I wanted to love this book. I wasn’t a huge fan of her last book but the storyline for this book was something I was definitely interested in. The one thing I didn’t like is it felt exactly like Weyward. At least the set up of the book, the multiple timelines, something tragic happens to each of them, sort of repetitive. I will say if someone absolutely loved Weyward they will eat this one up as well. Just not my cup of tea. Thank you for the opportunity!

Do not skip a word of Hart's newest book, The Sirens. Filled with lush, realistic descriptions, atmospheric settings, and an emotional rollercoaster of feelings. With multiple narrators and multiple timelines, Hart fleshes out this gorgeous story of history, sisterhood, vengeance, and freedom. As you read, no, as you disappear into her novel you feel the hollowness of violence and lies, as well as the freedom the truth gives. The sea beckons, both as retribution and liberation.

3.85 stars. I like Emilia Hart’s writing style, but I was not the target audience for this book. I guessed all of the twists ahead of time, and although it was beautifully written, this book was not for me.

I don't think there are enough words in the English language to sum up how beautifully atmospheric this book is. As with Weyward, we're taken on a journey through time while taking a closer look at generational curses.

Told in 2 different timelines - Eliza and Mary in the 1800s & Jess and Lucy in 2019. Elizabeth and Mary are on a convict ship headed to Australia. Lucy has been having strange dreams of the sea and ships and things that couldn't possibly exist. When she goes to her sister for help and finds her missing, she unravels the truth of not only these dreams but secrets from her own life. History, mystery, magical realism, a little bit of something for everyone.

This book took me 3 months to finish. Admittedly, some of that was my heartache over losing our 16 year old kitty, Angel, who also happens to be my GR avatar. He lived a good long life and died peacefully, but it hit us both hard. DNFs typically don't bother me, but being a lover of all things mermaid I really wanted give this book a chance. I found it tedious and repetitive, absolutely boring in spots. Every time I went back to it felt like a chore rather than a pleasure, an escape. I was happy things picked up at the last part of the story, but it wasn't enough for me to give this more than 2 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: April 1, 2025

4.75 stars
Emilia Hart's writing really draws you in and makes you feel for the characters. There are a few time-lines in this book that you follow and it deals with some of the struggles of being a woman. There is a historical fiction aspect with the sinking of a prison ship full of women as well.

This novel weaves magic into reality beautifully, blending vivid characters with a mesmerizing, dreamlike plot.

3.75 stars
the sirens is a book that you truly can’t fit into one genre: the magical elements mixed with the contemporary timeline and mystery subplot made this read so immersive and atmospheric. from the first chapter i was captivated by the story telling and the sheer intrigue that this novel brings.

this was such a unique take on your typical story of sirens. i loved the concept of the sisters rare skin condition (aquagenic urticaria) and seeing it evolve through the story was so interesting. this in addition to mystery aspect and the sisters battle against their call to water made for a enjoyable reading experience.

My complaints lies in the pacing and timeline switching. I found the pacing to be a bit too slow at times which when in combination with the constantly changing timeline, made it hard to get into the story and keep the stamina to continue reading.

overall this was a very interesting story that provided a little bit of everything in terms of genres. i’m looking forward to going back and reading Hart’s first novel, and to see what else she produces.

I enjoy Emilia’s writing a lot. It feels very magical and cozy, if that makes sense? I liked the characters but felt the story moved a bit slow. Which is fine, just maybe not what I’m used to!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Emilia Hart writes some of the most beautiful historical fiction that I have ever read. I thought that this book was so fun in the regard of how the author swept together two completely different stories and seamlessly intertwined them but kept it incredibly interesting along the way. There was some magical realism tied into the story that I thought fit the plot very well. It was actually very eerie and dark at points and although it wasn't what I was expecting, I did really enjoy it. The intersecting timelines and strong will of the women that Hart wrote made it a compelling read for me.

I loved this book and will read anything Hart writes. Atmospheric and perfect and I can’t wait to read whatever else Hart writes

Thank you to @emiliahartbooks @stmartinspress and. @netgalley for the #gifted e-book and @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2025 for the #gifted audiobook.

The story beautifully intertwines elements of history and magical realism, creating a poignant exploration of sisterhood.

We follow three distinct timelines centered around two sisters, Mary and Eliza, who are unjustly convicted of a crime in 1800s England and exiled to Australia. In 2019, Lucy, a college student seeking refuge from a troubling encounter, finds solace with her sister Jess, who shares her own journey beginning in 1998 during high school. As these narratives unfold, secrets emerge, revealing a mesmerizing connection: these women are mermaids, bound by a unique and mystical lineage.

