Graduate student Deandra Bellona agrees to cover for a friend and work as a temporary receptionist. But the business she’s minding is otherworldly and Deandra finds herself pulled through a portal into Sylfavaron, a land populated by elves, centaurs, and a sinister, power-hungry witch. R.M. Dilleen’s THE SIREN’S SISTER doesn’t skimp on high fantasy. Magical, mystical creatures abound. The author draws from sources as varied as J. K. Rowling, Anne McCaffrey, and Aesop’s fables, with a bit of Greek mythology blended in too. There are contests reminiscent of Harry Potter Quidditch tournaments and creatures that could’ve stepped out of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Shire. Sometimes the comparisons are too close for comfort. Peroe, a persewing elf bat, is practically interchangeable with Dobby the house elf from the Harry Potter series, and has a similar heroic character arc. But close comparisons aside, it’s Dilleen’s ability to create a likable hero in Deandra that makes THE SIREN’S SISTER such a compelling read.
At the heart of this novel is Deandra’s journey of self-discovery. A prophecy claims she will transform into her “true form” once she sets foot on Syl’s center island. Seeing as how she sprouted enormous raven wings not long after visiting Syl it’s easy to understand her hesitation. What else could she be? And who else? As THE SIREN’S SISTER progresses, Deandra discovers she has royal blood and will need to stop her wicked aunt from usurping the throne. Plus, a handsome, protective centaur has won her heart, but the mixed-up romantic feelings only add to her inner turmoil.
There are moments when Dilleen’s dialogue rings a bit tinny, and sometimes Deandra makes foolish decisions that stretch plausibility. Fore example, when she risks her mission, her life, and the life of her boyfriend by portal jumping to retrieve her neighbor’s dog (and the dog ends up staying behind anyway). But other moments drip with originality, such as when Deandra teaches her dragon to read. Overall,
A sweeping and well-told high fantasy about a warrior princess who must battle the enemies of her royal family while falling in love with a centaur and discovering her own newfound talents as a shapeshifter and sorceress, R.M. Dilleen’s THE SIREN’S SISTER is a satisfying date with destiny for fans of high fantasy.
~Rob Errera for IndieReader