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The Siren and the Star
A promising young singer recovers from a traumatic experience by traveling to Venice and connecting with the work of a 17th-century female composer in this gorgeous and sensual novel-in-verse from the acclaimed author of Call Me Athena.
Introverted and homeschooled, vocal prodigy Luciana “Lula” Gabroni is ready to become the star she’s trained all her life to be. After entering the New England Conservatory of Music, she is immediately chosen to join an elite ensemble of peers who will compete in a prestigious music festival in modern-day Venice, Italy.
Barbara Strozzi is a poor young woman living in 17th-century Venice who dreams of making her mark on the world through her gift of song. She is determined to fight against the prescribed path of an illegitimate servant girl, daring to envision a life filled with intellect, pleasure, and independence—even as the restrictions of her gender and status threaten to silence her forever.
When Lula comes across Barbara’s bold and seductive music in the Conservatory library, she immediately feels a striking kinship with the mysterious female composer. After an incident at school sends Lula searching to reclaim her voice, she soon realizes she must connect with the ghosts of the past to find her heart’s true song once again.
Introverted and homeschooled, vocal prodigy Luciana “Lula” Gabroni is ready to become the star she’s trained all her life to be. After entering the New England Conservatory of Music, she is immediately chosen to join an elite ensemble of peers who will compete in a prestigious music festival in modern-day Venice, Italy.
Barbara Strozzi is a poor young woman living in 17th-century Venice who dreams of making her mark on the world through her gift of song. She is determined to fight against the prescribed path of an illegitimate servant girl, daring to envision a life filled with intellect, pleasure, and independence—even as the restrictions of her gender and status threaten to silence her forever.
When Lula comes across Barbara’s bold and seductive music in the Conservatory library, she immediately feels a striking kinship with the mysterious female composer. After an incident at school sends Lula searching to reclaim her voice, she soon realizes she must connect with the ghosts of the past to find her heart’s true song once again.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2025
5 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Colby Cedar Smith
2 books66 followersColby Cedar Smith is an award-winning poet, novelist, and educator, and the author of two verse novels THE SIREN AND THE STAR (Simon & Schuster, forthcoming Fall 2025) and CALL ME ATHENA (Andrews McMeel, 2021). Her work has been chosen as a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, an American Booksellers Association Indie Next Pick, a Cybils Award Poetry Finalist, a Goodreads Choice Best Poetry Nominee, A Kid's Book Choice Nominee, Independent Publisher Book Award, a Nautilus Award, a Michigan Notable Book, The Midwest Book Award for YA Fiction, and a New Jersey Council on the Arts Fellowship in Poetry. To learn more visit colbycedarsmith.com or find her on Instagram @colby_cedar_smith.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 26, 2025
I give this 4.5 stars which rounds up to 5.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
What a beautiful novel in verse!
This book tells the story of two young women in two different timelines. The first is Lula, a present day young vocal prodigy studying at a music conservatory. The other is Barbara Strozzi, a 17th century Italian servant turned composer who was a real person (this book portrays a fictionalized version of her life). Both storylines were compelling and I loved how they merged at the end!
I loved that the book was structured like an opera. It was a creative way to tell the story and was on point with the musical themes.
The poems were gorgeous. A lot of them had a musical tone to them which fit with the story. I wished the poems had actual titles, instead of just using the first line. When it comes to poetry, titles can convey so much and helps differentiate them.
The setting of Venice was stunning. The book made the city come alive, like it was a character itself.
It was also evident that the book was thoroughly researched. There was an Author’s Note at the end that provided context and background to the story and described her research into Barbara’s life.
This is a young adult novel, but does contain some mature themes, especially in Barbara’s storyline (there was a lot of talk about courtesans and the work they do). I sort of wished this wasn’t young adult. It would have worked well as an adult book too.
Overall, if you love music, poetry, and strong female characters, you’ll love this one!
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher for promotional purposes.
What a beautiful novel in verse!
This book tells the story of two young women in two different timelines. The first is Lula, a present day young vocal prodigy studying at a music conservatory. The other is Barbara Strozzi, a 17th century Italian servant turned composer who was a real person (this book portrays a fictionalized version of her life). Both storylines were compelling and I loved how they merged at the end!
