Epic fantasy sequel ramps up the intrigue and action.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Violence & Scariness
a lot
A large-scale battle with mass destruction, combat, fights, and a massacre describe or mention blood spraying, seeping, etc. Pain is described but there's no other gore. Strangling to death using a leg around the neck is described in detail. A character walks into the ocean expecting to die. A character kisses another who's dying with mention of their blood mixing. A dead body is described briefly. A parent slaps their child in the face. Brief description of a body that was killed by having its blood sucked out. Beloved companion animals in danger.
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Hallucinogenic tea is taken as part of a ceremony. A character suspects his tea has been poisoned. Mention that drinking mermaid's blood has narcotic effects and people can easiy become addicted.
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Vengeance or revenge will only ever inspire more of the same and will never bring real peace. Only understanding and a chance at reconciliation can bring lasting peace. Society is stronger when we embrace, celebrate, and learn from our diversity; forcing everyone to conform to one norm only weakens us by wasting effort better spent elsewhere.
Positive Role Models
a lot
The large cast of characters are mostly heroic, have good motives and intentions, and model courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Some characters are mysterious and some are villains motivated by the desire for wealth and power.
Diverse Representations
a lot
Characters have a wide range of real-world and fantasy skin colors and come from different social and economic backgrounds. Several characters are gender fluid, genderless, have fluid sexual orientation, or are asexual. Several use non-traditional pronouns, and all matters of sexuality or gender are presented as normal; they're mentioned but not remarked on. A powerful female warrior has was born with one arm ending at the elbow.
Parents need to know that The Siren, the Song, and the Spy picks up where the epic fantasy The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea left off, about people in a world struggling to free themselves from an oppressive and greedy regime. Violence includes combat, fights between individuals, and a large-scale battle with massive destruction. Blood and pain are described without detail or gore. Death by strangulation is described. A character walks into the sea expecting to die. Strong language includes "s--t," "bulls--t," "a--hole," and "t-ts." Poisoned tea and hallucinogenic tea as part of a ceremony are mentioned. There are a few kisses with one that mentions mingling blood.
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What's the Story?
THE SIREN, THE SONG, AND THE SPY picks up right where The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea left off. Genevieve has washed up on the Red Shore where she's discovered by Wariuta warrior siblings Koa and Kaia. Naturally kind Koa wants to rescue her, but his sister Kaia doesn't trust Genevieve, who obviously has Imperial ties. When peace negotiations with invading Imperial colonizers ends in massacre, Koa, Kaia, and Genevieve are caught up in events that will turn their worlds upside down. Along the way they'll have to negotiate friends and enemies, both new and old, and seek the help of a power from the deepest depths of the ocean.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say:Not yet rated
Kids say:Not yet rated
Maggie Tokuda-Hall continues her epic fantasy adventure The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea without missing a beat. Every bit as beautifully written and solidly plotted, The Siren, the Song, and the Spy offers so much more than heart-pounding adventure. Readers will find a lot of food for thought about the harms of colonization, depleting natural resources, and what true justice is. Lots of favorite characters return, and colorful new ones are introduced who further the author's exploration of the nature of transformation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about courage and perseverance in The Siren, the Song, and the Spy. Which characters are the bravest? How does Koa especially model perseverance?
What about the violence? Is it too much? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, videos, etc.?
Did you read The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea first? If you did, which book do you like better? If you didn't, would you like to now?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
