The Sirens is beautifully written with a masterfully crafted plot. It’s magical, mysterious, and full of harsh truths about how our world treats its women. I could not put it down!

I loved literally everything about this story - the three separate timelines, the mixed media with Jess’s diary entries and the podcast episodes, and the distinct, yet connected mysteries. I adored all of the women and the bonds tying them together through history and time. This genre-bending story will keep you glued to its pages. If you loved Weyward, then you are sure to love Hart’s sophomore novel!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Emilia Hart has such lovely writing style--descriptive and magical without bogging down the story. I think that's what drew me in to Weyward, and I liked The Sirens for that reason as well. I adored the themes of sisterhood and female resilience. The dual POV between Mary/Eliza and Jess/Lucy were woven together really well!

This book lost me mostly because the characters didn't stand out to me. We spend a lot of time with Lucy's inner dialogue, but many of her thoughts and motivations seemed really unremarkable to me, which was disappointing because that takes up a large chunk of the book. The writing style and tone stays consistent between Jess, Lucy, and Mary, so I felt like each individual story seemed to blur together instead of having their own moments to shine.

There were some "twists" and "reveals" that I felt were a little predictable (and slightly contrived, but I can't say more than that in case I spoil the book). A lot of the plot hinges on these surprises, but because I could see where the book was going, I think they didn't impact me as much!

Overall, a slight letdown after Weyward but a good read nonetheless.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the chance to read the e-arc The Sirens by Emilia Hart.

The Sirens is the first book I have read by this author, although her book Weyward has long been on my radar. I was very happy to receive early access as the themes of female bonds and the magic of the sea really appealed to me. The story, told in two very distinctive timeframes, was well researched and connected. Both narratives were equally compelling - Mary and Eliza who are sent to Australia on a convict ship in the 1800’s and the story of Lucy who flees college in search of answers her sister Jess may be able to provide in modern day Australia after suffering sometimes violent sleepwalking episodes.

While the story is centered in realistic events, the mystical connection of the two storylines is powerful and compelling. The narrative brilliantly switched back and forth, and I can honestly say both held my attention equally. This is definitely not a book that a reader gets through wishing for more on one storyline over the other. I read with bated breath to learn the fates of both sets of sisters equally. And when the connection between their stories ultimately surfaces, it is a heart wrenching, yet hopeful manner. I cannot say enough about how much this book touched my heart, and I will gladly recommend it when it publishes in February 2025. 5/5 stars

I loved the atmospheric read! There’s mysteries, questioning the past, female rage and revenge, and magic. Basically all of my favorite things. It’s a slow burn but a great read!

Where Weyward was fear and resilience glided in sparkling sunlit gardens, The Sirens is despair and retribution drenched in stormy, violent seas.

The Sirens is a tale of the bond of womanhood spanning centuries, further proof that we will always protect our own. Four women, all debased by men who, when attempting to defend themselves, find an unjust and apathetic response. “What use is a weapon people are too afraid to touch?” Despite all the warnings and the risks, the women find themselves being summoned to the sea. What happens when they listen to the call? What long hidden secrets will be revealed?

I absolutely adored the eeriness and dark tone of The Sirens. It helped conveyed that sense of fury when you’re wronged by someone, when trust is broken, yet nothing you do seems to make a difference. Like screaming underwater after being pulled down by a rip tide. Emelia also does something amazing that I feel is lost on many readers and this is the second time she has done it.

In Weyward there were witches, in The Sirens, we have sirens. When stories are told about Witches and Sirens, they are conveyed as dangerous women preying on the vulnerable or luring men to their death. Emelia takes back that narrative by weaving stories of sisterhood, the bond of women and how it can never be broken. She writes about the strength not only in numbers but in spirit and how no man has the right to hurt or desecrate without there being a cost.

The sea gives, but it also takes.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this ARC!

The Sirens by Emilia Hart had the potential to be an intriguing blend of magical realism, complex relationships, and dual timelines, but unfortunately, it fails to live up to expectations. The book alternates between two sets of sisters, one from the 1800s forced into convict transportation to Australia, and the other in the present day grappling with a range of personal issues. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.

One of the book's strengths lies in its lush writing and atmospheric descriptions, particularly around the oppressive, mysterious settings. Still, many readers find the prose repetitive, with overused phrases and metaphors that detract from the story’s potential. The narrative style also falters, with all characters—across different time periods—speaking in an identical voice, which makes the historical elements feel unconvincing and the modern-day story monotonous.

