Our Bloody Pearl
Author: D. N. Bryn
Pages: 206 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Published: 26th July 2018
Rating: 4 Stars
Synopsis:
The ocean is uncontrollable and dangerous. But to the sirens who swim the warm island waters, it’s a home more than worth protecting from the humans and their steam-propelled ships. Between their hypnotic voices and the strength of their powerful tails, sirens have little to fear.
That is, until the ruthless pirate captain, Kian, creates a device to cancel out their songs.
Perle was the first siren captured, and while all since have either been sold or killed, Kian still keeps them prisoner. Though their song is muted and their tail paralyzed, Perle’s hope for escape rekindles as another pirating vessel seizes Kian’s ship. This new captain seems different, with his brilliant smile and his promises that Kian will never again be Perle’s master. But he’s still a human, and a captor in his own way. The compassion he and his rag-tag human family show can’t be sincere… or can it?
Soon it becomes clear that Kian will hunt Perle relentlessly, taking down any siren in her path. As the tides turn, Perle must decide whether to run from Kian forever, or ride the forming wave into battle, hoping their newfound human companions will fight with them.
This adult fantasy novel featuring an nonbinary disabled protagonist is a voyage of laughter and danger where friendships and love abound and sirens are sure to steal—or eat—your heart.
Trigger warnings: mild gore due to carnivorous sirens and sensations of drowning.
Author Info
D.N. Bryn began writing short stories in middle school and has yet to stop. They received their bachelors degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from UCSD, and enjoy a day job involving respiratory disease research. They bring their love for animals, science, and mythology into all their writing, and are passionate about creating inclusive worlds where a diverse array of characters can go on grand adventures without being hindered by social misconceptions based on their appearance, sexuality, or gender.
I received this book to read and review as part of the 2021 BBNYA competition and the BBNYA tours organised by the TWR Tour team. All opinions are my own, unbiased and honest.
BBNYA is a yearly competition where Book Bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors. If you are an author and wish to learn more about the BBNYA competition, you can visit the official website http://www.bbnya.com or twitter @bbnya_official.
The sign-ups will soon be open for the 2022 BBNYA competition, be it for authors to enter their books, or for bloggers wanting to be part of the new panel, so keep your eyes peeled!!
My Review!
When I saw this was a BBNYA finalist and having it’s own tour, I jumped and the chance to be on it as I adored the extracts I read as a panellist. I love mythical creatures so this story really hooked me!
Perle (they/them), a siren, is trapped on Kian’s ship. They are locked up and wishing to be back in the ocean. Dejean and his crew board Kian’s ship and take over, leaving Perle’s fate in their hands. Dejean is instantly fascinated and a connection is forned between him and the siren, who he names Perle. Throughout the story they communicate through a form of sign language that they create as there is a language barrier.
‘I love your song. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. I want to lie on the water and listen to it a thousand times over.’
It’s quite rare to find disability rep in fantasy books. Especially those with mythical creatures, which is why Our Bloody Pearl was so great. Perle has spent the last few years with a weight tied to their tail and when the time comes for them to use it, their tail no longer works. Perle must rely on the new humans they have just met to help create a device that will allow them to swim in the sea.
The relationship between Perle and Dejean is built up slowly, and relies heavily on them learning to trust eash other. This world was fascinating and I loved reading about the formation of siren pods, and the gruesome/gritty side of being a siren. I suppose you could say this is somewhat a retelling of The Little Mermaid, but it would only be the basic components of the story. Perle works with the humans and they plan to kill Kian to stop her from hunting other sirens. There is a lot of emotion and it is mildly gory, but I was drawn in by the sirens!
‘It would be an honor to have my enemies eaten by someone like you.’
This was a great, action-packed read. I loved the relationship and the form of communication between the main characters was so interesting, and almost intimate. There was lots of representation packed into this book and it was so good!
Keep reading,
Georgia x
Lost in Neverland 
Nice review. Your comments are spot on.
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Thank you!
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Great review!!
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Thanks!
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