Disclaimer: Ratings and reviews are determined by the author and/or reviewer. There is no guarantee of content. Reader discretion is advised.
CLEAN PARANORMAL
In a world increasingly filthy, we help you keep your reading clean.
Avoid the "It's a
good novel except for that one scene" scenario.
Sign up
for our Newsletter
Our Featured Books!
Chloe has nine lives. But will nine be enough?
This is not the story of the Wonderland we know. Alice has not fallen down a rabbit hole. This is a Wonderland where beneath each smile lies a secret, each tart comes with a demand, and only prisoners tell the truth.
All Ani has ever wanted is to serve the Temple of Anubis and learn the art of mummification.
Chloe has nine lives. But will nine be enough?
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop by Genre
MYTH
Authors F - J
At a Glance
Featured Book
(romance with light kissing, mild fantasy violence, mystical threats, no explicit sex, and virtually no swearing)
AUTHOR LAURA GREENWOOD
APPRENTICE OF THE DEAD (BOOK 1)
Mummification lessons, a new jackal familiar, and temple politics...Ani never expected serving Anubis to be this complicated.
When Ani becomes the first apprentice to be Blessed by Anubis in years, she finds herself thrown into a world she only ever hoped to be part of.
Between learning how to be an embalmer, being the new owner of a sacred jackal, and a budding rivalry turned friendship with the High Priest's son, Ani has her hands full.
But when she uncovers a plot that could bring the temple to its knees, she has to decide whether to risk her place at the temple, or let the injustice slide by unnoticed.
Can she stop the plot before it's too late?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Apprentice of Anubis by Laura Greenwood could be a great pick for readers and families who enjoy cozy fantasy with a unique mythological twist. Set in a world inspired by ancient Egypt, the story follows a young woman training as an embalmer in a temple of Anubis—so there’s an intriguing blend of historical fantasy and mystery. While death and the afterlife are central themes, the book handles them in a respectful, almost academic way, focusing more on character growth and temple politics than anything graphic. The romance subplot is very gentle, featuring a slow-burn connection with just a few kisses and no explicit scenes, making it a relatively clean read for those who prefer low-heat romance. However, some families might find the setting and themes a little darker than expected, given the protagonist’s involvement with embalming and mummification. While the violence is mild and not graphic, the concept of working with corpses and references to the underworld may not appeal to everyone, especially more sensitive or younger readers. Still, there’s no graphic sexual content or excessive swearing, and the focus remains on character development, light intrigue, and a respectful exploration of ancient customs. Overall, it’s a thoughtful, mellow fantasy best suited for readers comfortable with death-related themes but who want to avoid more intense content.
(violence, mature themes)
AUTHOR NANCY FARMER
THE SEA OF TROLLS
Jack was eleven when the berserkers loomed out of the fog and nabbed him. "It seems that things are stirring across the water," the Bard had warned. "Ships are being built, swords are being forged."
"Is that bad?" Jack had asked, for his Saxon village had never before seen berserkers.
"Of course. People don't make ships and swords unless they intend to use them."
The year is A.D. 793. In the next months, Jack and his little sister, Lucy, are enslaved by Olaf One-Brow and his fierce young shipmate, Thorgil. With a crow named Bold Heart for mysterious company, they are swept up into an adventure-quest in the spirit of The Lord of the Rings.
Award-winner Nancy Farmer has never told a richer, funnier tale, nor offered more timeless encouragement to young seekers than "Just say no to pillaging."
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer is a great choice for readers who enjoy immersive adventures with strong mythical elements. The series draws heavily from Norse mythology, following the journey of a young boy, Jack, who encounters trolls, giants, and Viking legends. The book is rich in world-building and offers a compelling story that explores themes of bravery, loyalty, and the importance of friendship. It also introduces readers to Viking history and mythology in a way that is both engaging and educational. For families looking for an exciting fantasy novel with elements of history and adventure, this series offers a solid mix of fantasy, action, and magical realism. The content of The Sea of Trolls is relatively tame, with no explicit sexual content or romance to worry about. There is some fantasy violence, such as battles with trolls and other mythical creatures, but it is not overly graphic or gory. There are also some darker themes, including references to death and difficult decisions, which might be unsettling for younger readers but are handled in an age-appropriate manner. Mild language is used throughout, but nothing that would be considered inappropriate. Overall, The Sea of Trolls is an exciting and thought-provoking choice for families seeking a well-balanced story that introduces mythology and adventure without excessive violence or mature content.
