Review: Where Sirens Roam by Cameron Michaels
Blurb:
Fear lies in the depths.
Daruhm just wants to be left alone, away from the broken world he inhabits.
However, as one of the last remaining scribes of his kind, he is tasked with joining the Iron Dragon for a voyage across the Great Sea, giving an account of their findings, alongside an ancient race that are now seen as mere slaves. But the waters are not what they seem. None who yet traverse them ever return. Vast storms and territory not known on any map await them, and an old myth come to life.
The Sirens will sing once again.
Review:
This is about more than yourself, this is about expanding your reach, discovering things not yet seen by human eyes”
A brand new novella in the Twin World’s Saga, Where Sirens Roam follows Daruhm, a scribe and scholar, and Aydra, a Takahrn slave.
Daruhm might study the sea and the legendary sirens, but he certainly doesn’t play the part of pirate well. His sea legs are wobbly but his determination is held under a blazing fire, and he wants to find the sirens as badly as the Iron Dragon’s captain, Xerohnis. A reluctant hero he may be, Daruhm defies the odds and breaks some chains while he’s there.
Aydra is being held captive against her will on the Iron Dragon, one of three Takahrn beig used for their magical abilities. She bides her time, using her water weilding to help move the ship, but what she senses in the water might be what they came on this suicide mission to find. She’s headstrong and just as determined as Daruhm in her own quest to not only escape, but save her friend.
Characters: 8/10
I love a good seafaring adventure story, and Where Sirens Roam did not disappoint. Vivid descriptions of the boat, and even that queasy feeling of sea-sickness kept me enveloped in the world-building. Cameron does a great job of describing the overall atmosphere on the wide, dark sea, and *full disclosure* you can read this as a standalone from the first full-length novel of the Twin Worlds Saga, The Faded Dragon, but it helps to understand the depth of the magic system if you’ve read it.
Atmosphere: 13/14
Writing Style: 15/18
“You will join Captain Xerohnis and his crew aboard the Iron Dragon.”
Can you imagine, being a scribe and never having left land, and then hearing those words? My stomach would DROP. But Darhum kept his composure, and found himself sailing the sea before he could really process it all. But this is a discovery of a lifetime: Sirens.
On the other hand, Aydra is just trying to stay alive long enough to escape and save her friend. She is consistently abused by the first mate, Ivis, a scumlord if there ever was one. But she sense things only Daruhm has ever witness, and no one believed him when it happened. The two make a formidable pair.
I would say this story is pretty equally character and plot driven, being a shorter novella the pace flows well, and it’s easy to get invested in both.
Plot: 9/10
Intrigue:11/14
Logic: 13/14
Overall, this novella is well worth the read for those who have either already read The Faded Dragon or not. If you like unique magics, dragons, sirens, pirate adventures, and a hearty sea shanty: this one is for you. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.
Excitement: 9/10
CAWPILE Score: 78/90
