Siren Queen is a dark and haunting fantastical reimagining of the golden age of Hollywood. In this alternate Hollywood, the film studios are run by monsters; they are places of blood contracts, cameras that eat souls, and things that aren't quite human. Immortality is possible, but a price must be paid. The skillful intertwining of the magical elements with the real world, accentuate the horror and sense of danger pervasive throughout the book.
Luli Wei, born to Chinese immigrants, becomes obsessed with the silver screen from a young age. She is willing to sacrifice to become a star, but on her own terms. She refuses roles that reinforce racist stereotypes, defends her friends, and explores her queerness, all at risk to herself.
Vo's writing is lyrical and beautiful, her characters complex. She explores themes such as exploitation, power, racism, xenophobia, homophobia and misogyny. The author creates an exquisite irony in writing about a Hollywood controlled by monsters (because isn’t it in reality?). Siren Queen was compulsively readable and utterly spellbinding. I was enraptured by this book. #BookishFirst
Luli Wei, born to Chinese immigrants, becomes obsessed with the silver screen from a young age. She is willing to sacrifice to become a star, but on her own terms. She refuses roles that reinforce racist stereotypes, defends her friends, and explores her queerness, all at risk to herself.
Vo's writing is lyrical and beautiful, her characters complex. She explores themes such as exploitation, power, racism, xenophobia, homophobia and misogyny. The author creates an exquisite irony in writing about a Hollywood controlled by monsters (because isn’t it in reality?). Siren Queen was compulsively readable and utterly spellbinding. I was enraptured by this book. #BookishFirst