Dickens & Rumi
Cover of LIES WE SING TO THE SEA

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LIES WE SING TO THE SEA

Sarah Underwood

Ithaca must sacrifice 12 girls every spring to Poseidon or be destroyed, but a young girl named Leto is mysteriously spared. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel combines mythic peril, repeated references to sacrifice and death, grief, frightening supernatural elements, and emotionally complex romance. It is generally appropriate for mature teens rather than younger middle-grade readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death and threatened sacrifice are central to the story, with grief and the impact of loss treated seriously.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injury and sacrifice, though not excessively graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild coarse language consistent with the YA genre.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's same-sex relationship is a primary driver of the narrative.

Religious themes4/5
Why this rating?

Greek gods, mythic ritual, divine power, fate, and sacrifice are foundational to the setting and conflict.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Features a central sapphic romance which is integral to the plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A cursed island, supernatural threats, threatened sacrifice, confinement, and dangerous journeys create sustained ominous tension and peril, though it is not primarily horror.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild romantic tension and intimacy appropriate for the YA genre.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No significant focus on substance use.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes scenes of ritual execution and fantasy combat related to the Greek mythology setting.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Facing sacrifice, divine or political authority, grief, and danger with resistance and loyalty is central to the protagonists' journeys.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Its imaginative island setting, lyrical prose, mythic worldbuilding, and inventive reworking of Greek stories strongly support imagination.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features queer representation within a mythological framework.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers a creative lens on Greek mythology and literature.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, friendship, care, and solidarity help characters endure oppression and loss, though the world also contains betrayal and cruelty.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes resisting unjust traditions, choosing compassion over cruelty, questioning inherited power, and making hope possible.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show loyalty, resilience, and moral courage, although they also make difficult or dangerous choices under coercion.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in LIES WE SING TO THE SEA would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in LIES WE SING TO THE SEA, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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