This YA book, like its characters, is a unique mix of several genres.  There is a bit of steampunk, adventure, budding romance, sirens, family relationships, and gender identification.  I have been spending some time with the young teens in my life, while I was reading this and their responses to certain subplots have been amusing.  They were most interested in the Siren’s growth and changes as they became more involved with the humans.

The story easily captures your imagination and tugs you into some deeper compelling thoughts about what is going on beyond the surface story of Dejean rescuing Perle and Perle’s quest for revenge on his captor.  The idea of the Siren’s and their opinions and responses to humans led to some riveting discussions on societies and their functions.  Some YA may pick it up for the adventure and that’s great, but those who read a little deeper will have a lot of conversation starting fodder.

I think this book would be perfect in any high school library or personal collection.

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SUMMARY

The ocean is uncontrollable and dangerous. But to the sirens who swim the warm island waters, it’s a home more than worth protecting from the humans and their steam-propelled ships. Between their hypnotic voices and the strength of their powerful tails, sirens have little to fear.

That is, until the ruthless pirate captain, Kian, creates a device to cancel out their songs.

Perle was the first siren captured, and while all since have either been sold or killed, Kian still keeps them prisoner. Though their song is muted and their tail paralyzed, Perle’s hope for escape rekindles as another pirating vessel seizes Kian’s ship. This new captain seems different, with his brilliant smile and his promises that Kian will never again be Perle’s master. But he’s still a human, and a captor in his own way. The compassion he and his rag-tag human family show can’t be sincere… or can it?

Soon it becomes clear that Kian will hunt Perle relentlessly, taking down any siren in her path. As the tides turn, Perle must decide whether to run from Kian forever, or ride the forming wave into battle, hoping their newfound human companions will fight with them.