I loved that the book was structured like an opera. It was a creative way to tell the story and was on point with the musical themes.
The poems were gorgeous. A lot of them had a musical tone to them which fit with the story. I wished the poems had actual titles, instead of just using the first line. When it comes to poetry, titles can convey so much and helps differentiate them.
The setting of Venice was stunning. The book made the city come alive, like it was a character itself.
It was also evident that the book was thoroughly researched. There was an Author’s Note at the end that provided context and background to the story and described her research into Barbara’s life.
This is a young adult novel, but does contain some mature themes, especially in Barbara’s storyline (there was a lot of talk about courtesans and the work they do). I sort of wished this wasn’t young adult. It would have worked well as an adult book too.
Overall, if you love music, poetry, and strong female characters, you’ll love this one!
September 30, 2025
Wow. I am floored by this story. Smith expertly weaves the past and present to bring to life two amazing singers whose stories can’t help but intertwine. I loved that this story was told in verse. The operatic/play elements (prologue, chorus, etc.) added to the ambiance. I adored both main characters and felt their pain. There is SA in this book, but it was addressed with care without taking away the violence of the act. It wasn’t graphic if that makes sense?? I loved how both characters took ownership of their lives and used their art to heal. 10/10 storytelling. I’ll definitely be reading more from Smith in the future.
October 24, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. Not only is the poetry writing flawless but both stories of Barbara and Lula are beautiful. I was so surprised to find this writing, and in top of that I was so impressed. Mostly because is expressed everything that was needed to understand the stories happening in both timelines for two different characters. It also goes through so many themes. Like women independence, empowerment, freedom, and the freedom to express yourself. I loved seeing both characters connected the way that they are. I liked thinking that they were both the same soul but in different lives, at the end I interpreted that maybe Lula is a descendant of Barbara and that’s why she felt such a strong connection with the artist.
With Barbara in Venice in the 1600s , we see how she struggles just for the fact the she is a woman and a servant. However, her talents are greater and with the right support she makes it out and makes a name for herself. I loved her story, her struggles and how she overcame them.
As for Lula, I was happy to see her go out of her shell to follow her dreams and go to Venice. To also follow that strong connection to Barbara, and how she accepted and confronted her mother about how she isn’t perfect.
Loved this book and would fully recommend to anyone who enjoys poetry storytelling.
With Barbara in Venice in the 1600s , we see how she struggles just for the fact the she is a woman and a servant. However, her talents are greater and with the right support she makes it out and makes a name for herself. I loved her story, her struggles and how she overcame them.
As for Lula, I was happy to see her go out of her shell to follow her dreams and go to Venice. To also follow that strong connection to Barbara, and how she accepted and confronted her mother about how she isn’t perfect.
Loved this book and would fully recommend to anyone who enjoys poetry storytelling.
November 3, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 The Siren and the Star is not your typical teen read and I love this! Colby Cedar Smith beautifully shares the basic elements of a three-act opera that she uses to inspire this novel in verse. As a modern aspiring vocal prodigy Lula grapples with her own coming of age. In her tenure at the prestigious New England Conservatory, she is chosen to travel to Venice with the elite choir and she learns of a composer from the 17th century, a poor servant girl named Barbara, whose story captivates Lula. Smith shares their narratives in parallel form, connecting two shared souls -world apart - and a beautifully haunting tale across centuries. The Siren and the Star is a moving story of the restorative and healing power of music and the magical connection we share.
📖 Book Review 📖 The Siren and the Star is not your typical teen read and I love this! Colby Cedar Smith beautifully shares the basic elements of a three-act opera that she uses to inspire this novel in verse. As a modern aspiring vocal prodigy Lula grapples with her own coming of age. In her tenure at the prestigious New England Conservatory, she is chosen to travel to Venice with the elite choir and she learns of a composer from the 17th century, a poor servant girl named Barbara, whose story captivates Lula. Smith shares their narratives in parallel form, connecting two shared souls -world apart - and a beautifully haunting tale across centuries. The Siren and the Star is a moving story of the restorative and healing power of music and the magical connection we share.
