I started reading this book because of the sirens and I stayed because of what another reviewer called a Hufflepuff love interest and Slytherin heroine. I loved this story to bits because it treads a very fine line between mysticism and magic. The characters are complex, but it’s the journey that I feel readers will truly love. The murder mystery is intense, and builds into this gorgeous climax. There’s so much going on with this little island that is home to a population of sirens, and it’s a song you’ll be longing to hear once you’ve finished reading this book. I have personally always imagined what siren song would sound like, and wouldn’t mind being tied to the mast of a ship just so I could experience it. If they were real, that is.
Moira has always been fascinated by the deadly sirens that lurk in the shores of her little island town. Although their song can lead anyone to a watery death, she gets as close as she can, playing her violin to them just outside of their reach. When a young boy is found dead on the beach, the islanders assume it’s the work of the sirens, but Moira is certain the boy has been murdered. She convinces her friend and lighthouse keeper Jude Osric to help her find the real killer before the islanders starting trying to hunt the sirens down, while also rekindling their old friendship into something more. They’ll need to race against time if they’re going to stop the killer, before it’s too late for the islanders and the sirens.
This book has such a mystical atmosphere from the beginning. We have this mythical creature who lives by the shores of this town and it makes you wonder if it’s a blessing or a curse to have them so close. Though the story is mostly told from Moira’s perspective, readers will get to glimpse snippets of it through Jude’s perspective as well. It’s really refreshing to see, because we don’t often get fluffy male characters. What’s more, I really appreciate the sense of community that the islanders have built for everyone, despite the fact that Moira is a little different. It makes the things that are playing out so interesting.
Moira is a very cunning and strong character. She doesn’t pull punches, and makes sure that you know exactly what she wants from you. Jude plays the perfect foil to this because where Moira can be overbearing and frustrating, Jude comes in and soothes hurts and feelings. He’s sensitive to things that Moira isn’t, and really helps move the story along well. I love their interactions the most because Moira isn’t afraid to cross boundaries, and Jude’s blushing makes it all worthwhile.
I’d say the story is more plot driven than character driven, and while I still enjoyed it regardless, I feel that this is one that would have benefited more from being more character driven instead. The story had a really formal tone that I enjoyed for the most part, but other readers might not find appealing. The time period does explain a good portion of this, but I feel like a less formal tone would have definitely been more suitable. Like I said, the story is more about the mysterious death(s) that are happening on the island and who’s to blame, than it is about Moira and Jude. They’re all players on a much larger board, and I loved seeing how that played out in the end.
The story starts slowly at first, and builds momentum, and toward the end is fast paced and the anticipation swells into this crescendo, much like a musical piece. There’s something lyrical about the story overall, and the music, both from the sirens and Moira’s violin, ties everything together. The romance plays out very well in my opinion, and again, because of our characters very different personalities, makes for a very palatable pairing. Jude has been one of my favourite male protagonists and I would love to see someone do fanart of him!
I’m going to rate Songs From The Deep an 8 out of 10. It’s a wonderful story full of a quiet life despite the dangers of a watery grave, with some amazing protagonists. It would be great to see Moira and Jude in another story, because I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
Songs From The Deep is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of November 5th 2019.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
A girl searches for a killer on an island where deadly sirens lurk just beneath the waves in this gripping, atmospheric debut novel.
The sea holds many secrets.
Moira Alexander has always been fascinated by the deadly sirens who lurk along the shores of her island town. Even though their haunting songs can lure anyone to a swift and watery grave, she gets as close to them as she can, playing her violin on the edge of the enchanted sea. When a young boy is found dead on the beach, the islanders assume that he’s one of the sirens’ victims. Moira isn’t so sure.
Certain that someone has framed the boy’s death as a siren attack, Moira convinces her childhood friend, the lighthouse keeper Jude Osric, to help her find the real killer, rekindling their friendship in the process. With townspeople itching to hunt the sirens down, and their own secrets threatening to unravel their fragile new alliance, Moira and Jude must race against time to stop the killer before it’s too late—for humans and sirens alike.
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