(violence, mature themes)
AUTHOR NEIL GAIMAN
NORSE MYTHOLOGY
“Remarkable.… Gaiman has provided an enchanting contemporary interpretation of the Viking ethos.”—Lisa L. Hannett, Atlantic
Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok.
In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.
Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Neil Gaiman’s Norse Mythology can be a great choice for readers and families who enjoy mythology, folklore, and imaginative storytelling. Gaiman retells the ancient Norse myths with wit, clarity, and a modern voice that makes the stories accessible and engaging for today’s readers. The book is rich in character-driven tales of gods like Thor, Odin, and Loki, filled with epic quests, clever tricks, and larger-than-life moments. It offers a fascinating introduction to Norse culture and myth while sparking interest in ancient storytelling traditions. For families who enjoy reading together or discussing literature, this book can lead to great conversations about myth, morality, and heroism. However, some parents may want to be aware of a few content considerations. The book includes mythological violence—such as battles and the death of gods—as well as mild sexual references, usually in the context of the original myths (like gods disguising themselves or stories involving marriage or seduction). These moments are brief and not graphic but do reflect the mature themes present in the original Norse tales. There is also a little bit of coarse language, though it’s minimal and not gratuitous. Overall, for families comfortable with mythological content that includes some mature themes presented in a literary and respectful way, Norse Mythology is a thoughtful and entertaining read.
(mild violence, dark themes, and romantic tension)
AUTHOR VANESSA GARDEN
CAPTIVATE (BOOK 1)
For the past twelve months since her parents’ death, seventeen-year-old Miranda Sun has harboured a dark secret — a secret that has strained the close relationship she once shared with her older sister, Lauren. In an effort to repair this broken bond, Miranda’s grandparents whisk the siblings away on a secluded beach holiday. Except before Miranda gets a chance to confess her life-changing secret, she’s dragged underwater by a mysterious stranger while taking a midnight swim.
Awakening days later, Miranda discovers that she’s being held captive in a glittering underwater city by an arrogant young king named Marko.
Nineteen-year-old Marko intends to marry Miranda in order to keep his crown from falling into the sinister clutches of his brother, Damir. There’s only one problem. Miranda is desperate to return home to right things with her sister and she wants nothing to do with Marko. Trying to secure her freedom, Miranda quickly forms an alliance with Robbie — Marko’s personal guard. However, she soon discovers that even underwater, people have secrets too, dangerous secrets...
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Vanessa Garden’s Captivate is a solid choice for readers who love young adult fantasy with a splash of romance and mystery. Set in an underwater kingdom, the story blends elements of fairy tale, danger, and intrigue, with a heroine who’s swept into a hidden world full of secrets. For teens who enjoy stories like The Little Mermaid meets The Selection, this series delivers a fast-paced plot, emotional stakes, and an imaginative setting. The romantic tension and the exploration of loyalty, identity, and power can make it a fun, engaging read that sparks discussion about relationships and choices. That said, parents might want to be aware of the romantic and sensual content throughout the series. While the story doesn’t include explicit sexual scenes, there are some passionate kisses, romantic tension, and a few scenes that hint at intimacy, especially as the series progresses. These moments are handled within the context of a YA romance and are not overly graphic, but they may be more appropriate for mature teen readers. There’s also some violence and darker themes, such as manipulation and control, that reflect the struggles of the characters in a high-stakes fantasy world. Overall, Captivate would be a good fit for families comfortable with romantic YA stories that include moderate sensual content and fantasy peril.