I found this book thoroughly captivating. Although the initial pace felt a bit slow, it swiftly gathered momentum as the threads of the stories intricately wove together. The author masterfully paints a vivid picture of the convict ship and the haunting beauty of Comer Bay, making the setting come alive. The interconnected tales of the sisters are spellbinding, and the portrayal of mermaids is both imaginative and original. I truly admired the strength and independence of the female characters, while the male characters seemed to pale in comparison.

Listening to the audiobook while reading significantly enhanced my experience; the narrator excelled at bringing each character and the full spectrum of their emotions to life.

If you appreciate a richly layered narrative that combines history, mystery, and enchanting elements, this book is an absolute must-read.

I genuinely didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did! I haven’t read Weyward (even though it happens to be on my shelf) and this book made me want to pick it up. I really enjoyed the characters and although I really don’t enjoy pedophilia being a theme in books, I do do understand how it played a part in the plot and the vengeful justice done for the women gave me a lovely satisfaction.

Hart’s The Sirens take on mermaids is fresh and intriguing, and the depiction of the Australian convict ship era adds a compelling layer of historical depth. While there may have been moments that didn't captivate me fully, I appreciated its imaginative storytelling and the way it explores the resilience of women across generations. It’s a book with an undeniable sense of mystery and magic—one that will resonate with anyone who loves folklore-infused historical fiction.

With lyrical prose, The Sirens tells a tale of two sets of sisters bound by family secrets and by the sea. This folkloric coming-of-age story is a stunning meditation on female beauty and power that carefully examines the nuance of violences that women face—that women have always faced—and rejects notions of "good/bad girls" and "boys will be boys" that continue to dominate society's treatment of survivors.

Although it is not a novel that all readers will enjoy, the complex characters, dual timelines, atmospheric setting, and themes of agency and consequences makes The Sirens an excellent book for discussion—a perfect book club pick.

For an extra treat, grab this one as an audiobook. Barrie Kreinik's performance elevates the storytelling, enhances characterization, and creates wonderful distinctions between the timelines. I will definitely seek out other titles read by this narrator.

"The sea gives, but it also takes."

4 stars

A multi-timeline story that beautifully weaves together historical fiction and magical realism. I wish I had read this at the beach!

First we meet Lucy, a twenty year old college student, in the middle of a university crisis. She decides to visit her sister, Jess, the only person she believes who will understand what's happening to her. But upon arrival in Comber Bay, she discovers her sister is missing, and after looking at her artwork, that they may be even more connected that Lucy originally thought. The small town's history has Lucy searching for answers about her sister, and only with the discovery of Jess's journal does she find out things are more complicated than she ever knew.

We shift to the 1800s to a set of twin sisters, Mary and Eliza, forced out of Ireland on a convict ship bound for New South Wales. They've always been taught to fear water, especially the ocean, as their mother drowned when they were younger. But now being aboard the ship and shoved into dank, damp quarters for months they being to feel the call of the sea -- that maybe their mother didn't drown but became something more.

I loved Emilia's writing in Weyward and The Sirens does not disappoint. Her ability to describe in eerie detail the atmosphere upon the ship as well as the tumultuous relationship between each set of sister characters is perfection. She depicts how unbreakable the bonds of sisterhood can be, and what women are truly capable of in the face of adversity.

This book was a slow starter for me. I read the first 25% over three days, but then was completely hooked and read the remaining 75% in one sitting. So if you begin and it does not immediately draw you in, fear not because it is coming. Keep reading! You will be glad you gave this book a chance.

Another poignant and compelling novel from Emilia Hart.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sisters Mary and Eliza are on a convict ship being transported to Australia in the 1800s. Present day sisters Jess and Lucy seem to be working through their challenges individually. Lucy is struggling at university and runs to her sister for help. The Sirens intertwines the stories of the pairs of sisters in a way that keeps you reading to see how they are connected. I enjoyed the historical parts the most, and found those sisters very compelling. The unusual relationship between Jess and Lucy kept me interested in them. I think if you were a fan of historical fiction and true crime/mystery, you will love The Sirens.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is my second read from Emilia Hart and I love the way she includes family and women empowerment.

This read in particular shocked me with how much I liked and understood the meaning behind it. The parallel between the sisters and Lucy and Jess were so vastly different yet come together in a satisfying way.

I thought the historical aspect was going to intimidated me but Hart had it spun in a way that really worked for the story. I felt and saw everything that they went through and it hurt.

Emilia Hart, I need your next book NOW!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's press for the ARC.

This was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed the writing style and overall themes. Jess was my favorite character, and felt the most realistic and multi-dimensional. I would have preferred that the book was shorter as the second half dragged. I have also figured out the twist around 50% mark so exceeding naivete displayed by Lucy was not endearing her to me in any way (how poor of a grasp does she have on basic biology/genetics)?

Cameron was a weird character as some of his actions at the end did not seem logical to me based on his previous actions.

This was my first book by Emilia Hart. This was an interesting read! I enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more books in this genre.