Book written by Kiera Cass, published 2016.
We know more about the vastness of our galaxy than we do about the depth of our own Ocean. So, it seems easy to believe that she would possess magic that would go unnoticed by humans for centuries. It makes sense that she would feel overwhelming hunger and have her own servants, the sirens, to provide her with what she needs. Kahlen has served eighty years of her century-long service. In all that time, she has been the most obedient and dedicated siren the Ocean has ever had. The sirens are not constantly bound to the Ocean’s waters, so Kahlen’s sisters have more of a wild lifestyle, preferring to hit up clubs and take on lovers. Kahlen is quiet, content with her sisters and the Ocean, and prefers to wait until her service is over before really living her life. That is, until Akinli. Most men are drawn to Kahlen and the sirens for their inhuman beauty, but Akinli seems drawn to Kahlen just for herself. And strangely enough, Kalen seems drawn to Akinli just for himself. But, as striking as their sudden connection is, Kahlen can’t risk it. If she loses control of herself and speaks without thinking, her voice will work the Ocean’s magic and drive Akinli straight to his watery death. And as much as Kahlen loves the Ocean, plentiful and motherly, Kahlen no longer feels she can live without Akinli. Which love will prove the truest? That of a daughter, or that of a soulmate?
Out of all the books from Kiera Cass I have read so far, this one is my favorite. I love the simple love story, how wonderfully easy it was for Kahlen and Akinli to fall in love with each other. Yet, for all of its simplicity, Cass’ writing style conveys strong emotion (I was very nearly brought to tears on a few occasions). I also love Cass’ interpretation of sirens. She has illustrated an interesting balance between the cruelty we know from mythology and a sense of humanity that we always expect to see in our heroes. This balance was also believably portrayed in the Ocean herself. I was very fond of the idea that the Ocean is sentient, and that she was a character with a major role. It’s a gushy, quick read that I highly recommend for getting out of a reading slump.
This book contains two instances of minor swearing and no risqué intimacy, but there is a lot of death, pretty much all by drowning.
Now, let’s get into some juicier details! If you’ve read The Siren, please join us!
"There's always room for love. Even if it's as small as a crack in a door. That will be enough."
The main focus of this story is love, but not only the romantic kind. There is a strong emphasis on familial relationships as well, both those lost and those found. Kahlen, Maika, Elizabeth, and Padma all lost family when they were chosen to be sirens. Maika, Elizabeth, and Padma all left less than ideal family situations behind but found infinitely more meaningful relationships in their siren sisterhood. Kahlen was taken from a family that loved her but still found family ties in her sisters and in the Ocean herself. I think that relationship in particular is the one that I found the most interesting.
The Ocean has always been portrayed as an unforgiving, yet necessary force. Cass keeps with this tradition, painting a hunger that demands some of humanity must die so that the rest may thrive. If a siren disobeys in even the slightest way, that is cause for death without argument. In short, the Ocean would be a difficult mother figure to look up to. So, it’s interesting that the one siren that came from a loving family would have the strongest connection with such a harsh force. But I think Kahlen doesn’t find this connection despite her loving family but because of it. The other sirens came from difficult homes. While the details are never fully disclosed, it’s clear that they view their servitude as the lesser of two evils; the Ocean may be harsh, but at least she is merciful and fair. The sirens choose the Ocean, but due to their personal trauma, they don’t seek as much of a personal relationship with her. Kahlen doesn’t have that trauma. She never doubted that her family loved her, though she was able to recognize their faults and shortcomings. Her relationship with the Ocean is much the same way. Kahlen can recognize that the Ocean is not a perfect being, but she means well, and she cares for her surrogate daughters.
This relationship contributes to the overall theme of the book: True love is compassionate, everlasting, and forgiving. I think these are all attributes that Akinli, Maika, Elizabeth, and Padma exemplify in the families they find in each other. Akinli never took it personally when Kahlen would just disappear for months at a time without a word (I mean, come on! Talk about compassion!). Maika and Elizabeth were aware of the needs of Kahlen and Padma when their pain became too much to bear and sought to fill those needs. And Padma, who couldn’t forgive her family for her trauma, tried her hardest to forgive the Ocean for her cruel outbursts. And through it all, even across distances, times, and memories, Kahlen never forgot the people she truly cared about. It’s such an honest and heartfelt message, and I absolutely love it.
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