Review by Booklist Review
After Princess Celeste interferes in her siren nation's mission to kill the human Prince Raiden Sharp, she's sent out, alone, to find a way to kill him. Only once she's completed this task will she be able to return home without facing execution. Celeste makes a deal with the Sea Witch to turn herself human and embarks on an adventure with Raiden and a motley crew aboard a ship stolen from the Pirate Queen. Along the way, she learns more about humanity, uncovers an ancient and powerful magic, and falls in love. The work channels the vibes of The Little Mermaid and the Pirates of the Caribbean series, complete with all the watery escapades you'd expect. The plot moves swiftly and twists abound, and Celeste's journey to understanding humanity and her own nature is compelling. Plus, her chemistry with Raiden sears through the pages. The found family elements of the story are extremely satisfying. Streamer and content creator Impicciche's young adult fantasy debut is a breakneck adventure you won't want to miss.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
YouTuber Impicciche channels "The Little Mermaid" in her sprawling debut about a siren princess, a human prince, and ancient magic. Teenage siren Celeste, the youngest daughter of King Tidus and Queen Halia, has received her final assignment from the Chorus, her underwater kingdom's elite group of warriors: she must drown Prince Raiden, son of a cruel mortal king. Though her mother forbids her from embarking on the dangerous quest, Celeste joins the Chorus on their search for the prince's ship, hoping the warriors' influence can help her learn to control her gift of Song. As she witnesses the other sirens luring sailors to violent deaths, however, she instead decides to save Prince Raiden. But when Celeste returns home, Queen Halia orders Celeste to assassinate the prince or be tried for treason. While many of the novel's beats closely mirror the inspiration material, and thinly developed characters make it difficult for readers to invest in their plights, Impicciche puts her own spin on the classic tale, inserting dark and gruesome elements that culminate in an exciting fantasy adventure. Celeste has "soft peach" skin; Prince Raiden reads as white. Ages 12--up. (Apr.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In this debut by YouTuber Impicciche, a young siren princess is faced with a mission she cannot refuse. Celeste's mother, Queen Halia, has always considered her to be too emotional--like the irrational humans. In order to prove herself, Celeste has spent several cycles, the sirens' unit of time, training to become a member of the Chorus, a militarized unit that patrols the seas. Before her final test, Celeste comes across an attractive human prince, Raiden, whose father is King Leonidas--her mother's sworn enemy. She ends up saving Raiden's life, but when her mother learns of her transgression, she offers Celeste the chance to go on a mission that requires her to become human and avoid being executed for treason. The narrative, which initially is strongly reminiscent of "The Little Mermaid," has some slower moments and repetitive elements that are offset by witty commentary that helps engage readers. The opening drags, but the pace picks up as the story unfolds. Impicciche does a good job of creating a detailed world of siren customs and traditions. Her characters exhibit emotional depth, conveying what it feels like to be lost and betrayed. Sirens have skin of varying colors, including blue, purple, and green; Celeste's skin is "soft peach." Raiden presents white, and there's racial diversity among other humans. After a slow start, an action-packed adventure about embracing vulnerability and trusting yourself. (map)(Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
