The Siren and the Star
By: Colby Cedar Smith
Genre: YA, Novel in Verse
Number of Pages: 544
Published: October 28, 2025
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Dates Read: April 24, 2026 - April 27, 2026
Format: Library Book / Hardcover	ISBN: 9781665972178

Trigger Warning: assault, violence, classism, rape, murder

Luciana “Lula” Gabroni has been introverted and homeschooled her whole life, but now she’s entering the New England Conservatory of Music. She’s immediately chosen to join an elite ensemble of students who will compete in a music festival in Venice, Italy.

Barbara Strozzi is a poor, young woman living in 17th-century Venice who dreams of making her mark on the world through song. She is determined to fight against her title of illegitimate servant girl and have a life filled with intellect, pleasure, and independence., even if her gender and status threaten to silence her.

When Lula comes across Barara’s music in the Conservatory library, she immediately feels a kinship. After an incident at school sends Lula on a journey to reclaim her voice, she soon realizes she must connect with the ghosts of the past if she wants to tackle her future.

This is a novel in verse told through three acts like an opera and focuses on finding your voice and female empowerment.

This book is thoroughly researched and you can easily tell Smith took care of the historical aspect as well as the current setting of Venice, making the city come alive in multiple ways. Both women are strong, well written women who make them hard to forget and their journeys will stay with me for a long time.

Overall, a captivating read for any novel in verse reader, a music lover, or anyone who wants to read about some amazing, strong women.