Some books cast a spell from the very first page, pulling you into their world and refusing to let go. The Sirens by Emilia Hart is one of those books. A beautifully woven blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and mystery, this novel follows four women, separated by centuries but bound together by the sea. Their stories unfold in a way that is both haunting and whimsical, creating a mesmerizing read that lingers long after the final page.
If you loved Weyward, get ready for another deeply atmospheric, feminist, and breathtaking journey into the past and present.
Summary
A Haunting, Spellbinding Tale of Sisterhood and Secrets told across three time lines.
2019 – Lucy: A Desperate Search for Her Sister
Lucy wakes up one morning to find her hands around her ex-lover’s throat. Terrified by her own actions, she flees to her estranged sister Jess’ home on the Australian coast, only to discover that Jess is missing. As Lucy waits for her sister’s return, she begins to uncover eerie rumors about the town—stories of missing men, whispered legends of women’s voices calling from the waves, and an abandoned baby found in a sea cave years ago.
Lucy’s search for the truth leads her to Jess’ old diary, unlocking secrets that might be connected to their own mysterious family history.
1999 – Jess
As a sixteen-year-old growing up in a rural town, Jess has never fit in. Born with aquagenic urticaria—a rare condition that makes water dangerous to her skin, she’s lived an isolated life, finding solace only in her artwork.
But when her charismatic art teacher takes a special interest in her, Jess begins to realize that her past holds secrets her parents have been keeping from her. When she finally learns the truth, it sends her on a path of self-discovery that leads to Comber Bay, the very place Lucy would later go searching for answers.
1800 – Mary & Eliza
Twin sisters Mary and Eliza have been ripped from their home in Ireland and forced onto a convict ship bound for Australia. Their mother drowned when they were young, leaving them with a lifelong fear of the sea. But as the journey progresses, strange things begin to happen—their bodies change, their voices hold an unnatural power, and the ocean calls to them in a way they never expected.
What happened to them aboard that ship? And how do their stories intertwine with Jess and Lucy’s in the present?
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Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars!)
From the first page, The Sirens pulled me in and refused to let go! Emilia Hart has a way of weaving magic and mystery into her words, creating a story that feels both mythical and deeply human.
I could not put this book down!
Atmospheric and Haunting – The book is infused with a sense of longing, loss, and the relentless pull of the sea. The Australian coast becomes a character in its own right, shaping the fates of the women who live there!
Magical Yet Realistic – This book straddles the line between magical realism and historical fiction, making it feel like both a fairytale and a ghost story. While the supernatural elements are never fully explained, they add a layer of mystery and enchantment.
Celebrates Women– At its heart, The Sirens is a story about women fighting to reclaim their power in a world that seeks to control them. Each timeline explores themes of female resilience, sisterhood, and survival—from the mistreatment of women in the 1800s to modern-day struggles with autonomy and self-worth.
Beautiful, Poetic Writing – Hart’s prose is lyrical and evocative, making the entire book feel almost whimsical despite touching on so many serious themes. I love the way it kept the book from feeling too heavy.
Characters You’ll Love Rooting For – Whether it’s Lucy, Jess, Mary, or Eliza, each woman’s journey feels raw, real, and emotional. I found myself aching for their struggles and celebrating their triumphs, as they each sought to find their place in a world that often tried to silence them.
Why You Should Read The Sirens
If you love books that are rich in atmosphere, steeped in mystery, and centered on complex, resilient women, The Sirens is for you.
For fans of historical fiction – If you loved the historical depth of Weyward, you’ll appreciate how Hart brings 1800s Australia and 1999 rural towns vividly to life.
For those who enjoy magical realism – Like books with a touch of the supernatural, where reality and myth blur together? This book delivers that beautifully.
For readers drawn to feminist themes – At its core, this novel is about women surviving in a world that wasn’t built for them—and ultimately thriving despite it.
For mystery lovers – If you enjoy stories of unraveling family secrets and pasts that refuse to stay buried, this book is for you!
For those who love books that make you feel – This story is as heartbreaking as it is magical, and it will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading.
What to Read Next If You Loved The Sirens
Weyward
by Emilia Hart
Another atmospheric, feminist, multi-timeline novel from the same author, featuring witchcraft, generational trauma, and fierce women finding their strength.
Available on KU!
The Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern
If you love lyrical, magical realism with a dreamlike quality, this book is a must-read.
The Giver of Stars
by Jojo Moyes
Another historical feminist novel about strong women breaking barriers, with stunning descriptions of nature.
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About Author Emilia Hart
Emilia Hart is a British-Australian author with a deep passion for storytelling. Born in Sydney, she studied English Literature and Law at the University of New South Wales before working as a lawyer in both Sydney and London.
Emilia’s talent has been recognized internationally—she was Highly Commended in the 2021 Caledonia Novel Award, and her short fiction has been published in both Australia and the UK.
Her debut novel, Weyward, captivated readers with its lyrical prose and feminist themes, establishing her as a powerful new voice in historical fiction and magical realism.
She currently lives in London, where she continues to craft spellbinding stories that blur the lines between history, mystery, and magic.
Final Thoughts!
The Sirens is a mesmerizing blend of history, mystery, and magical realism that lingers long after the final page. With its richly woven narrative, strong female protagonists, and an atmosphere dripping with intrigue, this novel is perfect for readers who love stories about resilience, sisterhood, and the power of the past shaping the present. If you enjoyed Weyward or books like The Once and Future Witches, this is a must-read.
Are you ready to be swept away by the magic of The Sirens? Grab your copy today and let me know your thoughts in the comments or over on Instagram!
