Sirenz Back in Fashion was cute, funny, and a massive improvement from Sirenz (book 1 in the Sirenz series). Once again Shar and Meg unwittingly make a deal with Hades that has them begging for mercy. The premise is exactly the same as Sirenz, but there were several plot elements that made the story much more enjoyable.

First and foremost, instead of a bunch of failed attempts to send someone Meg and Char do not care about and have never really interacted with to the Underworld, Meg must deal with her conflicting emotions over Paulina. Sending Paulina to Hades is the only way to save Shar, but Meg isn’t so sure that Paulina is a bad person.

We also delve deeper into classical mythology (with a refreshing twist of course). Shar is stuck in the Underworld with Hades until Meg completes her assignment, and gets to explore the Underworld. The descriptions of the Underworld were incredible—so different from any other depictions I’ve come across. Shar meets so many interesting people, including Ben Franklin and an attractive boy who has also been trapped by Hades.

Mythology, complicated situations, and fashion-conscious characters combined with a touch of romance make for a delightful, fun read. Sirenz Back in Fashion is perfect for mythology fans and offers a light escape to two very different, but exciting, worlds—New York City and the Underworld. ( )

Shar and Meg have just gotten back to normalcy after having to serve Hades as sirens in the previous book after being tricked by him. They decide to go on a little shopping spree and oops, at the bottom of Shar's purse is a Tiffany's box. She knows there is a five carat, flawless, emerald cut diamond set in platinum because Hades gave it to her in the last book. She never really accepted it because well, it kind of looks like an engagement ring and Persephone has one just like it. And she kind of forgot about it. But that little blue box is just too tempting to shop-a-holic, accessory obsessed, perfectly dressed Shar especially when Meg eggs her on to try it. So she does and guess who appears? Yep, with some hooey about contractual clause etc. Shar ends up in the Underworld in a polka dot bikini and those red heels from the last book that started all this trouble and Meg is given the task of making Paulina Swanson wear the Golden Fleece which has the power to send her to the Underworld. But unlike last time, Meg has no idea what Paulina did to deserve this punishment and when pushed, Hades tells her to just do her job.

Paulina becomes her roommate and makes it almost impossible for her to dislike her. Meanwhile Shar is stuck in the Underworld in bikini's and sheer dresses picked out by Hades with no sign of Persephone, as it's Spring. His advances are getting increasingly harder to ignore and avoid, except for a delicious fellow captive named Caz. Together they explore the underworld from Ancient Greece to current day NYC. And Shar has to play hostess for Hades planning the W'Underworld Ball! Except for being in the Underworld, she really is in her element, there.

Of course, nothing is as easy as it sounds, just like last time and though there are no chicken toes or feathers, there is some humiliation on Meg's part, like talking to a window of chocolate confections when she and Shar get five minutes a week to talk. Other uncomfortable things occur and getting Paulina to put the fleece on, though it sounds simple, just isn't easy for Meg to do. Shar gets upset when Meg doesn't succeed faster than she should and the girls start to suspect each other of liking where they are. Divide and conquer anyone?

There were some truly funny scenes in this one and the girls really had to use their wits to get out of this one. Shar may have made a deal with the real devil himself. And you just know at the end that this isn't over, mainly because of Caz and Paulina. And the surprises. And what Hades tells them.

Some favorite lines from the novel:
"Ooh, this was so not going to be good: I just knew it all the way down to my You-Can-Never-Be-Too-Pink toenail polish.(p.19)
Shar talks to herself a lot in the Underworld so the italicized are her retorts to Hades-"Yes, Mr. Megalo-maniac, I think we all get the pic." I faked a girly squeal and jumped away from both the tree and him. ...Bad things happen to girls in gardens with snakes.(p.130)
"...pulled me so close I felt like I was sharing his pants."( p.230)
I guess by now you've figured out that Shar is the one with the witty comebacks and sharp retorts whether spoken aloud or just in her thoughts. I'd like to have her mind. Snark is her middle name.
If only Hades could read her mind.....

Anyway, this is an absolutely must for the Summer! If you haven't read the first novel, you really should to know what the references are about. They are both great summertime reads! Clean and wholesome, though there are quite a few references to what Hades wants from Shar and it's not the pleasure of her company. And before you think gross, his picture is on the back of the book and he is sinfully yummy! ( )

A lot of the novels I read are pretty dark and serious, so sometimes I’m just in the mood for something light and fun but with an edge to it. When I read about Sirenz Back in Fashion by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman, it sounded like exactly the kind of break I was looking for. Who could resist two snarky teenage friends giving Hades a hard time? Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4023. ( )