Book review of A Secret Shared with Sirens: Gods from the Oblivion Volume II

by Ariella Isabella (Author)

Updated at: 22/02/2025

Dive back into the world of monstrous creatures and vengeful gods in "A Secret Shared with Sirens: Gods from the Oblivion Volume II" by Ariella Isabella. Rescued by sirens after a devastating shipwreck, Isolde grapples with a growing darkness within, a power that both terrifies and enthralls Death himself. This second installment continues Isolde and Death's intertwined story, told from their dual perspectives. As war brews and a treacherous queen holds power, Isolde must confront her past, choose her allegiances, and battle the villainous gods pulling the strings of fate. Her survival hinges on mastering her burgeoning strength before the darkness consumes her entirely, threatening to unravel the very fabric of existence.

4.1 / 14 ratings

Review A Secret Shared with Sirens

Oh my goodness, "A Secret Shared with Sirens" completely blew me away! As a huge fan of the first book, I had incredibly high expectations, and let me tell you, Ariella Isabella absolutely exceeded them. This sequel plunges right back into the action, picking up immediately where the last one left off, leaving you breathless and desperate for more. The way the author crafts the story is just masterful; I felt every emotion Isolde experienced, the raw anger, the crippling doubt, the desperate yearning – it was all so visceral and real.

The plot thickens significantly in this installment. We get a deeper dive into the world's complex politics, which, honestly, I wasn't expecting to enjoy as much as I did. The political machinations and power struggles are so intricately woven into the narrative that they never feel like a distraction; instead, they add another layer of suspense and intrigue, keeping you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely absorbed, desperate to see how the alliances would shift and how Isolde would navigate this treacherous landscape. Silas, oh Silas, what a villain! His actions had me clenching my teeth, willing Isolde to uncover his treachery.

And speaking of Isolde… she’s just phenomenal. Her sassy spirit, her unwavering determination, and the fiery rage that burns within her – it's intoxicating! She's a complex character, deeply flawed yet undeniably compelling, constantly evolving and growing throughout the story. Her internal struggles are just as captivating as the external conflicts she faces. The constant battle between her darkness and her desire for connection is beautifully portrayed.

Then there's Death. Oh, Death. Where do I even begin? The possessive, brooding shadow daddy trope is usually a guilty pleasure for me, and Death is the epitome of that trope, but with a depth and complexity that elevates him beyond a simple archetype. We get a deeper look into his motivations and his love for Isolde, a love that’s as intense as it is flawed. He’s not perfect, far from it, and his methods of showing his affection can be…let’s just say challenging. But his vulnerability and the glimpses of his tender side make him infinitely more appealing. The moments of intimacy between Isolde and Death are electrifying, simmering with passion and a palpable tension that had me breathlessly turning the pages. The spice, when it arrives, is beautifully written and enhances the emotional connection rather than overshadowing it.

The supporting characters, too, are incredibly well-developed. Achelous, the Father of Sirens, was a particular highlight – his interactions with Isolde were both humorous and unsettling, creating a compelling dynamic. The world-building continues to be fantastic, with each new character and creature adding to the richness and complexity of this dark fantasy world.

The ending? Don't even get me started. The cliffhanger left me reeling, desperate for answers. I'm already counting down the days until the next book because I NEED to know what happens next. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark fantasy romance with a generous helping of angst, morally gray characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. Five stars, absolutely.