The central mystery and plot progression leave readers feeling lost. A major critique is the lack of clear stakes or urgency. The plot doesn’t truly pick up until the latter part of the book, and even then, the fantasy elements only emerge far too late—about 75% through the book—without much explanation or depth. This slow build might have worked if there were more compelling character development or tension, but the characters, particularly Lucy, feel disconnected and lack depth. Her motivations, especially her actions early on, are difficult to understand, which makes it hard to invest in her journey.

The historical storyline, which could have been gripping, ends up feeling underdeveloped. The experience of the two sisters from the 1800s is reduced to repetitive descriptions of the harsh conditions on a convict ship without delving deeply into their experiences. Likewise, the modern-day plot—revolving around Lucy searching for her missing sister—lacks sufficient resolution and feels more like a backdrop for the story’s twist, which is predictable and doesn’t pay off emotionally.

While there are attempts at exploring deeper themes, like sex-based oppression and complicated sisterly bonds, these ideas are not fully realized. The writing often gets bogged down by Lucy's internal ramblings, making the narrative feel sluggish and drawn out. The book also grapples with overdone tropes, such as the teacher-student relationship, which many readers have seen before in other works and feel was poorly executed here.

In the end, The Sirens feels like a pale imitation of Hart’s previous work, Weyward, which had more successful world-building and character development. While it certainly has its moments of atmospheric beauty, the novel as a whole suffers from a lack of cohesion, unclear plot direction, and a failure to deliver a truly satisfying or surprising story. If you enjoyed Weyward, you might find yourself disappointed here, as The Sirens lacks the magic and mystery that made its predecessor stand out.

A very interesting read. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this book. It wasn't really for me, but I am sure that it will be loed by the right audience.

This is a story of four women and how their lives are eerily the same. Lucy is in college and wakes up from sleepwalking strangling the boy she had been having a fling with. She quickly desires to drive to Combers Bay to see her artist sister, Jess. When she gets there, her sister is missing and her dreams are becoming more and more similar to the paintings Jess has been working on that are in her house, waiting for their gallery debut.
Hundreds of years prior, Mary and her sister, Eliza, are boarding a prison ship from Ireland to Australia. They are trapped in the hull with other women accused of crimes, who they bond with as they struggle to survive the four month journey and live with their memories.

Overall, I really liked the story. The pacing of the book was spot on. What I struggled with was part three of the book. I wish this would have been done in a different way that kept the feel of the first two parts. The third part almost feels like a different story or writer. But it was a fun read and I love Emilia’s writing style.

Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin’s Press for this ARC!

3.5 stars!
First, special thanks to St.Martins Press and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies for review.
I love Emilia Hart’s Weyward and I was excited for The Sirens.
Multi-POV in a now and then scenario with a carefully researched storytelling of the origins of Australia and the horrific graphics of convict transportation back in the day. The beautiful blend of historical fiction and fantasy was an amazing treat. I mean who doesn’t want to read about sirens! I know right away that Mary and Eliza’s story would eventually link with Jess and Lucy’s. And yet, the slow burn approach to unfolding their connection was poignant! I love the ending and I love it even more listening to Barrie Kreinik!

The title and cover art immediately caught my eye for this book. It interweaves the stories of Lucy and Mary.

Lucy is going to journalism school, wakes up after sleepwalking to find herself strangling a man who betrayed her. Set in Present day 2019. Has an allergy to water but dreams of water and sisters. We learn of Lucy’s sister Jess, mainly through pages in a diary.

Mary is from 1800 and being sent and exiled to Australia. She also has some skin issue with water, and is with her blind sister Eliza. These passages I paged through more quickly.

This book did feel at times a bit boring but also intriguing. The twist about 50% in was not completely unexpected but you didn’t quite know what sister it applied to until you were told. But questions still remain that kept you going to the end.

Not a bad one-off tale of sisters and the connections across time.

Hart did a beautiful job of catapulting the reader into a beautifully devastating story about family, lies and coming together. The lore was rich and accurate. A home run, just like Weyward was!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an eARC of The Sirens by Emilia Hart!! I wanted to so badly like this but it wasn’t my favorite book. The concept of the book was so interesting and I loove the concept, but the overall writing to me was so subpar. At times I felt very confused about what was happening as well. Overall, I am glad to have been able to read the book but I’m sad I didn’t like it.

I really love Emilia's writing style!! So when I saw she was releasing another novel I knew I had to read it. Plus, sirens... I'm sold.

Emilia's ability to portray the feminine experience in words is uncanny.

The Sirens was an eerie, beautiful, evocative tale of family and secrets.