October 25, 2025
I will say this was a beautifully written book even at 500 pages it didn’t feel slow because the writing was so captivating! There are some really heartfelt powerful and captivating themes in this story. I love books that incorporate music so I was excited to read this. I really liked the dual structure showing both Barbara and Lula’s experiences. I really don’t have a negative thing to say about this book from a story and writing perspective but maybe it was just a little too far from the genres I enjoy reading to fully connect (that’s a completely me thing so giving it a high star rating) but I think a lot of people will love this!
October 29, 2025
If you are the type of reader who wants to step into the body of a gripping female story of resilience, read this. If you enjoy the ache of yearning for redemption and triumph over personal circumstance, read this. Colby Cedar Smith and her work of art The Siren and the Star shines brighter than most YA novels. Physcially thick and emotionally juicy, the author embarks on two story lines that are 400 years apart. Equally as monumental, she laces and traces their stories until they blend in the final chapters. Perfect to help your heart evolve and your mind escape. I plan on reading it again in Paris over holiday in February.
October 24, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book was such a gem. It’s beautifully written and so powerful. I was a little intimidated by the size at first (it’s a little over 500 pages!), but trust me, it’s worth every single one!! I read it in just two days, and it left me feeling completely moved. 💕
Written in verse and structured like an opera, it tells the story of two singers in different timelines, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs. I adored the way their stories intertwined.
Barbara and Lulu were both such strong, unforgettable women, and their journeys will definitely stay with me.
Thank you, @simonteen, for the ARC! 🩷
This book was such a gem. It’s beautifully written and so powerful. I was a little intimidated by the size at first (it’s a little over 500 pages!), but trust me, it’s worth every single one!! I read it in just two days, and it left me feeling completely moved. 💕
Written in verse and structured like an opera, it tells the story of two singers in different timelines, each with their own unique struggles and triumphs. I adored the way their stories intertwined.
Barbara and Lulu were both such strong, unforgettable women, and their journeys will definitely stay with me.
Thank you, @simonteen, for the ARC! 🩷
April 30, 2025
This is a treasure. First of all, it is a beautifully written book. It's a story you can get lost in as the words paint a beautiful narrative about a woman in Renaissance Italy who rose from nothing to be an operatic savant and a young woman in our current time who struggles to find herself in her artistic identity. It's a story of Barbara in 1635 Venice, who was discovered by a patron to have a one of a kind voice how she grows to write and perform and host salons in the best and the worst of Florentine culture. It's the story of Lula and her emergence from the New England Conservatory of Music to pursue Barbara's spirit through the paths and canals of Venice.
I had a hard time putting the book down. Each page in the book paints a picture in a language that is rich in texture. I found myself willing to slow down and commit the time to let the words tell a beautiful story in a beautiful way.
I had a hard time putting the book down. Each page in the book paints a picture in a language that is rich in texture. I found myself willing to slow down and commit the time to let the words tell a beautiful story in a beautiful way.
May 1, 2025
This is an amazing story of a young woman finding her voice. Beautifully written with gorgeous characters, this book examines the historic opportunities open to talented women from early Venice to today. The structure of opera is used to illuminate the life of a modern American college student and the famous female Venetian singer composer she studies. I couldn’t put it down...a must read from an award winning author.
July 18, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Colby Cedar Smith’s “The Siren and the Star” is a lush, lyrical novel-in-verse that brings together two stories of women separated by centuries, yet bound by music, trauma, and resilience into a powerful symphony of self-discovery and healing. Structured like an opera, complete with a chorus and alternating acts, the book offers a unique and captivating storytelling experience that combines historical fiction with contemporary coming-of-age themes.
The book follows Luciana “Lula” Gabroni, a gifted yet introverted music student at the New England Conservatory, and Barbara Strozzi, a real-life 17th-century Venetian composer and singer. After suffering a traumatic attack, Lula travels to Venice to perform in a prestigious festival and stumbles upon Barbara’s compositions in the school library. She soon feels an uncanny connection to this bold, brilliant woman of the past and that connection becomes the lifeline she needs to recover, reclaim her voice, and redefine her path.
Smith distinguishes her dual narrators with remarkable finesse. The verse shifts in tone and rhythm between the two characters where Lula’s voice feels compressed and anxious while Barbara’s flows freely with sensuality and poetic grace. The alternating perspectives are not only stylistically distinct, but thematically mirrored: both women battle against the suffocating expectations placed upon them, particularly by their mothers and by the societies that view them as ornamental or expendable.
The descriptions of Venice are exquisite, both in the modern and Renaissance timelines. From misty canals to opulent salons, the city is rendered with a painterly eye and an aching sense of timelessness. Smith’s writing is lush and immersive, with every page rich in atmosphere, emotion, and historical texture. Barbara’s world, in particular, is reminiscent of a feminist Cinderella tale—rising from illegitimacy to intellectual and musical acclaim, yet always shadowed by the cage of patriarchy.
Lula’s journey is equally affecting. Her battle with impostor syndrome, anxiety, and PTSD is portrayed with honesty and depth. Though she is shaken by violence, she is never reduced to her trauma. With the support of a found family and the power of Barbara’s music, she begins a gradual and inspiring path toward healing. The story doesn’t shy away from difficult topics (trigger warnings for physical violence and attempted assault) but it treats them with sensitivity, using them to underscore the importance of reclaiming voice and agency.
And at the heart of the novel is music, which is vivid, vibrant, and magical. Smith doesn’t just write about music; she writes music. The verse pulses with rhythm and melody, capturing both the beauty of song and the emotional truths it can express when words fall short.
Overall, “The Siren and the Star” is a haunting, gorgeous tribute to the voices of women both remembered and forgotten and how art can transcend time to connect us, inspire us, and save us. This is a masterful novel-in-verse that harmonizes past and present into a breathtaking aria of womanhood, creativity, and healing and is a book that sings.
Colby Cedar Smith’s “The Siren and the Star” is a lush, lyrical novel-in-verse that brings together two stories of women separated by centuries, yet bound by music, trauma, and resilience into a powerful symphony of self-discovery and healing. Structured like an opera, complete with a chorus and alternating acts, the book offers a unique and captivating storytelling experience that combines historical fiction with contemporary coming-of-age themes.
The book follows Luciana “Lula” Gabroni, a gifted yet introverted music student at the New England Conservatory, and Barbara Strozzi, a real-life 17th-century Venetian composer and singer. After suffering a traumatic attack, Lula travels to Venice to perform in a prestigious festival and stumbles upon Barbara’s compositions in the school library. She soon feels an uncanny connection to this bold, brilliant woman of the past and that connection becomes the lifeline she needs to recover, reclaim her voice, and redefine her path.
Smith distinguishes her dual narrators with remarkable finesse. The verse shifts in tone and rhythm between the two characters where Lula’s voice feels compressed and anxious while Barbara’s flows freely with sensuality and poetic grace. The alternating perspectives are not only stylistically distinct, but thematically mirrored: both women battle against the suffocating expectations placed upon them, particularly by their mothers and by the societies that view them as ornamental or expendable.
The descriptions of Venice are exquisite, both in the modern and Renaissance timelines. From misty canals to opulent salons, the city is rendered with a painterly eye and an aching sense of timelessness. Smith’s writing is lush and immersive, with every page rich in atmosphere, emotion, and historical texture. Barbara’s world, in particular, is reminiscent of a feminist Cinderella tale—rising from illegitimacy to intellectual and musical acclaim, yet always shadowed by the cage of patriarchy.
Lula’s journey is equally affecting. Her battle with impostor syndrome, anxiety, and PTSD is portrayed with honesty and depth. Though she is shaken by violence, she is never reduced to her trauma. With the support of a found family and the power of Barbara’s music, she begins a gradual and inspiring path toward healing. The story doesn’t shy away from difficult topics (trigger warnings for physical violence and attempted assault) but it treats them with sensitivity, using them to underscore the importance of reclaiming voice and agency.
And at the heart of the novel is music, which is vivid, vibrant, and magical. Smith doesn’t just write about music; she writes music. The verse pulses with rhythm and melody, capturing both the beauty of song and the emotional truths it can express when words fall short.
Overall, “The Siren and the Star” is a haunting, gorgeous tribute to the voices of women both remembered and forgotten and how art can transcend time to connect us, inspire us, and save us. This is a masterful novel-in-verse that harmonizes past and present into a breathtaking aria of womanhood, creativity, and healing and is a book that sings.
October 19, 2025
adventurous, inspiring, emotional, hopeful, reflective, tense, medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Thank you Simon Teen for sending me an eARC for an honest review!
The Siren and the Star is a totally unique book. It's written as an opera and is also read as many poems that string together to tell the stories of Barbara and Lula. The stories of their lives and love for music intertwine between centuries to create a story of hope and womanhood.
While I can appreciate the unique story telling I found it difficult to picture the ideal audience for this book. I struggled with Lula's character. I found her to be annoying and muddy as a character, she jumped between being a shy and meek sheltered girl into an adventurous and bold young woman. She felt very much
"not like other girls" which was hard to get behind.
I feel the book would be much more interesting and easier to invest in if we just followed Barbara. She was strong, passionate and brave. When it wasn't her turn, I found myself rushing through the chapter to get back to her story.
Overall, this book is not one l'd find myself reaching for again but I do appreciate the opportunity from Simon Teen to share my thoughts!
• CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Violence, Classism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, Murder
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Thank you Simon Teen for sending me an eARC for an honest review!
The Siren and the Star is a totally unique book. It's written as an opera and is also read as many poems that string together to tell the stories of Barbara and Lula. The stories of their lives and love for music intertwine between centuries to create a story of hope and womanhood.
While I can appreciate the unique story telling I found it difficult to picture the ideal audience for this book. I struggled with Lula's character. I found her to be annoying and muddy as a character, she jumped between being a shy and meek sheltered girl into an adventurous and bold young woman. She felt very much
"not like other girls" which was hard to get behind.
I feel the book would be much more interesting and easier to invest in if we just followed Barbara. She was strong, passionate and brave. When it wasn't her turn, I found myself rushing through the chapter to get back to her story.
Overall, this book is not one l'd find myself reaching for again but I do appreciate the opportunity from Simon Teen to share my thoughts!
• CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Violence, Classism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual violence, Murder
October 29, 2025
This book is literal poetry and I’m absolutely obsessed with it! Colby Cedar Smith, an award-winning poet, shares prose based on the format of a three-act opera. She deftly weaves together colliding dual-timeline stories and beautifully communicates the emotion of the two main characters across time.
Lula is a present-day vocal prodigy, a self-described “baroque-singing, opera-loving dork,” trying to find herself and her voice as a freshman at the New England Conservatory of Music, then in Venice on a class trip where she’s better able to research little-known composer Barbara Strozzi.
Barbara lives in 1635 Venice, Italy as a servant in the home of Signore Rossini. She is hidden away in the kitchen doing drudgery and longing for a different life. When her vocal talents bring her to the attention of local nobles, she is forced to play their games. But, she is no pawn and simultaneously looks to carve her own path.
Both young women are finding themselves and their voices, navigating family expectations and romance, and yearning to share the music that binds them both. I highly recommend this masterpiece. It is haunting, beautiful, and I will absolutely be raving about this amazing story structure for a good long while.
🥰 Thanks to @SimonTeen for the gifted digital and print advance reader copies. All opinions are mine alone.
👩🏻🏫 Reader Notes: Story does include violence against women, including unaggravated physical assault and rape. Please take care when reading.
Lula is a present-day vocal prodigy, a self-described “baroque-singing, opera-loving dork,” trying to find herself and her voice as a freshman at the New England Conservatory of Music, then in Venice on a class trip where she’s better able to research little-known composer Barbara Strozzi.
Barbara lives in 1635 Venice, Italy as a servant in the home of Signore Rossini. She is hidden away in the kitchen doing drudgery and longing for a different life. When her vocal talents bring her to the attention of local nobles, she is forced to play their games. But, she is no pawn and simultaneously looks to carve her own path.
Both young women are finding themselves and their voices, navigating family expectations and romance, and yearning to share the music that binds them both. I highly recommend this masterpiece. It is haunting, beautiful, and I will absolutely be raving about this amazing story structure for a good long while.
🥰 Thanks to @SimonTeen for the gifted digital and print advance reader copies. All opinions are mine alone.
👩🏻🏫 Reader Notes: Story does include violence against women, including unaggravated physical assault and rape. Please take care when reading.
October 21, 2025
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!~~
3.5/5 stars rounded down.
This was good, but I still feel as though I will be in the minority of not absolutely loving it like everyone else.
The most interesting part of the book was Barbara, for you can explicitly see how much this woman fascinated and inspired Smith with how much love and passion she poured out for the woman throughout this whole book. It really made me nostalgic when I was a more full time musician back in high school. Alas, I didn't feel as attached to Lula, for she wasn't as strong as a main character for me as Barbara was. While I did like learning about Barbara after the story when she grew up, had kids, and became far more established, I just feel like Barbara should have been the primary focus rather than sharing a POV with Lula.
The verse writing was interesting. There were lines that were poetic and caught my eye, but nothing that really made me fall head over heels with the writing. Then again, I'm a prose girlie, not poetry, so there is a strong possibility I could be missing something.
Overall, this was a pretty good read for those who love music and learning about underrated composers. I definitely will be seeking out recordings of Barbara's work to add to my library!
3.5/5 stars rounded down.
This was good, but I still feel as though I will be in the minority of not absolutely loving it like everyone else.
The most interesting part of the book was Barbara, for you can explicitly see how much this woman fascinated and inspired Smith with how much love and passion she poured out for the woman throughout this whole book. It really made me nostalgic when I was a more full time musician back in high school. Alas, I didn't feel as attached to Lula, for she wasn't as strong as a main character for me as Barbara was. While I did like learning about Barbara after the story when she grew up, had kids, and became far more established, I just feel like Barbara should have been the primary focus rather than sharing a POV with Lula.
The verse writing was interesting. There were lines that were poetic and caught my eye, but nothing that really made me fall head over heels with the writing. Then again, I'm a prose girlie, not poetry, so there is a strong possibility I could be missing something.
Overall, this was a pretty good read for those who love music and learning about underrated composers. I definitely will be seeking out recordings of Barbara's work to add to my library!
October 28, 2025
3.75
This was such an interesting read, and although it was close to 500 pages it did not feel like that at all! The writing was very admirable + poetic, & the dual timelines were so well portrayed. I loved reading the story of Barbara & Lula, especially her kinship with Barbara.
The setting & background was nicely written & some parts including social class from Barbara’s POV was interesting to see. Both characters had great growth & the side characters were enjoyable as well, it gave it that “movie feeling” honestly!
The inspiration & resilience these characters faced was a breath of fresh air. I do wish it were a bit longer, considering the poetic style this book had! This book reminded me of Julie & Julia a little bit just with the timeline & different cultures that were presented! Overall, it was really enjoyable & such a great read! It’s one you can finish in one sitting if you have the chance to!
Thank you Simon Teen for this eARC!
This was such an interesting read, and although it was close to 500 pages it did not feel like that at all! The writing was very admirable + poetic, & the dual timelines were so well portrayed. I loved reading the story of Barbara & Lula, especially her kinship with Barbara.
The setting & background was nicely written & some parts including social class from Barbara’s POV was interesting to see. Both characters had great growth & the side characters were enjoyable as well, it gave it that “movie feeling” honestly!
The inspiration & resilience these characters faced was a breath of fresh air. I do wish it were a bit longer, considering the poetic style this book had! This book reminded me of Julie & Julia a little bit just with the timeline & different cultures that were presented! Overall, it was really enjoyable & such a great read! It’s one you can finish in one sitting if you have the chance to!
Thank you Simon Teen for this eARC!
November 23, 2025
This phenomenal piece of writing touched me in so many ways. A word-perfect mood-capture of the inner lives of an interpretative and a creative spirit who meet across time and place, both of them struggling to find their voice, each of them ultimately sure of their own enduring power. Technically flawlessly put together, the twists and turns of settings and scenes at the turning of every page propel the story forward with assured momentum. Sad and bitter moments for the characters alternate with periods of pure joy which the author describes in eloquent verse where every word counts, and every sentence is in its proper place. This book will leave a mark on you, however much or little you identify with the historical context or musical premise - as it speaks of the universality underlying all human striving and of our longing for happiness, fulfillment, love, friendship, and creative self-expression.
August 1, 2025
👧🏻review: What a compelling and powerful book about two girls from two different timelines telling the same theme and story. What truly captured my interest was when Lula (the present girl) and Barbara (from the 17th century) both shared musical talents gave me the opportunity to read their poems, music and love for independence. It is so well-written and despite being a thick book, about 500+ pages, the content is quite powerful. I enjoyed this one wholeheartedly and I felt the music while reading it. A bit of trigger because 17th century Barbara was different time compared to Lula’s current situation. A powerful and easy to read book.
October 29, 2025
The Siren and the Star is a luminous and deeply emotional novel-in-verse that intertwines art, healing, and the enduring power of women’s voices across centuries. Through the mirrored stories of Lula and Barbara, the book explores creativity, trauma, and self-discovery with lyrical grace and heartfelt intensity. The writing is lush and musical, each line feels like it was meant to be sung, and the dual timelines blend seamlessly, creating a haunting resonance between past and present. While the pacing occasionally drifts, the emotional payoff and poetic beauty make this a moving, empowering read that celebrates resilience and the transformative spirit of music.
April 30, 2025
This book had me hooked from the first page! Love the verse, the structure, the dual POV, the history and wonderful and magical descriptions of Venice. The characters voices are unique and the author does a lovely job of intersecting the parallel narratives throughout. If you love female empowerment, classical music, magic, witchiness and even a spicy romance then you’ll love love love this book! I did!
October 18, 2025
This novel in verse, which alternates between current day music prodigy Lula and seventeenth century composer Barbara Strozzi was a mixed bag. I loved learning about Barbara Strozzi’s life through the fictionalized version of her teenage years. Lula’s alternating chapters seemed more contrived and superficial. This might have been a better book if it had focused entirely on Barbara Strozzi, a fascinating and little-known Baroque musician.
November 9, 2025
I took a step out of my regular reading genres for this one and I am so glad that I did. I was nervous that I would be lost in the story because I don't read much poetry, but that, like most fears, was unfounded. This is a dual perspective that connects together later in the book. I was drawn mostly to Barbara's story. I also loved the chorus interludes throughout the story. I highly recommend picking up this book, even if you normal don't step into this genre.
December 13, 2025
A talented student at a music school in Boston earns a prestigious trip to Venice. She will perform there with talented classmates. But her story, a novel-in-verse, enjoys a duel-timeline with a great composer and singer from centuries ago. The contemporary character repeatedly crosses paths with the Venetian master. Their hardships and triumphs are similar. And author Colby Cedar Smith sees events unfold with a sensitive and intelligent eye.
November 3, 2025
This stunning second novel in verse is a masterpiece from Colby Cedar Smith. Its authenticity allows you to feel like you are walking the streets of Venice but at the same time living the angst of the teenage experience. It is a book for music lovers, historians, feminists, and any person that loves to sink their teeth into a good story!
November 26, 2025
This book was so good!!! The characters were fascinating, and it really delves into what it means to be a woman in 17th-century Venice and in 2025. Beautifully written, great pacing, compelling story!
December 5, 2025
Smith weaves Lula’s modern journey with Barbara Strozzi’s historical struggle in a lush, lyrical novel in verse that sings with emotion and artistry. The parallel stories resonate beautifully, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and urgently empowering.
October 20, 2025
amazingly well-plotted story about a modern musician and the singer-composer from medieval Venice who she deeply admires, discussing both of them overcoming adversity. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
November 1, 2025
5/5 stars. Picked this one up on a whim and I’m glad I did, I was sucked in immediately. I liked the dual timelines.
November 7, 2025
i love this
November 17, 2025
First published October 1, 2025 (Booklist).
Operatic prodigy and homeschooled misfit Luciana “Lula” Gabroni begins freshman year at the New England Conservatory of Music in 2025. Lula is tapped to perform at a distinguished music festival in Venice with select classmates when unexpected trauma jeopardizes her chance. In 1635 Venice, Barbara Strozzi is a servant berated and disrespected by misogynistic men at every turn. She makes a calculated wager and receives musical training with Baroque era composer Cavalli. Dual timelines formatted as three acts of an opera intertwine when Lula discovers a book about Strozzi in a Venetian library. Smith expertly uses the setting of Venice as a character, with lush descriptions of food, fabrics, and surroundings using multiple senses and lyrical poetry. Based on Strozzi’s real life, this fictionalized version addresses the cage of patriarchy as Lula’s and Barbara’s stories focus on finding your voice and female empowerment. Though the book clocks in at 576 pages, its white space makes it less daunting. This atmospheric, visceral verse novel will appeal to readers of Joy McCullough’s Blood Water Paint (2018), fans of strong female protagonists, and lovers of the arts.
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