Review: A Song Below by Bethany C. Morrow

A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic!

It is a YA Fantasy mixed with a good amount of social commentary. I've had this ARC on my TBR for a while, it as it was just published at the beginning of June, but the timing could not have been more perfect given the the current social climate. Morrow weaves the social commentary elements beautifully into the fantasy and mythology elements. I also loved that she used lesser known types of fantasy beings. Words cannot express how wonderful the relationship between Tavia and Effie is. They always have each other's backs, and even though they aren't sisters by blood, they truly are family.

Siren's are not accepted in society because they can use their voices to compel someone to do what they want or appeal someone to do what someone else wants. Tavia lives in secret, and wants to get rid of her siren voice. She uses sign language instead of talking so she won't let her siren voice out by accident. People of color are already a minority where she lives, but she has a network of people with magic willing to help keep her secret. When a woman is murdered and suspected of being a siren, Tavia's world is turned upside down as her idol and favorite vlogger reveals that she too is a siren and won't be silenced.

Effie, has been plagued by blackouts and has seen watery mirages her entire life. No one will tell her why, and her mother passed away before she could tell her anything. Her grandmother refuses to tell her what is going on and explain some of the weird things that happen to Effie. Her only reprieve is the Renaissance Faire she performs at for 2 weeks every year as a mermaid, and her best friend and play-sister Tavia. Effie has gone to live with Tavia, and while they call each other play-sister, they truly are sisters. They always have each other's back and understand each other like sisters. As opening day of the Faire approaches, more strange things being happening to Effie and people begin suspecting that she is a real mermaid or even a siren. The reveal of what she really is was really good. I didn't expect it at all!

The character development in this is excellent. I loved that each of the girls had to develop on their own, as well as together. They never stopped needing each other, but they both had to make decisions on their own to find their place and their voices. Again, I can't say how much I loved this modern take on the mythology and how it was woven in with the commentary on several social justice issues.

I was provided and ARC in exchange for an honest review.  This book was published on June 2, 2020.  Thank you to Edelweiss and Tor Teen for providing me a copy to read and review.

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