Wake
by Amanda Hocking
Series: Watersong #1
Publication date: 07 August 2012
St. Martin’s Griffin, Hardcover, 320 pages
Source: Library
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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.
Rating: ★★½
Firstly,I don’t think this is one of Amanda Hocking’s best books. I found myself really frustrated with Gemma many times because she doesn’t seem to have her own personality or individualism. I don’t feel like she was well-developed or relatable.
Next, though I didn’t like Gemma, I continued reading this book because I was fascinated by the relationship between Harper (Gemma’s older sister) & Daniel. Harper had much more personality (overprotective older sis), as compared to Gemma. Gemma’s relationship with Alex also felt very depthless because there were not many scenes or examples depicting them falling in love with each other. While in the case of Daniel & Harper, they have a history which was quite clearly explained & I could see how their relationship progressed though it was slightly predictable.
Lastly, the plot. It was really interesting to read a book about sirens but some parts of the story really seemed quite unnecessary. For example, when Gemma thought that by hurting Alex, he wouldn’t follow her, I thought she was just plain dumb. I mean, since she’s a siren & can outrun Alex,why couldn’t she have just, well, ran? Because she should know that either way, he’s gonna look for her. Another part I felt was quite superfluous was the fact that sirens could turn into monstrous bird-like creatures. (For those who read House of Night, doesn’t it remind you of a raven mocker?) Anyway, I won’t say much about this though as I’m guessing that would play a role in one of the future Watersong books.
In conclusion, I didn’t completely hate this book nor like it crazily.The whole book felt a little…empty? It’s hard to explain but it felt like Amanda Hocking was writing without emotion. I was expecting more from her after reading the whole of the Trylle trilogy (still obsessing over Loki with my friends at random times). I’m probably just going to continue with this series since I’m really curious how Harper & Daniel would turn out.
A Page of Heaven 