(romance with light kissing, mild fantasy violence, mystical threats, no explicit sex, and virtually no swearing)
AUTHOR LAURA GREENWOOD
APPRENTICE OF THE DEAD (BOOK 1)
Mummification lessons, a new jackal familiar, and temple politics...Ani never expected serving Anubis to be this complicated.
When Ani becomes the first apprentice to be Blessed by Anubis in years, she finds herself thrown into a world she only ever hoped to be part of.
Between learning how to be an embalmer, being the new owner of a sacred jackal, and a budding rivalry turned friendship with the High Priest's son, Ani has her hands full.
But when she uncovers a plot that could bring the temple to its knees, she has to decide whether to risk her place at the temple, or let the injustice slide by unnoticed.
Can she stop the plot before it's too late?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Apprentice of Anubis by Laura Greenwood could be a great pick for readers and families who enjoy cozy fantasy with a unique mythological twist. Set in a world inspired by ancient Egypt, the story follows a young woman training as an embalmer in a temple of Anubis—so there’s an intriguing blend of historical fantasy and mystery. While death and the afterlife are central themes, the book handles them in a respectful, almost academic way, focusing more on character growth and temple politics than anything graphic. The romance subplot is very gentle, featuring a slow-burn connection with just a few kisses and no explicit scenes, making it a relatively clean read for those who prefer low-heat romance. However, some families might find the setting and themes a little darker than expected, given the protagonist’s involvement with embalming and mummification. While the violence is mild and not graphic, the concept of working with corpses and references to the underworld may not appeal to everyone, especially more sensitive or younger readers. Still, there’s no graphic sexual content or excessive swearing, and the focus remains on character development, light intrigue, and a respectful exploration of ancient customs. Overall, it’s a thoughtful, mellow fantasy best suited for readers comfortable with death-related themes but who want to avoid more intense content.
(violence, war themes, and romantic tension)
AUTHOR ALYWYN HAMILTON
REBEL OF THE SANDS (BOOK 1)
Mortals rule the desert nation of Miraji, but mythical beasts still roam the wild and remote areas, and rumor has it that somewhere, djinn still perform their magic. For humans, it’s an unforgiving place, especially if you’re poor, orphaned, or female. Amani Al’Hiza is all three. She’s a gifted gunslinger with perfect aim, but she can’t shoot her way out of Dustwalk, the back-country town where she’s destined to wind up wed or dead.
Then she meets Jin, a rakish foreigner, in a shooting contest, and sees him as the perfect escape route. But though she’s spent years dreaming of leaving Dustwalk, she never imagined she’d gallop away on mythical horse—or that it would take a foreign fugitive to show her the heart of the desert she thought she knew.
This startlingly original Middle-East-meets-Wild-West fantasy reveals what happens when a dream deferred explodes—in the fires of rebellion, of romantic passion, and the all-consuming inferno of a girl finally embracing her power.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Alwyn Hamilton’s Rebel of the Sands is a great pick for readers who love action-packed fantasy with a strong heroine, a unique desert setting, and a touch of magic. The story follows Amani, a sharpshooter with a rebellious streak, as she escapes a stifling life and finds herself caught in a sweeping revolution filled with mythical creatures and mysterious powers. The book blends elements of Westerns and Middle Eastern folklore, making it a fresh, fast-paced adventure with themes of identity, freedom, and courage. For teens and families who enjoy strong female leads and richly imagined worlds, this series has a lot to offer. In terms of content, parents should be aware of some romantic elements, including kissing and romantic tension, though nothing explicit or overly sensual is depicted. The story includes violence, such as gunfights and battle scenes, but it fits naturally within the high-stakes fantasy world and isn’t overly graphic. There’s no strong language to speak of, and the relationships and themes are presented in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way. Overall, Rebel of the Sands is a solid choice for readers who are ready for a bit of romance and action wrapped in a richly magical world.
(no sex scene, but there is talk of sex and rape, there is violence but not explicit gore, and there is talk of slavery and kidnapping)
Editor's
Favorite
AUTHOR AMY HARMON
THE FIRST GIRL CHILD
From the New York Times bestselling author comes a breathtaking fantasy of a cursed kingdom, warring clans, and unexpected salvation.
Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok.
Raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill, Bayr is gifted with inhuman strength. But he’s also blessed with an all-too-human heart that beats with one purpose: to protect Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the salvation for a country at risk.
Now the fate of Saylok lies with Alba and Bayr, whose bond grows deeper with every whisper of coming chaos. Charged with battling the enemies of their people, both within and without, Bayr is fueled further by the love of a girl who has defied the scourge of Saylok.
What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that they each threaten the king, a greedy man who built his throne on lies, murder, and betrayal. There is only one way to defend their land from the corruption that has overtaken it. By breaking the curse, they could defeat the king…but they could also destroy themselves.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Amy Harmon’s The First Girl Child is a beautifully written fantasy novel that weaves together elements of Norse-inspired mythology, romance, and destiny. It tells the story of a cursed kingdom where no girls have been born in years, and the emotional journey of a young boy raised in a temple who becomes a powerful warrior. The storytelling is lyrical and layered, exploring themes like love, sacrifice, and the strength of the human spirit. For readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with a slower, more thoughtful pace and rich world-building, this book can be a deeply rewarding experience. However, families should be aware that the story includes mature themes such as violence, abuse, and sexual assault—though these moments are not described in graphic detail, they are important to the plot and emotional development of the characters. There is also romantic content, including a few sensual scenes that are tastefully written but may be more suited for older or mature readers. The emotional weight of the story and the presence of darker subject matter might not be the best fit for younger or more sensitive readers. Still, for those comfortable with heavier themes told with grace and care, The First Girl Child is a powerful and meaningful read.
(slow-burn romance with kissing and implied sex, frequent magical violence and gore, strong language, and themes of grief and abuse)
AUTHOR KIKA HATZOPOULOU
THREADS THAT BIND
“Dripping with atmosphere and edged with danger, Threads That Bind weaves together a gorgeous dark tapestry of mystery, fated romance, and modern myth. You won’t be able to put this one down.” —Alexandra Bracken, New York Times bestselling author of Lore
In a world where the children of the gods inherit their powers, a descendant of the Greek Fates must solve a series of impossible murders to save her sisters, her soulmate, and her city, for fans of Song of Achilles.
Descendants of the Fates are always born in threes: one to weave, one to draw, and one to cut the threads that connect people to the things they love and to life itself. The Ora sisters are no exception. Io, the youngest, uses her Fate-born abilities as a private investigator in the half-sunken city of Alante.
But her latest job leads her to a horrific discovery: somebody is abducting women, maiming their life-threads, and setting the resulting wraiths loose in the city to kill. To find the culprit, she must work alongside Edei Rhuna, the right hand of the infamous Mob Queen—and the boy with whom she shares a rare fate-thread linking them as soul mates before they’ve even met.
The investigation turns personal when Io's estranged oldest sister shows up on the arm of her best suspect. Amid unveiled secrets from her past and her growing feelings for Edei, Io must follow clues through the city’s darkest corners and unearth a conspiracy that involves some of the city’s most powerful players before destruction comes to her own doorstep.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Threads That Bind can be an engrossing choice for families who appreciate immersive mythology, smart mystery, and complex characters. The romance is heartfelt and builds gradually through emotional connection rather than explicit content, with only kisses and implied intimacy. That gives it a satisfying warmth without pushing into graphic territory. Meanwhile, the richly drawn city of Alante and its high-stakes murder plot offer engaging suspense and thoughtful commentary on power, identity, and societal issues. However, the series contains mature elements that might unsettle some readers: graphic magical violence, on-page murders, and scenes involving grief, emotional abuse, and trauma—including threats to women’s lives. The language can be strong at times, and the darker tone and heavy themes make it a better fit for readers ready for intense or morally complex stories. If you prefer light or escapist fantasy, be aware that this one delves into heavier territory.
(contains intense fantasy violence, including graphic battle scenes and demonic threats, moderate profanity, and minimal romantic content without explicit sexual scenes)
AUTHOR ROB J. HAYES
AGE OF THE GODEATER: HERALD
His history is written in blood. Her fate is forged in fire.