Dual timeline between modern day (Lucy and Jess) and 200 years prior (Mary and Eliza). All with a mysterious allergy to water.
Mystery, Women Empowerment, and fantasy all intertwine in this wonderfully crafted tale.

Though I admit that I enjoyed Weyward a little more, this one still kept me inveated throughout, and I would recommend Emilia Hart to anyone looking for a Women's Fiction, or gorgeous literary read.

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. 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 St. Martins Press for the E-ARC! I’m so glad I got the opportunity to listen to and read this book!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication: April 1 2025

#NetGalley

It's my first time reading women's fiction. In my opinion, it's a great experience, definitely not what I was expecting, and the three stories came out together beautifully in the end. The narration is so good and the voice actress can really sing

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖚𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖈𝖆𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕯𝖆𝖙𝖊 ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Apr 01 2025

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

I've always wanted to read "Weyward" but I didn't have the chance to read it yet. However, now I have the opportunity to listen to this beautiful audiobook thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio. I also received the eARC from St. Martin's Press so thank you all 💋

Emilia Hart does it once again with this captivating, magical-realism story focusing on finding yourself, sisterhood, complicated family relationships and more. The story is told through three perspectives: an 1800 story about twin sisters Mary and Eliza, convicts being sent from Ireland to Australia; journal entries from Jess detailing her complicated teenage years; and present-day Lucy waking up from a horrifying sleep-walking episode, only to flee to her older sister's and realize her sister is nowhere to be found.

This story was a little creepier than what I usually read/listen to, but I was sucked in from the opening lines. The book title definitely gives a little away when it comes to the "skin condition" plaguing the girls, but there were so many other aspects of the story that kept me on my toes. Just when I thought I had figured something out, something else would occur, throwing a wrench in my thinking.

Hart weaves together real-life experiences and the history of Australia with the mythical stories of sirens and the women of the ocean. If you loved Weyward, you will most certainly love the latest work from Emilia Hart as well. This would be a great book club pick and touches on a lot of very tough topics; all demonstrated through the beautifully written character development.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Harper Collins UK/The Borough Press and NetGalley, which provided me with an advanced listener copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was absolutely blown away by The Sirens. My expectations were high, as Weyward has been my favorite book of 2024, but The Sirens definitely held up to the test. It's a tale of women, wronged by men, brought together through generations to keep themselves safe. Feminine rage stories are my absolute favorite, and this was no different.

Giving it a full five stars!

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillian Audio for the advanced audio copy of this novel. This was a highly anticipated novel for me. The author's first novel, Weyward is one of my all time favorite novels. This newest novel from Emilia Hart did not disappoint.

I think the dual timelines with the two separate story lines of sisters was very well done. Sometimes with audiobooks it can be hard to decipher which historical perspective are we hearing, but it was quite clear for this novel.

Anyone who is a fan of magical realism and mermaids will most likely love this story. It has just enough historical fiction sprinkled in to keep you utterly captivated by both story lines about sisters and strong resilient women.

I would definitely recommend to young readers.

Title: Beautifully Written but a Bit Slow at Times

Review:
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC. I enjoyed The Sirens! The dual timeline was well done, and I liked how the past and present connected. The imagery was gorgeous—Emilia Hart’s descriptions of the ocean and landscape really brought the setting to life.

The story was interesting, especially the historical parts, but the pacing felt slow at times, and certain sections dragged. While I liked it overall, it didn’t fully pull me in the way I hoped.

If you enjoy atmospheric historical fiction with a touch of mystery, it’s worth a read!.

Thank you @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for the complimentary DRC & ALC.

2.5 stars

I was lucky enough to receive both the ebook and the audiobook. However, when I saw that Barrie Kreinik was the narrator, audio was the only option. Kreinik is one of my favourite narrators, nailing accents and emotions flawlessly every single time.

After thoroughly enjoying Emilia Hart’s Wayward, I was excited to dive into The Sirens. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

🧜‍♀️What I Loved:
Hart’s writing is amazing. She brings characters and settings to life in such a way that you can almost feel and see what the characters do. I always enjoy multiple timelines, and I appreciated how the past and present were connected. The historical elements were particularly fascinating. I recommend listening to the author’s interview at the end if you have the audio.

🧜‍♀️What Didn’t Work for Me:
Unfortunately, the pace of the novel was far too slow. While the beginning was engaging, the middle section felt bogged down in long stretches of storytelling without much forward momentum. Had I not been listening to the audiobook, I’m not sure I would have made it to the end. That said, the conclusion was satisfying— with no loose ends —but I felt the journey there was too slow.