Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heart-centered duology finale features powerful Black siren.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DROWN ME WITH DREAMS, Saoirse is determined to escape Keirdre after the murder of Hayes' father, the corrupt King Larster. A magical barrier separates Keirdre from the mysterious land of Alkara, a place where all creatures are free of oppressive fae rule. While Saoirse doesn't want to leave Hayes, a newly minted king whose own enforcers are rebelling against him, she's doing it for her human sister Rain. If Alkara is safe, she'll send word to Hayes and her family with the help of dream magic and Rain can join her there. Saoirse will do anything for Rain, including enlisting her backstabbing former friend Carrik to help her. Unfortunately, Carrik is the only one in contact with Alkara's resistance movement and the only one with information about a possible weak spot in the barrier. While Saoirse and Carrik don't know what's waiting for them there—some say a gigantic army ready to attack—they do know two things about the barrier's magic: it's tied to Hayes' life force and unless the barrier comes down, they can never return to Keirdre.
Is It Any Good?
This heart-centered duology conclusion pits a powerful siren against plotting politicians, prejudice, and her own crueler instincts. Saoirse is embroiled in a tumultuous royal romance and a plot to save the persecuted family she adores, and hse may not get to have both. She also finds herself stuck with Carrik, the friend who betrayed her, when she travels to Alkara. Over time they rebuild the trust and friendship they lost. It's amazing to find all this heart from a book about a siren who's supposed to want to kill, kill, kill.
Saoirse is still an effective soldier and tactician as well. Her unique skills help her uncover a complicated conspiracy that will keep readers guessing about whom to trust. You never doubt her abilities to transfix a roomful of guards and pull the truth out of anyone—it's more fun than Wonder Woman with her lasso. Saoirse's brilliance is a curious contrast to her love interest Hayes who is floundering as king, but they still somehow make a cute pair. Drown Me with Dreams wraps up with some excitement and a few twists and turns, but also leaves some loose ends. Maybe newbie author Gabi Burton will return to her warring kingdoms in another duology? Let's hope she does.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Saoirse gains self-control in Drown Me with Dreams. Which impulse is easier for her siren senses to control, the urge to kill or the ability to manipulate others?
Why is it so hard for Saorise to forgive Carrik? How does building empathy during their time together help with healing? Did you ever find it impossible to forgive someone?
Two kingdoms offer very different accounts of sirens in their history books. Which kingdom gets their history right? Can you think of any real instances of history being rewritten to favor a particular side?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Self-control
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bloomsbury YA
- Publication date : August 20, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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