Emrik Hostain, the last of the immortal Godless Kings rules Helesia with an iron fist. He stands eternal bastion against the return of the divine tyrant he helped to slay.
The surviving angels take to the skies, and the Seers all whisper the same thing. A new Herald walks the mortal world.
Deep in the wintry village of Ner, Renira Washer dreams of adventure while hiding from the royal Truth Seekers, knowing one wrong whispered word might be her last. Yet it is not her secret she hides, but her mother's mysterious past.
When a Fallen Angel arrives in her village during the Solstice Festival, Renira faces a choice: to defy prophecy, or to risk the wrath of kings.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Age of the God Eater: Herald by Rob J. Hayes offers a richly imagined dark fantasy world filled with complex characters and morally ambiguous themes. The narrative delves into a war-torn realm where angels are hunted, and divine power is consumed for immortality. The story is steeped in intense violence, including graphic battle scenes and demonic threats, and features moderate profanity. While there is minimal romantic content without explicit sexual scenes, the book's grim tone and mature themes make it more suitable for readers comfortable with dark fantasy elements. Families seeking lighter or more traditional fantasy tales might find this series challenging due to its heavy emotional weight and complex moral landscape. For readers who appreciate epic storytelling with intricate world-building and are intrigued by narratives that explore the depths of the human condition, Herald stands out as a compelling choice. However, it's important to consider individual comfort levels with the book's mature content. The series is best suited for mature teens and adult readers who can navigate its dark themes and intense action. Parental discretion is advised for younger audiences.
(romantic themes, reincarnation, and mild violence,)
AUTHOR KAREN AMANDA HOOPER
GRASPING AT ETERNITY
Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.
Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she's supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.
Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah's memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.
While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Karen Amanda Hooper’s Grasping at Eternity is a great choice for readers who enjoy paranormal romance with a twist of reincarnation and soul-deep connections. The story follows two teens who have lived countless lives together, trying to find each other again in every lifetime. It’s romantic, imaginative, and full of emotional intensity, with themes of love, memory, and destiny. For readers who enjoy stories about eternal love and the bonds that transcend time, this series offers a heartfelt and unique take that can be both comforting and exciting to dive into. That said, the series does include some sensual content—mostly romantic tension, kissing, and scenes that hint at intimacy, though nothing is described in graphic detail. These moments are handled with emotional sensitivity and fit naturally within the story’s themes of eternal relationships and soulmates. There’s also some mild language and occasional fantasy violence, but nothing excessive. Overall, this series is best suited for mature teen readers or families comfortable with stories that explore romantic relationships in a deep, emotional, and occasionally intimate way.
(mild violence, romance, and mythological elements)
AUTHOR KAREN AMANDA HOOPER
TANGLED TIDES (BOOK 1)
Yara Jones doesn't believe in sea monsters--until she becomes one.
When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.
Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people--until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process--or she might open the gateway to a love that's deeper than the oceans.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Karen Amanda Hooper’s Tangled Tides is a fun, fast-paced fantasy perfect for readers who love stories about mermaids, sea creatures, and hidden underwater worlds. The book follows a girl who discovers she's part of a magical ocean realm filled with sirens, selkies, and gorgons, all wrapped in a tale of secrets, alliances, and romance. The story is imaginative and adventurous, with a strong heroine and a rich blend of mythical beings that makes it especially appealing to fans of YA fantasy. It also explores themes of identity, loyalty, and self-discovery, making it both entertaining and meaningful. In terms of content, there is romantic tension and some sensual moments, including kissing and emotional intimacy, but the story stays within the boundaries of typical young adult fare. There’s also mild fantasy violence—mainly action scenes involving magical creatures—but nothing too graphic or disturbing. Some of the mythology includes darker elements, but these are handled in a way that keeps the tone suitable for most teen readers. For families comfortable with a bit of romance and fantasy peril, Tangled Tides is a magical and adventurous series that offers a fresh spin on mermaid lore.
