Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to theWatersong.
Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They’re the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone’s attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.
Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.
Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.
I am a big fan of Amanda Hocking. I’ve read her vampire series, My Blood Approves, and the Trylle trilogy. I like her so much that I asked my grandparents to go to a book signing and get me a book. I wasn’t even expecting it being personalized, but it was. Granted, she doesn’t know me. However, it’s still nice to see my name with her autograph. Okay, now enough fanning out and time for the review.
Wake is the first book in the Wakesong quartet. The book is divided into two storylines that converge near the ending. There is a stronger connection than that though. Both the main characters are girls and they are sisters: Harper, the sensible and control freak, and Gemma, the free spirited younger sister. Both sisters find a love interest and get pulled into the dark world of the siren. One possibly more so than the other.
Siblings are important in Amanda Hocking’s books. In the other series that I mentioned, the main characters are motivated by the love they have for their siblings. This is no different in Wake. Much of what Harper does and goes through has to do with her devotion to her little sister. Gemma may not completely acknowledge her own familial loyalty, but it is there.
Both girls are interesting and I could relate to them easily. I’m the oldest in my family and I was very much the mother hen. I can say that Harper is the closest in personality to me. Gemma, the other sister, has a strong drive and determination. Though she seems to be more free than her sister, she is also very similar. This similarity between the two is different in what they do, but connects them and makes it easier for the reader to relate to both.
The main conflict is another family of sorts and are they dysfunctional. They are sirens, women who seduce men in song and consume them. Ewww, right? I love it. Hocking weaves a mythical world in a modern setting that doesn’t pull away from reality. No matter how crazy or disturbing Penn and posse’ are, I could believe they were real.
Yes, this series is written differently than Hocking’s Trylle trilogy. It isn’t in first person and there is quite the cast. However, it is a fun read.
Wake is only the first book. You don’t get much about the mythical part of Hocking’s world, but you get enough to wet your feet. Or tail. A definite read for Hocking fans. The second book is definitely going to be read this year.
Casia's Corner 