Lies We Sing to the Sea

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This YA debut is justifiably being compared to Madeline Miller’s Circe for its focus on undersung women of Greek myth. On a deeper level, like Miller, Underwood’s poetic turn of phrase gives the novel a racing heartbeat that will have you reading as quickly as you can from the first line: “A silent maid braided Leto’s hair into an elaborate crown for her execution.” Underwood has here crafted a new myth, grounded in the tragic tale of Penelope’s maids but brought to life by Leto, a brave, bright, compelling protagonist for a brave, bright, compelling debut. Recommended By Madeline S., Powells.com

A legendary YA debut. This dazzling sapphic fantasy inspired by Greek mythology will captivate fans of Circe and The Song of Achilles.

Each spring, Ithaca condemns twelve maidens to the noose. This is the price vengeful Poseidon demands for the lives of Queen Penelope's twelve maids, hanged and cast into the depths centuries ago.

But when that fate comes for Leto, death is not what she thought it would be. Instead, she wakes on a mysterious island and meets a girl with green eyes and the power to command the sea. A girl named Melantho, who says one more death can stop a thousand.

The prince of Ithaca must die — or the tides of fate will drown them all.

Sarah Underwood weaves an epic tapestry of lies, love, and tragedy, perfect for fans of Madeline Miller, Alexandra Bracken, and Renée Ahdieh.

"Overflowing with emotion and full of magic." — Jennifer Saint, internationally bestselling author of Ariadne

"Lies We Sing to the Sea is a lyrical, elegant debut bursting with imagination and heart. Underwood expertly weaves a tale about the inevitability of fate--and the love that makes us rail against it anyway. Bittersweet and wholly cathartic." — Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic

"Gorgeous, tragic, and timeless, Lies We Sing to the Sea makes an age-old story feel new again. This is Greek tragedy at its best: sweeping in scope yet deeply intimate in characterization. This book will break your heart and you'll be grateful for it." — Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief

Sarah Underwood grew up by the sea in Devon, England. She is currently studying for her postgraduate degree in epidemiology at the University of Cambridge. Find her on Twitter and Instagram.