woven into the lore. That or she could have dove full force into it instead of staying in the middle. The magic aspect wasn't explored to its full potential. The story itself was beautiful and could have been more effective without it.

I, however, still loved Nghi Vo's storytelling and prose and I would love to read her other works at some point.

When a young Chinese American girl discovers the movies, she becomes enthralled with every aspect. In pre-Code Hollywood, she knows that the chances of her becoming a celebrity are limited, but after finding herself in a walk-on role for a film, she is hooked. Desperate to become a star, she soon learns that the studios are filled with monsters; real ones. With a world of unlucky starlets giving up years of their lives or actual body parts, the newly created Luli Wei learns that the price of fame is often bargains made with ancient magic.  She has limits. Luli won't play maids, won't speak funny, and won't be a fainter in film. What that leaves her to become in the most popular monster in film, working alongside real monsters. 

Nghi Vo's Siren Queen is one of those books that I picked up on audio and listened through until the very end. Narrated by Natalie Naudus, the book is perfectly paced and utterly enthralling. Between Vo's delicious prose and Naudus' emotional performance, Siren Queen is an excellent audiobook and I can't recommend it highly enough. For fans of the strange, old Hollywood, and open to a Sapphic love story, Siren Queen is a must. 

Siren Queen is now available from MacMillan Publishing.

We often think of success in Hollywood as requiring deals with the devil and turning people into monsters. And sadly, after the emergence of the #MeToo movement, we have some idea (without knowing the unknowable, full extent) of just how much misbehavior was tolerated on the part of studio heads, directors, producers, etc., and of the broken lives left in their wake. Nghi Vo takes all this on, and more.

Here, Nghi Vo imagines a Hollywood where everyone from the ticket saleslady at the local cinema clear to the top of the studio could be an actual monster. It's an industry that first seduces our protagonist with a lure of free tickets for just the price of a couple months of hair growth...just what DOES that ticket taker do with a young girl's hair clippings?, one will wonder. It's a place where literal deals with devils are made: hopeful stars, male and female, sell their souls to wolves and other beasts for a chance at fame. They allow the monsters to dictate their lives, down to who they marry and whether they have children, for a film career. Some even allow themselves to be turned into monsters in order to advance their short careers as quickly and successfully as they can. It ruins families, destroys relationships, and leaves massive piles of human carnage behind, all in the name of entertainment.

Vo has taken the salacious, scandalous world of pre-Code Hollywood (prior to the censorship that became enforced in 1934) and populated it with archetypes of the figures we tend to use only symbolically. The world she creates is one that is both terrifying yet fascinating.

Recommended for fans of fantasy. Also, film history buffs will enjoy this book, as will persons interested in important issues of the era, such as emerging feminism, gender, personal autonomy and slavery, race relations, Asian immigration in America, and the portrayal of these and more in motion pictures.

(I received an advance copy of this audiobook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

The author who is blessed with really beautiful covers is back at it again with another novella but with a very different vibe. I would tag this to be magical realism/historical fiction taking place in Hollywood 1920’s era and the magic comes in the form of humans harboring monsters beneath their skin. Of course that throws in a lot of dark and haunting material for our main character who just wants to be a star and we follow her as she searches for the next big break while uncovering some sinister spooky monsters. I absolutely love the dark fantastical twist to this one but I couldn't quite get attached to the characters. There is truly a lot going on here that maybe took away from the characters full development.. The audiobook performance was fantastic though!
Full review to come on YouTube.

Luli Wei wants to be a star and she will do whatever it takes to make that happen. That includes bargaining with the literal monsters that are running Hollywood.

I really enjoyed this story. The magical element made it more interesting that I had expected. It started out a little dry, but readable, as a story about a Chinese American girl trying to make a place for herself in a world that would always see her as foreign, no matter how well she spoke English. The story is that, but it is also so much more. I didn't see the Urban Fantasy tags before I started reading it. If I had, perhaps my experience with the book wouldn't feel the same. I went in expecting a story about the racism, misogyny, and homophobia of the early film industry. Those topics were certainly covered, but the way the author wove them together using magical elements is, well... magical. Nghi Vo has created a magical masterpiece that gives a look into a very real time period in American film history but uses very unreal elements to bring the shots into focus.

Rather than calling it an Urban Fantasy, I might go more with Modern Fairy Tale. It reads like a standard Old Hollywood memoir with an unexpected thread of magic woven through it. The way that magic exists in the otherwise recognizable world reminds me of the way that fairy tales often have a single magical element in a completely average seeming village or kingdom. I truly look forward to picking up more of the author's work.

4.25+ stars

Wow, okay. This was the first piece I’ve read from Nghi Vo, but it definitely won’t be the last. This is a story of old Hollywood drama, perceived glamour, and intense desire of all kinds. It’s a bit dark and quietly magical, at least at first; the supernatural elements kind of sneak up on you, and then all of a sudden you’re immersed in a new world that could parallel the real one as easily as it could exist actually in the shadows. It took me a little bit to really get into the book, but once I did, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to read the rest. I think this is a story that’s going to stick with me for a while.

