Kelsey Impicciche’s Voice of the Ocean is a lush, imaginative YA fantasy romance that strikes a careful balance between mythic storytelling and emotional intimacy. A coming-of-age tale set in a vivid underwater kingdom, the novel enchants with its siren lore while engaging readers in a poignant examination of autonomy, power, and forbidden desire. While it’s not without its structural hiccups and occasionally on-the-nose exposition, the book is a good read through rich world-building, emotionally driven narrative arcs, and a bold reimagining of the mermaid myth.
Plot Summary: Between Two Worlds
Celeste, the youngest daughter of the Siren Queen of Staria, has never quite fit the mold of obedient royalty. Determined to forge her own path, she trains relentlessly to earn her place in the elite warrior ranks of the Chorus. But when she breaks sacred law to save Raiden Sharp, a human prince aboard a mysterious ship, her life is upended. Instead of punishment by death, Celeste is offered a dangerous compromise: become human and kill the prince—or face execution.
From that setup unfurls a narrative rich in political intrigue, aching vulnerability, and slow-burning romance. As Celeste navigates the alien world above the ocean, she begins to question everything she’s ever believed—about her kingdom, her enemies, and herself.
World-Building & Setting: A Kingdom of Salt and Song
The underwater world of Staria is one of the strongest aspects of this novel. Impicciche paints a kingdom that is equal parts regal and repressive—shimmering palaces made of mother-of-pearl contrast with the suffocating pressure of royal expectations and militarized tradition. The Chorus, the siren warriors Celeste aspires to join, are depicted with compelling nuance, emphasizing themes of honor, conformity, and rebellion.
The ocean is not just a backdrop—it’s a living, breathing force. From sacred coral reefs to sunken ships and magical Songs that manipulate mind and matter, the ocean is rendered with a tactile beauty that adds gravitas to Celeste’s internal and external struggles.
Character Analysis: Heartbeats in the Deep
Celeste: The Siren with a Human Heart
Celeste is a classic YA heroine: headstrong, emotionally volatile, but undeniably compelling. What sets her apart is the specificity of her voice. Impicciche imbues her with depth—her desires are complex, her flaws sincere. She’s driven not just by romance or rebellion, but by a longing to matter on her own terms. Her journey from underwater princess to morally conflicted assassin-in-training is where the book’s heart beats strongest.
Raiden Sharp: Prince or Pawn?
Raiden, the human prince Celeste saves, is a subversion of the usual YA love interest trope. He is charismatic without being arrogant, tender yet secretive. His initial mystery unravels slowly, revealing not just a foil to Celeste’s character but a mirror—someone caught between duty and desire, haunted by the sins of his father, King Leonidas. While their romance lacks the smoldering tension of more seasoned fantasy romances, it grows authentically from mutual trust and curiosity.
The Supporting Cast
Impicciche’s supporting characters are uneven. Some—like Maeve, Celeste’s octopus-tailed best friend—are wonderfully fleshed out, offering a grounded emotional counterpoint. Others, such as Queen Halia and General Echo, often fall into familiar archetypes (the cold mother, the unreadable mentor) without enough emotional nuance. That said, their interactions with Celeste frequently spark some of the novel’s best dramatic moments.
Themes: Identity, Voice, and the Echo of Truth
Voice of the Ocean excels when exploring themes of voice—literal and metaphorical. The siren Song, which can manipulate minds or heal wounds, is an extended metaphor for personal power. Celeste’s journey is not merely about mastering her magic but about discovering how to use her voice in a world that seeks to silence her.
Other themes include:
- Agency vs. Duty: Celeste’s transformation into a human is both physical and symbolic, highlighting the conflict between obligation and desire.
- Prejudice and Propaganda: Sirens are taught to view humans as monstrous. Celeste’s relationship with Raiden deconstructs that binary, showing how history can be manipulated to justify cruelty.
- Family and Expectation: Through her fraught relationships with her mother and sisters, Celeste navigates the pressure of royal legacy and the aching desire to be seen for who she truly is.
Writing Style: Smooth Currents and Occasional Storms
Impicciche’s writing is clean and evocative, particularly when describing oceanic landscapes or siren magic. Her tone adapts fluidly between poetic introspection and pulse-quickening action. Dialogue is natural, though occasionally characters fall into exposition-heavy speeches that could have been more subtly handled.
That said, the author—well known for her YouTube presence—clearly understands how to tell a story that resonates with younger audiences. Celeste’s first-person perspective is emotionally resonant and sharply observant, peppered with witty asides and moments of visceral sincerity. The pacing, while occasionally sluggish in the second act, builds toward a climactic finale that blends action and heartbreak with cinematic flair.
Notable Strengths
- Immersive World-Building: The lore of sirens, their Songs, and political structures are vividly developed.
- Nuanced Heroine: Celeste’s inner conflict is both relatable and narratively satisfying.
- Atmospheric Romance: Though slow-burning, the chemistry between Celeste and Raiden grows authentically.
- Genre-Bending Elements: The novel weaves fantasy, romance, mystery, and even a hint of thriller, creating a story with broad appeal.
Areas for Improvement
- Predictable Plot Beats: Some elements of the story (e.g., Celeste’s defiance, the royal betrayal, the romantic arc) tread familiar ground for seasoned YA readers.
- Underdeveloped Side Characters: Apart from Maeve and Raiden, many secondary characters lack emotional depth or backstory.
- Inconsistent Stakes: At times, the consequences of Celeste’s actions feel brushed over too quickly, diminishing narrative tension.
Similar Reads
If you loved Voice of the Ocean, you might also enjoy:
- To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo – another darkly romantic siren tale with moral complexity.
- The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill – a feminist retelling of The Little Mermaid.
- These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan – a similar blend of court intrigue, magic, and forbidden love.
About the Author
Kelsey Impicciche is a content creator best known for her viral 100 Baby Challenge series on YouTube. Voice of the Ocean marks her debut as a novelist, but her storytelling instincts are well-honed, her world-building impressively mature, and her prose promises even stronger offerings in future books. This debut suggests she has a unique voice in YA fantasy, particularly in blending digital-age accessibility with timeless myth.
Final Verdict
Voice of the Ocean is an enchanting plunge into siren mythology, brought to life by a fiercely independent protagonist and a beautifully imagined underwater kingdom. Kelsey Impicciche’s debut is both comforting and bold, familiar yet refreshing. It may tread some familiar YA waters, but it does so with elegance, empathy, and a Song all its own.
- Should you read it? Absolutely—especially if you crave stories where fantasy meets emotional depth, and where the heroine finds her voice by daring to sing against the tide.
