Review: A Song for the End of the World by Mia Dalia
Earthling Publications (January 2026)
Reviewed by Dave Simms
Once again, Earthling has published another enticing entry into its ever-expanding stable of great stories.
Mia Dalia has written an amazing novella about the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and the legendary creatures who may live in its waters. If one is not familiar with Dalia, rectify this soon. Her novel, Haven, is stunning, as as her upcoming Beautiful, Once, and what is alluring about her writing is she never plays in the same sandbox twice. The breadth of her work is varied, imbuing various voices and plots that explode in fun directions, which is one of the reasons why this novella works so well.
The story? A crew for a television show needs a homerun to stay on the air, especially in a world where reality shows need to be bombastic and full of drama.
The show is Reggie’s baby — Here Be Dragons, a reality piece where he and buddy Colin explore the topics of the unknown. Competing with others which have more clout and drama, the duo are in search of a ratings monster
The new episode is all about the elusive sirens, beings of the sea who lure sailors to their death by way of intoxicating songs.
The rest of the group include the cameraman, makeup artist, sound man, and assistant, who take off into the wild frontier of the triangle, a place that might be an amazing bastion of mystery — or simply one of fairy tales and bad luck.
Yet once the crew is out on the water, something begins to happen. The edges of reality bend and warp, the personalities on the boat stretch and strain, and the sheer isolation of the location toy with the crew’s minds.
Are there truly sirens in the Bermuda Triangle, or are they just another tall tale from drunken sailors?
This could be a trite creature feature from a lesser author, but Dalia’s strong narrative sense and mastery of style keep the pages turning, allowing the reader to sink into the depths of the ocean with the crew. She holds attention without stepping into clichè or quick scares. Everything is a slow, deliberate roll through the cresting, crashing waves that serves as a hypnotizing excursion through the unknown. She captures the mood of the water and its environs with a smooth voice while drawing the disparate character personalities with a deft hand.
Like all of Earthling’s offerings, A Song for the End of the World comes highly recommended. A mind-bending read, it serves as a fine introduction to Dalia’s work. In a sane world, this would be a much bigger name in the field. This story just might be the one that brings the writers’ magic to the masses.
