Book Review: From The Mouths Of Sirens by Abigail Hair

Yet another Booktok recommendation from a lovely indie author! She also designed the map for my book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book – I think it’s one of the best retellings I’ve read in a while. Do you love The Little Mermaid, and do you also love The Hunger Games? Because if you do, you’re in for a treat. This book was true to the original mermaid story we know and love, with the main character wanting to rebel against her father’s wishes and leave the water, (and who happens to meet a prince), but it also has brilliant world-building with inspiration from ancient mythology, a fiery warrior princess and a fight to the death arena tournament, just like The Hunger Games.

This book hooked me in from start to finish – every free minute I had, I wanted to read it, (which is difficult when you have your own books to edit, a full time job and freelance editing business to run!). I loved Saoirse’s character – she was determined to take part in the tournament to win her people the Revelore crown, even though her father refused to let her take part because he didn’t want to lose her. She sought help from an ancient sea witch, only to make a deal with her: she must kill the prince and take his blade from him. If you love a good enemies to lovers romance, you should give this one a try. Prince Rook is arrogant at first, and Saoirse seems hot headed, but you soon see their connection begin to blossom, and come to realise that there is a lot more to the both of them.

The tournament scenes were detailed, and you could see more of the world through the different tributes presented by each country. The monsters were terrifying, and the twist at the end makes you realise why there is so much death and gore during every event. I won’t tell you too much in case I spoil it, but if you liked the tournament scenes in The Hunger Games I think you’ll love this as well. I thought the ending was a bit rushed at times, and there were a few grammatical errors popping up, but the book was beautifully written on a whole, with great descriptions and lovely prose.

These issues weren’t enough to stop me from giving the book 5 stars, either!