Voice of the Ocean

YouTuber Impicciche channels “The Little Mermaid” in her sprawling debut about a siren princess, a human prince, and ancient magic. Teenage siren Celeste, the youngest daughter of King Tidus and Queen Halia, has received her final assignment from the Chorus, her underwater kingdom’s elite group of warriors: she must drown Prince Raiden, son of a cruel mortal king. Though her mother forbids her from embarking on the dangerous quest, Celeste joins the Chorus on their search for the prince’s ship, hoping the warriors’ influence can help her learn to control her gift of Song. As she witnesses the other sirens luring sailors to violent deaths, however, she instead decides to save Prince Raiden. But when Celeste returns home, Queen Halia orders Celeste to assassinate the prince or be tried for treason. While many of the novel’s beats closely mirror the inspiration material, and thinly developed characters make it difficult for readers to invest in their plights, Impicciche puts her own spin on the classic tale, inserting dark and gruesome elements that culminate in an exciting fantasy adventure. Celeste has “soft peach” skin; Prince Raiden reads as white. Ages 12–up. (Apr.)