(mild violence, romance, and mythological elements)
AUTHOR COLLEEN HOUCK
REAWAKENED
When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification. And she really can’t imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe. But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world. From New York Times bestselling author Colleen Houck comes an epic adventure about two star-crossed teens who must battle mythical forces and ancient curses on a journey with more twists and turns than the Nile itself.
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Colleen Houck’s Reawakened is a great pick for readers who enjoy adventure, mythology, and a touch of romance wrapped up in a fast-paced young adult fantasy. The story follows a modern-day teen who finds herself swept into an ancient Egyptian world full of gods, curses, and a charming, resurrected prince. With its exotic settings, magical battles, and epic quests, the series blends historical myth with contemporary storytelling in a way that can really appeal to fans of fantasy romance and mythology-based fiction. It’s especially enjoyable for readers who loved Houck’s Tiger’s Curse series or similar books with rich cultural lore and high-stakes journeys. As for content, there’s a romantic subplot that includes some kissing and sensual tension, but nothing explicit or graphic. The chemistry between characters is a core part of the story, though it stays within the typical boundaries of clean YA romance. The book also features fantasy violence—mainly magical battles and action scenes involving supernatural creatures—but it's not overly intense or gory. Parents should also be aware that there are a few darker moments tied to ancient curses and mythological themes, but they’re handled in a fantasy context. Overall, Reawakened is a solid choice for readers mature enough to handle mild romance and action in a magical, myth-filled world.
(features forbidden teen romance with kissing and attraction, mild dystopian violence (sirens killing sailors), minimal swearing)
AUTHOR KELSEY IMPICCICHE
VOICE OF THE OCEAN (BOOK 1)
From popular content creator Kelsey Impicciche, Voice of the Ocean follows a daring young siren who defies her people to save a human prince, unearthing ancient magic and igniting a dangerous romance amid treacherous waters.
As the youngest daughter of the siren queen, Celeste’s life is tightly controlled. Desperate to prove her worth and escape her destiny—trapped in the palace as a royal figurehead—she intends to join the Chorus, an elite group of siren warriors. With the final test on the horizon, Celeste feels the pressure to finally gain control over her temperamental Song—a magic gifted by the Goddess herself. But when Celeste encounters a seemingly harmless ship in Staria’s waters, helmed by the intriguing Prince Raiden Sharp, her path veers toward forbidden waters.
Believing the handsome sailor to be innocent of any wrongdoing, Celeste defies siren law to save Raiden’s life—despite knowing he is the son of a king who has murdered many of her kindred. The penalty for Celeste’s betrayal should be death, but the queen offers her an alternative: right her wrong by assassinating the prince. Determined to first discover the truth behind the prince’s clandestine mission, Celeste agrees to become human.
But the human world is nothing like she expected, nor is the prince the charming and noble man she assumed him to be. Disguised among Raiden’s ragtag crew, she searches for the truth. But as Celeste finds her place aboard the ship, friendships—and attraction—begin to grow. Will Celeste be able to do what must be done? Or will her choices unravel a kingdom, devastating sirens and humans alike?
Why this book may be a good choice for you and/or your family...
Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche could be a great choice for families looking for an imaginative, age-appropriate fantasy with a romantic thread and empowering themes. Set in a world where sirens exist and the ocean holds secrets, the story follows a young protagonist caught between duty and desire. The romance is sweet and clean—there’s some kissing and emotional tension, but no explicit sexual content. The fantasy violence, such as sirens using their powers to lure sailors, is present but not graphically described, keeping the tone dramatic without being too intense. This makes it a comfortable fit for teens or younger readers who are ready for adventure and emotional stakes but not mature content. On the flip side, readers who prefer high-action plots or darker, more complex fantasy may find the tone a bit light. The romantic arc leans more toward emotional discovery than deep passion, which may not satisfy those looking for more intensity. Similarly, while the book touches on loss, identity, and courage, it keeps the storytelling fairly gentle, making it potentially too tame for readers who want a grittier or more suspense-driven narrative. Still, for families who value clean content and strong young heroines in magical worlds, Voice of the Ocean offers an entertaining and appropriate read.