What Song the Sirens Sang: A Deep Dive into Gideon Sable’s Latest Heist Adventure

In What Song the Sirens Sang, Simon R. Green takes us on another wild heist in the supernatural world of Gideon Sable. This latest installment continues the thrilling escapades of Gideon and his crew as they attempt to retrieve the elusive Siren’s Song stone. While Green delivers on action and world-building, the series grapples with stagnant character arcs and repetitive plot structures. Let’s explore the highs and lows of this paranormal adventure and see how it stacks up in the Gideon Sable series.

What Song the Sirens Sang by Simon R Green

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The tables are turned on legendary master thief Gideon Sable when a priceless magical artifact is stolen from him, in this fast-paced supernatural heist thriller.

You can find everything you’ve ever dreamed of in the strange, old magical shop known as Old Harry’s Place. The problem is, not all dreams are kind.

Gideon Sable – legendary master thief, conman and well-dressed rogue – and his partner in crime Annie Anybody don’t want to be shopkeepers, but when the enigmatic Harry decides to retire, he blackmails the pair into taking the store on.

Before the grand reopening can happen, however, a menacing stranger arrives – with a rare and deadly item for them to appraise. A small piece of rock, with an unnerving aura, which ‘Smith’ claims contains the last echoes of the legendary sirens’ song. Before they can find out more, however, Smith vanishes . . . leaving only the stone.

Some valuables are more trouble than they’re worth. But before Gideon and Annie can work out if they’ve been set up, the stone is stolen from its impregnable hiding place. How? And why? Gideon only knows one thing for certain: no one steals from him and gets away with it . . .

In the Gideon Sable series, I found myself increasingly disappointed with the lack of character development. Gideon, our protagonist, and his girlfriend Annie Anybody remain frustratingly stagnant through the series. Despite being on the third book, there’s still no backstory for Gideon before he adopted his current identity, nor do we understand Annie’s motivations for her constant persona shifts. Their relationship remains unexplored, and any attempts to delve into their pasts are quickly brushed off. This lack of depth makes it hard for me to connect with them. On the brighter side, the supporting characters often shine more brightly, with intriguing backstories and evolving arcs that add some much-needed vibrancy to the narrative.

The plot follows a repetitive formula: a high-stakes heist with a big bad to outwit. Gideon assembles his crew, they dive into danger, and everything wraps up neatly. While this setup ensures a fast-paced, action-packed read, it lacks substance and surprises. The latest installment involves Gideon and Annie tracking down a stolen artifact – the Siren’s Song stone – while rescuing a kidnapped ally. The series’ plots are fun and filled with twists, but the predictable structure and overreliance on the same blueprint make it hard to stay fully engaged. Despite these shortcomings, the fantastical and slightly horrifying world Green creates keeps the story entertaining.

Simon R. Green’s writing style is marked by fast-paced action, amusing banter, and exaggerated characters with tragic backstories. His tendency to infuse humor into dark situations keeps the tone light and engaging. However, the prose can be overly verbose at times, and the dialogue occasionally feels forced. The writing excels in world-building, with vivid descriptions of the Low Road and other fantastical elements that add depth to the setting. While the prose is generally delicious and the characters are terrifying yet lovable, the repetitive nature of the storytelling can sometimes detract from the overall experience.

The themes in the book revolve around deception, identity, and the consequences of one’s actions. The concept of a master thief taking over a legendary persona adds an interesting layer to the exploration of identity. However, the lack of character development for Gideon and Annie undermines the potential depth of these themes. The series also touches on themes of loyalty and betrayal, particularly through the interactions with their crew. Despite the dark world filled with bloodshed and violence, Green’s humorous touch ensures that the themes never become too overwhelming or bleak, maintaining a balance that keeps the reader engaged.

As a paranormal heist adventure, it fits well within its genre. The mix of supernatural elements, crime, and humor creates an entertaining romp that appeals to fans of urban fantasy. The inclusion of various magical artifacts and mythical references, like the Siren’s Song, adds a unique twist to the heist narrative. The action-packed plot and snarky humor are reminiscent of works by authors like Butcher and Hearne, making it a solid addition for fans of this niche. However, the formulaic approach and lack of character development might limit its appeal to readers looking for more depth and originality.

Overall, What Song the Sirens Sang offers a fun, fast-paced read with plenty of action and humor. However, the lack of character development for the main protagonists and the repetitive plot structure prevent it from reaching its full potential. The series excels in world-building and creating intriguing supporting characters, but the stagnant nature of Gideon and Annie’s characters makes it hard to fully connect with them. Despite these flaws, the entertaining heist adventures and fantastical elements make it a worthwhile read for fans of paranormal heist stories. I would rate this series 3 out of 5 stars, appreciating its fun moments but hoping for more character depth in future installments.

Positives of What Song the Sirens Sang

• Entertaining Heists: Consistent delivery of high-stakes, action-packed heists with supernatural twists.
• Rich World-Building: Green paints a vivid, fantastical world with intricate details, keeping readers immersed.
• Dynamic Supporting Characters: The side characters offer engaging backstories and development, adding depth to the narrative.
• Humour Amidst Chaos: The blend of dark themes with humour provides a light-hearted contrast, making the series enjoyable.

Negatives of What Song the Sirens Sang

• Stagnant Main Characters: Gideon and Annie lack backstory and development, limiting reader connection.
• Predictable Plot Patterns: The repetitive formula of assembling a crew and executing a heist makes the series feel formulaic.
• Verbose Prose: Occasionally, the detailed writing slows down the pace, detracting from the main action.
• Underdeveloped Relationships: Key relationships, especially between Gideon and Annie, lack depth and exploration.

What Song the Sirens Sang delivers another entertaining ride through Simon R. Green’s supernatural heist world but struggles with character development and repetitive narratives. While the vivid world-building and engaging supporting cast add intrigue, the stagnation of its main characters leaves room for growth. Fans of paranormal adventures will still find plenty to enjoy, but the series could benefit from deeper character exploration and more varied plotlines in future books. If you’re in the mood for a quick, fantastical escape, this series remains a solid choice.

I received What Song the Sirens Sang by Simon R Green from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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