Siren (edition 2011)

Why I Read this Book: You know those books out there, the ones that you’ve heard about but really had no desire to read? Sure, you’ve read the blurb but it doesn’t do anything for you. Or it’s about something (perhaps a certain paranormal/methodical creature) that you just don’t read…? That’s what Siren was to me. But then it became something completely different.

When I was asked to review Siren, I wasn’t sure if I was up for it. I checked the reviews on Goodreads and the reviews were good but the reviews were also very mysterious. I had a feeling what the book would be about just by the title and that is what made me hesitant. The reviews were not clear on whether or not my assumptions were correct but every time I asked someone about the book, someone who had already read it, they said I had to read it. I listened and boy, am I glad I read this book!

What I Liked: The author takes character connection to a whole other dimension. I felt like I was there with Vanessa. This book blew me away. And finally, the geeky, nerdy guy gets the attention of the leading lady instead of the “ultimate bad boy”. Don’t get me wrong, I love my bad boys but the geeks got to get in on some of the action too. It just gives it a nice, realistic change in the world of YA.

The cover is haunting. The cold, silver eyes appear to be looking right into your soul. The tiny little air bubbles lead me to believe the girl is under water, which leaves me breathless. The back cover is not as clear to make out; my guess is that it’s sound waves, most likely under water as well. The cover definitely jumps out at you, making you want to pick it up. Like I said – haunting.

What I Didn’t Like: I was left with some unanswered questions; questions that I’m sure will be answered in the next two installments. Simon is also due for some answers and I can’t wait to see how he takes them.

Overall Impression: Siren has unique twists and a storyline that went from interesting to very interesting. I was captivated from the start and never loss interest. This is a book that you’ll want to gobble up in one sitting and it will leave you wanting seconds. Thank goodness Siren is part of a trilogy! I am not ready to let go of Vanessa, Simon or Caleb and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them. Siren was a great summer read! The sequel to Siren will be out next summer and the 3rd installment in the trilogy will be out the summer after that.

You can find this review, and many more, on my blog The Book Vixen. ( )

Although I tend to devour young adult novels like a lion setting on an antelope, I am often disappointed by my reading. For some reason, this does not make me crave the paranormal teen stories any less. You will still see me drooling (not literally, I hope) over the latest novels about vampires, mermaids/sirens, werewolves, fairies, unicorns, etc. I am happy to report that Siren, while not the best of the best, is a good solid read and that I am looking forward to reading the sequel, which is good since my friend brought it back from ALA for me. So yay, the book is not as fail as the cover. That is just terrifying!

Of the various paranormal topics, mermaids/sirens (which area apparently interchangeable?) are definitely among my least favorites. I have read two practically in a row this week, not because I planned it, but just because that's how it happened. I definitely recommend Siren over Lost Voices for those looking for a novel about sirens, although really the sirens are rather different. Rayburn's focus on individual males, rather than taking down whole ships at once. Singing is less important here, replaced by almost a sort of mindspeak with their victims (although they do sing occasionally). Most overtly, these sirens do not seem to have tails of any sort (I can't tell you how much I thought Vanessa was going to walk in on one in the bathtub and see she had a tail like in the movie Splash); they're just women who need to drink salt water and can be underwater for a really long time.

Vanessa made a good main character, with a very human set of weaknesses but the inner strength to overcome them when she really needs to. Simon and Caleb were both great guys in completely different ways. Of course, I would want a Simon for myself; he's just so adorably nerdy sounding. :-)

Siren is a great beach read, although maybe not for those who are easily terrified by literature. You don't want to be afraid to go in the water on your holiday! ( )

This book has a lot of brilliant reviews but personally, I was completey unimpressed. I was at least half way through the book before I found out anything that I hadn't known from reading the back cover. I really dislike it when the description gives away the whole story- it makes reading the book feel rather pointless. I didn't connect with any of the characters, and didn't really care what happened to them. I can't really find many faults with the book... it was fine. Just not for me, I suppose. Normally I'm willing to give sequels a go but I have no desire to read the next book. ( )

I finished this only barely and thought about giving up. I didn't like any of the characters and I thought it was just ridiculous. ( )

Justine and Vanessa have always enjoyed spending their summers at the beach house with their family and friends. This year, festivities are cut short when Justine's body washes ashore and the people of Winter Harbour, Maine are shattered from their idyllic home away from home. Shortly thereafter, several more bodies begin to wash up along the coast, all men, all with smiles on their faces. Vanessa, unable to come to terms with her sister's apparent suicide decides to dig a little deeper into the town's past and what she finds is a tradition more sinister than she could have fathomed.

The first half the book started rather slow and I kept wanting them to unfold the mystery a lot faster. The second half of the story picked up rather quickly and the climax was satisfying, but of course lots of loose ends are left since this is the first in a planned trilogy. The connection and explored mythology of sirens was woven nicely into the overall narrative, albeit predictably, as is usually the case with YA books. Overall, I enjoyed it enough to pursue the rest of the series. ( )