I'm always looking for books to recommend that are written by diverse authors, told from different perspectives, or contain stories that are interesting or meaningful. This book hits all those buttons for me, and more than that is a fun read. I can't wait to start telling people to read it, or better yet listen to it. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I chose to read this book, but I was blown away. It is historical fiction, but it is also magical realism, and sapphic love and pain and growth and strength. The main character who never shares her real name, is relateable even when you don't relate to her choices or decisions. The people she chooses to care for are really interesting characters, and the stories are fantastical and yet somehow their pain and their triumphs seem so real.

Our narrator grows up hungry for movies and stardom and fame. Even her first glimpse of film required sacrifice, but it always seems balanced with reward. When she gets her first deal she meets all sorts of fantastical people, and finds her chosen family. She makes shady deals, works herself to the bone, and sticks to her principles. The story shows the dangers of her path, the girls who are broken, the young who sacrifice everything, and are forgotten instantly, the monsters that consume endlessly, and the few that trick the tricksters to survive.

As a librarian I was given access to an advanced copy of this title by NetGalley and the Publisher. This review is my own opinion, though I am purchasing copies of the audiobook digital and physical for my library as soon as I hit submit.

Luli Wei is a Chinese American girl trying to make it in Old Hollywood. In a world of magic and monsters, Luli will have to figure out who she is, what and/or who she is willing to sacrifice in order to achieve her lifelong dream of stardom.

This was my first time reading a book by Nghi Vo and while I enjoyed the idea and premise of the story, ultimately this one was a little bit of a miss for me. Luli is a very detached character. She is hard to relate to and because of that I had a hard time figuring out why she wanted to get into Old Hollywood, what was so special about her that kept her around. Certainly it wasn't her personality. I needed to feel some connection with the MC, and I didn't feel anything with Luli. I kept wondering where this was going to go and what connected it all.

My other issue with this was the fantasy aspect of it. It didn't feel fleshed out enough for me. It was just sort of there. I, personally, like fantasy that gives you some sort of structure as a reader. Elements are explained and generally make sense at some point in the story, where as with The Siren Queen, they just are. It doesn't give the story that extra "wow" factor that I was hoping for.

You could take out the fantasy aspect all together and still be left with a story about a girl trying to navigate 1930's Old Hollywood, fighting sexism, racism, and figuring out her own way, that would have been just as interesting. I did enjoy reading The Siren Queen and would still recommend it for anyone looking just to try something totally different or for fans of a more abstract fantasy.

Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are, as always, my own.

I loved the idea of this novel so much. We have the monsters who own your soul in old Hollywood and the people whose identities are whitewashed if they aren’t the “ideal” pale skinned American. I couldn’t wait to see how this played out on paper.

Unfortunately, I thought the execution was incredibly dull. I expected intrigue. I expected horror. Instead, I got something that barely held my attention and failed to feel as unsettling as I’m sure reality was/is. I convinced myself that the slow beginning was leading up to something spectacular and persevered into a sense of extreme dissatisfaction. The author aimed for unique symbolism to emphasize her point, but seemed to have no sense of direction on how to make that point well.

This was a highly anticipated read for me. I was quick to exchange my earned points on BookishFirst for a copy and I now feel like I wasted those points. Having believed I might fare better with the audiobook after struggling with my physical copy, I did request it on NetGalley and was fortunate to have that request granted. Ultimately, this format did help me make it through to the end, but I should have trusted my instincts from the start and devoted my time elsewhere.

I am immensely grateful to Tordotcom and BookishFirst for my physical review copy and Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my audio review copy. All opinions are my own.

When a Chinese American girl exchanges an inch of her hair for a movie ticket, she is mesmerized by the magic of “the talkies” and enamored with the “summer queens and harvest kings.”

When at age 12 the girl accidentally wanders onto a movie set near her home and gets asked to fill a one-line part, her life changes forever. For years the girl fills small roles and brings in money for her poor family. When seeing the effects that a movie star has on others, the girl desires the same and is driven by her ambition.

After working for years as an extra and soon to turn 18, the starlet makes a deal sealed with blood and magic to give up 20 years at the end of her career in exchange for a plan to meet with Oberlin Wolfe, the head of Wolfe Studios (and a man with a reputation to make or break a career). The girl gains a three-year contract and a name – Luli Wei. When she negotiates with the movie giant, she has a demand of her roles, “No maids, no funny talking, no fainting flowers.” And so, she finds herself building a career playing a monster. But the real monsters in Hollywood don’t wear makeup and costumes – they run movie studios and take what they want from their stars. Deals and literal sacrifices may be required to make it in Hollywood. How far will Lilu go to be a star that doesn’t fade?

