Gina Rae Mitchell

 Our Bloody Pearl by D.N. Bryn | Review | BBNYA 2021 Finalist Tour

Today I’m reviewing Our Bloody Pearl as part of the finalists’ tour from the 2021 BBNYA Extravaganza.

You can find more information on the Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Awards at the end of this post.

Book Details

Our Bloody Pearl by D.N. Bryn
Series: These Treacherous Tides #1
Published by Independent on 07/26/2018
Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, LGBTQ, Science Fiction, Historical Fantasy
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 206

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 a 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.

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Purchase Links for Our Bloody Pearl

Amazon      Amazon UK     Bookshop

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My thoughts on Our Bloody Pearl

Our Bloody Pearl is a unique fantasy tale that includes many diversity tropes; non-binary, queer, disabled, sign-language communication, and so many more.

The author builds a fantasy world similar to Steampunk, but maybe leaning more toward Gaslamp. Regardless of how you classify this book, it’s well worth your time to read. This is the prequel to Once Stolen so works great as a stand-alone.

The story and characters are compelling and well-developed. You do find a bit of the gory in this tale, but it plays into the story so isn’t particularly shocking.

I am still processing my thoughts and notes on this one, so will be back to flesh out my review shortly.

I received a copy of the book for the competition. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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About D.N. Bryn

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.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

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Amazon Easy Links for Our Bloody Pearl

Our Bloody Pearl (These Tre...Shop on Amazon Kindle  Our Bloody Pearl (These Tre...Shop on AmazonPaperback
Once Stolen (These Treacher...Shop on AmazonNext in Series

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Purchase online from your local bookshop

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