REVIEW: Songs From the Deep

Songs From the Deep
Author: Kelly Powell

Moira knows the Sirens who inhabit the sea around her island home are dangerous. But she still sneaks near the beach to watch them. She plays her violin from her hiding place, letting her music travel through the salty sea air to the mysterious creatures. She carries iron to protect her from their mesmerizing, magical songs. When a boy's body, bleeding and broken, is discovered on the beach, the villagers are quick to blame the death on a siren attack. But Moira feels something is wrong. Very wrong. Why would sirens leave a dead 12-year old boy on the beach? Wouldn't they have dragged his body to the sea? With the help of a childhood friend, Moira is determined to discover the truth.

This story is so engaging and interesting! Part sea monster tale and part murder mystery, this book kept my attention from start to finish. Moira and Jude work well together. I enjoyed their investigation and the development of their characters throughout the story.

This is a YA book. There are no gory death details or graphic sex. No cursing. The sirens are a bit scary and there are killings...so the story might be a bit much for someone under 13. Parental guidance suggested, as with any monster story.

The front cover art for this book is perfect. It is what first interested me in reading this story.

This is the first book by Kelly Powell that I've read. I will definitely be reading more. I like her writing style. The suspense, action and mystery are well-written, perfectly paced and definitely engrossing.

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Simon & Schuster. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**