The Silver Siren by Chanda Hahn (Book Three of the Iron Butterfly Series)This book provides a cohesive mix of magic and fantasy, self-discovery, overcoming tragedy and the misuse of power. The fantasy world that Chanda Hahn creates in this book is captivating and provides a jumping ground for the discussion of the themes of self discovery and coming of age. I chose to read this book because of its fantasy nature. Yet, I continued to read it because I became invested in the character of Thalia and her journey to overcome her past suffering and become someone who was not defined by their pain. This book would best suit 6th grade and up. Even though this book has a female heroine, the action and adventure prevalent would be of interest to boys and girls. I would recommend this book to students who are interested in the fantasy genre but who would normally be disinterested by the required texts in most classrooms. This book discusses similar themes to required texts: issues of suffering, loss, and fear. Yet, it does it in a way that is engrossing and inviting. This would be a great way to get students comfortable with analyzing texts and themes. For those students that do not normally enjoy reading the unique setting and fantasy of this novel would help facilitate a hunger for books. This book would fit nicely in a young adult literature unit or theme analysis unit. Warnings include:Drugs: A scene from Book 1 of the series is referenced where one of the characters is essentially “chloroformed” and then taken hostage. Sex: There are a couple of scenes where there is kissing. They are described as a “passionate” kiss but there is little description and no reference or illusion to sex. Alcohol: There is no reference to alcohol but some beverages partaken have mind numbing qualities. Language: This novel features clean language with the occasional use of made up exclamations. Violence: There is reference to torture as the main character was tortured in the previous novel. She later undergoes of her own free will similar pain in order to transform herself. There are numerous scenes that feature battles and death. One main war sequence ends with thousands of bodies along the field. Additionally, the reader is taken through the mind of the main character when she has the power to kill many and battles with herself on what would be a misuse of her power and when she should extend mercy. Absolutely loved the way this story ended! I was hoping she would choose who she did in the end. I was so wrapped up in this book and when I finished it I had no regrets in the things I missed out on. I tried guessing and logic to figure out who the Raven actually was and never did I come up with the person it was. The Bearan ended up being one of my fave characters as did Syrani. There were so many sad parts that pulled at my heart strings but there was also good and romantic parts. I definitely would not be opposed to some spin offs.
What do You think about The Silver Siren (2000)?
I rarely like endings, but this was fantastic. It was the perfect mix of bittersweet.
—Krissy
I loved the ending to this series. It was perfect!
—Clara
