Readers’ Favorite gives “The Siren’s Daughter” 5 Stars!
I am proud to announce that Readers’ Favorite has just awarded “The Siren’s Daughter” 5 stars! They don’t post their reviews online, but I’ve included a copy of their review below.
Reviewed by: Jenny Alexander
Review Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Jenny Alexander for Readers’ Favorite
The Siren’s Daughter by M. K. Aleja is an enchanting short story based on the legend of Sirena, a girl who becomes a mermaid. This reimagined version takes place in the Hagåtña village after the Spanish came, and life changed for them. The Chamoru people, who inhabit this island, now live a quieter life. The story focuses on one family in the village. That family consists of three people: the mother, daughter, and grandmother. Their individual struggles are made known, and the point of view alternates between them. The story follows the legend of Sirena with additional details added. At the end of the book, Aleja adds the original legend. A beautiful illustration of a mermaid is included before the original legend is told.
The Siren’s Daughter is such a captivating read that I finished it in one sitting. M. K. Aleja drew me in with his easy-to-read writing style and the details he incorporated. The three family members played an important role, and he captured their emotions so well that I had a hard time deciding who to root for. I felt for all of them. The shell illustration at the beginning of each chapter added a nice aesthetic, and I liked the reminder of the original legend. I also appreciated that he mentioned his Chamoru heritage, as that made the story even more meaningful. Though it’s not the type of fiction I typically read, I very much enjoyed The Siren’s Daughter. Readers who enjoy legends retold, a little mystery, gut-wrenching moments, and themes that you’ll remember will enjoy this book.
