I really liked this book! The story was about two groups of sisters and how they got along with each other and the world. The writer was really good at showing how these sisters were connected.

Even though I guessed what would happen next a few times, I still loved every page. This book was even better than the last one the writer did, called "Weyward". It was a really good story.

I read The Sirens over a couple of evenings and kept repeating the same sentiment to my partner, 'I don't feel like much is happening and yet I'm not bored'.
I almost always need a decently paced plot, I'm not often one for slow burns but Hart drew me in. I cared for the historic fates of Eliza and Mary as much as I did present day Lucy and Jess.

Even though it takes us the entire novel to find out where Jess is, and both present day sister storylines are rather predictable- bearing all the characteristics of a generic domestic thriller, including diary excerpts to explain the past- the added mermaid fantasy held my attention.

The characters and setting aboard the female convict ship bound from Ireland to Australia had me engrossed. Full of emotion and beautiful description, I'd have preferred more of this content than the modern day timeline.

As someone with aquagenic urticaria I found it highly amusing this was the medical pretense for mermaids. Less amusing was the time it took for our characters to fully realise this eventuality. Though I suppose their transformations are the basis of the novel so this is intentional. The Sirens is very much character driven, the plot twists are transparent but the women, the writing and the convict ship setting make this worth reading.

She’s done it again! I loved Weyward and The Sirens is just as wonderful. A much heavier dose of magical realism in this one and in parts reminded me of Our Wives Under the Sea. Loved the dual timeline and thought it was the perfect mix of historical and fantasy.

This beautifully crafted novel resonates on multiple levels. It invites readers to ponder the bonds that connect us, the dreams that inspire us, and the mysteries that linger in the shadows of our past. Hart's ability to blend elements of magic realism with profound emotional truths makes this work stand out in contemporary literature, appealing to those who seek both depth and enchantment in their reading experience.

While the unfolding of the story itself was somewhat predictable to me, this should not deter readers from diving in.

Weyward is one of my favourite ever reads and made Emilia Hart one of my auto-buy authors. I found The Sirens intriguing but a little too predictable. The writing was superb as always, I just wish I hadn’t been able to guess every twist.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

At its core, this novel is about the power of water – and sisterhood – to heal and transform, all inspired by love. Emilia Hart's "The Sirens" is a rich tapestry, woven with threads of female resilience, the complexities of sisterhood, and the haunting echoes of the past. The story intricately connects the lives of its characters across different timelines, offering a compelling look at how dreams and memories shape our identities.

In 2019, Lucy, troubled by a violent dream, returns to her sister Jess's coastal home only to discover Jess is missing. As Lucy investigates, she uncovers dark rumors about the town and its history of vanished men, while her dreams blur the line between reality and the supernatural.

The heart of the story centers on a protagonist dealing with a rare allergy to water, a condition that poignantly symbolizes isolation and the longing for connection. This unique premise not only explores personal struggle but also invites readers to reflect on broader themes of vulnerability and strength. Jess's journey is deeply influenced by her relationship with an art teacher who sees her talent and potential, highlighting the transformative power of mentorship and support.

The atmosphere of "The Sirens" is filled with mystery and magic. Hart's evocative and lyrical writing style paints vivid pictures that transport readers into the world of her characters. The prose flows seamlessly, capturing the nuances of emotion and the weight of unspoken truths. The author masterfully balances moments of tension with introspective passages, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters' experiences.

The historical aspect of the book adds depth to the narrative. Mary and Eliza, torn from their loving home in Ireland in 1800 and forced onto a convict ship heading for Australia, begin to notice unexplainable changes in their bodies as the boat takes them farther away from everything they know.

Dreams and the subconscious play a significant role in the narrative, suggesting that our innermost thoughts can guide us toward self-discovery and healing. Family secrets loom large, adding layers of intrigue and complexity to the relationships depicted in the novel. Hart's exploration of these themes resonates deeply, prompting readers to consider the legacies we inherit and how they shape our lives.

This beautifully crafted novel resonates on multiple levels. It invites readers to ponder the bonds that connect us, the dreams that inspire us, and the mysteries that linger in the shadows of our past. Hart's ability to blend elements of magic realism with profound emotional truths makes this work stand out in contemporary literature, appealing to those who seek both depth and enchantment in their reading experience.

While the unfolding of the story itself was somewhat predictable to me, this should not deter readers from diving in.

I really enjoyed this one.
The two sets of sisters, their relationships with each other, and with the world around them... all witten so well.
The strands of the two stories tied up so nicely with each other, and despite guessing each of the little twists, I still enjoyed every single page.
A very worthy follow up to Weyward, and for me, a step up in terms of storytelling.

My gosh, this is the most beautiful book I've ever read. Thank you SO much for the arc. I will absolutely be buying the hardcopy for my bookshelf.
The story of Mary and Evie interwoven with Lucy and Jess is cleverly done, magical, and devastating. My heart ached and I has goosebumps, which doesn't often happen when I read. There is nothing to fault, if you love a good story YOU MUST read this one.

the sirens hit me like a speeding train. as always, hart pulls together the threads of the stories of women in time together so slowly and deftly that you barely feel the web tightening as it ensnares you. you feel the story spiralling at just the perfect pace to keep you hooked. the imagery, the motifs of water and unbelonging and being adrift amidst a great expanse of sea, were on point. this is more simplistic than weyward but works out really well because it lets the two storylines that are told enmesh well with each other. I could not look away while reading this and finished the whole thing past midnight. I would read this over and over again if I could.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loved it! After reading her previous book, Weyward, I've been eagerly awaiting this one on a huge scale! I was so excited to read this, and especially loved the theme of the sea/ calls of the sirens.
This is a real story of sisterhood, connections, coming together, and love and I loved everything about it.
Emilia Hart is fast becoming a favourite author of mine, who is able to create magical and enchanting worlds to escape to.
I didn't want to put this down.

This book has such beautiful storytelling and wonderful prose. It really feels like a hidden gem, and a delightful story full of secrets that you cannot wait to unwind. 4 stars.

This book is a beauty. A real hidden gem. Beautifully woven storytelling. I did have some difficulties with the three person point of view, more used to a dual point of view. However this is a book that I'll remember.

This is a beautiful gem of a book, powered by myth, mystery and feminine strength. I devoured this book in a few days, desperate to get the next piece of the puzzle. Told from different perspectives and time zones, Emilia Hart has a real talent for giving the reader the perfect clues at exactly the right time, allowing you to draw the threads of the story together and start to see different parts of the final picture, exactly as and when you are supposed to. A wonderful story that explores some serious themes sensitively, alongside dreamlike myths and legends.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for having access to this ARC. There are few reads that leave me completely speechless and this is one of them. I absolutely loved Weyward and I loved this one even more. A beautifully told story woven between characters and time periods. Masterfully written, I couldn’t put this down. An amazing book which will stay with me for time.

Having read this authors previous novel and loving it I was excited to receive this arc
I found the story so engrossing that I read this in two days!
The descriptions were lush with an amazing atmosphere while the characters were well rounded and fleshed out.
The author really makes you feel for the characters and the mystery was engrossing while the dual timeline worked very well
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc