Song of Destiny

The Siren's Call #1

by Kris Faryn

My voice kills.

His touch silences my song.

Together we'll either save the world...

Or destroy it.

I once believed sirens had mermaid tails, crustacean companions, and you know...weren’t real. 

How wrong I was.

Turns out sirens have wings, a talking owl spirit guide, and are very, very real.

Not only that, they’re cursed with wings to soar the skies, searching for the lost goddess Persephone, because it was their fault she was kidnapped by Hades.

My family’s fault. 

Centuries later, only a few sirens remain. And apparently I’m the one destined to break the curse to save them all.

Me. Korrina Lore. A girl from Brooklyn. An artist in training. Second in Command of our private school's prank gang.

Destiny can bite me.

Fans of Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, and Jennifer Armentrout will ♥ this original, award-winning Siren series with a twist.

One-Click Song of Destiny Today!

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Magic

Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2019

About the author

Kris Faryn is a multi-award-winning author of Young Adult Fantasy books and Adult Suspense. She also co-authors a suspenseful supernatural detective series with author Jules Lynn, The Muse Island Series. Kris is captivated by the study of creativity and word-play, as well as the origins of stories, many of which find their roots in mythology. Kris strongly believes in turning dreams into realistic goals and that everyone has something special and unique to offer the world.

Reviews

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Kris Faryn has cultivated a fascinating drama that readers will not want to put down until every last word is devoured.

Read full review in the 2021 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Kerry Anne King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing take on siren mythology with a delightful heroine!

I fell in love with the teenage heroine of this tale on page one. She is a delightfully real teenager struggling with the usual teenage problems - plus an unwanted and unnatural ability that Faryn adeptly manages to portray as just as real and believable as her struggles to fit in, escape from bullying, teenage hormones, and volatile emotions. I love how the magical elements unfold, and the mystery kept me guessing and turning pages. Beautifully and lyrically written, as well. Loved it!

[Susan McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faryn has created an immersive, fantastic world that pulls you in. The characters are rich and the plot keeps you turning pages. A great read!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story by a new author for me. Totally enjoyed this fantasy story. The plot and the characters fit perfectly together. Don’t miss out once it’s released.

[Kathleen Groger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Myth, Magic, Mayhem

Loved this first in a series. It takes the reader on the journey of Korrina who is trying to come to terms that she’s a siren while attempting to keep her life normal. But the fate of the world rests on the choices she makes.

Faryn does a masterful job of weaving mythology into this modern-day fantasy love story. Make sure you grab this book today!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with this interpretation of sirens and other mythological creatures in a modern world! Korrina and the other characters are relatable and easy to root for as they navigate both realistic and fantastical challenges, and all the while, the writing style is tight and engaging. The ending leaves me wanting to jump right into the next book.

[Kayla and books · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Sadly this wasn't for me. Couldn't get into the story and didn't really care about what was happening. This is very much on the younger side of YA and apparently thats not my thing anymore.

[beyondyas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was sweet and fun, brought me a nostalgic feeling, like i was back to my teenage self who loved books about awkward and witty main characters, and a cute love triangle. This was a fun YA to read, Korrina's inner monologues made me chuckle a few times haha

Overall enjoyable 3⭐️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tricia Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen-year-old Korrina has an inkling she's not normal. And whatever lies deep within her is evil. But what she thinks she knows is just the tip of the iceberg.

I haven't read many books about sirens or much of their lore, but I really enjoyed this read. Korrina's story and plight draw you in. I became endeared to her and her band of friends quickly. I loved how the author hides secrets within layers of the story and the twists of the plot and discoveries kept me turning pages.

I'm excited to read the next installment in this series.

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As soon as I started reading this, I was totally hooked. Loved the book - characters, writing style, humour in the midst of some pretty dark "shi-crap" ;) It even had a hottie that I could totally cheer for. Anyway, I will certainly be reading onto book #2 (and beyoonnnnnd), but I do want to mention one little thing:

For much of the book I was exasperated with Korrina. Seriously, how could she not know that you-know-who was a baddie? Like seriously??!! There was even an obvious hint relating to his name. Sigh. I was spending most of the time sighing in disappointment at how clueless she was, in this one regard.

I did have to keep reminding myself that she's a teenager and some teenagers are renowned for being super stubborn and refusing to see what's right in front of their face. I don't remember being that sort of teenager myself, but who knows what I would have been like if I had had the sort of troubling history Korrina had?

Anyway ... I loved how badass she was as events progressed, and I can't wait to read on with this series ... sometime when time (and other books) allow(s).

[Audrey Halliwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows a prep high school student whose part of a 'Mischief gang', as she discovers she's a siren and the world's fate rest in her hands. You know, no big deal.

Absolutely loved it. I read this in three reading sessions. What I enjoyed most was the writing style and voice. I also thought the mythology was very well done. The author included just enough to keep it interesting but still through the eyes of a high-school student. The plot was also engaging, and I look forward to reading book two in the series!

A perfect 5/5 stars for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angi Burns ~Rabid Readers Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Songs Destiny by Kris Faryn

Reviewed by Angi


Wow wow wow! I stumbled upon Kris' story from another author I follow on FB. The story sounded interesting but I was leary. Siren stories have been done, and poorly so.


I'm happy to say this story stands out from them like a lightning bug in a summer evening.  


At first I wasn't sure if I was gonna like the main character Korrina. The first introduction to her confused me slightly. But as the book progressed I began to understand her more and the mystery of what she was and does began to make sense.


Her band of friends err gang Mischief and Mayhem are a great source of strength and security for her. I'd really like to see those characters built on in future books I feel there is so much more to Cloud then just the prankster ringleader.  


Korrina has a song that is forcing itself through her chest and throat. But if she lets it out it will kill. She wants it gone. But getting rid of it could be worse than keeping it.


Oh I mentioned pranks… think mean jocks and glitter and I'll leave that there for you to picture!


This story has fun, humor, adventure and danger. It also leaves you wanting so much more! It also has an ending that makes you angry it's over and also applauding the way the author leaves you craving for more. In a story like this you need perfect timing to relay the answers to the mysteries just right, and Kris does it beautifully.


I'll be waiting for book 2 to hit my Kindle and have another sleepless night due to page turning greatness!

[Shivani McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I like most about Kris Faryn's book is the storyline. I only read one other book about Sirens and this is more of a coming of age story which is one of my favorite themes. The start seemed a little bumpy on the first few pages but hang in there, the story starts to flow and then it's hard to put down. The characters are fun, not boring, the main character is learning the ropes of her talent, whether she likes it or not, along with being a teen, what a mess that can be sometimes. The end is great and the whole book is worth the read. It's entertaining, exciting, great world building, a real page turner, scary, romantic. There's betrayal, trust issues obviously, love, disappointment, confusion, sorrow, action action action. I'm sure I could say more but I'll stop there. This is a good book to start now or this fall when the weather turns and the hot chocolate and fire set. I look forward to the series!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters, I love this world.

How do you make another "chosen one" story fresh and exciting? Faryn delivers exactly that!

Korrina is a smart, sassy girl with a penchant for justice and a guilty secret from her past. Only the secret has become harder and harder to keep with her song constantly begging to spill out—and kill? She's not beloved by everyone—which makes us like her even more—but her small band of family, friends, and one super-hot hottie are all at risk.

But of course, bigger things are at play as well. Like the fate of the world.

I was sucked in by this siren story—the real sirens from classic Greek mythology, with feathers not scales—and not let go until the end. Scratch that. It didn't let go at the end, and I'm eager to read the next book in the series. I'm following the author to make sure I don't miss it! Sooner rather than later, please, Ms. Faryn.

[Brinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of Destiny is that treasure you stumble upon when you least expect it. I thought I knew a lot about sirens from other books I've read. Wrong! Korrine isn't your usual siren. Color me intrigued by this siren's song of death.

The author spins a totally original tale that keeps you guessing and wanting more with a fantasy novel that checks all the boxes for me. First love? Check. Hot hero? Check. A powerful girl coming into her own whether she wants it or not? Check.

Author Kris Faryn is a siren herself with descriptions and dialogue that give you all the feels. "His lips warmed my skin against the crisp fall air and spread a spider web of tingles through my body. Ermahgawd."

Start this book with plenty of reading time because you won't be able to put it down.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I tried. I made it 77% of the way and couldn't make myself continue. I wanted to love it, but it was on the younger side of YA. I did receive the third book as an ARC, because it sounded interesting and I like to read series....but I won't make it there.

"Shi-crap."

[Susana Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't say it's the best book of the genre but it is very good. The language is funny and I loved all the expressions. The thing that kept me from fully imerge in the story was the felling that the main character, Korrina, is a bit too naive. She belongs to a group of pranksters in school, and though it is fun to read it may convey a bit of a wrong message (just saying)...
For me this story feels like a good script for a visual serie on TV or afternoon film. Full of cool sets, wardrobe and special effects, if you know what I mean.
The ending, you will not believe. Can't wait to see how the first chapter of the next book in the serie will start.

[Aizlynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing bastardization of Greek mythology. At first I had issues with the changes, but I can see where it's going. Korrina is an interesting character. I despise people who talk in hash tags, however in this case it works with Korrina's personality. Although some of the plot twists were predictable, the overall story is entertaining. The love story gives me all the feels and makes me want to stick with the series to see how it resolves. Minor grammar issues abound but not so many that I was taken out of the story.

[Nina Bangs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed author Kris Faryn’s unique take on the Siren mythology. Seventeen-year-old Korrina is a Siren with a conscience. She refuses to use her song to kill. But secrets swirl around her, and it’s tough to know who to trust when even the boy she cares for turns against her.

There are stories that grab you from the first page and don’t let go until the last word. Song of Destiny is one of those books.

[Abby Blank · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an ancient history major, and a significant fan of Greek history, I knew I would love this book. Unlike other authors’ interpretations of Sirens, this one was fresh, new. It is easy to read, finished in one day, but never boring. I am looking forward to the next one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I don’t ever see many books with sirens, so this was a different read for me, which I needed!

This follows Karrina who has always had a song inside her she needs to let go, but refuses due to killing a man four years ago. She doesn’t understand why it happened, but doesn’t want to risk it ever again. Until one evening she runs into Golden Boy Luke who silences her song with his touch. Because he can silence her song, she thinks maybe he’s the key to “curing” her and getting rid of her song for good. Meanwhile, she is also part of a “gang”(more like pranksters) called Mishief and Mayhem. Her and her best friend Jared work together with their leader Cloud and fellow member Danica to basically prank bullies and stand up for those who are teased and bullied by others. They also are working on a secret project to find the dealer handing out a very potent drug called Demon Lace that is causing girls to disappear. While she’s trying to get rid of her song and trying to locate this dealer, more and more odd things begin to occur to Karrina and she begins to realize there’s a lot more going on than she thought involving not only herself, but her past and her late mother.

This was a very unique read! I don’t read urban fantasies very much. It seemed to be a mix of urban fantasy with an alternate dimension, which I’m all for! I loved the integration of the Greek myth Persephone and Hades, as well as Demeter and how sirens came about.

I really enjoyed the characters as well. I was a bit nervous starting this book since from the beginning it seems a love triangle is included in this book(which I’m not a fan of) but it is very well done. Karrina at times irritated me mainly because she seemed to never, and I mean NEVER, take anything seriously. She was rather sarcastic all the time, and I don’t mind sarcasm, but she was like that all the time about everything. It would get old at times, and at one point one said “you’re rather annoying aren’t you?” And I thought yes, yes she is. She did seem to grow by the end of the book, I think realizing how serious the situation was, so I’m looking forward to seeing how she may grow in the next book. I really liked Jared as well, the boy next door that’s a gooey cinnamon roll and you just want to hug all the time. I loved his relationship with Karrina. They were too cute! I also really liked Luke. At first, I’m thinking oh he’s cute and I like him, but after a bit he seemed sketchy to me. I mean he just seemed odd and you’re trying to figure out why through the book. There also many side characters and villains that really make up a great part of the story such as Cloud(gosh I loved him! He loves his sister who has Down Syndrome so much and is determined to defeat bullies out there after she’s suffered from them. I mean omg such a beautiful heart he has), Danica, Colin, and some brief glimpses of some gods, goddesses, and Demi goddesses.

I highly recommend this book, especially if you love sirens, Greek mythology, and urban fantasies. I received an advance review copy for free(thank you to BookSirens and the author), and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen Cohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been raised on Greek and Roman mythology, I found it really nice to find a novel based on lesser-known figures in the pantheon. Song of Destiny is about Korrina and the song that has, increasingly, taken over her life - a song that must be expressed if she is to have any surcease - but the first time she directed it intentionally, a man died. It was dismissed as a tragic accident, but Korrina knows the truth: however unintentionally, she killed him. As the novel opens, she has spent the previous 4 years both trying to deal with his death, and ensure that nothing similar ever happens again. To make it more interesting, Korrina and her friends are in the "out" group - but instead of rolling over and allowing themselves to be minimized, they have formed a cooperative that protects its members, and actively responds to the members of the "in" group who bully themselves and others. It was nice to see that perspective presented.

Overall, this is a good novel, dealing with teenage angst in a high school setting, but with Greek characters - particularly sirens, but also a few of the lesser gods - and a quest added to the usual coming-of-age issues. There was one reference to "the one God" who gifted the scepter that is the key focus of the quest to the Titan Mnemosyne, which confused me; either this was a slip and should have been a "god" rather than "the God" - as there wasn't a singular god in the Greek pantheon - but the phrasing suggests singular. Clearing that up would improve the veracity of the mythology used. This novel came to a conclusion, while still leaving room for a sequel, which I appreciate; far too many novels today, especially first novels, are written on the assumption that they will be part of a series, and appear to be installments in a serial rather than stand-alone books - this volume managed to avoid that.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria Augusta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow! I received the ARC of this book to give my opinion, I was reluctant to read it because series stories are not always well written and I'm happy to say I was wrong.

At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like the main character Korrina. I got confused on her first performance. But the more I read, the more I began to understand it and all the mystery that was made began to make sense.

Her band of friends are a great source of strength and security for her. I'd really like to see these characters in future books, I feel like there's a lot more to Cloud than just the playful leader.

Korrina has a song that is straining your chest and throat. But if she lets go, she will kill. She wants this to go away. But getting rid of it can be worse than keeping it.

Oh, did I mention pranks… think naughty games and glitter and I'll leave that there for you to imagine!

This story has fun, humor, adventure and danger. It also leaves you wanting so much more! It also has an ending that makes you angry that it's over and also applauding the way the author leaves you wanting more. In a story like this, you need perfect timing to convey the answers to the mysteries in the right way, and Kris does it beautifully.

[Sarah Jayn · Rating 4 out of 5]

~His smirk should have been ruled illegal years ago. But here it was, popping up again and doing all sorts of illicit things to my heart. ~

What a packed book! This book has a lot:
- YA True Love trope, but not your typical boy or girl next door.
- Greek Mythology story that's so deeply grounded to the Odyssy story of the Sirens that it was extra enjoyable.
- A dimension where the Gods and legends live apart from the human world.
- A blood oath unwittingly made
- A teenage girl just trying to have a normal life after the trauma of her song killing someone.
- Pre-story parental death.
- A high school on the verge of being overran by a drug, giving it some Riverdale vibes
- Self-harm representation.
- It bridged the ancient world and our world, bringing mythological creatures and battles to the city streets of Brooklyn.
- Mischief & Mayhem
- Plot Twists & Turns!

~ "We're floating." The huskiness disappeared, leaving only surprise.
I opened my eyes. "yeah, I know. I'm a great kisser."
Jared was looking down. Not at me, but at the floor, brown eyes widened. "No. I mean, yes, you are. But really. We're floating."
I followed his gaze. Our feet hovered above the floor, threads of purple light sparking underneath us. ~

[Chrystalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Korrina is a Siren, but she doesn't know… I have to admit I had a hard time digging into this book. But once I really got to the meat of the story, it had me hooked. Kris Faryn spins a mythical tale in a modern world. It's hard not to feel invested in Korrina and Jared's story. I just really wanted to see them overcome the trials put before them. But I was also very frustrated with the people who were meant to care for and teach them, although it was a necessity to the story. And there were more than a few edge of the seat, do I really want to turn the page, I can't not turn the page moments. Overall, I would definitely recommend.

[Erica Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Korrina, 17, is negotiating a crush on her best friend, taking on the ‘in crowd’ at her school and it’s possible that if she sings she will kill everyone within ear shot. Song of Destiny is not just your average teen drama or your run of the mill YA fantasy novel. It grips your from the first page to the last. The teen drama nestles perfectly with the other worldliness as you root for our young heroine and try to work out who you can trust.

There are some lovely bits where the relationships between the characters overtake the action, giving you a deeper insight and helping you emotionally invest in the outcome. I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore fantasy and mythology books so this one caught me eye instantly. What I wasn’t expecting was such an original telling of the sirens. We usually see them as mermaids but this author found a whole new world for them to exist in.

Korrina and Jared’s relationship is both heartwarming and sad! A true friends to lovers tale.

If you love stories filled with magic, with tales of Persephone and the ethereal sirens you will love this rollercoaster ride. The plot kept me guessing and I didn’t see the twists until I was confronted by them!

I am going to read book 2 of this series as soon as possible ❤️

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Song of Destiny is a fantastic story that follows a high school student Korrina, who comes to realize she is not just a normal teenager but is actually a Siren. I loved the storyline and Green Mythology aspect of it. The Author really captures your attention with their writing style, keeping you interested until the very last page, leaving you wanting more.
This story has all the greats:
teenage heroine
Greek Mythology
YA love trope - YA but through the eyes of a highschooler
plot twists and suspense

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sabrina Wannet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn this book was just amazing. A book with greek mythology, something I already love before starting but in a new jacket. I love the way Kris Faryn is using the mythology in the modern world. I never new about the sirens being handmaidens.

I felt for korrinna a lot during this book and the last chapter, well not really a chapter made me laugh out loud. Luke and jared are two boys important in this story and I must say I never saw coming what happened. That makes me that I have to start reading book 2 as fast as possible.

[Alishia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC copy, for free, so this is a voluntary review. I LOVE Greek myth retellings, especially if they're written well or just twist the original story into something modern day. Korrina's story is amazing. I love her tenacity and quick wit and I share her love of coffee. I thoroughly enjoyed that you could tell this book was written with the perspective of a 17 yr old girl, in love. There were ups and downs, lovers to enemies and a strong friendship trope in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I hope others do too!