Another twist from Amanda Hocking

  Wake (A Watersong Novel) by Amanda Hocking  

                             Release Date 8/07/12

Amanda Hocking's new series of books is another twist on a mythic creature, a.k.a. the Siren. The series opener, "Wake" was a slow, but interesting start. If any of you have read and liked Amanda's (originally self published "Trylle" trilogy, a twist on Trolls) I think you will enjoy her newest series. I like the fact that Amanda always creates strong secondary and supporting characters. The two main characters in this book are sisters Gemma (our main character, a feisty young woman in love with water) and her older sister Harper (a slightly overbearing, pseudo mother figure). Supporting characters include Alex (a hot, but sweet boy/friend next door), Daniel (a mysterious young man who lives on a boat) and a dangerous and beautiful trio of girls (Penn, Lexi and Thea). 

The book spends about half its' length developing our characters and their relationships, all the while hinting at the mystery which the last half of the book dives into. I did find it to be slightly plodding in the beginning (not un-interesting, just slow with lots of time spent setting up the secondary and supporting characters). As always a cliffhanger ending had me eager for the next book, which fortunately for me (and you, if you decide to read this series) has already been released. "Lullaby" (released 11/27/12 will be followed up by "Tidal" on 6/04/13 with a possible fourth installment "Elegy" 8/06/13 (Amazon has yet to release details for "Elegy" and whether or not it is in fact a part of the "Watersong" series). 

Overall, I really enjoyed Amanda's take on the Siren mythology! I like how she tied it in to some Greek mythology. I thought Gemma in particular, is a character with room to grow (as I found her at times, rather immature) and I look forward to seeing that. I am also curious to learn more about Daniel who is quite a mysterious character and who comes to the rescue several times (I think that there is more to him, then meets the eye). As far as characters you LOVE to hate, Penn, Lexi and Thea are right up there. So, dark in a word, alluring in another. Dive in, you just might like it! 

***.5 out of 5 stars for interesting characters, cool mythology, and an ending that makes me want to come back for more.

PARENTAL ADVISORY: includes SPOILERS*** Content includes mention of a rape (no details), characters "cursed" by a goddess, descriptions (brief, not overly detailed) of evisceration's and decomposing corpses and a somewhat intense make-out scene between two teens, as well as mentions of various characters (male and female) in various states of undress (not unduly graphic, detailed or particularly sexual). Also, a character unwittingly drinks blood.