Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Epic fantasy sequel ramps up the intrigue and action.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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?
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?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Pirates
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : September 26, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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