Voice of the Ocean

March 1, 2025
Grades 9-12 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.

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March 14, 2025

Gr 9 Up-Siren Princess Celeste is desperate to prove her worth, but her final test to be part of the warrior Siren Chorus leads Celeste to defy her people by rescuing the handsome human Raiden. Branded a traitor, Celeste agrees to track down and assassinate Raiden. Curious about the human man, Celeste strikes a bargain with the Sea Witch for legs and joins Raiden's ship crew as a human. But all is not as it seems; the human world intrigues Celeste, and Raiden even more so. Why is Raiden determined to traverse the ocean, and what is he looking for? Impicciche's debut sweeps readers away into a fractured "Little Mermaid" retelling realm brimming with sirens, pirates, and adventure. The play on the classic fairy tale brings life to more complex characters, richer and easy to root for. Celeste defies the siren mold with her empathy and inquisitive mind. Raiden's the burdensome child weighed down by his father's expectations. Their connection over the isolation in the internal conflict of duty versus integrity drives the story. Banter within their ragtag, amusing crew brings levity to a tale of light mystery and forbidden romance. While some plot threads want for expansion, the cliff-hanger ending leaves readers expecting a sequel. Characters are painted as a diverse group of seafaring, lovable pirates. VERDICT A definite purchase for libraries where tales of high sea adventures, pirates, and enemies-to-lovers thrive.-Emily Walker

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2025
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)

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