Vo’s novel is filled with gorgeous, lyrical language and she creates strong and interesting characters. As the story unfolds, we see glimpses of what happens to them in the future, adding a fullness to the story and it warms my heart when authors write Queer characters who are complex and not a one-off.

Magical realism is sprinkled throughout the story. My main complaint of the book is that I wanted this story-telling element to be turned up a notch. Since it's used sparingly I felt it was a missed opportunity to not circle back to it and share what happened when the 20 years were taken from Luli. Even a few lines about the woman coming to collect on the debt would have wrapped that up nicely and been satisfying. I also wanted to know more about Luli's future as well as Emmeline's.

Not much would need to be done to take this novel from 4 STAS to a 5. It was a joy to listen to it (and the audio narrator was superb!)

This novel is likely to be compared to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. While they have some similarities on the surface and are both beautifully written, they are very different stories. This was the author's sophomore release and I plan to read her debut novel as well as whatever she releases next!

Thank you to @netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Compulsively, Readable, Entertaining and Riveting.

Nghi Vo has a unique new voice that just pulls me into her characters. The Siren Queen is both set in the real world and an outside underbellly of dark magic. Yet, the themes are so timely and speak of the evil that occurs. This is about Hollywood when to be a star you had to be sponsored by a studio. To become a Star there usually is a high price to pay for this. Siren Queen shows us Luli Wei who was a poor Chinese girl on Hungarian Hill and wants desperately to be one. She is given a chance, but that makes her fate extremely uncertain. Deals must be made and those carry the price of completely losing yourself.

As interesting as this audio book was, the underlying message confronts rascism, sexual orientation, erasing of the self, desire and love. In this world, a queer woman like Luli can cause devastating harm not just to herself, but to those around her. The man who controls this dark magical world can destroy. Luli agrees to play the part of a monster in films, but the real monsters lie beyond the screen. It is similar to the real scenes where women’s bodies, personal life, face, and true selves are controlled by powerful movie executives. If you do not comply, you do not work. It is the same in Luli’s world, just the monsters are unveiled and brought out in the open. Luli longs to finally have say about her own life. All the women are deprived of their unique voice and it is so powerful to invision being a Star on your own terms and have your power, your voice, your decisions. Dark danger lurks in this type of thinking and will Luli ever have a chance at having empowerment and freedom to love who she wants or will she cause complete destruction and end it for everyone?

Powerful Story, Luli is a complex women who I wanted to be able to be her true self.

I finished the audio, narrated by Natalie Naudus in one day. I thought her reading and voice was perfect for the character. The narration enhanced the book.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a story that will draw you in and shake up your thinking. It is worth the confusion at times. I did find having the audio alone somewhat hard to follow as the time lines and the real vs fantasy overlap quite a bit. It takes close listening to follow. Nghi Vo’s lyrical prose is powerful, too and I would have preferred to have the book, too.

Magnificent Story and Talented Writing that is done is an unusual way. This is one to read.

Thank you NetGalley, Nghi Vo, Macmillan Audio for a copy of this Audio Book. I appreciate the chance to read it and share my honest thoughts.

The way I felt about this book was quite similar to how I felt about Nghi Vo's previous works: love the concept, love the vibe, but wasn't able to get super invested in the story or the characters. Perhaps its because her writing style is quite dreamy and flowery (and beautiful, don't get me wrong), I always just feel a bit distanced from the story, as if a fog is obscuring my view of the action. But, man, yeah. I wish I had like this book more because it has so many things going for it. The blend of magic and monsters in a 1930s Hollywood setting is just so divine. Plus the exploration of what it's like to exist in such a space as a queer Chinese American daughter of immigrants.

Other elements of this book that stood out to me were the inclusion of lesbian bar culture and the butch character that came with it (very reminiscent of Last Night at the Telegraph club :) ). It was also cool to see the protagonist, Luli, grow and change throughout the story. I really appreciated how flawed and strong she was, while still showing vulnerability at times. The fact that her family ran a laundry business also added an extra layer of reality to her story which was nice. I also enjoyed reading about the rocky relationship she has with her sister, and wished that had been a more prominent part of the story. I also think that, in general, I wish this book had been longer. The world is so cool and the book covers so many themes and topics that some extra pages would have made things feel more fleshed out.

Overall, a solid book; and, especially if you are a fan of Vo's writing style, definitely one you won't want to miss.

3.5 stars

I'm not 100% sure what to say about this book... It was good, but weird, and I'm not sure that it entirely worked for me. It's set in late 1920s/early 1930s Hollywood and follows the career of a Asian American actress.

I've never been overly interested in "old Hollywood", though I think if the story had just been strictly about old Hollywood, maybe I would have liked it more? There was some weird, evil magic stuff going on that I had a really hard time following. Like, you could gain favours by giving blood that took years off your life. And the main villain (?) could alter your appearance and had total control over your career. As is probably obvious, I had a really hard time keeping all of this stuff straight.

I liked the overall story of Luli Wei, but just could not get on board with the occult/magic aspects of the book.